Though the success of Nintendo's newest hybrid console, the Switch, spells an imminent drought for its also wildly successful handheld, the 3DS, the latter still has some upcoming games to be excited for.
The forthcoming library is still pretty stellar: a refined mix of RPGs and platformers — a collection plenty enough to expand the shelf life of the 3DS just in time for the Switch's imminent takeover, even if Nintendo itself denies it. Here's a look at the best upcoming 3DS games still worth watching out for.
Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
Shadows of Valentia is the latest Fire Emblem entry for the 3DS after Fates and Heroes. It is a full remake of Fire Emblem Gaiden, the second entry in the history of the series, released in 1992. In the game, the player uncovers the intertwining tales of heroes Alm and Celica, featuring the same beloved Fire Emblem tactical gameplay, which lets the player fend off monsters, battle foes, and even explore 3D dungeons.
Nintendo recently released a trailer for the game showing its two armies, in addition to showcasing some battle and gameplay elements. Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia hits shelves May 19. Take a look at the trailer below.
The Snack World
From the brilliant minds at Level-5, responsible for rich and powerful titles such as the Layton series and Fantasy Life, comes The Snack World. Its described as taking place in a "hyper casual fantasy" RPG world, replete with stores and locales to venture into. Real-world merchandise called "Jara" by Takara Tomy will work with the game via NFC, although what exactly will that bring is still nebulous.
NFC aside, The Snack World follows Chup and his comrades in their magical adventures together. It looks pretty much like the standard RPG affair, but it's worth noting that this is Level-5, which is praised by critics for welding fantastic elements with poignant stories, so The Snack World, though visibly a standard RPG, should make for some pretty interesting spin on the genre.
The Snack World hits shelves this July. Take a look at some of the gameplay below.
Shin Megami Tensei: Deep Strange Journey
As reported by Gematsu, Atlus has announced that Shin Megami Tensei: Deep Strange Journey is coming to the 3DS, an enhanced version of the original DS title, featuring a new character named Alex. The games boast a "new ending route," in addition to elements that have been "brushed up for 3DS." The game comes out in Japan this fall. Check out the announcement trailer below.
Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2
Alongside Deep Strange Journey, Atlus also announced Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2, a sequel developed by Spike Chunsoft that'll feature classes from the first entry, in addition to a number of new ones such as Pirate, Monk, Farmer, and Alchemist. Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2 comes out in Japan on August 31. Check out the announcement trailer below.
Culdcept Revolt
It's been 20 years, GameSpot notes, since the original Culdcept game for Sega Saturn was released. To celebrate, Omiya Soft and NIS America have announced that a sequel, Culdcept Revolt, is hitting the 3DS in this summer.
The game is "bigger and better than ever," as per the announcement, replete with over 400 unique cards along with new game boards in addition to the old ones. The game will include a quest-based story mode, a solo match mode, local and online multiplayer, and of course, leaderboards. Check out the trailer below.
Pikmin
Announced a while back, Pikmin, the beloved series about colorful little creatures, is finally coming to the 3DS, although not in a way many have expected. This Pikmin title is a 2D platformer, a huge aberration from the beloved 3D format many have played on the GameCube and the Wii U.
The latest entry will let players assume the role of Captain Olimar in a side-scrolling adventure with a focus on action instead of open exploration like previous Pikmin games boasted. There's still no specific release date for Pikmin on the 3DS, but Nintendo has confirmed that it's still coming in 2017. Check out the trailer below.
Have any upcoming 3DS games in mind you think should have been mentioned in this article? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
