Nintendo focused heavily on itsSwitch console at E3 2018, detailing characters inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimateand revealing new games likeFire Emblem: Three HousesandSuper Mario Party, but the 3DS was completely missing at its presentation. That doesn’t mean, however, that Nintendo is abandoning the handheld.
In aninterview with IGN, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé clarified that the company has no plans to phase out the 3DS, and more games will be announced later this year.
“We’re going to announce [new games for the 3DS], and we will over the next number of months, but it’s going to continue to be a vibrant piece of our overall business, certainly here in the Americas,” Fils-Aimé explained.
The 3DS hasn’t exactly been starved for games since the Switch launched, either. Recently, players have been able to pick up the excellentMetroid: Samus Returns, as well asFire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia,DetectivePikachu, andPokémon Ultra SunandUltra Moon.The system’s dual-screen display does offer a great way to play exploration-heavy games, though we wouldn’t mind seeingSamus Returnsmake its way to the Switch, as well.
The lineup of upcoming Nintendo 3DS games is a little slim, with re-releases ofCaptain Toad: Treasure TrackerandLuigi’s Mansionamong the only titles announced.
Nintendo released the 3DS more than seven years ago in North America, and the system’s continued success comes down to its strong library of first-party and third-party games. After a rough first few months and few worthwhile exclusives, the console picked up steam later in 2011 with the release ofSuper Mario 3D LandandMario Kart 7. Later games includedThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3DandPokémon XandY, as well as fantastic third-party role-playing games likeBravely Default.It’s also the console that renewed interest in the Fire Emblem series withAwakening, which has since blown up into a huge franchise for Nintendo.
Even if Nintendo only releases games sporadically on the 3DS in the future, its legacy has already been cemented. That being said, we wouldn’t mind another top-down Zelda, assuming it won’t be coming to the Switch, instead.
