The 8 3DS games that deserve a Nintendo Switch 2 remasterMichael BeckwithPublished January 22, 2025 1:00am There are plenty of obvious choices (Nintendo/Metro)Weve seen plenty of Wii U ports for the Nintendo Switch so maybe its time for some classic 3DS games to make the jump to the Switch and its successor.While most of the Wii Us first party exclusives have long since been ported to Nintendo Switch (with probably the final one Xenoblade Chronicles X arriving in a couple of months), the same cant be said for the Nintendo 3DS.The shutdown of the 3DS eShop in 2023 means its digital library is now inaccessible and tracking down physical copies isnt always easy. Its a shame since there are some fantastic 3DS games still worth playing, that would benefit from a modern remaster, either for the Nintendo Switch or the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.Its not as if there isnt precedent. Nintendo has already brought Miitopia and Luigis Mansion 2 to Switch, and its been rumoured Kirby: Planet Robobot will follow suit soon. So, heres our wish list of 3DS games that could benefit from a second life on Switch.Kid Icarus: UprisingThe most obvious game that comes to mind when putting this list together is 2012s Kid Icarus: Uprising, an at the time modern reinvention of the long dormant series helmed by Super Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai.It was nothing like the original 2D platformers and instead a mix of an on-rails and third person shooter. That might sound a little limited but Kid Icarus: Uprising proved to be far more engaging and feature rich than expected.The biggest thing holding it back was its awkward control scheme, which had you using the stylus and touchscreen like a mouse. Even Nintendo recognised the problem, since the game came packaged with a 3DS stand to help players avoid hand cramp.A reworked Switch port would make the game far more accessible, especially if it came to Switch 2 and could make use of the new Joy-Cons that can function like a computer mouse.Metroid: Samus ReturnsThe Switch may already have Metroid Dread and the Metroid Prime remaster, but you know whats better than having two of the best Metroid games ever made on Switch? Having three of the best Metroid games ever made on Switch.Metroid: Samus Returns launched during a time when there hadnt been a traditional Metroid game in seven years, and that was the thoroughly unpopular Other M. This 2017 remake, of Metroid 2 on the Game Boy, took Samus back to her 2D roots and reemphasised why the series became as beloved as it is.Although Metroid Prime 4 (and probably remasters of 2 and 3) are on the way theres been no sign of a follow-up to Metroid Dread, so a remaster of Samus Returns, which was by the same developer, would be a good way to keep the 2D side of the series alive and give the game a graphical upgrade.Fire Emblem AwakeningFire Emblem fans are still waiting on that long-rumoured remake of Fire Emblem: Genealogy Of The Holy War (aka Fire Emblem 4), but we wouldnt be shocked if a Switch remaster of Fire Emblem Awakening was being considered too.This is the game that saved the series after all, and thats not hyperbole. Fire Emblem Awakening was developer Intelligent Systems one last shot at sales success, and it achieved all that and more. If it had failed then the series probably never would have been heard from again.A brand new Fire Emblem probably isnt very high on Nintendos to-do list at the moment so a remaster of Awakening, and its follow-up Fates, would make a lot of sense.Nintendogs + CatsA part of us is surprised Nintendo never did more with Nintendogs. The original Nintendo DS game was the second best-selling DS game ever at 23.96 million units sold, though perhaps its because its 3DS sequel Nintendogs + Cats didnt do as strongly that the series was seemingly abandoned.There was chatter of a revival for mobile phones in 2023, but with Nintendos interest in mobile gaming waning over time the only real chance for a return now is on the Switch or Switch 2.Aside from it already having a winning concept, of raising a virtual dog or cat, the Switchs massive install base means there are loads of young players who missed out on the original and whose parents would be more willing to get them a fake pet than a real one.A remaster could add more modern online features and perhaps a more gameified structure, since the non-game stylings of the original have now fallen out of fashion.Tomodachi LifeWe admittedly didnt think too highly of 2014s Tomodachi Life, but thats precisely why Nintendos peculiar life simulator could stand to see a modern remaster.It may be harder to justify when Animal Crossing already exists, but Tomodachi Life was enjoyably surreal in how the Mii inhabitants would interact and its hard to completely hate a game that lets you write your own songs for your curated band of Miis to sing. (Assuming the Switch 2 has Mii avatars.)With some more engaging activities, be they offline or online, a remastered Tomodachi Life would not only appeal to established fans but potentially win over new ones. At the very least, a remaster could rectify the lack of same-sex romances in the original.Bravely DefaultWeve been focusing purely on Nintendos own games for this list, so lets give some attention to a couple of third party titles that have never managed to escape the 3DS. For instance, Square Enixs 2013 role-player Bravely Default.With Final Fantasy eager to leave its turn-based roots behind, Bravely Default feels more like the proper Final Fantasy that some fans feel Final Fantasy 16 failed to be. Its a fittingly brave title that successfully marries new ideas with nostalgic throwbacks to the early days of Japanese role-players.We werent as impressed with the 2021 sequel, so wed love to see the original made more widely available. It would admittedly require a significant overhaul if it came to Switch, since the original made interesting use of the 3DSs AR and StreetPass features. Although rumours suggest the Switch 2 may have its own AR capabilities.Professor Layton Vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace AttorneyThis one almost feels plausible considering Capcom has gone to great lengths to bring the entire Ace Attorney series to modern platforms, even the Japanese-only ones like The Great Ace Attorney. Combined with Professor Laytons own comeback later this year, theres arguably no better time to revisit the 2014 crossover.Its status as gamings best crossover may have been usurped by Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but it remains a perfect combination of Layton style puzzle solving and Ace Attorney courtroom drama. Its also technically the first Ace Attorney game to feature a jury system and its DNA can be felt all over The Great Ace Attorney.More TrendingIt helps that the story is as gripping as other Ace Attorney games, managing to stride a fine line between charmingly comedic to shockingly serious as Layton and Phoenix deal with deadly magic and witch trials that suspend culprits over a pit of flames. With the re-releases attracting newer Ace Attorney fans, its criminal that there isnt an easier way for them to experience such a delightful crossover.The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time 3DThe dream for most Zelda fans is a full remake of The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time for the Switch 2. If Nintendo has no plans for such a project, then an updated re-release of the 3DS remake might be the next best thing.Aside from throwing a bone to all the people who dont care for the series open world structure, as seen in Breath Of The Wild and Tears Of The Kingdom, Ocarina Of Time is a classic well worth experiencing today. The original Nintendo 64 version is available as part of the Switchs online subscription, but it obviously lacks the 3DS versions visual upgrades and quality of life touches.The 3DS version is arguably the best way to play Ocarina Of Time, but its locked to a handheld Nintendo no longer supports. Admittedly, its not especially difficult to track down a second-hand physical copy, but sometimes you want to experience a game on your big TV rather than a smaller screen. Plus, theres Majoras Mask 3D too. Dont pretend you wouldnt play Ocarina Of Time all over again if it got a Switch remaster (Nintendo)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy