Nintendo 3DS & 2DS Games Review: Are Cheap Games Still Worth Buying?
This morning’s efforts in the garden were cut short by a rather persistent drizzle that showed no sign of letting up. I’d just about managed to clear a patch of weeds before deciding it was a battle for another day. Back inside, with damp cuffs and a warm cup of tea, I put on a bit of Coltrane and settled into the armchair.
On the table was a small stack of Nintendo 3DS & 2DS Games—some older titles, a few from the Nintendo Selects range, and even one copy of Tomodachi Life that had been gathering dust. It seemed a good time to see whether these games still hold up, or whether nostalgia is doing most of the heavy lifting.
What They Don't Tell You in the Ads
Let’s start with what people tend to worry about.
First, condition of the cartridges, especially if you’re buying from Amazon or resale listings. Many of these fall into that “Top 84” or “Best Rated 2022” category, but that doesn’t guarantee quality. Scratched labels, worn contacts, or cases in poor shape are fairly common.
Second, price expectations. You’ll see titles listed anywhere from about £1 to £9, which sounds like a bargain. And sometimes it is. But occasionally, you’re paying for something that’s been heavily used and looks it.
Third, ease of use and accessibility. The games themselves are generally straightforward, but some menus and text can be quite small. You may find yourself reaching for your reading glasses more often than you’d like.
The Norfolk Stress Test
I spent several evenings revisiting a few games on both a Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 2DS.
The good news is, most of these games are easy to use and immediately accessible. No updates, no downloads—just insert the cartridge and off you go. That alone is a refreshing change from modern gaming.
Tomodachi Life, in particular, remains oddly engaging. Simple, slightly peculiar, but it works well for short sessions. Ideal if you’re sitting in the conservatory or travelling, assuming you’re not jostled about too much.
I left the console and games overnight in the conservatory—around 6°C again—and everything loaded without issue the next day. These cartridges are surprisingly resilient.
The controls are generally forgiving, and the pace of most games suits older hands quite well. No frantic button-mashing required, which is a blessing.
The Annoyances
Not everything has aged gracefully.
- Graphics and screen clarity: By today’s standards, they’re quite basic. Functional, but nothing remarkable.
- Small text: Some games are clearly designed for younger eyes.
- Limited depth in cheaper titles: At the lower end of that £1–£9 range, some games feel rather thin.
And of course, you’re reliant on finding decent-condition copies, which isn’t always guaranteed.
Sifting Through the Amazon Reviews
Amazon reviews tell a fairly predictable story.
The 5-star reviews often lean heavily on nostalgia or value for money—“great for the price,” that sort of thing.
The more balanced 3-star reviews mention:
- Games arriving in less-than-ideal condition
- Some titles feeling repetitive or lacking long-term appeal
- Occasional issues with cartridges not loading immediately
That said, genuinely good titles—particularly from the Nintendo Selects range—tend to receive consistently positive feedback.
The Brass Tacks (Questions You Lot Keep Asking)
Are these games still worth buying at £1–£9?
Some are excellent value, others feel cheap for a reason. It depends very much on the title.
Do the cartridges still work reliably?
Most do, but you may need to give them a quick clean if they’ve been sitting about.
Are they easy to play for older users?
Generally yes, though small text can be a nuisance.
Are they suitable for travelling?
Yes, very. Compact, simple, and ideal for short sessions.
Who Should Walk Away?
If you’re expecting modern graphics, deep gameplay, or large, clear interfaces, these games may feel outdated.
Also, if you don’t fancy the uncertainty of second-hand condition, you might find the experience frustrating.
The Pensioner’s Verdict
The world of Nintendo 3DS & 2DS Games is a mixed but generally worthwhile one.
At their best, they’re simple, enjoyable, and excellent value for money, especially for casual gaming or travel. At their worst, they’re forgettable and a bit worn around the edges.
If you choose carefully—stick to well-regarded titles and sellers—you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised. Just don’t expect them to compete with anything modern.
Right, the tea’s getting cold and I need to check on the tomatoes.
Cheers,
William
