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The Nintendo 3DS is a revolutionary portable gaming console that offers gamers a wealth of exciting and immersive experiences. Released in 2011, the 3DS features powerful hardware and a wide variety of games from beloved franchises like Mario, Super Smash Bros, Pokemon, and more.
With its portability, vibrant graphics, and stereoscopic 3D display, the has become one of the most popular handheld consoles. The Nintendo 3DS is the perfect platform for some great party games.
Whether you’re looking for a fun way to entertain guests at your next gathering or just trying to find something to keep everyone in your family occupied for hours on end, 3DS has a lot to offer. To help you choose the perfect game, we’ve compiled a list of the best Nintendo 3DS party games of all time. Read on to find out which titles made the cut.
What are Party Games?
Party games are a type of video game designed to be played in a social gathering. They usually involve multiple players, often playing on the same device or console, competing against each other in a wide variety of challenges. These games are usually based on lighthearted themes and feature colorful characters and upbeat music.
Most party games are designed with simple controls and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. They can range from board game-style minigames to full-fledged adventure experiences that encourage players to cooperate and strategize together.
Was Nintendo 3DS Known for Party Games?
The Nintendo 3DS was known for its innovative games, great graphics, and portability. However, it was also known for its party games. The Nintendo 3DS had a variety of party games that could be enjoyed by gamers of all ages.
Whether you’re gathering friends around the console or playing online with strangers, these games have something for everyone. Here are the best Nintendo 3DS party games of all time.
#6: Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games
Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games is a party game for the Nintendo 3DS that features characters from both the Mario and Sonic universes. The game includes a variety of different mini-games based on Olympic events, including athletics, swimming, gymnastics, table tennis, archery, and more.
It also includes alternate versions of Olympic events that take place in locations from previous Mario and Sonic games, as well as a challenge mode that allows players to repeat complete challenges in various events.
The single-player mode allows players to choose between Mario or Sonic as their characters and compete in a variety of events. The goal is to complete all events to win medals and unlock special characters. Players can also use special power-ups to gain an edge in each event.
- Bring a whole new dimension to the Mario & Sonic universe as you enjoy a huge range of over 50 Olympic-themed events in glorious 3D
- Make the most out of the unique touch panel and circle pad controls, as well as the 3DS internal gyroscope as you tilt, blow, shout, tap and more to compete for the coveted gold medal
- Play as the full cast of characters in a fully immersive single player story mode
- Take on the team of Dr. Eggman and Bowser in an all-new exciting adventure
- Four-player multi-card wireless support
The multiplayer mode supports up to four players who can compete against each other in a variety of events. Players can use the touch screen or buttons to move their character around the track or field and perform various actions to compete in the event.
Some mini-games also require players to use the gyroscope or microphone built into the Nintendo 3DS to interact with the game. It also features leaderboards that allow players to compete for the highest score.
Overall, Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games is an excellent party game that provides hours of entertainment for family and friends alike. It has a wide variety of game modes, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for intense competition or just some lighthearted fun, this game will have something for everyone.
#5: Super Monkey Ball 3D
Super Monkey Ball 3D is a fantastic game for Nintendo 3DS that offers an amazing party experience. The goal of the game is to maneuver a monkey in a bubble-like ball through maze-like stages. Players need to guide their monkeys to the goal within the time limit.
Along the way, players will encounter bumps, ramps, obstacles, and other traps. To help them on their way, players can collect power-ups such as speed boosts, shields, and extra lives.
The game features three full-featured gameplay modes. The traditional Super Monkey Ball puzzle mode is the backbone of the game, and it tests players’ skills in spatial awareness and obstacle navigation. Players can also challenge each other in an exciting car battle with the “Monkey Race” mode or engage in chaotic brawls with the “Monkey Fight” mode.
- Let yourself be completely immersed in the world of Super Monkey Ball like never before. Watch as your favorite monkeys truly come alive in front of your eyes.
- Three compelling gameplay choices in one. Enjoy classic Super Monkey Ball puzzles, frantic car battles in Monkey Race and all-out manic brawls in Monkey Fight.
- Choose to use either the motion sensor or Slide Pad to navigate the puzzle mazes with complete precision. Balance speed and skill to collect as many bananas as possible within the time limit.
- Compete via wireless connection with up to four players in Monkey Race and Monkey Fight in the best 3D social experience you can have in the palm of your hand.
- Utilize the advanced features of the Nintendo 3DS to enhance gameplay options like you never thought possible.
In Monkey Race, players can race each other in a frantic top-down car battle as they race to collect bananas and reach the finish line first. Meanwhile, Monkey Fight allows players to battle each other in one-on-one or team battles. Both Monkey Race and Monkey Fight can be played via wireless connection with up to four players locally.
Overall, Super Monkey Ball 3D is an enjoyable and engaging party game for up to four players. Its wide variety of levels and characters, colorful visuals, and fun sound effects make it a great game for players of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted game to play with friends or a challenging experience to master on your own, Super Monkey Ball 3D is sure to provide hours of entertainment.
#4: Mario Party: Island Tour
Mario Party: Island Tour is a wonderful game to play with friends and family. You can join up to four people on one team, and each player controls one character from the Mario franchise. The game’s main objective is to be the first to collect coins. Players take turns rolling dice and moving their character around the board to do this.
Different spaces on the board have different effects on the game; some award coins, while others have negative effects, such as forcing the player to lose coins. Additionally, players can purchase items to use during the game, such as helpful items that can give them an advantage over their opponents or make their character move faster.
- Join 4 players locally in new multiplayer modes.
- Seven new game boards, each with different rules and characteristics.
- New boards and modes that take just minutes, ideal for portable play.
- 80+ minigames exclusive to Nintendo 3DS.
- New single player multi-floor minigame tower.
The characters in Mario Party: Island Tour include Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, Bowser Jr., Yoshi, and others. Each character has unique characteristics that make them stand out from the others. The game also features Bowser’s Tower mode, where up to four players cooperate to get through 30 floors of Bowser’s tower.
Each floor has its own set of rules and must be completed within a certain time limit. There are also several bonus minigames that can be unlocked by completing various tasks throughout the game.
Mario Party: Island Tour is undoubtedly one of the best party games available for the 3DS and is sure to keep everyone entertained for hours. With multiple game modes and countless minigames, this title is perfect for any group gathering or social event.
#3: Mario Party: The Top 100
Mario Party: The Top 100 is a fun party game exclusive to the Nintendo 3DS. In this game, you get to play as one of your favorite Mario characters, such as Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, or Yoshi, and explore the Mushroom Kingdom with up to four players.
Mario Party: The Top 100 includes 100 minigames for you to play in both single-player and multiplayer modes. The minigames are classic favorites from the previous Mario Party titles, remastered and refined for Nintendo 3DS.
The gameplay itself is fast-paced and lots of fun. The main mode is “Minigame Island,” which sees players competing against each other in a series of minigames to collect stars. As you progress through Minigame Island, the difficulty increases, and more obstacles will appear.
- Ever partied with Mario? stuffed mouthfuls of pizza? dodge penguins?
- Well, the party is back with the top 100 minigames in Mario party series history
- Test your memory, speed, and Luck in a variety of game modes
- With download play, up to 4 players can party on their own system with just 1 game card
With each minigame, you have to try and collect the most stars by the end of it. Players can also try their luck in “Minigame Match” mode, where they compete against each other in a series of minigames chosen at random. Challenge Road is a single-player mode that tests the skills of even the most seasoned Mario Party player with increasingly difficult minigames.
The game also features free mode, which gives the player freedom to choose which minigames to play. You can also use items such as Stars, Coins, and Mushrooms to give yourself an advantage in the minigames.
Mario Party: The Top 100 is a great party game for those looking for an enjoyable time with friends and family. With its fast-paced gameplay and classic characters, it’s sure to keep everyone entertained for hours.
#2: Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games
Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games is an exciting and action-packed party game for the Nintendo 3DS, featuring beloved characters from the Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog franchises. This game features 14 exciting events like soccer, rugby, beach volleyball, and more.
The characters can be customized with different outfits and equipment and team up with a friend in special modes. The gameplay is fast-paced and fun, and players can compete against each other or work together to reach the highest score.
The game features iconic characters from both the Mario and Sonic universes. Cream the Rabbit, Donkey Kong, Blaze the Cat, E-123 Omega, Larry Koopa, Dry Bones, Dr. Eggman Nega, Roy Koopa, and Birdo are all playable characters.
- Train with Mario or Sonic in their own stories, then test your skills in 14 events.
- Inspire the city with your victories while searching for missing medals, or find out why Mario & Sonic's gyms are at odds.
- Take on friends and family in all 14 events. Or for a new twist, try Plus Events-supercharged with Mario & Sonic elements.
- “E10+”; with Mild Cartoon Violence
Other characters, such as Big the Cat, Silver the Hedgehog, Nabbit, Jet the Hawk, and Vector the Crocodile, are also playable. With so many characters to choose from, players can explore different strategies and playstyles to achieve their desired results.
The game also has several different modes of play. Players can battle it out in head-to-head competitions or team up with friends for some friendly competition. There are also minigames and bonus events for players to enjoy, adding even more replayability to this already-packed game.
Overall, Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games is a great party game for the Nintendo 3DS. It offers an exciting array of events and characters, and its fast-paced gameplay ensures that no two games are alike. Whether you’re playing alone or with friends, Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games is sure to provide hours of entertainment.
#1: Mario Party: Star Rush
Mario Party: Star Rush is a great party game for the Nintendo 3DS, and it stands out among other titles thanks to its unique take on the popular franchise. Instead of taking turns rolling dice, players in Mario Party: Star Rush can move around a board at the same time in a rush to collect stars and coins.
This exciting new twist on the series adds an element of competition and encourages strategic thinking as players try to outwit one another. The game’s objective is to collect coins as you travel across multiple boards, competing against friends or computer opponents.
As you make your way around the board, you’ll be able to earn stars, which will help you win the game. There are also over 53 minigames offering tons of variety and excitement.
- Break free of turn order, with all players plotting strategy, rolling the dice, and moving. all simultaneously!
- Team up with your friends in the real world to compete to take down bosses in each game board. Mario Party fun is back and better than ever for multiplayer.
- Rated “E”; Everyone w/ Mild Cartoon Violence
Some of these minigames include shooting stars, fishing, and searching for hidden treasures. There are also boss battles at the end of each world, which help add an extra level of challenge and excitement.
In addition, Mario Party: Star Rush features multiple modes, allowing you to enjoy a range of different gaming experiences. These modes include the main game mode, Toad Scramble, Coinathlon, and Balloon Bash. The game’s four-player simultaneous play ensures that everyone is involved in the action at all times, and it also helps create a more social atmosphere than other Mario Party games.
The “Coinathlon” mode adds an additional layer of competition, as players try to collect the most coins within a time limit. These unique modes make Mario Party: Star Rush stand out from other titles in the franchise, making it a great game for group play.
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that Nintendo 3DS party games provide endless fun and entertainment. From Mario Party: Island Tour to Mario Party: Star Rush, these titles have something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for an intense head-to-head competition or a laid-back multiplayer experience, the Nintendo 3DS has you covered. Not only do these games have innovative and unique mechanics, but they also feature vibrant visuals and outstanding soundtracks that make them stand out from the rest.
Up Next
- The 7 Absolute Best Nintendo 3DS Platformers of All Time
- The Absolute Best Nintendo DS Survival Games of All Time
- The 10 Absolute Best Nintendo Switch Party Games of All Time
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
