Playing Nintendo 3DS games on the Switch is something we all want, right? The library of games available on the last gen Nintendo console is staggering. Understandably, people moving to the latest console from Nintendo have reservations.
After all, gamers spend their hard-earned savings on purchasing the relatively expensive and, quite frankly, absurdly priced first-party Nintendo games. It’s only natural to want to know if they’ll still have access to the games they’ve dedicated countless hours collecting. Some games are in the backlog, and they have yet to play them.
Is It Possible To Play 3DS Games On The Switch?
We won’t beat around the bush and give things to you straight. As of the time of writing this, there’s NO straightforward way of playing Nintendo games you bought on the 3DS to Switch.
It’s so infuriating that executives at Nintendo, after the success of their current-gen console, are so short-sighted in their vision.
Everyone who’s a loyal Nintendo customer has fond memories of playing on the previous handheld from the company. Yet, when it comes to backward compatibility, Nintendo is self-serving or lazy.
Having said everything, there are ways to circumvent the Switch’s internal designs to play 3DS games on it.
How To Tweak Your Switch To Play 3DS Games On It?
An emulator is the way to go if you’re dead-set on playing your 3DS library of games on the Switch. Basically, the Citra 3DS emulator will trick the Switch into thinking that a Switch game is running when you start a 3DS title.
To install the Citra 3DS emulator, you’ll first have to modify your Switch, which, if you’re new to gaming, we don’t recommend. This is risky territory, as running the Citra 3DS emulator exposes your Switch to Nintendo’s tight security. There are chances of your console receiving a ban from online play, and even worse is the danger of crashing.
Safe to say that going with the modification route is full of risks and not worth it. If you have money to spare, we recommend repurchasing the games rather than using the Citra 3DS emulator.
Is There A Way To Genuinely Play 3DS Games On The Switch?
Despite doing its fans dirty, Nintendo has done an admirable job of remaking several titles from the previous generation. Several of the games are pricier, but they’re also excellent value for money and don’t feel like blatant cash grabs. So, if you want to play the 3DS titles on your Switch, we recommend buying them for the latest console.
Is It Worth Buying The Games Again?
All games with remakes and remasters have visually impressive graphics, enhanced gameplay features, and distinguishable quality-of-life improvements. Players will immediately notice this difference. It’s hard to argue that the Switch versions are the definitive way to play these games. So, yes! You should definitely rebuy these games.
Which Retro Franchises Are Ported To The Switch?
Several popular first-party games have gotten remakes or remaster from the 3DS on the Switch. The Legend Of Zelda, Pokemon, Kirby, Mario, Shin Megami Tensei, Monster Hunter, Xenoblade Chronicles, Fire Emblem, and the list continues.
There are other games, like the Wii and Wii-U titles, that also have ports on the Switch. Games of other retro consoles like the Nintendo and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) & (SNES), Gameboy, Gameboy Advance & Color, (GBA) (GBAC) are playable on Switch. This is possible due to the paid subscription service on Nintendo Switch.
What Is The Nintendo Switch Online Service?
For those who don’t know, Nintendo Switch Online is a paid online subscription service for the Nintendo Switch. With the launch of Nintendo Switch Online, players receive a slew of retro titles and current game add-ons. The service replaced the previously popular virtual console on the Nintendo hardware.
Nintendo 64 and Gameboy Advance games are available for players with a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online. There are plenty of games to check out.
Can We Play 3DS Games On Switch With Nintendo Switch Online?
Unfortunately, at present, the 3DS library isn’t available on the Switch, so it’s not possible to play the games. The big problem with porting the 3DS games to Switch is that the architecture and game designs are retro and dated. For some games, Nintendo should divert resources into commissioning a full-blown remake.
Are There Chances Of Nintendo 3DS Games To Appear On Nintendo Switch Online?
For the foreseeable future, we’re not holding our breath for the sudden appearance of 3DS games making the jump to Nintendo Switch Online. The main reason for our lack of enthusiasm for the 3DS games on the Switch is that Nintendo seems unwilling at the prospect.
Another factor to consider when we ask for 3DS entries to jump to Switch is quality assurance. Nintendo prides itself on making high-quality games with loads of replayability, but the classic games can’t fully take advantage of the Switch’s hardware capability. Previous-generation games’ control lag input, bugs, and other flaws can hamper the player experience. So, in a way, we can understand why Nintendo simply isn’t giving players what they’re demanding.
We believe that the chances of Nintendo 3DS games appearing on Nintendo Switch Online are slim at best; otherwise, there is no chance.
A Quick Recap
To sum up, everything we’ve come to a conclusion that:
- There is no backwards compatibility feature (so far) that lets players play 3DS games on the Switch.
- It’s possible to physically modify the Switch to trick its internal circuitry into making 3DS games play. Although, there are significant risks of getting banned and the console crashing permanently.
- To play the 3DS games genuinely on Switch, you must repurchase the games that have received the ports, remasters or remakes.
- Lastly, (so far) the Nintendo Switch Online service hasn’t included the 3DS games to be playable on the Switch.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you go. We’ve answered the burning question on every Switch and 3DS owner’s mind. It’s not exactly a positive note that things are ending on, but hey, as long as there’s a slim chance, we can hold out hope. Let us know your thoughts on the matter in the comments below, as we enjoy seeing different perspectives on gaming topics.
If you want to check out other Nintendo Switch-related content, check out our list of The Best 7 Shooting Games On The Nintendo Switch.
