1) Nintendo 3DS
813 Exclusive Games
The Nintendo 3DS series of consoles remains a bastion of analog portable gaming, continuing to sell in droves. It is an anomaly in a section of the market that is supposed to have been eclipsed by smartphone gaming. Like the Vita, the 3DS records big numbers in Japan and the far east, where gaming on-the-go rules supreme. But unlike the Vita, the 3DS is also viable in the west, where it’s catalog of exclusive content remains appealing for long-time Nintendo fans.
After five years on the market, the DS family, which includes its 2DS baby brother and the latest New 3DS/New 2DS XL variants, has notched up an unrivalled amount of console exclusive content. 813 games is a truly staggering total, though we will caveat that by highlighting that 114 of those are only available via import. And looking at its library as a whole, many of the titles are fairly obtuse, lesser known titles. That being said, all of Nintendo’s most iconic franchise have had quality titles released on 3DS, and the console is also supported by some mega popular third party titles too.
Arguably its two best games are the updated versions two iconic Zelda games: Ocarina of Time, and Majora’s Mask. Beyond that, there have been some stellar all-new first party releases, too, such as Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon, and the hugely popular Mario Kart 7. Mario Maker also enjoyed notable sales.
It is, however, Nintendo’s close allegiance with third party studios The Pokemon Company and Capcom that have been the prime driving force of continued sales. Both Pokemon X and Y, and Pokemon Sun and Moon have contributed immeasurably to the 3DS’s commercial performance over the past few years. Adoration for the brand and its exclusivity to 3DS has made the console a must-own device for many. That’s similarly true for the Monster Hunter franchise, which has proven well suited to portable gaming, and a smash-hit in Japan.
Despite the arrival of its hybrid Switch console, the 3DS still remains the definitive modern handheld platform supported by a wealth of exclusives.
