10 Third-Party 3DS Series Perfect for the Switch

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

Third-Party 3DS Series Perfect for the Switch

Ace Attorney has been a stable series for Nintendo handhelds since the original DS, casting players as a fledgling defense attorney by the name of Phoenix Wright. The franchise was defining for adventure-visual novels, and each games tells a gripping story about murder, betrayal, and courtroom drama. The brilliant thing about each Ace Attorney game is that it plays out in multiple self-contained cases that also tie into an overall narrative within the overall game, and oftentimes the franchise. Wacky and colorful characters always populate the trials, with equally absurd animations. Because of this, Phoenix Wright seems like a sure fit for the Nintendo Switch, especially considering it’s been on Nintendo consoles for so many years.

The portable nature of the Switch means a visual novel style game is perfect to take on the go, popping in here and there to see what happens next. At the same time, Phoenix Wright has moved into 3D with the last couple entries instead of 2D sprites and it’d be great to see a fully realized and rendered experience on a more powerful home console. Using the Switch hardware would allow Capcom to try new and inventive investigation techniques, while also providing even more flashiness and drama for the courtroom. This all holds especially true considering the plot lines that the last entry, Spirit of Justice, established.

Professor Layton

Third-Party 3DS Series Perfect for the Switch

Much like Ace Attorney, Professor Layton is a fascinating example of visual novel storytelling, only it has a heavier focus on mind-bending puzzle gameplay. Each entry in this series has a mystery to unravel as you assume the role of Professor Layton and his assistant Luke. The puzzles you encounter along the way are oftentimes some of the best you can find in all of gaming, really requiring you to put in thought logic, math skills, decipher optical illusions, and more.

Over six entries have released now between the 3DS and DS, with the latest title, Layton’s Mystery Journey, just recently releasing on mobile phones as well. The popularity of Layton is comparable to Ace Attorney, which even lead to the two series crossing over at one point. It’d also be great to see the professor and Luke in a bigger and bolder adventure than ever, something the Switch could work wonders for. Using the HD rumble features on the Joy-Cons could provide entirely new options for puzzles, making things more dynamic than ever before.

Cooking Mama

Third-Party 3DS Series Perfect for the Switch

Cooking Mama is yet another prime example of a series that really was unique due to the touch screens of the DS and 3DS that could also gain a new identity on Switch. These adorable games task you with cooking different dishes assigned by, you guessed it, Mama. Depending on which title you’re playing, of course, the dishes that you’re making will be different, with everything from three course dinners to desserts and pastries. Now imagine how the Joy-Cons could play into these cooking minigames, using them to flip pancakes or stir a dish, and feeling the HD rumble respond to show you something is boiling.

Cooking Mama has seen countless entries on Nintendo’s past few handhelds, and with the focus shifting more towards the Switch moving forward, it seems likely we’ll see the series make the move.

Yo-Kai Watch

Third-Party 3DS Series Perfect for the Switch

Yo-Kai watch is probably one of the more successful Pokemon-like experiences ever made, letting you interact with and capture friendly spirits named Yo-Kai, which you can then use to battle and solve puzzles. The series is made by the RPG masters at Level-5, and even though it’s for a younger audience, there’s always been plenty of charm and fun to be found. Where the real appeal of Yo-Kai Watch lies is in its wacky characters and story. Yo-Kai often have tragic or strange tales attached to them, like Jibanyan who has lingered near the intersection he was run over at, forever waiting to overcome the truck that killed him. Strong writing helps bring these characters to life, while the battle system plays out like a more interactive version of Pokemon.

Here in North America we’ve only gotten Yo-Kai Watch and Yo-Kai Watch 2, while a third game and a number of spinoffs have released in Japan. The series’ popularity certainly isn’t what it was a couple years ago, but a big new entry on Switch could be just what Yo-Kai watch needs. Give Switch owners a full fledged role-playing experience to jump into, filled with a brand new story and fresh Yo-Kai. Again, the minigames scatted throughout these games would be a sure fit for the Joy-Cons, and you could even include some fun multiplayer modes that can be played locally or by linking tablets.

Bravely Default

Third-Party 3DS Series Perfect for the Switch

Bravely Default is a spiritual successor to the days of classic 8 and 16 bit Final Fantasy, with some much needed modern changes. The big revelation with these 3DS titles came with the ability to fast forward battles, as well as stack moves up to use all at once. These systems made Bravely Default, and Bravely Second, fresh and engaging RPG experiences. On top of this, the games feature a gorgeous art style and soundtrack supported by a classic story filled with magic and mystery, just like you’d expect from a Final Fantasy game. Despite all this, Bravely Default did manage to gain an identity of its own, even with all the similarities.

Both Bravely Default and Bravely Second remain some of the best RPG experiences on the 3DS, and it’d be fascinating to see what Square Enix can do with the added power of the Switch. The systems’ portability also means all of the handheld sensibilities in the title would still feel right at home. Experiences like I Am Setsuna or the upcoming Project Octopath Traveler are definitely reminiscent of the Bravely series, showing the potential a new entry could have on Nintendo’s newest console.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy

Third-Party 3DS Series Perfect for the Switch

Theatrhyhthm is an experience tailor made for a handheld like the 3DS, bringing a wealth of memorable Final Fantasy music to the system with some adorable rhythm-based gameplay. Tons of different tracks for across the Final Fantasy series, as well as other Square Enix RPGs, are available. Each track plays out on a stage, either pitched as the party exploring the world or battling enemies in turn-based combat. Nostalgia plays a big part with these titles, but they’re certainly fun enough to stand on their own. The thing with Theatrhythm is that there’s so much potential for more games. The Switch’s touch screen means you could easily keep the game relegated to touch inputs, or create new options for motion control or normal button inputs as well.

With new titles released like Final Fantasy XV and NieR: Automata, Square Enix has only made their stable of games even larger. There’s absolutely no reason we shouldn’t see another Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, or maybe even a Theatrhythm Dragon Quest or Kingdom Hearts. Either way, the Switch would be the perfect home for it.

Etrian Odyssey

Third-Party 3DS Series Perfect for the Switch

Etrian Odyssey is a series that has built itself entirely on DS and 3DS, and it’s been a wonderful fit for a handheld. The series draws the closest comparison to classic RPGs like Wizardry, tasking players with creating their own party and then haphazardly exploring dungeons. The big feature here, however, is that players need to draw their own dungeon map as they explore the area piece by piece. Amidst exploration, of course, you’re tasked with fighting various monsters. The Etrian Odyssey games can be immensely challenging, and they’re certainly an experience that takes some investment to see through. However, they’re complex RPGs that provide a unique type of experience on DS and 3DS.

It’d be great to see that experience make its way to Switch, especially since Etrian Odyssey has been on Nintendo platforms for so many years now. Considering we saw a crossover game with Persona Q, maybe we could even see Etrian Odyssey adapt or crossover some Nintendo IP. Handheld RPGs seem like one of the perfect genres for the Switch, and hopefully its something we’ll see more of.

Zero Escape Series

Third-Party 3DS Series Perfect for the Switch

Zero Escape consists of three of the finest visual novel type experiences you can possibly get, and it all started on the DS with 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors. Each of the three titles so far tell a desperate story of a group of characters trapped in an impossible “game” that they must find their way out of. There’s more than meets the eye to each of these stories, however, as each game has multiple layers and plotlines you’ll need to unravel. Of course, the nature of these games make them the perfect thing to play on the go,, and in small doses, something the Switch is built for.

While the main Zero Escape trilogy is completed now, there’s no reason we couldn’t see a game in the same vein or a spiritual successor. The stories told in each of the three games are incredibly gripping, while the puzzles are both challenging and fun. It would be the perfect kind of third-party game to bring to the Switch eshop, and why not bring the remastered trilogy along with The Nonary Games as well.

Gunman Clive

Third-Party 3DS Series Perfect for the Switch

Gunman Clive, along with its sequel, is an interesting little platformer set in a futuristic Wild West where you play as a lone gunslinger. You’ll face a variety of enemies including technically advanced bandits and even giant robots at times as you fight your way through multiple levels to save the mayor’s daughter. The hand drawn art style on display is part of what makes Gunman Clive so unique, as its use of color gives it a rustic type of feel, despite being set in the future. Both titles pay homage to their western settings, as well as traditional platformers like Mario, Mega Man, and Super Meat Boy.

The Switch has already seen a decent offering of platformers so far with titles like Shovel Knight, Shantae, Blaster Master Zero, and Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap. It’s clearly a great fit for smaller, bite-sized experiences that you can pick up and play, especially if they include co-op. The Gunman Clive games were some of the best downloadable titles available on 3Ds, and it’d be great to see them mosey over to Switch.

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor

Third-Party 3DS Series Perfect for the Switch

Shin Megami Tensei is one of the longest running JRPG series around, and we already know a mainline entry is currently in development on the Switch. However, there’s a spinoff series on 3DS that definitely deserves another chance called Devil Survivor. These two handheld titles contain many of the same themes as SMT, with capturing and summoning demons, and a semi post apocalyptic setting. The biggest difference, however, is the grid-based tactical combat in the game, meant to appeal to newcomers more than the intricate battle system of the main series. Both games also feature interesting stories with multiple endings to achieve.

The Switch has already received a big tactical RPG with Disgaea 5, which of course is great fun to take on the go. Bringing another tactical experience like Devil Survivor to the system would help flesh out its library even more, and provide an exciting new experience for RPG fans. The more accessible gameplay of Devil Survivor also means you can open it up to a wider audience than just the SMT faithful.