16 Best Nintendo 3DS Platformer Games

The platformer genre on the Nintendo 3DS did not disappoint, with great visuals and full use of the new 3D effect. The 3DS introduced depth to the platforming genre with its unique dual-screen capability and spectacular 3D feature.

From first-party classics like Super Mario and Donkey Kong to third-party titles like Rayman and Shovel Knight, the 3DS has so much to offer. Whether you’re searching for a fun 2D platformer or a classic challenging 3D experience, this list has you covered. Please bear with us as we provide a list of the top Nintendo 3DS platformer games.

Super Mario 3D Land 2011

About
	Release Date November 03, 2011
	Developer Nintendo
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Mario
	Genre 3D Platformer
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

3DS Releases
2011-11-03
2011-11-13
2011-11-18
2012-04-28
2012-12-07

Super Mario 3D Land is by far the best game on this list. As always Nintendo perfected the genre with this amazing title, the game offers a good balance between graphics and gameplay taking full advantage of the Nintendo 3DS hardware. The game follows our beloved hero Mario once again as he tries to save the princess from the claw of the fearsome villain Bowser.

The goal of each stage is to overcome various obstacles and jump your way from one platform to the other while trying to collect three medals on each one of these levels. Along the way, the player can use different power-ups to help him with his journey including classic power-ups like the growing mushroom, the fire flower, and the newly introduced Tanuuki Suit. Overall, Super Mario 3D land is a must-own by any 3DS owner let alone a platformer fan, the game is well-balanced with countless hours of gameplay.

Kirby: Planet Robobot 2016 星のカービィ ロボボプラネット (Hoshi no Kābī Robobo Puranetto)

About
	Release Date April 28, 2016
	Developer HAL Laboratory
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Kirby
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Concepts Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Space
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

3DS Releases
2016-04-28
2016-06-10
2016-06-11

Kirby: Planet Robobot continues the cutesy adventure of our beloved Kirby with a new twist. Planet Popstar is invaded by a mechanical menace known as the Haltmann Works Company. The company takes full control of Kirby’s planet forcing him to fight back using a mech suit known as the Robobot Armor.

As always the game is a 2.5D side scroller where the goal on each stage is to take down various enemies on the level. Kirby can do this by using his new mech suit abilities including normal attacks or even the ability to copy others’ powers. In addition to the amazing single-player mode the game also offers a four-player versus mode. On the whole, Planet Robobot is a very solid Kirby title, developers made sure to perfect the formula in addition to taking full advantage of the amazing 3D ability, so you might have to move up the 3D slider on this one and enjoy the depth.

Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D 2013 Enhanced Port ドンキーコング リターンズ 3D (Donkīkongu Ritānzu 3D)

About
	Release Date May 24, 2013 Initial Release: November 21, 2010
	Developer Retro Studios
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Donkey Kong
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Concept Fantasy
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

3DS Releases
2013-05-24
2013-06-13

Donkey Kong Returns 3D is a port of a game previously released on the Nintendo Wii. The game was fully optimized for the 3DS offering the full Wii experience with additional content including eight 3DS exclusive levels. Donkey Kong Returns 3D follows the story of Donkey Kong as he tries to reclaim his stolen Bananas from an evil group of Tikis.

The game is seen from a side-scrolling 2D perspective, the player controls Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong as they platform their way through the level collecting bananas and defeating various enemies. The game offers up to eight levels to conquer with additional exclusive content. Also, a new mode is also added to ease up things for casual players providing a more linear experience, with a few enemies and more forgiving conditions.

Shovel Knight 2014

About
	Release Date June 26, 2014
	Developer Yacht Club Games
	Publisher Yacht Club Games
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Concepts Dragon, Fantasy, Fantasy Creatures
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

3DS Releases
2014-06-26
2014-11-05
2016-06-30

Shovel Knight is a love letter to classic 8-bit platformers offering an amazing hardcore 2D platformer for veteran players. The game follows the tale of Shovel Knight a mysterious warrior who ventures into a fantasy world in order to defeat a group of eight knights.

Players control Shovel Knight as he traverses through levels, battling enemies, avoiding obstacles, and collecting gold. The game features 16 levels, each with its own unique set of enemies and bosses. You must defeat each boss in order to progress to the next stage. As players progress, they can collect treasure, which can be used at the Village to purchase new items and upgrades. If you’re looking for an excellent challenging platformer on the 3DS look no more since Shovel Knight is your way to go.

Rayman 3D 2011 Enhanced Port

About
	Release Date March 22, 2011 Initial Release: October 01, 1999
	Developer Ubisoft Montpellier
	Publisher Ubisoft
	Franchise Rayman
	Genre 3D Platformer
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin France

3DS Releases
2011-03-22
2011-03-25
2011-03-31

Rayman 3D is an enhanced port of the critically acclaimed Rayman 2, while the 3DS port doesn’t add any extra content, the original game was more than capable of delivering a decent platformer. Once again you control Rayman as he takes on a quest to defeat an army of robotic pirates and save the mythical land of Fairy Glade.

The game is seen from a third-person perspective where the player moves around a linear level. Rayman can run, jump, and use a variety of special powers, such as being able to fly, shoot projectiles, and shrink. The player must use a combination of these powers to traverse the environment and progress in the game. Rayman 3D also features a variety of collectibles that can be found across the level including various colorful Lumps, Crystals, and many more. While many of us label this game as a simple re-release with nothing new. I still recommend this for new players who are willing to try a classic Rayman game.

New Super Mario Bros.™ 2 2012

About
	Release Date July 28, 2012
	Developer Nintendo
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Mario
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Players Multiplayer, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

3DS Releases
2012-07-28
2012-08-17
2012-08-18
2012-08-19

New Super Mario Bros. 2 is aimed toward classic Mario fans. The game holds the same classic side-scrolling formula with enhanced graphics and nine different worlds to beat. As always you take control of Mario and Luigi as they venture into the mushroom kingdom collecting coins and defeating soldiers of the evil Bowser.

The game is seen from a 2.5D side-scrolling perspective where the goal on each stage is to run and jump across platforms while avoiding obstacles and collecting various collectibles. The game also offers many classic power-ups including Super Mushroom, Mini Mushroom, and many more. Another plus for this game is the perfect use of the 3D effect sliding the 3D slider will result in a nice crisp depth during gameplay offering a unique experience on the handheld. Overall, New Super Mario Bros. 2  is a must-own on the system, the game offers a decent challenge, a ton of content, and a very solid 2.5D platformer.

Hey! Pikmin™ 2017 Hey! ピクミン (Hey! Pikumin)

About
	Release Date July 13, 2017
	Developer Arzest
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Pikmin
	Genre Puzzle
	Concepts Realistic, Space
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

3DS Releases
2017-07-13
2017-07-28
2017-07-29

Hey! Pikmin took a different approach compared to the main games in the series. While many fans of the Pikmin series consider this spin-off a failure, I still hugely recommended it if you want to approach it with an open mind. The story follows the adventure of captain Olimar as he falls on a new mysterious planet. With the help of the Pikmins, Olimar must venture his way through the planet platforming and solving puzzles with the help of his little friends.

Shifting far from the main games Hey! Pikmin offers a 2D side-scrolling puzzle platformer. The control is pretty simple you move Olimar with the circle pad and order the Pikmin using the stylus. The Pikmin can be used to reach higher ledges, cross dangerous terrain, and carry items back to Olimar. The game also features a variety of missions in which the player must complete objectives in order to progress. These objectives range from collecting a certain number of items to defeating a boss. On the whole, the game could be very enjoyable if you give it some time, while the challenge is close to none, the game is very fun and relaxing offering a decent casual experience and a new way to approach the main series formula.

Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World 2017 Content Update ポチっと！よしウールワールド (Poochy to! Yoshi Wool World)

About
	Release Date January 19, 2017 Initial Release: June 25, 2015
	Developer Good-Feel
	Publisher Nintendo
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

3DS Releases
2017-01-19
2017-02-03
2017-02-04

Poochy & Yoshi’s Woolly World is a port of an amazing Wii U platformer. The 3DS port adds more to the game with additional levels, power-ups, playable characters and so much more. The game features several levels set across six different worlds.

The goal of each stage is to move from point A to point B avoiding obstacles, defeating enemies, and collecting various collectibles. As in the classic SNES game, Yoshi can lay eggs and use them to reach specific areas, defeat enemies, and many more. Yoshi can also use his tongue to defeat various enemies or even knit new objects in order to progress through the game. While the game is hugely aimed at young audiences, I still hugely recommend this game if you’re looking for a casual platformer to spend the weekend.

Disney Epic Mickey Power of Illusion 2012

About
	Release Date November 18, 2012
	Developer DreamRift
	Publisher Disney Interactive Studios
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

3DS Releases
2012-11-18
2012-11-22
2012-11-23
2013-09-26

Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion is a throwback to classic 8-bit Disney titles. The game is seen from a 2d side-scrolling perspective offering an outstanding pixel art view, with hand-drawn sprites and beautifully detailed backgrounds. The story act as a sequel to the classic Sega Genesis title Castle of illusion, starring Mickey Mouse.

Mickey ventures into a new mysterious castle in order to save the love of his life Minnie. Similar to classic 2D platformers the player visits different levels jumping from one platform to the other while defeating various enemies. Mickey can use a brush to launch a paint attack toward the enemies, stomp on them, or even use a close-up spin attack. While the game is amazingly crafted, unfortunately, it suffers from the lack of content, only three worlds are available making this game a bit of a short hike.

Scribblenauts Unlimited 2012

About
	Release Date November 13, 2012
	Developer 5th Cell
	Publisher Warner Bros Games
	Genre Puzzle
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

3DS Releases
2012-11-13
2012-11-30
2013-12-06

Scribblenauts Unlimited is largely similar to its predecessor. The game offers a 2D side-scrolling puzzle platformer where you can fill the screen with anything you want. The main gimmick of the game is the ability to bring down any items to the world by simply writing them down on the lower screen.

The Nintendo port adds more to the formula with the ability to bring down several Nintendo mascots to the screen including Link, Mario, princess peach, and many more. However, the game takes a different approach with the main gameplay offering an open adventure.  The player can roam the vast world talking to NPCs, solving puzzles, and discovering different features.

Sonic Generations 2011

About
	Release Date November 01, 2011
	Developer Sonic Team
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

3DS Releases
2011-11-22
2011-11-24
2011-11-25
2011-12-01

Sonic Generations offer a well-put mix of both 3D and 2D Mario.  After his numerous defeat, Dr.Eggman encounters a mysterious time-traveling entity who brings him back in time to meet his old self. Together they use the Time Eater to erase their past defeat merging the Retro and Modern sonic world. The gameplay is divided into two different modes classic and modern.

The classic part put you in the shoes of old Sonic where you venture into 2D side-scrolling levels collecting rings and defeating various enemies. The second part is where you control the modern sonic, the gameplay doesn’t differ much from the classic formula but it adds more depth to the field with shifting backgrounds and 3D sliders. While the console port is hugely superior in my opinion this port is still worth it for what it is, the game offers a decent 3DS sonic experience with reputable visuals and gameplay.

Kirby's Epic Yarn 2010 毛糸のカービィ (Keito No Kābyi)

About
	Release Date October 14, 2010
	Developer HAL Laboratory
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Kirby
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Concept Fantasy
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

3DS Releases
2019-03-07
2019-03-08

Kirby Extra Epic Yarn is another Wii port on this list, the game was fully optimized taking full advantage of both the 3D and Dual Screen capability. The game follows the adventure of Kirby as he gets transported to the mysterious world of Patch Land. A world completely made out of fabric.

Different from the previous games in the series Kirby cannot copy other monsters’ abilities, instead, he can take different forms in order to defeat enemies and move from one platform to the other. For example, Kirby can use a whip to dissolve his enemies or even transform into a car to rush through the level.  The 3DS port adds more to the package with six new items, extra game modes, and some new abilities.

Rayman Origins 2011

About
	Release Date November 15, 2011
	Developer Ubisoft
	Publisher Ubisoft
	Franchise Rayman
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin France

3DS Releases
2012-06-08
2012-06-14
2012-11-06

Rayman Origins is a throwback to the old-school 2D platformers, the game offers a solid 2d side scroller with hand-drawn visuals and a tough challenge for veteran players. The game follows the story of Rayman and his beloved friends as they try to cast away evil from their beloved world The Glad of Dreams.

Similar to the first title in the series the game is a 2D side scroller. The player controls Rayman as he ventures through various linear levels. The player can jump from one platform to the other and use Rayman’s abilities to defeat various monsters and collect many collectibles. While the 3DS port might be a little inferior compared to the other versions, the 3D feature and the great portability make up for it big time.

Cave Story 3D 2011 Remake 洞窟物語 3D (Dōkutsu monogatari 3D)

About
	Release Date November 08, 2011 Initial Release: January 04, 2005
	Developer Studio Pixel
	Publisher Studio Pixel
	Genre Metroidvania
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

3DS Releases
2011-11-08

Cave Story 3D is an amazing reimagining of a classic game, the game was fully remade in 3D exclusively for the 3DS taking full advantage of the hardware and the beautiful 3D screen. While Cave Story seems like a typical 2D action platformer it adds more to the formula with several power-ups and a Metroidvania-like map.

Taking control of a mysterious robot with amnesia, the player must explore a huge island full of traps, secrets, and numerous enemies. You have a decent arsenal of weapons at your service including a normal pistol, a machine gun, and even a rocket launcher that can be owned late in the game. Aside from the typical run-and-gun platforming gameplay, the game adds more to the table with a leveling system and upgradeable gears.

Aban Hawkins & the 1001 Spikes: The Temple of the Dead Mourns the Living 2014

About
	Release Date June 04, 2014
	Developer 8bits Fanatics
	Publisher Nicalis
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

3DS Releases
2014-06-03

1001 Spikes are what I would describe as a retro Dark Soul. The game takes huge inspiration from the 8-bit era with simple graphic choices and brutal unforgiving difficulty. The story follows the adventure of Aban Hawkins a legendary explorer who is looking for a mysterious treasure.

Seen from a 2d side-scrolling perspective the goal of the game is to navigate several stages full of traps and deadly monsters. The game also allows the player to acquire different power-ups and upgrades to help him on his way. While the difficulty is admittingly crushing, the checkpoint system is very forgiving giving the player the chance to replay the level until he succeeds.

Mutant Mudds 2012

About
	Release Date January 26, 2012
	Developer Renegade Kid
	Publisher Renegade Kid
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

3DS Releases
2012-01-26

While Mutant Mudds is not a 3DS exclusive I still hold up to the idea that the 3DS version is the best way to experience the game. Since the game uses the ability to jump between the background and the foreground, the 3D effect gives this game a whole new layer of depth. During the game, the player takes control of Max a brave young boy equipped with a jet pack and a water cannon.

Taking inspiration from the 8bit era the game offers a mix of Super Mario and Mega man. Using his abilities the player must navigate through the levels jump between platforms, solve puzzles, and shoot various enemies. Content-wise the game offers over 80 levels to conquer with some extra secret levels. In addition, the player can also acquire new abilities across the game including a gravity boot, new weapons, and many more.