As of today (10/27/2022), we are now exactly 5 months away from the complete and total shutdown of the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS eShops, wherein you cannot make any new purchases after the designated date. And at this point in time, the only way to add funds to your balance on either platform is to do so through your Switch or an internet browser via the Nintendo website. And your accounts have to be linked across all platforms for the balance to show up.
I have made a ton of purchases on said eShops since the shutdown announcement and have pretty much solidified everything I want to have before that date. As such, I want to personally recommend a couple games from each platform for you guys to check out if you’re interested. Starting with:
**1. [Super Mario Advance 4](https://youtu.be/71VB7sbr1Mw):** At first glance, this just looks like a straight port of Super Mario Bros. 3 to the Game Boy Advance. But it’s so much more than that. Back when this game first came out, there were a ton of bonus levels made exclusively for this version that could only be accessed if you had the appropriate e-Reader cards. But most people who had the game didn’t get to experience those levels… until the game was re-released on Wii U. That’s right, the Virtual Console version actually came with all of the e-Reader levels unlocked! That’s around 40 brand new Mario 3 levels right there!
**2. [Duck Hunt NES](https://youtu.be/0HaSuWTU690):** If you’re a younger player, you might know Duck Hunt as that dog-and-duck duo from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. But they’re actually some of Nintendo’s oldest mascots as well. The original NES game revolved around a light gun peripheral called the NES Zapper, along with a few other games of that time. As such, the original experience seemingly couldn’t be replicated on modern displays using the same methods. Much to my surprise, the game eventually made its way to the Wii U Virtual Console in late 2014, now with completely revamped Wii Remote controls.
**3. [Affordable Space Adventures](https://youtu.be/6O_n_fCBZac):** Probably the single best indie exclusive on Wii U and a great showcase for the GamePad even today. It’s only $20 USD on the eShop and will likely never see a Switch port due to its unique control scheme. The GamePad becomes your pilot dashboard as you navigate your tiny ship through tons of tricky hazards and stealth sequences, and as of this can be played solo or with up to three players locally. A true hidden gem of the Wii U eShop.
**4. [Fire Emblem Fates Revelation](https://youtu.be/OgqCLt__61A):** Now we’re moving on to the 3DS. This is the “golden route” of the Fates games, where Corrin chooses to side with neither kingdom and works to uncover the true mysteries of their world. In this route, you get unique character pairings, exclusive weapons and maps, cool music, and a somewhat satisfying conclusion to the overall story of Fates. And just a heads up, all three Fire Emblem 3DS games (not just Fates) have a ton of paid DLC, so that might be worth checking out.
**5. [Rhythm Heaven Megamix](https://youtu.be/B-4YoppQ6NM) and [Shin Megami Tensei 4](https://youtu.be/7f6RNTsbDYk):** This right here is a special case; Rhythm Heaven Megamix was digital only in North America whereas SMT4 was digital only in Europe, despite its direct sequel Apocalypse getting a physical release there. In other regions, these respective games got physical releases. But since the 3DS is region locked, that means importing a copy from another country won’t work on your system. It kinda sucks, but that’s how it be sometimes.
**6. [Mario Golf World Tour](https://youtu.be/5LfPg9lpx2k) + [DLC Season Pass](https://youtu.be/dm2K7lkZxqI):** The past decade or so of Mario sports games has left a lot to be desired, launching with minimal content and a sanitized presentation and hoping to flesh things out down the line with “free content updates”. But what if I told you there was one modern Mario sports game that successfully recaptured the classic magic of the N64 and GameCube era? One that actually launched *content complete* and only got better over time? That game right here is Mario Golf World Tour for 3DS, which brought back and refined a lot of elements from its GameCube predecessor without sacrificing its depth and nuance. And top of all of this was a fairly priced Season Pass, which brought in 4 new characters, 6 new golf courses, and a ton of extra challenges for the single player challenge mode among other things. Absolutely recommend it to anyone with a 3DS family system, 100% full stop.
And that’s my big schpeel on 3DS and Wii U eShop games that I can personally recommend at the moment. Hopefully I helped you find something in this post that catches your eye and that you might come to love as much as I did. Have a wonderful day and happy 5th anniversary to Super Mario Odyssey!
by Asad_Farooqui
34 Comments
One that I liked that I wish were available elsewhere is [Castlevania: The Adventure Rebirth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castlevania:_The_Adventure_ReBirth). I have the original Gameboy version of this and while it was ok-ish the remade version was a solid old school Castlevania game. The remade Contra game was similarly good, but I like Castlevania better.
Interesting choices. One I would like to throw in the ring is Ogrebattle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber. It’s a phenomenal game and only $10 CAD on the WiiU eshop.
I put over 200 hours into Mario Golf World Tour and eventually sold it around the time of the Switch launch. Got super excited about the new Switch Mario Golf and then absolutely hated it. A few months ago I decided to just re-purchase World Tour digitally on my 3DS and have been playing through it again. I think it’s up there with the first Mario Baseball as my fav Mario Sports title. So fun and relaxing and so much content. Really puts the Switch version to shame.
All three Monster Hunter games for 3DS (3, 4, Generations) are on sale for $5 each.
The issue I had with Mario Golf WT as a huge fan of the franchise was how. slow. loading. times. were on that game. Hit a shot, takes forever to get to the next lineup. Finish a hole, slow load time to the next one. In the menus and trying to select a course, huge load time.
I don’t know if it was patched but it was a huge detriment to me trying to put quality time in to that game. Did nobody else have the same experience?
I would recommend Atlus games like the Etrian Odyssey series. Always in short supply losing access to digital distribution will skyrocket the physical price. EO3 for the DS is around $300 used.
I would add all Metroid games. In both the Wii U and 3DS you can basically have the full collection (except Dread of course). You’ll do yourself a good service for getting them.
Xenoblade Chronicles X, Wii U only. A masterpiece and my favourite game of all time. Worth everything.
I would also like to throw in the Yokai Watch games. Enjoyed playing all of them and sad that they didnt get as popular in the West as other Nintendo games.
Streets of Rage II 3D plays really well on the 3DS. The 3D effect might be the best of any game I’ve played with it
Thanks for the recommendations! Does anyone know if there’s a good way to see dlc you’ve purchased? I really don’t want to have to pop each game in then look, but if that’s the only way so be it.
Scribblenauts Unlimited on Wii U is really fun! Do not get the 3DS version though (I spent $20 on a physical version as well). The compilation that includes Unlimited and Unmasked is *fine* (it’s on modern consoles and PC now, originally only on Wii U and 3DS), however, for the best experience, I’d recommend getting the Wii U version, since it works with the gamepad the best. Either that, or get the compilation version on PC, because you can type out words using the keyboard. Just note that the compilation versions, even the Switch version, don’t include Mario characters like the Wii U one did (assumably because Nintendo didn’t want their IPs on other consoles, and they didn’t feel like changing it for *just* the Switch version. That’s my assumption/theory, anyways)
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Also, I’d recommend getting Splatoon on Wii U since the servers are still up, and it provides a pretty unique and different experience when compared to Splatoon 2 and 3 on the Switch. Anyways, rant is over, just a few suggestions! 😀
Playing duck hunt with the Wiimote sounds really fun, I’ll have to check it out.
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I would also suggest adding Yokai Watch 3 to your list. It has physical copies, but the English version is going to cost you $200+, so I would recommend buying the digital version while it’s still available. It has some of the best graphics I’ve seen on 3DS, and the gameplay is a ton of fun too.
A couple of games on Virtual Consile are also worth a look. Metroid Prime Trilogy is a steal on WiiU VC
I plan to go on a buying spree before it shuts down, and I think everyone else should too, if only to send the message to Nintendo how valuable digital preservation is. Hate to see Nintendo just letting the pirates win.
Aren’t they already shutted down?? Omg please tell me, I need to buy pokemons
Also, r/XenobladeChroniclesX. Unironically a better game than BOTW.
the pokemon gen 1 and 2 games, more specifically crystal since it’s the only way to get celebi. furthermore, make sure to pick up pokemon bank and poke transporter before they’re gone.
Love that you mentioned mario golf world tour. I was surprised but how complete of a game it was… on 3ds mind you too! Nintendo quality is really shaky nowadays on spin off titles…
Add Lords of thunder. Watch a YouTube video of it. You are welcome in advance
Dang. I sold my 3DS years ago to buy my switch and I kind of regret it. I miss the little guy. The “new” models are so expensive now though I don’t know if it’d be worth picking one up before the shutdown.
Zelda wind waker hd if it’s not going to be released on switch
Damn I had no idea Mario Advance 4 came with the e reader levels! Definitely checking that out, thanks for the tip!
Very helpful, thanks. I picked up a Wii U for $25 at a thrift store a couple of weeks ago, it didn’t have a gamepad or anything else, but one should be showing up sometime tomorrow 🙂
Rusty’s Real Deal Baseball on 3DS is pretty good if you like baseball. The way the game operates is very specific as well. You start with one game and have to purchase extra games for a few bucks each. Except you can negotiate with a character in-game and get actual real life discounts on anything you purchase.
I’ve been going through virtual console in 3ds and slowly picking up some classics. All the Gameboy Zelda games and a good handful of Pokémon. Just bought Pokémon crystal and was really shocked at how much I’m enjoying it
Stopped reading at Fire Emblem. Fuck that game.
Jailbreak your console and enjoy.
100% everyone with a Wii U needs to get 1-2 friends together and play through Affordable Space Adventures co-op. Amazing game with one of the best uses of the GamePad and Miiverse. Although the Miiverse component no longer functions, it only slightly impacted the story, and the game is still definitely worth checking out.
Maybe I should go back over what I bought and make my own thread for Fire Emblem DLC since I just recently finished buying all the things I deemed to be decent story and gameplay additions for every 3DS Fire Emblem.
But as far as Fates, I just want to point out for others that the “wave 2” Heirs of Fate DLC is the essential purchase for this game. Significant story addition, probably some of the best Fates had to offer, and having predetermined units and stats allows them to run wild with enemy units since they know what you can handle. I personally prefer this approach (and Echoes’ March of the Deliverance) to what Awakening did. Heirs of Fate also adds another verse to the main theme, Lost in Thoughts All Alone, sung by Azura’s son.
Pocket Card Jockey is fun on 3ds
can you buy Fire Emblem Fates Revelation if u don’t have any of the other other Fates games?
I got my childhood favorites, Star fox and excitebike 64
Thank you for this!! I was looking for a good list and I found this one