What follows are a list of the highest-rated games (Metacritic score of 75+) on the Wii U and 3DS that are still not yet available on the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo-platform exclusives are listed in bold. Not listing yearly sports franchises because I’m not going to list copy-pasted versions of the same game multiple times.
I hope this can provide a checklist of sorts of some of the more noteworthy games we all stand to lose come 2023. Please feel free to list any games you think I missed, or any mistakes I’ve made, in the comments!
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Digital-Only Wii U Games Not on Nintendo Switch
| Title | Metacritic Score | Other Platforms | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bit.Trip Presents…Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien | 84 | iOS, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360 | The first and third Bit.Trip Runner games are on Switch, but oddly not the second game. This is also the highest-rated digital-only game that’s on Wii U but not Switch (though it is on multiple other platforms as well). |
| Stealth Inc. 2: A Game of Clones | 82 | PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One | Sorry, I don’t know much about this one. |
| Art Academy: Home Studio | 82 | N/A | Also known as Art Academy: Atelier, this is purportedly a good tool to learn how to draw. I think probably the closest thing to this on Switch is Colors Live, but this one is touted more about learning than just pure creation. |
| Year Walk | 82 | iOS, PC | It looks like this game is no longer available for purchase on Wii U. Pity too, because it looks like the Wii U version has console-specific features to use motion controls and the dual screens. |
| Fast Racing Neo | 81 | N/A | Only on this list on a technicality – players can get a more fleshed-out version of this futuristic racer on Switch in the game Fast RMX. |
| Affordable Space Adventures | 81 | N/A | Designed specifically with the Wii U in mind, this is a unique space flight exploration game. |
| Pushmo World | 80 | N/A | The Pushmo series are excellent Nintendo-developed character-based Puzzle games. |
| Edge | 79 | 3DS, iOS, PC | Another one that sadly seems to have already been yanked off the Wii U. |
| Noitu Love: Devolution | 79 | 3DS, PC | No longer on Wii U. |
| Extreme Exorcism | 79 | PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One | This is a fast-paced Action-Platformer. |
| Rush | 77 | PC | This is a Puzzle game with mechanics similar to the classic Sega game Chu Chu Rocket. |
| Dungeons and Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara | 77 | PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 | Arguably at its best on Wii U thanks to the use of the gamepad. |
| Tetrobot & Co. | 77 | iOS, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One | No longer listed on Nintendo’s website. |
| Knytt Underground | 76 | PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| DuckTales Remastered | 76 | iOS, PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 | An excellent modern remake of a classic NES Platformer. Also on multiple other platforms. |
| Lone Survivor | 76 | PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita | I’m genuinely surprised this indie 2D horror game isn’t on Switch yet. |
| Xtype Plus | 76 | Android, iOS, PC | Apparently no longer available on Nintendo’s website. You can play a free in-browser version of the game here. |
| Spin the Bottle: Bumpie’s Party | 75 | N/A | Wii U digital-only exclusive. This is a multiplayer game where you use the Wii U’s gamepad to… literally play Spin the Bottle. Yeah, I dunno, but it got good reviews, and there’s a free demo if you’re curious. |
| Cloudberry Kingdom | 75 | PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 | Sorry, don’t know about this one. |
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Other noteworthy Wii U exclusive digital-only games with Metacritic score under 75
Mario Vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars
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Other highly-rated Wii U exclusives also available in physical format:
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U (arguably made obsolete by Super Smash Bros. Ultimate)
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD (arguably the definitive version of this game)
Super Mario Maker (includes some features not in Super Mario Maker 2)
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD (arguably the definitive version of this game)
Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition (Includes some unique Wii U features)
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (also on 3DS)
Splatoon (Arguably made obsolete by Splatoon 2)
Yoshi’s Woolly World (also on 3DS)
The Wonderful 101 (was ported to Switch, but it was designed to work on Wii U)
ZombiU (was ported to other platforms, but was designed to work with Wii U)
Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2013
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Wii U Virtual Console Games Not on Nintendo Switch
| Title | Original Platform | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Advance Wars: Dual Strike | DS | The GBA entries in the franchise are getting a remake in just a few month, but the DS sequel isn’t. |
| Adventure Island | NES | Platformer |
| Alien Crush | TurboGrafx-16 | Pinball |
| Animal Crossing: Wild World | DS | With its final updates, I think it’s fair to say that New Horizons has now far eclipsed this earlier game in the series, but some still have a fondness for this game. |
| Axelay | SNES | Shmup |
| Baseball Simulator 1000 | NES | Baseball |
| Bases Loaded | NES | Baseball |
| Battle Chopper | TurboGrafx-16 | AKA Mr. Heli. It’s delisted and no longer available. |
| Battle Lode Runner | TurboGrafx-16 | Arcade-style Puzzle-Platformer. |
| Big Brain Academy | DS | Arguably eclipsed by its Switch successor. |
| Blazing Lazers | TurboGrafx-16 | Shmup |
| Bomberman ’93 | TurboGrafx-16 | Arcade-style Party Game |
| Bomberman ’94 | TurboGrafx-16 | Arcade-style Party Game |
| Bomberman Panic Bomber | TurboGrafx-16 | Arcade-style Party Game |
| Bomberman 64 | Nintendo 64 | Arcade-style Party Game |
| Bonk’s Adventure | TurboGrafx-16 | Platformer |
| Bonk’s Revenge | TurboGrafx-16 | Platformer |
| Bonk 3 | TurboGrafx-16 | Platformer |
| Brain Age | Nintendo DS | Puzzle / Educational. The sequel is on Switch (via import), but the original has separate content. |
| Break In | TurboGrafx-16 | Pool |
| Car Battler Joe | Game Boy Advance | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Chew Man Fu | TurboGrafx-16 | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| China Warrior | TurboGrafx-16 | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Cybernator | SNES | AKA Assault Suits Valken |
| Devil’s Crush | TurboGrafx-16 | Pinball |
| Digital Champ: Battle Boxing | TurboGrafx-16 | Boxing |
| DK: King of Swing | GBA | Platformer |
| DK Jungle Climber | Nintendo DS | Platformer |
| Donkey Kong Country 64 | N64 | 3D Platformer |
| Donkey Kong Country Returns | Wii | Platformer |
| Donkey Kong Jr. Math | NES | Educational |
| Donkey Kong Jungle Beat | Wii | Platformer |
| Double Dragon III | NES | Arcade Brawler |
| Double Dungeons | TurboGrafx-16 | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Drill Dozer | GBA | Platformer |
| Duck Hunt | NES | Shooting Gallery “Light Gun” Game |
| Dungeon Explorer | TurboGrafx-16 | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Excitebots Trick Racing | Wii | Racing |
| F-Zero GP Legend | GBA | Racing |
| F-Zero Maximum Velocity | GBA | Racing |
| Final Fantasy Tactics Advance | GBA | Strategy-RPG |
| Final Fight 2 | SNES | Arcade Brawler |
| Final Fight 3 | SNES | Arcade Brawler |
| Final Soldier | TurboGrafx-16 | Shmup |
| Fire Emblem | GBA | Strategy-RPG. AKA Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade, this is the 7th game in the series, and the first game to be localized for Western audiences. |
| Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon | DS | Strategy-RPG. |
| Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones | GBA | Strategy-RPG |
| Flying Dragon: The Secret Scroll | NES | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Flying Warriors | NES | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Game & Watch Gallery 4 | GBA | Compilation of remakes of classic LCD games. |
| Gargoyle’s Quest II | NES | Action-Platformer |
| Genghis Kahn II | SNES | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Golden Sun | GBA | JRPG |
| Golden Sun: The Lost Age | GBA | JRPG |
| Harvest Moon | SNES | Farming Sim/RPG |
| Harvest Moon 64 | N64 | Farming Sim/RPG |
| Hogan’s Alley | NES | Shooting Gallery “Light Gun” Game |
| Imagefight | TurboGrafx-16 | Shmup. It’s delisted and no longer available. |
| Imagefight 2 | TurboGrafx-16 | Shmup. It’s delisted and no longer available. |
| Kirby & The Amazing Mirror | GBA | Platformer |
| Kirby Canvas Curse | DS | Platformer/Misc. |
| Kirby Mass Attack | DS | Platformer |
| Kirby Squeak Squad | DS | Platformer |
| Kirby’s Epic Yarn | Wii | Platformer |
| Kirby’s Return to Dream Land | Wii | Platformer |
| Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land | GBA | Platformer |
| Klonoa: Empire of Dreams | GBA | Platformer. Note: This is not the game getting remade in Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series |
| Klonoa 2: Dream Champ Tournament | GBA | Platformer. Note: This is not the game getting remade in Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series |
| Konami Krazy Racers | GBA | Kart Racer |
| Kung Fu Heroes | NES | Dunno about this one, sorry |
| Kuru Kuru Kururin | GBA | Acrade-style game where you try to move a spinning stick through an obstacle course without hitting walls. |
| Legend of Hero Tonma | TurboGrafx-16 | Dunno about this one, sorry. It’s delisted and no longer available. |
| Little Ninja Brothers | NES | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Lode Runner | NES | Classic Arcade-style Puzzle-Platformer |
| Lords of Thunder | Turbo Duo | Shmup |
| Lost in Shadow | Wii | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Mach Rider | NES | Racing |
| Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga | GBA | JRPG. Note: This game got a remake on the 3DS. |
| Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time | GBA | JRPG |
| Mario Golf Advance | GBA | Golf |
| Mario Hoops 3 on 3 | DS | Basketball |
| Mario Kart DS | DS | Kart Racing |
| Mario Kart Super Circuit | GBA | Kart Racing. Page on Nintendo.com not loading properly. |
| Mario Party Advance | GBA | Party Game |
| Mario Party DS | DS | Party Game |
| Mario Pinball Land | GBA | Pinball |
| Mario Sports Mix | Wii | Sports |
| Mario Strikers Charged | Wii | Soccer |
| Mario Super Sluggers | Wii | Baseball |
| Mario Tennis: Power Tour | GBA | Tennis. Page not displaying properly. |
| Mario Vs. Donkey Kong | GBA | Puzzle-Platformer |
| Mario Vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis | DS | Puzzle-Platformer |
| Medabots AX: Metabee | GBA | Sorry, dunno about this one. |
| Medabots AX: Rokusho | GBA | Sorry, dunno about this one. |
| Medabots: Metabee | GBA | Sorry, dunno about this one. |
| Medabots: Rokusho | GBA | Sorry, dunno about this one. |
| Mega Man & Bass | SNES | Action-Platformer. This is one of the few mainline games in this series to be skipped over in Capcom’s compilation releases on Switch. |
| Mega Man Battle Chip Challenge | GBA | Action-RPG/Card Game/Misc. |
| Metal Marines | SNES | Sorry, dunno about this one. |
| Metroid Fusion | GBA | Metroidvania. AKA Metroid 4. This is the game that takes place chronologically right before Metroid Dread. |
| Metroid Prime Hunters | DS | First-Person Shooter |
| Metroid Prime Trilogy | Wii | First-Person Shooter/Metroidvania. This is a collection of the first three games in the Metroid Prime series, with the first two games updated to include Wiimote controls. This trilogy has been rumored to be coming to Nintendo Switch, but there has been zero firm evidence to support this thus far. |
| Metroid: Other M | Wii | Third-Person Shooter |
| Metroid: Zero Mission | GBA | Metroidvania. This is a remake of the first game in the series. |
| Mighty Final Fight | NES | Arcade Brawler |
| Motoroader | TurboGrafx-16 | Top-Down Racing |
| Mr. Driller 2 | GBA | Puzzle |
| Namco Museum | GBA | Compilation/Arcade. Includes Ms. Pac-Man and Pole Position, not otherwise available on Switch. |
| Necromancer | TurboGrafx-16 | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Neutopia | TurboGrafx-16 | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Neutopia II | TurboGrafx-16 | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| New Adventure Island | TurboGrafx-16 | Platformer |
| New Super Mario Bros. | DS | Platformer |
| Ninja Gaiden II | NES | Action-Platformer |
| Ninja Gaiden III | NES | Action-Platformer |
| Ninja Spirit | TurboGrafx-16 | Action-Platformer. It’s delisted and no longer available, sorry. |
| Nobunaga’s Ambition | SNES | Strategy |
| Ogre Battle 64 | N64 | Strategy |
| Onimusha Tactics | GBA | Strategy-RPG |
| Pac-Man 2 | SNES | Platformer. Most of the Pac-Man games on the Wii U eShop are included in the upcoming Pac-man Museum+ on Switch, but not this odd Platformer. |
| Picross 3D | Nintendo DS | Picross |
| Pandora’s Tower | Wii | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Pikmin | Wii | Strategy. This is the Wii version of the game, with Wiimote motion controls. |
| Pikmin 2 | Wii | Strategy. This is the Wii version of the game, with Wiimote motion controls. |
| Pocky & Rocky With Becky | GBA | This is the third game in the series, and completely separate from the upcoming Pocky & Rocky Reshrined |
| Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky | DS | Dungeon-Crawler |
| Pokemon Pinball Ruby & Sapphire | GBA | Pinball |
| Pokemon Ranger | DS | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs | DS | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia | DS | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| PokePark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure | Wii | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Polarium Advance | GBA | Puzzle |
| Power Golf | TurboGrafx-16 | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Punch-Out!! | Wii | Boxing. Not to be confused with the NES game bearing the same name (this is a sequel to that). |
| Rayman 3 | GBA | Platformer |
| Rayman Advance | GBA | Platformer |
| Rayman Raving Rabbids | Wii | Party Game |
| Resident Evil 4 | Wii | Action/Horror. While this game is technically on the Nintendo Switch, many players swear by the Wii version’s motion controls |
| Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles | Wii | Action/Horror |
| Rhythm Heaven Fever | Wii | Music-Rhythm |
| Romance of the Three Kingdoms IV | SNES | Strategy |
| Shockman | TurboGrafx-16 | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Sin and Punishment: Star Successor | Wii | Action. This is the sequel to the N64 game Sin and Punishment. |
| Soldier Blade | TurboGrafx-16 | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Spelunker | NES | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Star Fox Command | DS | On-Rails Combat Flight Sim |
| Street Fighter 2010 | NES | This game has almost nothing to do with the fighting game series of the same name. It’s more of an Action-Platformer |
| Stinger | NES | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Style Savvy | DS | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Super Mario 64 DS | DS | 3D Platformer. This version of the N64 game added new characters and features, a lot of minigames, and touchscreen support. If it wasn’t for a the lack of analog countrol, this could arguably be seen as the definitive version of this game. |
| Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 | GBA | This game is based on the version of Super Mario Bros. 3 that was in Super Mario All-Stars. This version is noteworthy for including added content originally available only by using the e-Card Reader Attachment, including new levels. |
| Super Mario Galaxy 2 | Wii | 3D Platformer |
| Super Mario RPG | SNES | RPG |
| Super Paper Mario | Wii | Platformer |
| Super Star Soldier | TurboGrafx-16 | Shmup |
| The Adventures of Bayou Billy | NES | Arcade Brawler |
| The Legend of the Mystical Ninja | SNES | Action-RPG |
| The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass | DS | Action-RPG |
| The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks | DS | Action-RPG |
| The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap | GBA | Action-RPG |
| Trauma Team | Wii | Simulation / Arcade. This game has you performing surgeries using the Wii remote’s motion controls. |
| Uncharted Waters: New Horizons | SNES | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Ufouria: The Saga | NES | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Urban Champion | NES | Arcade Brawler |
| Vegas Stakes | SNES | Casino |
| Victory Run | TurboGrafx-16 | Racing |
| Vigilante | TurboGrafx-16 | Arcade Brawler. Delisted. |
| WarioWare Inc. | GBA | Arcade |
| Wario: Master of Disguise | DS | Dunno about this one, sorry. |
| Wario Land 4 | GBA | Platformer |
| Wario Land: Shake It! | Wii | Platformer |
| WarioWare: Smooth Moves | Wii | Arcade |
| WarioWare: Touched! | DS | Arcade |
| Wild Gunman | NES | Shooting Gallery “Light Gun” Game |
| World Sports Competition | TurboGrafx-16 | Sports |
| Xevious | NES | Shmup |
| Yoshi Touch & Go | DS | Arcade |
| Yoshi’s Island DS | DS | Platformer. This is a different game than the SNES version of Yoshi’s Island, a sequel based on the original. |
| Zack & Wiki | Wii | Graphic Adventure |
| Zoda’s Revenge: StarTropics 2 | NES | Action-RPG |
Note: Removed the Mega Man Battle Network games from this list, as they have been announced to be coming to Nintendo Switch in a pair of compilations in 2023.
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3DS Digital-Only Games Not on Nintendo Switch
| Title | Metacritic Score | Other Platforms | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pushmo | 90 | N/A | This is an outstanding character-based Puzzle game. |
| Colors! 3D | 89 | N/A | This art software has arguably been replaced by Colors Live on Switch. |
| Picross 3D: Round 2 | 86 | N/A | It’s a Picross game all right. |
| Crashmo | 86 | N/A | Another entry in the Pushmo series. This is an outstanding character-based Puzzle game. |
| Pocket Card Jockey | 83 | N/A | I don’t know anything about this one, sorry. |
| Bye-Bye BoxBoy! | 83 | N/A | Platformer with Puzzle elements |
| Stretchmo | 83 | N/A | Another entry in the Pushmo series. This is an outstanding character-based Puzzle game. |
| Rhythm Heaven Megamix | 83 | N/A | An excellent Music-Rhythm game. |
| 3D After Burner II | 81 | Sega Genesis, PlayStation 2 | A 3D remake of the classic Sega on-rails shooter arcade game. |
| BoxBoxBoy! | 81 | N/A | Platformer with Puzzle elements |
| Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies | 81 | iOS, Android | This is the fifth main entry in the Ace Attorney series of Visual Novel games. |
| Siesta Fiesta | 81 | N/A | This game is a different kinda’ take on classic Arcade-style brick breakers like Breakout, Alleyway, and Arkanoid. |
| Style Savvy: Styling Star | 80 | N/A | I don’t know anything about this one, sorry. |
| BoxBoy! | 80 | N/A | Platformer with Puzzle elements |
| Fluidity: Spin Cycle | 78 | N/A | I don’t know much about this one, sorry. |
| Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move | 78 | N/A | I don’t know much about this one, sorry. |
| The Denpa Men: They Came By Wave | 78 | N/A | Monster-Collecting Turn-Based RPG |
| Kokuga | 77 | N/A | I don’t know much about this one, sorry. |
| Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney | 77 | iOS, Android | This is the fourth entry in the Ace Attorney series of Visual Novel games. |
| Attack of the Friday Monsters: A Tokyo Tale | 77 | N/A | I don’t know much about this one, sorry. |
| Super Little Acorns 3D Turbo | 77 | N/A | I don’t know much about this one, sorry. |
| Tappingo 2 | 77 | N/A | Puzzle Game. |
| Ketzal’s Corridors | 76 | N/A | I don’t know much about this one, sorry. |
| Pokemon Art Academy | 76 | N/A | I don’t know much about this one, sorry. |
| The Denpa Men 2: Beyond the Waves | 76 | N/A | Monster-Collecting Turn-Based RPG |
| Crimson Shroud | 76 | N/A | This is a challenging RPG headed up by Yasumi Matsuno of Final Fantasy Tactics and Final Fantasy XII fame. |
| The Denpa Men 3: The Rise of Digitoll | 75 | N/A | Monster-Collecting Turn-Based RPG |
| Pokemon Picross | 75 | N/A | Yup, it’s Picross. With Pokemon |
| EscapeVektor | 75 | PlayStation Vita | I don’t know much about this one, sorry. |
| NightSky | 75 | iOS, PC | I don’t know much about this one, sorry. |
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Other highly-rated 3DS exclusives also available in physical format:
Animal Crossing: New Leaf (arguably replaced by Animal Crossing; New Horizons on Switch)
Cave Story 3D (a unique 3D remake of the PC cult classic Action-Platformer)
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D (a port of the Wii game)
Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past (A remake of the PlayStation One game)
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King (a remake of the PlayStation 2 game)
Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl
Etrian Odyssey Untold 2: The Fafnir Knight
Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan
Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth
Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
Hakuoki: Memories of Shinsengumi
Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX
Inazuma Eleven Go Chrono Stories: Thunderflash
Inazuma Eleven Go Chrono Stories: Wildfire
Inazuma Eleven Go: Shadows
Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance
Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn (port of the Wii game)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey (a remake of the DS game Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions (A remake of the GBA game Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga)
Metroid: Samus Returns (a remake of Metroid 2)
Nano Assault (note: later re-released on the 3DS eShop as Nano Assault DX with enhanced features – if possible, you should get that version instead, even though this release got a slightly higher Metacritic score)
Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth
Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth
Pokemon Omega Ruby / Pokemon Alpha Sapphire
Pokemon Ultra Sun / Pokemon Ultra Moon
Poochy and Yoshi’s Woolly World (an expanded port of the Wii U game)
Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy
Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask
Professor Layton Vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology (a remake of the DS game Radiant Historia)
Rhythm Thief & The Emperor’s Treasure
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux
Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 Record Breaker
Star Fox 64 3D (A remake of the N64 game Star Fox 64. Arguably the definitive version of this game)
Story of Seasons (despite its simple title, this is actually the 25th game in the franchise)
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
Tales of the Abyss (a remake of a PlayStation 2 game)
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D (A remake of the N64 game. Arguably the definitive version of this game)
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (A remake of the N64 game. Arguably the definitive version of this game)
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars
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3DS Virtual Console Games Not on Nintendo Switch
Note: Many of these games are distinctly different from other games with the same title that are on the Nintendo Switch. I have only removed those that are close enough to a game already on the Nintendo Switch that it would be reasonable to say it’s redundant. Also, note that Super Nintendo Entertainment System games will only play on a New Nintendo 3DS, not the original model.
| Title | Original Platform | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Adventure Island II | Nintendo Entertainment System | Platformer |
| Adventure Island | Game Boy | Action-Platformer |
| Alleyway | Game Boy | Arcade-style Brick Breaker |
| Avenging Spirit | Game Boy | Action-Platformer |
| Balloon Kid | Game Boy | Sequel to Balloon Fight |
| Baseball | Game Boy | Baseball game, of course. |
| Bases Loaded | Nintendo Entertainment System | Baseball |
| Bionic Commando: Elite Forces | Game Boy Color | The sequel to the NES Action-Platformer |
| Bionic Commando | Game Boy | A loose adaptation of the NES game |
| Blaster Master: Enemy Below | Game Boy Color | A sequel to the NES Action-Platformer |
| Castlevania: The Adventure | Game Boy | A unique entry in the Action-Platformer series, well before Castlevania became better known for its Metroidvanias. |
| Catrap | Game Boy | Puzzle-Platformer |
| Columns | Game Gear | Match-3 Puzzle |
| Crystal Warriors | Game Gear | Strategy-RPG |
| Defenders of Oasis | Game Gear | Turn-Based JRPG |
| Donkey Kong Land 2 | Game Boy | Loosely based on Donkey Kong Country II |
| Donkey Kong Land III | Game Boy | Loosely based on Donkey Kong Country III |
| Donkey Kong Land | Game Boy | Loosely based on Donkey Kong Country |
| Donkey Kong | Game Boy | This is a re-imagining of the original Arcade game that expands on it tremendously to make it into a Puzzle-Platformer, which would later form the basis of the Mario Vs. Donkey Kong series. |
| Dragon Crystal | Game Gear | Top-Down Dungeon Crawler |
| Final Fight 2 | Super Nintendo Entertainment System | Arcade-style Brawler |
| Final Fight 3 | Super Nintendo Entertainment System | Arcade-style Brawler |
| Fortified Zone | Game Boy | Sorry, not sure about this one. |
| Game & Watch Gallery 2 | Game Boy Color | A Compilation of remakes of classic LCD Games |
| Game & Watch Gallery 3 | Game Boy Color | A Compilation of remakes of classic LCD Games |
| Game & Watch Gallery | Game Boy | A Compilation of updated versions of classic LCD games released prior to the Game Boy |
| Gargoyle’s Quest II | Nintendo Entertainment System | Platformer with RPG elements. |
| Gargoyle’s Quest | Game Boy | The first game in the Action-Platformer series with RPG elements. |
| Golf | Game Boy | Golf, of course. |
| Harvest Moon 2 | Game Boy Color | Farming RPG |
| Harvest Moon 3 | Game Boy Color | Farming RPG |
| Harvest Moon | Game Boy Color | Farming RPG |
| Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters | Game Boy | The second game in the Kid Icarus series. |
| Kirby’s Block Ball | Game Boy | A unique take on the Arcade-style Brick Breaker genre |
| Kirby’s Dream Land 2 | Game Boy | The third game in the Kirby series on Platformers (the second being Kirby’s Adventure on the NES |
| Kirby’s Dream Land | Game Boy | The first game in the Kirby series of Platformers |
| Kirby’s Pinball Land | Game Boy | Pinball |
| Kirby’s Star Stacker | Game Boy | Puzzle |
| Legend of the River King 2 | Game Boy Color | Fishing RPG |
| Legend of the River King | Game Boy Color | Fishing RPG |
| Lock ‘n’ Chase | Game Boy | Sorry, not sure about this one. |
| Lufia: The Legend Returns | Game Boy Color | RPG |
| Mach Rider | Nintendo Entertainment System | Racing Game (I think?) |
| Mario Golf | Game Boy Color | Golf (of course). Noteworthy for being the first game in the series, and featuring RPG elements |
| Mario Tennis | Game Boy Color | Tennis (of course) |
| Maru’s Mission | Game Boy | Action-Platformer |
| Mega Man II | Game Boy | Loosely based on Mega Man 2 and 3 on the NES |
| Mega Man III | Game Boy | Loosely based on Mega Man 3 and 4 on the NES |
| Mega Man IV | Game Boy | Loosely based on Mega Man 4 and 5 on the NES |
| Mega Man V | Game Boy | A completely original game in the Mega Man series |
| Mega Man Xtreme 2 | Game Boy Color | An Action-Platformer that combines elements from Mega Man X, X2, X3, X4, and X6 |
| Mega Man Xtreme | Game Boy Color | An Action-Platformer that combines elements of Mega Man X and Mega Man X2 |
| Mega Man: Dr. Wily’s Revenge | Game Boy | Loosely based on Mega Man 1 and 2 on the NES |
| Metroid II: Return of Samus | Game Boy | Metroidvania |
| Mole Mania | Game Boy | Sorry, not sure about this one. |
| Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon | Game Boy | Sorry, not sure about this one. |
| Ninja Gaiden II | Nintendo Entertainment System | Action-Platformer |
| Ninja Gaiden III | Nintendo Entertainment System | Action-Platformer |
| Pokémon Blue | Game Boy | The first game in the Pokemon series of monster-collecting JRPGs. Sorta’-kinda’ remade on Switch in Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu / Eevee, but with very different gameplay. |
| Pokémon Crystal | Game Boy Color | The updated version of the second game in the Pokemon franchise. |
| Pokémon Gold | Game Boy Color | The second game in the Pokemon franchise. |
| Pokémon Puzzle Challenge | Game Boy Color | A version of Panel De Pon, also known as Tetris Attack. |
| Pokémon Red | Game Boy | The first game in the Pokemon series of monster-collecting JRPGs. Sorta’-kinda’ remade on Switch in Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu / Eevee, but with very different gameplay. |
| Pokémon Silver | Game Boy Color | The second game in the Pokemon franchise. |
| Pokémon Trading Card Game | Game Boy Color | A digital version of the real-life trading card game. |
| Pokémon Yellow | Game Boy Color | The updated version of the first game in the Pokemon franchise. |
| Prince of Persia | Game Boy Color | A port of the PC Platformer. |
| Qix | Game Boy | Arcade / Puzzle game. |
| Quarth | Game Boy | Falling Block Puzzle / Shmup |
| Radar Mission | Game Boy | Sorry, not sure about this one. |
| Rayman | Game Boy Color | A port of the first game in this Platformer series. |
| Revenge of the ‘Gator | Game Boy | Pinball |
| Shining Force: The Sword of Hajya | Turn-Based Strategy-RPG | |
| Shinobi | Game Gear | Action-Platformer |
| Side Pocket | Game Boy | Pool |
| Sonic Blast | Game Gear | Not sure about this one, sorry. |
| Sonic Drift 2 | Game Gear | Racing game |
| Sonic Labyrinth | Game Gear | Not sure about this one, sorry. |
| Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Game Gear | Platformer, completely different than the Sega Genesis game. |
| Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble | Game Gear | Platformer |
| Sonic the Hedgehog | Game Gear | Platformer, completely different than the Sega Genesis game. |
| Spelunker | Nintendo Entertainment System | Not sure about this one, sorry. |
| Street Fighter 2010 | Nintendo Entertainment System | This game has almost nothing to do with the fighting game series of the same name. It’s more of an Action-Platformer |
| Summer Carnival ’92: Recca | Nintendo Entertainment System | Shmup |
| Super Mario Bros. Deluxe | Game Boy Color | This port of the first Super Mario Bros. Adds new elements, like collectable red coins, and includes an unlockable version of The Lost Levels. |
| Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins | Game Boy | Platformer. Noteworthy for being the first appearance of Wario |
| Super Mario Land | Game Boy | Platformer. Noteworthy for being the first appearance of Daisy |
| Tails Adventure | Game Gear | Platformer |
| Tennis | Game Boy | Tennis, of course |
| The Legend of the Mystical Ninja | Super Nintendo Entertainment System | Action-RPG |
| The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages | Game Boy Color | This is an original entry in the Zelda series, paired with Oracle of Seasons, but both games are completely different. |
| The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons | Game Boy Color | This is an original entry in the Zelda series, paired with Oracle of Ages, but both games are completely different. |
| The Mysterious Murasame Castle | Nintendo Entertainment System | Not sure about this one, sorry. |
| The Sword of Hope II | Game Boy | Sorry, not sure about this one. |
| Tumblepop | Game Boy | Sorry, not sure about this one. |
| Vampire: Master of Darkness | Game Gear | Not sure about this one, sorry. |
| Wario Land 3 | Game Boy Color | Platformer |
| Wario Land II | Game Boy Color | Platformer |
| Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 | Game Boy | Platformer. Wario’s first game in a starring role. |
| Xtreme Sports | Game Boy Color | I’m not sure about this one, but I’m guessing it’s an Extreme Sports game. |
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