When it comes to gaming on the Nintendo 3DS, there are numerous genres to explore beyond the classic Nintendo franchises like The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario. While the console offers a plethora of games, finding top-notch shooter games can be a challenge.
Unearthing a great shooter game on the Nintendo 3DS can be quite a task. Kid Icarus: Uprising, for instance, was highly anticipated and well-received, despite not being the absolute best shooter on the console. In fact, shooters on the 3DS are a rare find.
5 IronFall: Invasion
A Unique Multiplayer Experience
- Platforms: Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch
- Released: 2015-02-13
- Developer: VD-dev
- Genre: Third-Person Shooter
IronFall: Invasion offers both single-player and online multiplayer modes. Despite its impressive visuals for the 3DS, the game did not gain widespread popularity, although it remains one of the standout multiplayer shooters on the system.
The online multiplayer arena mode received accolades from critics, overshadowing the lackluster campaign. Unfortunately, with Nintendo discontinuing online support in 2024, the game's online features will be inaccessible.
4 Kid Icarus: Uprising
An Innovative Dual-Screen Adventure
Kid Icarus: Uprising deviates from traditional shooters, offering a blend of third-person shooting, space combat, and dungeon exploration. While not the top shooter on the 3DS, it excels in leveraging the dual-screen setup, providing a unique gameplay experience.
The game predominantly unfolds on the upper screen, with the touchscreen utilized for character interactions, seamlessly integrating action with engaging storytelling.
3 Metroid Prime: Federation Force
A Collaborative First-Person Adventure
- Platform: Nintendo 3DS
- Released: 2016-08-19
- Developer: Next Level Games
- Genre: First-Person Shooter
Metroid Prime: Federation Force initially faced backlash but offers an enjoyable co-op experience. Despite its departure from the traditional Metroid style, the game delivers a unique co-op shooter experience on the 3DS.
While criticized for its tone and storyline, the game's distinctiveness lies in its co-op gameplay, making it a worthwhile addition to the 3DS library, albeit hindered by the upcoming server shutdown.