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The Nintendo 3DS just turned 15, but the anniversary has completely caught me off guard. Yes, it's technically now what I'd call a best retro handheld contender, and it abdicated its throne back in 2017 to make way for the Switch. However, the fact that mine still lives on my bedside, and companies are now putting out handheld homages, makes the console feel pretty current.
I should note that the Nintendo 3DS 15th anniversary marks the gaming handheld's release in the US, rather than its official Japanese debut. Technically speaking, the dual-screen device arrived on planet Earth on February 26, 2011, but March 27 serves as the day most of you were able to actually pick up the portable.
The 3DS managed to stick around for nine years until 2020, ultimately becoming the third best-selling console of all time. That perhaps explains why, even though I'm a retro console historian, I honestly forgot how old the system is, so I'm now here with my party hat on in a bid to inspire you to play some dual-screen delights on either the OG clamshell or a new device with the same vibes and functionality.
Grabbing a real 3DS in 2026
It's easy to assume the Nintendo 3DS is a singular console, but Ninty actually released a whole armada of models over the course of nine years. In fact, the device even received both a "2DS" demake and "New" 3DS remake, with the former stripping out the clamshell design and 3D screen and the latter adding in a C-Stick, amiibo support, and slightly beefier specs for exclusive games.
You'd think with the sheer number of 3DS options available, you'd be able to pick up the very first handheld for a reasonable price. I hate to break it to you, but that's not exactly the case, as you're looking at around $150 at eBay for the 2011 version. The original "XL" version comes at around $200 on average, and the "New" models can go for an absolutely bananas $300, depending on the condition.
Naturally, there are ways to strike lucky with finding an original 3DS at thrift stores and flea markets, and spring is an excellent time to go hunting for dual-screen diamonds. Using OG hardware also saves you from thinking about pesky things like emulation and backing up your cartridges, but at the same time, opting for a new device that mimics the Ninty's DS format could save you some pennies and arm you with a more versatile device overall.
Handheld homages
The handheld emulator scene has evolved into a remaking monster. Yes, the scene started off pumping out cheap and cheerful Game Boy clones like the Bittboy, but it has since shifted its focus to making higher-end homages to the likes of the 3DS that aim to solve the physical hardware side of dual-screen emulation.
One of the first devices that, in my eyes, nailed acting like a proper modern 3DS was the Ayaneo Flip DS. It's a pretty different beast from most modern claimshells out there since it's actually a full-blown Windows 11 PC with specs that would put your gaming laptop to shame, and it's $700 starting price absolutely reflects that. Still, it was and still is a monster for running the 3DS library while retaining dual-screen functionality, and the specs mean it can run pretty much the whole library at full speed while scaling to 720p.
At the same time, spending over $700 on a portable PC that is more or less designed to make your 3DS game look pretty is an enthusiast move. Thankfully, alternative brands have stepped in since then to fill in the gaps at lower price brackets with Linux and Android alternatives, all while offering up specs that will enhance your favorite outings.
If you're looking for something that sticks pretty close to the OG 3DS format, the Anbernic RG DS makes for a nice starting point at $129.99. Admittedly, its specs lean more towards the original "DS" released in 2004, but it can handle lighter-weight releases that belong to Ninty's successor. It's also rocking Android, which means it has access to a whole suite of apps and emulators that make it a great all-around option rather than just a 3DS tribute.
There is a core question you'll want to ask yourself while you look for a modern 3DS emulator, and it's whether you care about clamshells. If you do, it'll narrow your options down to a specific subset of portables like the Ayn Thor, but its AMOLED screen and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset will set you back around $250. It's still what I'd call a higher-end option, but not quite as spenny as a portable PC.
Those of you who couldn't care less about flippy screens, though, will want to explore slightly weird looking options like the Anberic RG Cube. Rather than folding, the portable uses a perfectly square 1:1 aspect ratio screen that is geared towards very specific SNES and Game Boy games, but happens to provide the right vertical space for 3DS emulation.
Yes, the display is far smaller than those beefier clamshell remakes and the original, but it works spectacularly as a compact way to play 3DS adventures. Its Unisoc T820 is surprisingly good at handling most of the console's library, and the reduced screen size means trying to upscale to higher resolutions is less of a concern. Plus, you're getting excellent controls that bring modern Steam Deck rival vibes to the table, once again making it a nice option for retro emulation in general.
Ditch the 3D, save money
I know the focus should be on the 3DS for its special day, but I'm too aware that many of you actually associate the handheld with original DS games. That's thanks to the fact the 3D portable was backwards compatible with the OG, so if you're actually looking to play a bunch of mid-2000s classics, you've got a few extra options.
I've already touched on the Anbernic RG DS, and it's certainly the handheld to go for if you need the clamshell vibes. But, the option I reckon will appeal to most of you is actually the 2DS-inspired MagicX Zero 40. I want to clarify that the "2DS" is confusingly a 3DS handheld (make it make sense), whereas the latter-mentioned emulation device just borrows the flat look for playing the older library.
The point is that for under $100 (typically around $89 at Amazon), you'll get a vertical screen with the right space for dual-screen gameplay. Having put the portable through its paces, I was impressed at how sharp the more modern IPS display looked compared to my original DS Lite, and while I would suggest sticking with the real deal if you can find it at the right price, the Zero 40 does make for a more convenient gadget for running your full library.
Whether you're looking to dive back into the 3DS or even just play OG DS games on a handheld with the right feel, there's no shortage of options as the portable turns 15. We'll no doubt be graced with even more too as the platform matures further, but my current aim is to steer you towards either grabbing an actual Ninty handheld or exploring new ways to play.
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