Nintendo 3DS, which ended production four years ago, reaches peak popularity in the second-hand market

The Nintendo 3DS, one of the most unforgettable devices in the world of handheld gaming, was taken off the production line in 2021. However, four years later, the name is back on the agenda: as of late 2025, demand for Nintendo 3DS models in the second-hand market has reached record levels. The “New Nintendo 3DS XL” model, in particular, has become a favorite among sellers and collectors.

Global sales platforms and market analysis reports show that the price of this model ranges between 200 and 350 dollars depending on the condition of the device. 3DS units with complete box contents or those that have been professionally refurbished are finding buyers for as much as 379 dollars in some stores.

The price hike for the Switch in 2025 played a significant role in this remarkable rise in prices. With the prices of Switch models increasing, the second-hand price of the Nintendo 3DS has reached almost the same level as new-generation consoles in some regions. Thus, a console that was withdrawn from the market years ago has become competitive with current hardware.

Experts attribute this unusual market activity to three main reasons: First, the 3DS-exclusive versions of major game series such as Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, and Monster Hunter still receive intense interest. Second, limited-edition models with special finishes or themes hold collector value and are a focus for investors. Finally, the unique nature of the stereoscopic screen technology, which does not require 3D glasses, makes the Nintendo 3DS an even more sought-after device.

The device now finds its place more in the display cases of collectors or retro gamers than on the shelves of technology stores. This picture observed at the close of 2025 proves that the Nintendo 3DS continues to secure a permanent place in gaming history and that interest is not expected to wane anytime soon.