Nintendo 3DS Prices Surge Unexpectedly, Leaving Gamers Puzzled

Dig through your drawers and check that old cardboard box in the attic: 3DS prices are skyrocketing. As noted by a user on social media, the classic Nintendo handheld is now fetching secondhand prices that rival or exceed its original launch cost.

Launched in 2010 and officially discontinued in 2020, the 3DS was the successor to the wildly popular Nintendo DS. It retained the iconic clamshell design but introduced a stereoscopic 3D screen on the top half that didn’t require special glasses. Contrary to what you might think, it was a phenomenal success, selling an impressive 75.94 million units over its decade-long run and various models. Despite its widespread availability, demand for these devices is surging, with a used 3DS XL—once available for under $100 just a year ago—now selling for over $250.

Considering the larger 3DS XL launched at $200 (which was $50 less than the original 3DS), this price jump is significant. If you’re on the hunt for the New Nintendo 3DS XL, the 2014 upgrade that introduced a new C-Stick and improved CPU, expect to pay even more, with prices often starting around $280 for decent condition units. A quick search on resale sites might lead you to think the prices are inflated, but many of the lower listings are for Japanese-only LL models or have issues like damaged screens. The reason behind this renewed interest isn’t entirely clear; there hasn’t been a notable increase in piracy methods since custom firmware made flashcarts obsolete a few years back. Regardless, the 3DS remains an incredible gaming device.

While the 3D effect never quite worked for me—my imperfect eyesight made it look blurry and unconvincing, leading me to turn it off in every game—it’s essentially a faster, larger, and improved version of the Nintendo DS (which is, of course, the best console ever made). Plus, it’s backward compatible with the fantastic library of DS games. My 3DS XL proudly sits on the shelf behind me, knowing I’ll never part with it (unless prices soar even higher), with a copy of Pokémon Ultra Moon in the cartridge slot, just as it should be. But the temptation is real!