Table of Contents

Can You Play All Pokémon Games on Nintendo 3DS? A Comprehensive Guide

The simple answer is no, you cannot play all Pokémon games on the Nintendo 3DS. While the 3DS boasts impressive backward compatibility and a dedicated library of Pokémon titles, certain generations remain elusive without resorting to alternative methods. This article will break down which Pokémon games are playable on the 3DS, which aren’t, and explore the reasons behind these limitations. We’ll also delve into the best Pokémon experiences available on the system and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about playing Pokémon on the 3DS.

Pokémon Generations and the 3DS

To understand what’s playable, it’s crucial to understand the different Pokémon generations and their original platforms:

Generation 1: Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow (Game Boy)
Generation 2: Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal (Game Boy Color)
Generation 3: Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, and LeafGreen (Game Boy Advance)
Generation 4: Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum (Nintendo DS)
Generation 5: Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2 (Nintendo DS)
Generation 6: Pokémon X and Y (Nintendo 3DS)
Generation 7: Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon (Nintendo 3DS)

What Can You Play on the 3DS?

The Nintendo 3DS shines with its compatibility, allowing you to play:

Generation 2: Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal were released on the Virtual Console on the 3DS eShop. These versions offered faithful recreations of the classic games, with the added bonus of wireless trading and battling. However, it’s important to note that the eShop has now closed, so you can no longer purchase these digitally.
Generation 4: All Nintendo DS games are playable on the 3DS, meaning you can enjoy Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. Simply insert the DS cartridge into the 3DS, and you’re good to go.
Generation 5: Similar to Gen 4, Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2 are all playable via their original DS cartridges.
Generation 6: Pokémon X and Y were designed specifically for the 3DS and offer a fully 3D Pokémon experience.
Generation 7: Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon were also built for the 3DS, showcasing the system’s capabilities with enhanced graphics and features.
Remakes: The 3DS also features remakes of the Generation 3 games, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, offering a modern take on the Hoenn region.

What Can’t You Play on the 3DS (Without Workarounds)?

The biggest omission from the 3DS’s Pokémon library is:

Generation 3: The Game Boy Advance games Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, and LeafGreen were never released on the 3DS Virtual Console. This means that without unofficial methods, these games cannot be played directly on a 3DS.
Generation 1: While Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow were released on the 3DS Virtual Console, the eShop closure means they are no longer available for purchase. Unless you previously purchased and downloaded them, you cannot officially acquire them on the 3DS now.

Why the Limitations?

The absence of Gen 3 games on the Virtual Console is a long-standing question for Pokémon fans. While Nintendo never provided a definitive reason, speculation includes:

Technical Challenges: Emulating Game Boy Advance games perfectly on the 3DS hardware might have presented unforeseen challenges.
Remake Strategy: Nintendo might have prioritized the remakes Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire to encourage players to experience the Hoenn region in a new and updated format.
Business Decisions: Releasing the GBA games could have cannibalized sales of the 3DS titles.

Best Pokémon Experiences on the 3DS

Despite the limitations, the 3DS offers a rich Pokémon experience:

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon: These are widely considered the pinnacle of the 3DS Pokémon games, offering a compelling story, engaging gameplay, and the largest accessible Pokémon roster.
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire: These remakes provide a stunning visual update to the Hoenn region and include new features like Mega Evolution.
Pokémon X and Y: These games introduced the Fairy-type and brought the Pokémon world to life in full 3D for the first time.
The DS Pokémon Games (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Black, White, Black 2, White 2): Access to these titles thanks to backward compatibility makes the 3DS a hub for the series.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide additional information about playing Pokémon games on the Nintendo 3DS:

Can I still download Pokémon games on my 3DS? No. The Nintendo eShop for the 3DS closed on March 27, 2023. You can no longer purchase digital games from the eShop.
Can I transfer Pokémon from older games to newer ones on the 3DS? Yes, you can use the Pokémon Bank application to transfer Pokémon between compatible games. However, Pokémon Bank is now free to use since the eShop closure.
What is the best Pokémon game to play on 3DS? This depends on personal preference, but Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are often regarded as the best due to their content and features.
Do all 3DS games work on every 3DS model? Generally, yes. However, games specifically designed for the New Nintendo 3DS (N3DS) will not work on the original 3DS models. Games labeled simply “3DS” will work on all 3DS systems.
Are Pokémon games rare on the 3DS? Certain 3DS Pokémon games, like the Pokémon Sun & Moon Dual Pack, have become more valuable due to their limited availability and the closure of the eShop.
Can I play Pokémon Yellow on my 3DS? Pokémon Yellow was available on the Virtual Console, but it can no longer be purchased due to the eShop closure.
Is there a way to play Pokémon Emerald on my 3DS? Officially, no. Pokémon Emerald was never released on the 3DS Virtual Console. You would need to explore alternative methods.
Can I use cheat codes on Pokémon games on the 3DS? Cheat devices may work, but using them is generally discouraged as it can corrupt your save data and diminish the gameplay experience.
What was the last Pokémon game released on the 3DS? Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon were the last main series Pokémon games released for the 3DS.
Can I play Pokémon Diamond on my 3DS? Yes, you can play Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum on your 3DS using the original Nintendo DS cartridges.
Are the 3D effects in Pokémon games on the 3DS worth using? The 3D effects are a matter of personal preference. Some players enjoy them, while others find them distracting or uncomfortable.
Can you still trade Pokémon on 3DS? If you have physical copies of the games you can locally trade with others. Now that the e-shop is gone, online trading is no longer available.
What other Pokemon titles were available on the 3DS? Besides the main series titles, there were also spinoffs like Pokémon Art Academy, Pokémon Picross, and Detective Pikachu.
Are 3DS games still being developed? No, Nintendo discontinued the 3DS in 2020, and game development for the system has largely ceased.
Why are older Pokémon games so expensive? A combination of nostalgia, limited supply, and high demand drives up the prices of older Pokémon games.

The 3DS Legacy

The Nintendo 3DS holds a special place in the hearts of Pokémon fans. While it may not be able to play every Pokémon game ever released, it offers a fantastic selection of titles, including enhanced remakes and original adventures. Despite the eShop closure and the discontinuation of the system, the 3DS remains a worthwhile platform for experiencing the Pokémon world. Want to learn more about the educational potential of gaming? Visit the Games Learning Society website at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Can you play all Pokémon games on Nintendo 3DS?