I've always been an ambassador for emulation, but the 3ds is a console that gives you a lot of portability which I adore. It has a good library of games, and I have particularly fond memories of monster hunter 4 ultimate and fantasy life

I think it is less emulation when it comes to DS and 3DS, but that the touch screen/stylus makes it so that unlike other systems the original hardware still feels better for games that use the stylus.

For general emulation other devices are better, since there isn't as much importance in replicating unique controls.

I decided to get a 3DS and DS because even though the emulated visuals and performance was better the touch gameplay side wasn't great.

Fast-forward, save states. I hate to say it, but some games made really questionable decisions with characters move speed, or you are replaying the game and don't want to overspend time on smth very boring. I own og 3ds xl. And I bought a pocketable Android hendheld because it is more powerful, and allows me to play same games faster.

I recently jailbroken mine so I could play Japanese games. Because it’s aimed at all ages it has lots of games with furigana text. Since I already have a 3DS it was a better option than buying a modded Switch.

Also the games on 3DS are unique because of the dual screens. It’s an experience you can’t have on Switch. And lots of GenZ people grew up with 3DS and are searching to scratch that nostalgia itch. I think also the rising cost of new games is pushing people to piracy. And a jailbroken 3DS is super convenient for that.

The DS (not 3ds) flashcart scene recently got blown up by the open source DSPico. I've purchased three from AliExpress at the actual, after shipping after taxes cost of $6 each. Separate purchases too, not some "3 for $18" pack.

I can't tell you if it's worth the money, that's for you to decide. The used prices are really high, even compared to more modern consoles (you can almost certainly get a used Switch Lite for significantly less). But the DS family of systems is awesome and the clamshell design makes them so much more portable than even a Switch Lite. It can go in a pocket and when you're done you just close the lid to put it to sleep.

The best system from the DS family is arguably one of the "New" 3DS/2DS systems. They are really easy to hack and that gives you access to a huge library of excellent 3DS, DS, GBA and homebrew games and ports natively and through emulation you also get GB, GBC, NES, SNES and even som N64 games (and likely some non Nintendo systems as well).

I love my 3DS and I play it probably just as much as my Switch 2. I recently beat the Ocarina of Time 3DS remaster and had a blast!

Seconding the exclusive games. SMT4 is probably the one JRPG I would like to forget just to enjoy playing it all over again. 4A was a divisive sort of side story/alternative timeline, but I still liked it. From there it's still got so much more to offer if those kinds of games aren't to your taste

I've got a 3DSXL laying on the floor behind me that I haven't touched in almost a year.

For me, I wouldn't recommend it. I also wouldn't recommend a PlayStation, or an Xbox, but you may enjoy the games on those platforms. What it is "worth" to you is independent from what anyone else thinks it is worth.

The 3DS was a solid console. It had homebrew on top of its game library. If you want the authentic original experience, it's hard to argue with. If you want the actual 3D effect, I think this is your only option.

If you don't care so much about authenticity, though, there are some amazing emulator handhelds these days that even include a second touch screen for DS and 3DS games. They don't do the 3D effect as far as I know, but they'll emulate DS and 3DS as well as every handheld that came before them and many couch consoles. If you just want to be able to portably play 3DS games, get one of them.

私も日本語を勉強しているので、読みやすいことを探しています。勧めゲームがありますか？

SMT4 was my intro to the main series after I played P5 and P4. Incredible experience, and I agree - I would love to forget it to be able to experience it again.

::: spoiler
Learning where you are after taking the elevator down was mind-blowing.
:::

Don't forget performance. Yes, playing 3DS games on native hardware will be the most authentic experience, but a Thor can emulate a lot more than a 3DS can. Wind Waker HD on a portable dual screen is cool as fuck.

As someone lucky enough to own both a modded New 3DSXL and a Thor, I'd recommend the Thor first unless you're looking to only play games from the 3DS era or older.

The Zelda remakes are pretty accessible for a learner though not a lot of text. Animal Crossing has lots of text but some villagers talk weird or kawaii so can be confusing but it’s still good. The Mario & Luigi rpgs and the Dragon Quests rpgs have lots of text and furigana so I recommend those too.

I bought one for the first time earlier this year, and absolutely love it.

Depends on what games you like, but you should be able to find something to enjoy.

Switch lineup has replaced it

Fun fact: Switch isn't really a successor to the 3DS, but rather the result of a series of cost cutting to the actual 3DS successor, which was, of course, originally going to be a dual-screen console.

What do you mean there is no main stream handheld, didn’t the switch 2 just come out? I bought the original and I loved it.

The switch and other systems with that form factor are more like portable consoles than true handhelds imo. Like I can put a DS or PSP in my pocket.

Same, to the spoiler!

Nocturne was actually my introduction on the PS2

Dagda might have been from the spinoff game, but he's a mainstay for my army in SMT V just for the memories

Also, he's probably Doi's best design for a new demon

Thanks for explaining haha