The 3DS was one of the most unique and innovative handheld consoles that Nintendo has ever released, and it has definitely been a popular system for a very long time.
However, the Nintendo 3DS has now been succeeded by the Nintendo Switch and is no longer sold in stores anymore.
Still got a 3DS laying around and you’re wondering how much you can sell your old 3DS console today? Or are you just curious to know what it’s still worth?
Let’s take a closer look and find out how much a 3DS is still worth in 2023, measured both in real second-hand value or trade-in value at a game store.
This article was last updated on July 13th, 2023. All prices have been gathered through extensive research by the writer and have also been updated to reflect current pricing.
How Much Is My Nintendo 3DS Still Worth in 2023?
You might not believe it, but the Nintendo 3DS was actually released well over a decade ago on February 26, 2011.
Ever since the release of the original 3DS, several upgraded or different models have been released, including the Nintendo 3DS XL, New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL, Nintendo 2DS, and the New Nintendo 2DS XL, the most recent model in the 3DS family.
In used condition, an original 3DS has recently sold for $90, a 3DS XL has sold for $112, the New Nintendo 3DS is rarer and has sold at $186, the New 3DS XL has been sold for $220, the 2DS changes hands regularly for $90 and the 2DS XL can go for $140.
Important note: these prices obtained from eBay, Amazon, and websites of other major retailers are accurate at the time of writing. Please note that current pricing may not be identical and differ. Prices are shown in United States dollars, meaning that consoles may have a different value if you’re from another country.
3DS family model | Average sold price on eBay | Lowest available price (new) |
Nintendo 3DS (original) | $90 | $339 |
Nintendo 3DS XL (original) | $158 | $352 |
New Nintendo 3DS | $186 | $485 |
New Nintendo 3DS XL | $220 | $239 |
Nintendo 2DS | $90 | $205 |
Nintendo 2DS XL | $140 | $350 |
Why are Nintendo 3DS models so expensive?
If you’re looking for a brand new Nintendo 3DS model, whether it’s a relatively inexpensive 2DS or one of the more exciting New 3DS variants, expect to pay a lot – sometimes even a whole lot more than the original price tag.
The 3DS models are so expensive simply because they aren’t made anymore. These handheld consoles in new conditions are getting rarer and rarer, which explains the surging prices. Luckily, there are a lot more 3DS consoles out there than the PlayStation Vita, the competing handhelds at the time from Sony.
On secondhand platforms such as Craigslist and eBay, however, you’ll have better luck finding more democratic pricetags. However, keep in mind that these consoles might not be in perfect condition.
Is the trade-in value for a 3DS worth it?
Simply put, trade-in values are almost never worth it, unless there’s some kind of trade-in promotion going on.
If you want to sell your 3DS console, you’ll almost always be better off selling it on eBay – even if you take processing and shipping fees into account.
How much is a Nintendo 3DS still worth?
The Nintendo 3DS was the console that started the hugely popular 3DS family of handhelds, and it was the successor to the Nintendo DS family. Aside from revamped controls with a circle pad and slightly more processing power, the 3DS featured a passive stereoscopic display resulting in a 3D gaming experience.
Value overview of a regular, original Nintendo 3DS:
- Introductory price: $249.99 (2011)
- Average sold price on eBay: $90 – $140
- With charger: $90
- Complete with box and booklet: $140
- Lowest price on Amazon (new): $352
- Pre-owned price on GameStop: $129.99
How much is a Nintendo 3DS XL still worth?
The Nintendo 3DS XL model was released one year after the regular 3DS and is also known as the ‘3DS LL’ in Japan. The screen size increased by over 90% compared to the original model, resulting in a much better 3D viewing experience. The battery size also increased. Aside from the screen and battery, the 3DS XL is otherwise identical.
Value overview of a regular, original Nintendo 3DS XL:
- Introductory price: $199.99 (2012)
- Average sold price on eBay: $158 – $300
- Console only: $158
- Complete with box and booklet or with games: $300
- Lowest price on Amazon (new): $339
- Pre-owned price on GameStop: $140
- Refurbished price on GameStop: $140
How much is a New Nintendo 3DS still worth?
The New Nintendo 3DS is an upgraded variant of the original 3DS, featuring a C-stick that acts as a second analog control option, SNES Virtual Console games that can be downloaded from the eShop, and increased technical specifications and performance. The New-variants have a couple of exclusive games as well thanks to their additional horsepower. Some existing games perform significantly better as well, making this the elite compact 3DS model.
Value overview of a New Nintendo 3DS:
- Introductory price: $219 (2014)
- Average sold price on eBay: $186 – $300
- With charger: $186
- Complete with box and booklet and/or bundle of games: $300
- Lowest price on Amazon (new): $485
- Pre-owned price on GameStop: $130
How much is a New Nintendo 3DS XL still worth?
Just like with the regular models, it didn’t take long before Nintendo decided to release a bigger XL model of the ‘New’ 3DS. This model features a larger display and a bigger battery and has all of the benefits and extra horsepower of the regular New 3DS.
Value overview of a New Nintendo 3DS XL:
- Introductory price: $199.99 (2015)
- Average sold price on eBay: $220 – $250
- With charger: $220
- Complete with box and booklet and/or bundle of games: $250
- Lowest price on Amazon (new): $239
- Pre-owned price on GameStop: $140
- Refurbished price on GameStop: $140
How much is a Nintendo 2DS worth?
The 2DS handhelds were a bit special: they are still positioned within the 3DS family and can play 3DS games, but the screen lacks the ability to play games in 3D. In other words, you’re restricted to 2D gaming only. The 2DS is fairly comparable to the original 3DS but features a one-slate design instead of the iconic DS clamshell. The 2DS family are budget-centered consoles.
Value overview of a Nintendo 2DS
- Introductory price: $129.99 (2013)
- Average sold price on eBay: $90 – $110
- With charger: $90
- Complete with box and booklet and/or bundle of games: $110
- Lowest price on Amazon (new): $205
- Pre-owned price on GameStop: $140
- Refurbished price on GameStop: $140
How much is a Nintendo 2DS XL worth?
When the New 2DS XL was released, a lot of gaming journalists even thought that the announcement was a bit strange, given the fact that the New 3DS XL could often be found at a discount. Nonetheless, the New 2DS XL is a cheaper version of the New 3DS XL without – you guessed it – support for stereoscopic 3D. This is a ‘New’ console with better technical specs and exclusive games.
Value overview of a New Nintendo 2DS XL
- Introductory price: $149.99 (2017)
- Average sold price on eBay: $140 – $180
- With charger: $140
- Complete with box and booklet and/or bundle of games: $180
- Lowest price on Amazon (new): $350
Will the 3DS consoles become even more valuable in the future?
Chances are that the prices for these consoles will keep rising. Even though millions have been produced, there aren’t many consoles to find in pristine or boxed condition. Especially the more exotic models such as the regular New Nintendo 3DS will likely continue to increase in value.
What about special/limited editions? Are they worth more?
The Nintendo 3DS definitely has had its fair share of special editions – Zelda consoles, Mario consoles, Yoshi, Pokémon 3DS handhelds, and even Minecraft Creeper 3DS XL versions were released.
Some special editions are worth more – some are not. It really depends. Your best bet is searching eBay and other websites and comparing the prices of your limited edition console against a regular color or variant.
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