Affordable DS & 3DS JRPGs Worth Owning

[@Food4Dogs]

Of all the collecting I've done, there are 2 platforms I truly enjoyed: The PS Vita and the Nintendo DS/3DS. The latter has probably been the most unalloyed pleasure (some frustrations around Vita collecting). Just looking at my stack of 3DS and DS games still brings a smile to my face. 😊

[@orbalology]

I really love collecting games for those two systems too!

[@zevzero]

Ever Oasis is one of my favorite games. Such a fun game

[@ICgay4]

I saw it for $33 loose at GameStop, should I have gotten it? Lol

[@SaraMichael-o2j]

Stellas Glow on 3ds was also an amazing strategy rpg

[@toolman4745]

Holy crap your amount of knowledge of this is astounding. Knowing how much is released in different regions and the possible faulty carts. Thank you so much for this. I have definitely been looking into rounding out my DS and 3DS JRPG collections as I've seen your videos on the topic, and this video is a great resource for doing that.

[@easymodenerd]

Great list! I had stopped buying 3ds games because the prices had become so inflated. I'm so glad the prices are leveling out a bit.

[@orbalology]

Same! Glad more can still enjoy many of these 3DS titles.

[@donmerrigan2362]

I saw a sealed copy of one of the 3ds pokemon games that included some little electronic pokemon toy going for $2000.00 a few months back at a used game shop. Absolute madness.

[@Trenell83]

Probably one of the most underrated game on the 3DS Ever Oasis is such a gem. 😊

[@davidhall2018]

My 3DS collection sis literally my pride and joy of my entire collection. Love that little powerhouse so much!

[@mobilesuit3810]

Emily, just wanted to say I appreciate you putting together videos like these focused on niche jrpg titles from a collector’s perspective. After watching this video I happened to find a loose copy of Radiant Historia Perfect Chronology at current market value in my local GameStop. I had a couple coupons I applied to shave off $10 making the price a little more palatable to my budget. Although I always prefer CIB, after factoring in sales tax and shipping+handling I feel better about making my purchase so I can at least enjoy this version of the game with the QoL enhancements after being convinced the DS was going to be the only affordable version I’d be able to find at this point. Looking forward to future content and pick up videos 😊

[@femtrooper]

Really great list of games! I am glad I have most games I want on the 3DS...mad I didn't pick up Yokai Watch 3!!! sigh lol

[@PkmnMasterNeb]

DS and 3DS are some of my favorite consoles. I grew up getting only handheld games bc they were cheaper than consoles so that also meant my brother and I got games more frequently (usually 2 or 3 each a year) The one constant we always got was the new Pokémon game each year from Gen 3 all the way to Gen 6 when my brother stopped playing. I have lots of memories with these consoles. I’d say you covered all the big JRPGs that were affordable today but if you don’t mind paying up a little I recommend Fire Emblem Shadow Dragon on the DS. One of my favorite SRPGs!

[@GarbagePailKids-yp6wq]

I still love the DS and 3DS! Your vids haven’t been showing up on my feed so I’m really just commenting to keep you in my algorithm. ;)

[@pocketjedi6675]

Hey there! French viewer here if i can bring up a few differences between you guys in NA and us in Europe : - megami games cost way more here dont ask me why ! Devil S2 is around 100 euros cib and Devil S1 oh boy i cant even say how much because it never pops, but i think around 200 euros (for reference, euro right now is more or less the same as USD) - yokai games is the contrary : expensive for you and cheap for us. Except 3 which is expensive everywhere - pokemon games blew up those last 3 years. Black 2 white 2 where like 40 euros back in 2021. Now they are 80 at the very least (cib in France for reference) Lastly, as for the systems themselves, interesting to note you guys had amazing versions we never had and vice-versa. For example, you had the amazing 20th anniversary pokemon new 3ds which is very sought after, and the new 3ds xl pikachu yellow edition. While we had in europe the 3 best 2DS systems : red, blue and yellow pokemon editions never released in NA, and another bundle you guys never had and was limited even in europe is a pokemon alpha sapphire new 3ds pack with exlusive cover plates. Just a few interesting differces i thought someone wud be interested to know!

[@LynnMooney]

Realized ten seconds in the video your voice was speed up in playback speed. My gosh I was like, "what's going on?" 😂 Great recommendations of ds & 3ds games.

[@brentvance9090]

Great video!! I really like that you edited in gameplay footage.

[@A.Hanson]

I have a decent collection of DS and 3ds already but since I moved into my current house a year ago and set up my collection differently there is a little empty space in the CD cabinet I use for these games. That has made me want to find a few more games that are worth collecting to fill in the space. However the platform I've really gotten back into collecting for is the PSP. This is mostly because I got an HDMI cable for it and it was like getting an all new console... so many games I can finally play on the TV and that is an amazing feeling.

[@jasonsumma1530]

I haven't looked up any of the Golden Sun games in a long while but I do enjoy the Dark Dawn game. For me, the Golden Sun class system was very unique. The latest system for the games was the DS.

[@sotonrich]

So funny you started with “Tales of the Abyss” I just ordered a new copy from VGP yesterday! 😄 Great video as always, Emily!

[@blueorange31]

Fantasy Life was soooooo good! I loved that game and I’m so glad they are finally doing the sequel! Chef by day, paladin by night!

[@iceandspec]

You have great taste! DS/3DS will forever be one of my favorite consoles.

[@westonmeyer3110]

Bonus points for mentioning Valkyrie Profile CoTP, HEAVILY underrated DS game.

[@rulif2092]

Radiant Historia DS version was not released in Europe. I got my US copy for around 60 USD 3 years ago. The 3DS version here in Sweden is 270 USD!

[@orbalology]

Oh wow 😳

[@thrillhouse4151]

1:05 whoa that shelf is amazing

[@SPicedhAM]

I loved Fantasy Life on my 3ds; looking forward to the sequel on the Switch. For the PAL region 3ds, I also really liked both Dragon Quest games which are not too expensive (around $35). I also enjoyed 7th Dragon, but that one has gone up a fair bit in price.

[@jamessnedeker4799]

I agree but the game was just hit with a delay to an unspecified date. Let's hope they're just adding that extra Miyamoto delayed polish and it isn't in development hell.

[@orbalology]

Oh I didn't realize the PAL DQ games were around those prices. I think they may be more difficult to come by overseas. Ebay especially seems to like to sell them for high prices (not to me though shipping costs). But maybe I'll get lucky on one of the DS copies one of these days.

[@VidiverseExplorer]

Was a good'n!

[@RSimpkinuk57]

@@orbalology In the UK we have a high street chain, CeX, for second hand games and consoles (and for movie dvds). Their current prices for 3DS: DQ 7 £25, DQ 8 £35 (compared to £20 for PS2 version of that). For DS, £40 for DQ 6 but only £15 for DQ 9.

[@silverian]

Thank You for great recommendations! I found Pokemon Sun at the flea market, but it is rarer to find 3DS games there. One 3DS game that I have played so much that left controller button came off, was Theaterhytm Final Fantasy Curtain Call.

[@sqraresoft]

great video Emily! I'm totally not jealous of your Atlus 3DS collection! I've just finished SMT IV too and I need more SMT goodness! ha ha d'oh!

[@lemonpulpmusic]

Been on a 3DS bender. Buying back up the games I sold. Glad I kept many of them. Still have Tales of Abyss, Yo Kai Watch, SMT IV, Bravely Default, Fantasy Life. I just scooped up FE Awakening and been playing it two days straight. Gonna check out Popolocrois. Your videos are awesome.

[@accountname-tu2om]

You're going to love the Tales of series, one of the best designed combat systems in the game industry.

[@3blindwhales]

Maybe a future video idea; I’d love to know a local coop multiplayer list for various ds/3ds titles like you mentioned with FF explorers (If you know or from looking through your games) since I got a couple 3ds and don’t mind buying 2 copies

[@josuecervantes1757]

3ds is so sick still. Love that thing. This video will definitely help in deciding which games I still want to get. Lots of great titles!

[@PeteZa92]

Kingdom Hearts 3DS is simply beautiful if a handheld game. Looks great and is such a fluid fight mechanics! Music and cutscenes are great. I actually bought the special 3ds bundle system with KH. I sold it as I was younger dang lol but very good

[@VidiverseExplorer]

I grabbed all the DS/3DS I wanted back in the day, it was easy to stay on top of em due to the gap between releases.

[@yochrisnelson]

I appreciate this list and video so much! Happy that some of these prices are more manageable and I can finally check out the Bravely series and first couple Yo Kai games

[@xxxprincethe2nd793]

Pilot Wings Resort is super cheap, and I recommend that game. Love it

[@recyclablecy]

The 3DS and DS are probably my favorite handhelds to collect for. A lot of it is still very 'gettable' like some of your suggestions! Others not so much 😅Great video!

[@NEO.E.D]

Great list! I managed to snag most of these already a couple of years ago, when I could still find them in 2nd hand stores. Sadly, most are still on my 3DS backlog...

[@TotalLevelYT]

I've been looking to add more JRPGs to the DS/3DS so thank you for this! I just got Fantasy Life finally and I'm enjoying it quite a lot. Sad that the new game got delayed but just gives me more time to play the first game before that one comes out

[@orbalology]

I was sad to hear about the delay the other day too! Seems like level 5 are having a difficult time releasing all those games they promised 😔

[@TotalLevelYT]

@@orbalology yeah feels like they took on way too many projects at once

[@90shandheldgamer]

So many great recommendations! Kind of makes me want to start collecting a bit more for the 3DS again. Recently I've been collecting for Switch, PS3, and Wii. Also thanks for putting that Kingdom Hearts 3DS game on my radar.

[@orbalology]

KH DDD was pretty enjoyable as far as KH spinoff games go :)

[@threeswordssama]

I missed out on the DS and 3DS generations but I'm impressed by the library there

[@edwardbrennan3963]

I was today years old when I learned the DS was region free 😂. Good to know!

[@ThyGreenKnight]

LBX (Little Battler Experience) for 3DS is a polished mini mech collecting/battling game. I usually see it for $20.

[@tonightyou1388]

Radiant Historia Perfect Chronology is an amazing game. Probably one of my favorite 3ds games.

[@jrodm]

Thx for the chrono trigger tip ❤ te amo

[@tradingcardboss]

Love your vids with great info 🎉🎉

[@cerebralcortechreviews1426]

Tales of the Abyss is in a league of its own. Arguably the best!

[@LatinMagician7850]

The hack G.U background music is INSANE

[@b6rzby295]

I'd recommend dragon quest viii because its a classic. It's a bit pricey but worth it for the extra content and quality of life changes over the ps2 version.

[@Doug_MacArthur]

I was in a hard time financially almost 2 years ago and had to sell my copy of Tales of the Abyss to scrape by. Fortunately things have stabilized and I'm doing much better. I think the retro video game store that I sold my copy to accepted it for around the same price shown here, give or take $5 or so. Perhaps now is the time to buy back that underrated 3ds port and reclaim an item that was previously in my modest 3ds collection. Do you think these prices you've showcased in this video will fluctuate relatively soon?

[@koobsmooth]

STELLA GLOW holds a special place in my heart.

[@igorluisk2]

Great games, i will try yokai Watch later, thanks! Good to see another trails fan btw.

[@jobi1kawobi317]

Awesome video! I’m new to your channel and really like how you breakdown the games to collect, love my 3DS! 😊

[@Bolt38877]

Anything for a new yo Kai watch will bring joy to my heart it’s sad we haven’t gotten a new one localized 😭

[@Patrick-tw7nr]

Can you do one for PS4? I’m starting to build up my JRPG collection for that system as a lot of good deals to be had. Keep up the good work

[@NormalPsyche]

Final Fantasy Tactics A2 mentioned! The Advance games get disparaged a lot online, especially compared to the original Tactics. But A2 is probably my favorite RPG on DS.

[@tuskoub]

Check out Fire Emblem Shadow Dragon on the DS, guys!! While it may not be the easiest on the eyes, it has a very well written yet grounded and straightforward story as a remake of the first entry. It also has plenty of new mechanics and strategical twists that the later entries after Awakening would borrow, so its very much worth playing. Don’t sleep on it if you have any interest in FE or even just Marth specifically!!

[@cardboardtubesamurai]

I'm surprised Dragon Quest VIII didn't get a mention (or maybe I missed it). Glad you mentioned TWERY - I remember selling an extra copy of that DS game (a colleague was getting rid of some of their child's stuff so gave me the game for free) on eBay for $80 before the Switch version was announced

[@orbalology]

DQ VII goes for over $100 here in the US last I checked 😅

[@Sir_Psych]

Not a RPG however I was surprised that I got Metroid Prime Hunters CIB for $30 cad. Great find for me ☺️

[@SavedTraveler]

I found the original yokai watch at a 5 and below.i still haven't opened it yet. But it felt like such a deal.

[@WIImotionmasher]

Sadly a few years ago just as I got out of school and gained the income to enjoy collecting games, I've struggled to enjoy games anymore. I am also now mostly a PC player, since I only enjoy trying many many digital games at a cheap price. By just dipping my toe into them, more indie games. I recently started buying Evercade carts and I have their affordable Taito handheld. But I quickly burned out on that as I found I wasn't playing the games anyway. I'd love to collect physical games. Especially new ones, instead of fighting the collector's market. But I don't know if I can anymore. It is a cruel irony that the years I begin to actually afford gaming as much as I wanted to in the past. Are the years just after I lost my enjoyment of most games.

[@disakland4714]

So many good games! Fortunately I have most of these. Ds and 3ds was among my first systems after game boy and gba. My holy grail is The Dark Spire for DS. One day..

[@ZeroFksGvn]

You pretty much covered all the necessities, if I was to add anything I’d probably go with Project X Zone 1&2.

[@orbalology]

Those are still a bit expensive in NA but they can be stretch titles!

[@radrob4403]

I didn't know that Nintendo DS games were region free. Thanks for the info.

[@sandwichsupernova]

Tales of the Abyss is fun. Not my favorite Tales of game, but it’s good. I also have the 3DS version and am happy I played it on there.

[@chocolocojames213]

Having the 3DS and the Vita was a great period of gaming for me. Also, how cute is Yoshi's Woolly World for the 3DS? 😄😄😄

[@wilspeight15]

That it's a great list. Enjoyed the video because I have ADHD had you were talking about games I was getting ready to write a comment and you covered everything I was going to say in this comment It's hard for me to concentrate on things And I know every time I wait till the end of the video I forget what I was going to say Thank you and I enjoyed the videos you put out sorry for any misspelling, i also suck at that

[@marcelafontes6413]

That's an excellent list! I'm so happy my past me got a bunch of those when the switch just came out, Radiant Historia for instance was like 20 bucks 😊 Other than those I think Zelda: A link between worlds (best 2d zelda in my opinion) and Kirby's extra epic yarn are worth getting - I know zelda has the nintendo selects edition that makes it cheaper

[@orbalology]

Many of the first party Nintendo games are still a great value on the 3DS!

[@jamesrustles3434]

I love your videos I’ve been picking up a lot of games based in your recommendations, but I’ve been going for the updated remasteres and rereleases. I prefer to play them with the ergonomics of the ps portal and the nyxi controllers on the switch

[@orbalology]

No problem with that! I've double dipped on a few of the remasters myself on modern consoles

[@MrRPGcrazy]

Good to see that prices are coming down in the US. In europe 3ds collecting have been more affordable in general. Sadly SMT overclocked is rather expensive and have really serious bugs without patches. So I wonder if I should import the american version or just get the DS version that pops up from time to time here in sweden. Should probably get Record Breaker soon because I can still get reprints for 60 bucks brand new.

[@orbalology]

Interesting, I don't recall the NA version of SMT DS overclocked having patches or bugs when I played it. I wonder if there are differences between different regional prints.

[@MrRPGcrazy]

@@orbalology these bugs are not present in NA version. Ghostlight made some errors when releasing the game in Europe.

[@gabrielarseneau8662]

Didn't know UAE versions cartridges were intentical to NA, thank you!

[@Blob-jx3fg]

I'm always conflicted when 3ds games come to switch. I hate that it loses exclusives because i want to continue having experiences unique to the console. However, im happy that good games will be more accessible to people.

[@jinyboi]

Tell that to the Wii u owners that got absolutely shafted by the switch

[@Blob-jx3fg]

@@jinyboi oh man. I started game collecting when the wii u was on its last year. I didn't know much about the hobby and impulsively bought a used wii u on eBay and a couple of games. Glad i caught on before i went crazy with collecting for it because i now only own 1 exclusive. It's xenoblade x lol

[@chrisjohn85]

It’s awesome that these JRPG’s are available on portable systems. I’m just a little sad that as I get older I find that I don’t really enjoy playing on smaller screens anymore, it gives me a headache. I almost never play my switch undocked. It is great when they port them to the other systems though, such as Monster Hunter Stories, I loved that game.

[@SpoonyBard88]

Get a vision test. Not joking.

[@dreamon3286]

The 3DS Fire Emblem games also have the defective cart issue. My copy of Awakening is busted and I know of some people with the same issue with Fates.

[@orbalology]

Oh no! This is the first time I've heard this mentioned :(

[@kahdaj]

That Hack GU music 👌❤

[@intilagos-brown5232]

thanks for the vid, I was unaware that Chrono Trigger DS has English on the JP version, I will have to hunt that down as I would hate to devalue my sealed Pal copy lol

[@Dr.God-666]

The 3DS was by far the most original console ever made. I loved the 3D screen. I wish Nintendo would bring back the 3D screen with the Switch 2.

[@insidious6068]

😂

[@jozefkazsmer5940]

I'm always glad when I hear, that Yo-kai watch 3 is so expensive and I remember, that I bought it for 20bucks back then. 😀

[@drivillain4967]

I can attest to the Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire issue. My Omega Ruby works, but you have to keep pressure on the game cart, or else it will not work. Thankfully I do have a later print of Persona Q, so I don't have to worry about that anytime soon.

[@bladeofmird]

Wow i really didn't knew the Japanese version of Chrono Trigger DS supported english... No other youtuber/JRPG collector i've been following for years ever mentioned it...everyone is bragging how they have the english version and how much expensive it is but never mentioning that the japanese version had english.Now i'm seriously considering getting that version although i'm almost 100% sure that SE will eventually give CT the HD-2D treatment as well so maybe i should wait for that. Great collection!

[@shadydavey511]

Good list!

[@Airdog_]

My NA copy of Omega Ruby was a faulty one. I was watching a video on this issue a few years back, and quickly checked my own copy, and of course it wouldn't work. Luckily I bought it back before the market went up.

[@Airdog_]

I didnt know about Persona and actually picked up that cart on ebay a year ago, not sure if I have even tested it. Hopefully I'm luckier with that copy.

[@fleazapp]

game stop is opening a retro store. retro games will become super expensive. games that used to be a few bucks will increase in price. buy before this happens

[@spiffyfox8300]

The World Ends With You controlled horribly when I tried playing it years ago on DS. It made you press down so hard on the screen to get the inputs to work that I permanently shelved it cause I didn't feel like gouging my screen out.

[@dennismeador5585]

Still love my 3ds and buy a new game everytime i get the chance

[@FriendsAndGamingYT]

Tales of Abyss is banging! Only way yo play it in Europe as it never released in pal regions for ps2. Thankful it got a 3ds release! I thankfully have all fire emblem games on 3Ds, fire emblem engage got me hooked! Monster hunter stories is one I'm trying to get my hands on! I'm scared of faulty game carts now

[@nichifix]

I need to pick up alot of the devil survivor and shin megami titles for 3ds before its to late. They've been steadily going up the past few years. 😭

[@robbyrobot3303]

If I recall correctly Codename Steam runs pretty slow without a patch that came some time after launch. The servers are down now, and Im not sure it ever got a revised cart because as you said they overprinted it expecting more demand. It's shocking how the dragon quest prices continue to soar when remakes are inevitable

[@orbalology]

Oh, I didn't realize that one had a patch. I want to say I downloaded all the available patches on my system for games I was considering to buy, but I'll have to check

[@JohnnyTong215]

I have the iOS version of Chrono Trigger!!!!

[@tonyp9313]

Awesome video. So you are going Asia in the month of September for that whole month?

[@orbalology]

I'll be in Japan until mid September!

[@tonyp9313]

@@orbalology ok cool. Thank you

[@A-ID-A-M]

I wish they’d give us a physical Bravely Default for Switch

[@Phakaday]

Physical collection is the way!!! How else can I admire my stuff while I walk into a room😅

[@JohnnyTong215]

@@fritzthecat8158 I modded my 3ds to play Kid Icarus Uprising!!!

[@Hugh_Jainus]

Other than purely for the thrill of collecting, physical is very much not the way for these highly scalper-abused consoles. Modding is the way.

[@orbalology]

As a physical collector I agree, I also like owning my games instead of relying on servers and other sites to make games accessible.

[@ShinThor]

It's pretty surprising that most of the Bargain Bins titles I grabbed years ago are now considered "hard to find". And boy did the Pandemic throw a foul ball. I managed to hunt down a couple games for cheap during the pandemic (While most sold them at a way higher price.) Most of the titles I've grabbed back then went down in price drastically. A couple DS games that I discovered and may requires some guides to follow (Fan Translation or English included) : Blood of Bahamut (JP), Chrono Trigger (JP version is cheaper but also has English!), Fire Emblem New Mystery of the Emblem (JP, might be expensive but never came out in NA). If any is interested, the Inazuma Eleven games on DS (PAL version look for the UK one for English). Another series that didn't come out in North America.

[@timmymeredith7499]

One time I was at the flea market and this guy had 10 Chrono triggers for the DS sealed wanted five bucks a piece for them I bought them my most amazing fine. great video Emily

[@james1639]

You failed the morality test. You shouldn't be bragging about this.

[@timmymeredith7499]

@@james1639 not bragging stating a fact I thought it was an incredible find

[@colelind9294]

Yeah, you got lucky with some stolen goods there.

[@josuecervantes1757]

Let me get one lol

[@anon-soso-anon]

What a great find! I would have bought them all too.

[@King_Jab]

I owe radiant historia but never played past like 30 minutes

[@jansaborrido]

With the e-shop gone I hope these games don't have patches or additional downloads. I would love to try Fire Emblem Awakening but haven't had the chance to buy one before.

[@markasscop]

bad news there, each FE game on 3ds had DLC

[@orbalology]

I don't think too many games required download patches in order to play. There are just some dlc you'll be missing but those are just extra add-ons.

[@markasscop]

@@orbalology except in the case of fire emblem fates where a whole entire campaign route is gone now

[@WolfPhoenix0]

Great list, Emily, but where are the Mario & Luigi 3DS games? 😂

[@orbalology]

They're ones to consider too, though tbh I don't think they clicked as much for me as they have for others.

[@robinsegers7985]

Wow, and you finished almost all of these 3Ds games 😮?

[@demoboy234]

did you watch the nintendo direct?

[@AlastorShadow0]

Great list! Too bad i already have all the ones i want.....

[@daviddonnell2153]

JRPGs are great on 3DS but other genres are just as better. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse, Kid Icarus Uprising, Pokemon, Zelda. I think you did forget to mention about Dragon Quest and the best one for the 3DS that is definitely a must play is Journey of the Cursed King. It has the old school turn base combat, the music is beautiful

[@orbalology]

Certainly! JRPGs notoriously are expensive on older systems which is why I highlighted them in this particular video. I'll likely talk about other genres on the DS/3DS at some point!

[@orbalology]

The DQ 3DS & DS games are unfortunately not very affordable in the US at this time 😔

[@daviddonnell2153]

@@orbalology tell me about it. I was lucky to get DQ games at retail price when they first got released

[@S_Hyde]

Tales of the Abyss on the 3DS has been tempting me but I doubt it'll feel too good compared to controlling the PS2 original.

[@orbalology]

I hear the quality of life updates are nice but I can see bandai namco re-releasing a HD version on modern systems at some point. Though when that'll happen I cannot say 😅

[@gligarguy4010]

15:00 Could not disagree more here. As someone who has 100% all 3 versions of TWEWY, the Switch version is objectively the best one. As long as you're playing it in handheld mode with a Stylus (which is what you'd also be doing in the DS and mobile versions anyway) it plays the same. You also get extra post-game content, a lot more screen space for the combat, better visuals, a lot of new pins, etc. The one thing I'll give the DS version being better is some of the cool dual screen effects it does, like during the junkyard boss.

[@orbalology]

I don't know many that have a stylus specifically for the switch system. But I can see how that can help make the experience better.

[@gligarguy4010]

@@orbalology Since the Switch has a capacitive screen most modern common styluses would work - one you would use with a phone, tablet, etc. There's even an official Nintendo one that came with Brain Age. The only modern one I think wont work is the Apple Pencil since it is non capacitive (that one will work on your DS/3DS tho). I think a lot of people have ones of these styluses lying around they can use for the game. Not a fan of what they did to the gameplay in the sequel, though.