Nintendo 3DS prices skyrocket up to 76% — vintage Nintendo console rivals the cost of a brand new Switch 2
Vintage Nintendo 3DS gaming handhelds are soaring in price, with the XL version selling for between $200 and $350 on eBay.
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Newer isn’t always better—sometimes, nostalgia wins big. As X user Pirat_Nation discovered, the over-a-decade-old Nintendo 3DS has seen its value skyrocket, now almost matching the price of the brand-new Switch 2. On eBay, Nintendo 3DS XL consoles are fetching between $200 and $350, costing more now than when they first launched.
Nintendo released the 3DS in 2011 for $249.99, but after slow sales, the company slashed the price to $169.99. The following year, the larger 3DS XL (known as 3DS LL in Japan) hit shelves for $199.99. Just a year ago, you could pick up a used Nintendo 3DS XL for as little as $100. Now, their prices have soared—climbing 3.5 times in just twelve months—making some used units up to 76% more expensive than when they first came out.
3DS Prices Are SpikingThis Decade-Old Nintendo Handheld Is Now Worth Almost as Much as a Switch 2New 3DS XL models are often selling for $200 to $350 used.Prices are likely to keep climbing. pic.twitter.com/s0SZJecvzMDecember 29, 2025
Production of the Nintendo 3DS ended in 2020, followed by the shutdown of the 3DS eShop in 2023 and the console’s online services in 2024. This full sunset has likely fueled a wave of nostalgia, prompting collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts to snap up the now-vintage handheld—driving prices to new heights, as sealed and mint-condition units are a rarity nowadays. The 3DS eShop closure has also affected the pricing of used physical cartridges, but those haven't increased substantially.
The Nintendo 3DS was far from a flop—over 75.94 million units were sold by the end of 2024. The handheld boasts a stellar library of iconic titles, including The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Fire Emblem: Awakening, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, and Bravely Default. For retro gaming fans, the 3DS remains a treasure trove of classic experiences.
The Nintendo 3DS is also a favorite among modders—thanks to its accessibility, gamers can easily install custom firmware or set up emulation with minimal effort. Yet there’s been no breakthrough in the modding community to explain the recent spike in demand. It’s also possible, however, that those pesky scalpers are driving up prices by buying up consoles and reselling them at eye-watering markups.
