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Best Nintendo 3DS games of 2017

The 8 best Nintendo 3DS games released in 2017, ranked from 767 critic and player ratings.

The best Nintendo 3DS game of 2017 is SteamWorld Dig 2, with a critic score of 89/100 — updated November 2026.

How this ranking is built
  • Games are ranked on the aggregated critic score out of 100 imported from IGDB and Metacritic, never on Tier's own grades.
  • A game only enters the ranking with at least 30 external ratings, so a single enthusiastic review never outranks a proven classic.
  • Community grades from F to S are shown next to every game, and only stated as a fact above 5 Tier ratings.
  • Release window covered: 2017.
  • 8 games are listed on this page, carrying 767 ratings between them.
  • Rankings are recomputed hourly; this one was last rebuilt on 13 November 2026.

Top 8

Played them? Give your tier with the + next to each game. No account needed to try — create one to keep your tiers.

01 SteamWorld Dig 2 SteamWorld Dig 2 2017 · 194 ratings · finished by 12% SteamWorld Dig 2 takes you on a platform mining adventure forged in Metroidvania flames. When an old trading town is struck by mysterious earthquakes, it’s up to a lone steambot and her unlikely companion to uncover what trembling terrors lie beneath. Dig your way underground and explore vivid worlds riddled with treasure, secrets and traps. Combat dangerous enemies at every turn of the underworld’s twisted paths, including shadowy creatures and the haunted remains of an ancient electrical threat. Upgrade your gear to forge deeper into the earth and take on bigger challenges. Swing across large chasms with your Hookshot and fly through caves with the Jet Engine! And finally, learn the truth about your long lost friend… 89 /100
02 Metroid: Samus Returns Metroid: Samus Returns 2017 · 113 ratings Metroid: Samus Returns is a remake of Metroid 2: Return of Samus. It uses a 3D graphic style with a side view camera that zooms in and changes for cutscenes. It also has new mechanics, items, and abilities. "Brave the hostile terrain of an alien planet teeming with vicious life forms as legendary bounty hunter Samus Aran. Her mission? Terminate the Metroid menace in this masterful reimagining of her 1991 Game Boy adventure. Samus Aran’s arsenal has been enhanced with new moves and abilities that are sure to help her face the deadly surprises that await. This intense, side-scrolling action platformer is a great entry point into the Metroid franchise and perfect for returning fans as well, and it’s available only on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems." 88 /100
03 Pokémon Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon D Pokémon Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon 2017 · 120 ratings · 2 Tier votes "Take on the role of a Pokémon Trainer and uncover new tales, and unravel the mystery behind the two forms reminiscent of the Legendary Pokémon. With new story additions and features this earns Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon the name "Ultra!" Another adventure is about to begin! New Pokémon forms have been discovered in the Alola region in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon! These forms are reminiscent of the Legendary Pokémon Solgaleo, Lunala, and Necrozma, first revealed in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon. Head out on an epic journey as you solve the mystery behind these fascinating Pokémon! In this expanded adventure, get ready to explore more of the Alola region, catch more amazing Pokémon, and battle more formidable foes in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon!" 84 /100
04 Pokémon Ultra Moon F Pokémon Ultra Moon 2017 · 113 ratings · 1 Tier vote "Take on the role of a Pokémon Trainer and uncover new tales, and unravel the mystery behind the two forms reminiscent of the Legendary Pokémon. With new story additions and features this earns Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon the name "Ultra!" Another adventure is about to begin! New Pokémon forms have been discovered in the Alola region in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon! These forms are reminiscent of the Legendary Pokémon Solgaleo, Lunala, and Necrozma, first revealed in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon. Head out on an epic journey as you solve the mystery behind these fascinating Pokémon! In this expanded adventure, get ready to explore more of the Alola region, catch more amazing Pokémon, and battle more formidable foes in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon!" 82 /100
05 Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia 2017 · 106 ratings In 1992, the second game in the Fire Emblem series, Fire Emblem Gaiden, launched exclusively in Japan. Now, for the first time, fans outside of Japan will get a taste of this classic game on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is inspired by the 1992 original, reimagined on a grander scale. Every aspect of the Fire Emblem Gaiden game's presentation has been updated, along with the game being fully voiced. Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia recreates classic Fire Emblem gameplay with a modern twist, mixing in exploration of dungeons crawling with enemies." 81 /100
06 Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment 2017 · 44 ratings This game is a free expansion included in the main game, Shovel Knight, and its updated title, Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove. The game will also be available as a standalone title on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. 83 /100
07 Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate 2017 · 44 ratings An enhanced version of Monster Hunter Generations. It features new monsters, hunting styles, and the more challenging G-Rank quests. Game data from Monster Hunter Generations can be carried over, with a one way transfer, to Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. Game data can also be moved between the 3DS and the Switch version of the game. 80 /100
08 Fire Emblem Warriors Fire Emblem Warriors 2017 · 33 ratings "Clash with legions of soldiers and fierce monsters as Marth, Xander, Corrin, and other Fire Emblem heroes unleashing over-the-top-powerful Dynasty Warriors-style moves. Take direct control of known and original Fire Emblem characters, issue them strategic commands in the midst of battle, pair up heroes to unleash stunning attacks, and more. Unlock new playable heroes, each with their own unique moves, special attacks, weapon types, and voiced dialogue in this large-scale action game from the Hyrule Warriors team." 78 /100
Browse all the best Nintendo 3DS games

Other years

Best Nintendo 3DS games of 2016Best Nintendo 3DS games of 2015Best Nintendo 3DS games of 2014Best Nintendo 3DS games of 2013Best Nintendo 3DS games of 2012Best Nintendo 3DS games of 2011

Same year, other platforms

Best PC games of 2017Best PlayStation 4 games of 2017Best Xbox One games of 2017Best Nintendo Switch games of 2017Best Mac games of 2017Best Linux games of 2017Best iOS games of 2017Best Android games of 2017Best PS Vita games of 2017

Nearby rankings

Best Nintendo 3DS games of 2016

Catalog statistics

Most abandoned gamesMost completed games

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Nintendo 3DS game of 2017?

SteamWorld Dig 2 currently tops the ranking with a score of 89/100 across 194 ratings. Ranking updated November 2026.

How is this ranking built?

Games are ranked on their aggregated critic score out of 100, with a minimum vote threshold so a single glowing review never outranks a proven classic; the Tier community's own F-to-S grades are shown alongside each game.