The secondary market for Nintendo 3DS XL consoles has reached unprecedented highs as collectors and gamers seek to secure the acclaimed handheld system.
Even as Nintendo continues to focus on its hybrid hardware lineup with the Nintendo Switch and its successor, the value of legacy systems like the 3DS XL has soared, underscoring the enduring appeal and collector demand for Nintendo’s iconic portable platforms. As reported by Tom's Hardware, pre-owned Nintendo 3DS XL systems are frequently selling for up to $350 in good condition, a figure that represents a staggering 76% increase over their original retail price at launch.
Less pristine units are trading hands for around $200, according to recent tracking by the online publication Pirate Nation.
This marks a dramatic shift from pricing trends just one year ago, when buyers could expect to pay approximately $100 for a 3DS XL on the resale market. The Nintendo 3DS family first launched in 2011, with an introductory price of $249.99.
After an initial period of lukewarm sales, Nintendo responded by reducing the price to $169.99 within the same year.
The larger Nintendo 3DS XL debuted not long after at $199.99, offering improvements like a bigger screen and longer battery life.
Subsequent additions to the family, such as the budget-friendly Nintendo 2DS and the upgraded New Nintendo 3DS series in 2014, further diversified the platform's appeal. Today, several factors contribute to the resurgent interest in the 3DS XL.
Notably, the system boasts a robust library featuring many of Nintendo’s critically acclaimed titles, and its backward compatibility with Nintendo DS games enhances its value proposition.
Additionally, the 3DS’s autostereoscopic display—a glasses-free 3D feature—remains unique among handheld consoles, a standout innovation that continues to intrigue new and returning users alike. A representative from Tom’s Hardware summarized the current market situation, stating that the cost for used 3DS XL consoles has "increased by over three times within the past year, with top-tier units fetching nearly double their original retail price." This report underscores the magnitude of the shift and positions the 3DS XL as a sought-after handheld among modern gamers, collectors, and nostalgia-driven adults who first experienced the hardware in their youth. As of 2025, the Nintendo 3DS has achieved long-term recognition, driven by its one-of-a-kind features and the passionate fan community that continues to support the platform.
With the discontinuation of new hardware production and the closure of the 3DS eShop in March 2023, rarity and demand for the system have only intensified.
The current landscape ensures that the 3DS XL will remain a prized possession for gaming enthusiasts and a significant chapter in Nintendo’s storied handheld legacy.
Even as Nintendo continues to focus on its hybrid hardware lineup with the Nintendo Switch and its successor, the value of legacy systems like the 3DS XL has soared, underscoring the enduring appeal and collector demand for Nintendo’s iconic portable platforms. As reported by Tom's Hardware, pre-owned Nintendo 3DS XL systems are frequently selling for up to $350 in good condition, a figure that represents a staggering 76% increase over their original retail price at launch.
Less pristine units are trading hands for around $200, according to recent tracking by the online publication Pirate Nation.
This marks a dramatic shift from pricing trends just one year ago, when buyers could expect to pay approximately $100 for a 3DS XL on the resale market. The Nintendo 3DS family first launched in 2011, with an introductory price of $249.99.
After an initial period of lukewarm sales, Nintendo responded by reducing the price to $169.99 within the same year.
The larger Nintendo 3DS XL debuted not long after at $199.99, offering improvements like a bigger screen and longer battery life.
Subsequent additions to the family, such as the budget-friendly Nintendo 2DS and the upgraded New Nintendo 3DS series in 2014, further diversified the platform's appeal. Today, several factors contribute to the resurgent interest in the 3DS XL.
Notably, the system boasts a robust library featuring many of Nintendo’s critically acclaimed titles, and its backward compatibility with Nintendo DS games enhances its value proposition.
Additionally, the 3DS’s autostereoscopic display—a glasses-free 3D feature—remains unique among handheld consoles, a standout innovation that continues to intrigue new and returning users alike. A representative from Tom’s Hardware summarized the current market situation, stating that the cost for used 3DS XL consoles has "increased by over three times within the past year, with top-tier units fetching nearly double their original retail price." This report underscores the magnitude of the shift and positions the 3DS XL as a sought-after handheld among modern gamers, collectors, and nostalgia-driven adults who first experienced the hardware in their youth. As of 2025, the Nintendo 3DS has achieved long-term recognition, driven by its one-of-a-kind features and the passionate fan community that continues to support the platform.
With the discontinuation of new hardware production and the closure of the 3DS eShop in March 2023, rarity and demand for the system have only intensified.
The current landscape ensures that the 3DS XL will remain a prized possession for gaming enthusiasts and a significant chapter in Nintendo’s storied handheld legacy.
