Which Nintendo 3DS games have Download Play?

Want to know which Nintendo 3DS games feature local multiplayer Download Play? Here’s our updated guide.

As we move into 2018 most gamers are now focused on the Nintendo Switch. However, despite the console’s phenomenal success, the Japanese gaming giant hasn’t given up on the 3DS just yet.

Last year saw the release of the 2DS XL console, plus there some big games released in the shape of Metroid Samus Returns, and Pokémon UltraSun and UltraMoon. And there’s more to come in the next year with WarioWare Gold, and a remake of Mario and Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story.

Technologically, the 3DS is a little long in the tooth, but it remains the perfect, and affrodable, entry point for younger gamers. It’s a sturdy piece of hardware in all its iterations, and has a spectacular software library with a large number of excellent games across all genres.

Download Play

One of the most overlooked features of the 3DS – and one that it shares with its DS predecessor – is Download Play, the ability to play local multiplayer using one copy of a game. The gameplay experience is sometimes a little stripped down, but it’s a great feature, especially when friends and families get together for the holidays.

Download Play isn’t as ubiquitous on the 3DS as it was on the original DS, but it is included in many of Nintendo’s first-party titles, and a few more besides. Here’s our pick of the best 3DS Download Play games, and a round-up of additional titles that support it.

Kirby: Planet Robobot

The game’s Team Kirby Clash mode is available for Download Play.

The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes

Nintendo’s multiplayer-focused Zelda adventure really shines in local co-op. You’ll need three players, and there are restrictions on the number of costumes guest players can acquire, but it’s an full-featured and enjoyable experience that’s both collaborative and joyously competitive.

Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon

You can only play the game’s co-op focused ScareScraper mode via Download Play but it’s a good one. Players have to explore randomly generated floors and complete a specified objective within a time limit. It’s almost the the Ghostbusters game you’ve always dreamed of.

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games

In Download Play players can play any event in a Highlight Match or a limited version of Medley Match called Party Mix Demo DL Medley.

Mario Kart 7

Perhaps the quintessential Nintendo local multi-player game.The Download Play experience in Mario Kart 7 is extremely robust and features every single track. The only downside is that guest players can only play as a Shy Guy, but in the heat of the race it’s no big problem.

Mario Party Island Tour & Mario Party Star Rush

The 3DS Mario Party games generously give access to almost the entire game via Download Play. The only omissions are the Bowser and Challenge Towers. The system-to-system download can take a while but it’s worth the wait.

Mario Tennis Open

Anyone for Tennis? Mario Tennis Open is a relatively slender single-player game but its competitive multiplayer mode is perfect for some quick, no-thrills sporting action.

Rhythm Heaven Megamix

Up to four players can take part in the game’s Challenge Train mode.

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed

Compared to Mario Kart 7, Sonic’s mascot racer feels lacking. There’s only one track to share and there’s no character select option but it’s technically impressive and fun in short bursts. More of a demo than a true multiplayer experience.

Star Fox 64 3D

Star Fox 64 3D features a four player Battle Mode via Download Play. Rather amusingly, the internal camera of the 3DS is used to display a live feed of your opponent’s face during battle.

Super Mario Bros. 3 (Virtual Console)

Play Super Mario Bros. 3 in two player mode, just like you did in the early ‘90s.

Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition

An oldie but a goodie. Guest players can only fight using Ryu but there are worse things in life.

Tetris Ultimate

Tetris Ultimate lives up to its name by making all of its multiplayer content available for Download Play.

Yoshi’s New Island

Yoshi’s New Island isn’t a particularly memorable game – it’s nowhere near as fun as Yoshi’s Woolly World, for instance – but there’s plenty of enjoyment to be had with its Download Play compatible party games.

Full list of 3DS Download Play titles

There are a plenty of other games that offer Download Play modes. Your mileage may vary with some these releases but Super Monkey Ball 3D and Freaky Forms Deluxe warrant a look.

Arc Style: Baseball 3D
Aqua Moto Racing 3D
Balloon Fight
Carps & Dragons
Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion
Cooking Mama 4
Darts Up 3D
Deca Sports Extreme
Freakyforms Deluxe: Your Creations, Alive!
Ice Climber
Kirby: Planet Robobot
Kirby Fighters Deluxe
Kirby Triple Deluxe
The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon
Mahjong Cub3d
Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games
Mario and Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games
Mario Kart 7
Mario Party Island Tour
Mario Party Star Rush
Mario Party: The Top 100
Mario Tennis Open
Metroid Prime: Blast Ball
Metroid Prime: Federation Force
Pac-Man Party
Rhythm Heaven Megamix
Snow Moto Racing
Soccer Up Online
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
Sonic Lost World
Star Fox 64 3D
Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition
Super Mario Brothers 3
Super Monkey Ball 3D
Tank Troopers
Tecmo Bowl
Tetris Axis
Tetris Ultimate
Yoshi’s New Island
Yoshi

If you still have the original Nintendo DS there’s an even larger library of Download Play games to enjoy. You can see the full list here.

Which Nintendo 3DS games have Download Play?