Top 10 Best Limited Edition Nintendo 3DS Ever Made
Since its release in 2011, Nintendo’s 3DS has amassed a lot of different designs and special edition offerings usually to coincide with the release of a highly fan-anticipated game. From Monster Hunter to Mario to Gundam and more, the portable system’s unique clam shell composition makes for one the best canvases for creative effect – something that I think you’ll realize in our list of the 3DS’ top 10 special editions.
It’s important to keep in mind that many in this feature haven’t made their way to North America or Europe, instead relying solely on Japanese on other Asian markets for sales revenue. As a consequence this means that they’re region locked and prohibit the use of software from places other than the markets of their origin. Though unfortunate, they are special edition consoles, hence limited in production from the outset. On the top of that they’re Nintendo products, of course ensuring that there’s never any shortage of demand.
Speaking of desire, the only possible way collectors can obtain most of these handhelds is through third-party sellers. This only raises their prices up, with some units costing as much money as one would have to pay for rent. This too is unfortunate, but again only makes the systems more desirable as an outcome.
Some of the best consoles on this list, in fact, are so hard to find due to the fact that they’re relegated to very niche events within Japan. For example, the CoroCoro special edition 3DS celebrated the comic publication’s 35th anniversary back in 2012 and was made available for so limited a time that it’s even rare to find within Nintendo’s home country.
Rest assured that no matter what 3DS you own, however, you have a great library of titles to choose from. Here’s hoping that even with the Switch out now, Nintendo continues supporting the handheld – or at least until the new console’s supply issues are resolved.
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Persona Q 3DS XL
The Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth 3DS XL was released simultaneously with the game of the same name on November 25, 2014 exclusively at GameStop in North America. Inspired by the game's aesthetics, the system itself is designed in Grimoire-like fashion, evoking the attendants of the series' Velvet Room where information can be obtained on various Personas. Additionally, the characters from Persona 3 and 4 are featured in their new art style on the back of the system. This special edition 3DS sold for $199.99 at retail and didn't include the game.
Shin Megami Tensei IV 3DS XL
The Japan-only Shin Megami Tensei IV 3DS XL released in conjunction with the long-awaited next game in the highly popular series in 2013. Its front cover features the demon enemies found within the title in an interesting yin and yang kind of style, perhaps representative of the game's theme of morality. This edition currently sells for $239.99 on Play-Asia and includes region lock, meaning only games offered in the Japanese market can be played on it.
New Love Plus Limited Edition 3DS
With the dating sim genre taking off in Japan in recent years, Konami capitalized on the market by offering three limited edition 3DS consoles to coincide with the game's release in 2012 - each including a copy of the game inside. Each cover features one of the date-able girls in the game in vertical format, which is different from most other special edition designs of the console. It currently sits on Amazon for $292.96.
Charizard Daisuki 3DS XL
An especially rare special edition on this list is the Charizard Daisuki 3DS XL, which could only be obtained in Japan either by winning a lottery or becoming a member of the Pokémon Daisuki Club, which is located only in Nintendo's home nation. The awesome 2013 model features the famous fire-breathing dragon-type monster blasting flamethrower to the system's back side. It's quite a spectacle in its own right and unfortunately can't be found on any online listings.
Mario White Edition 3DS XL
The Mario White Edition 3DS XL was made available only in China in 2012, presumably serving as a way for Nintendo to break into the huge technologically savvy market. Simple yet still great, the red and white patterned background and mushroom/coin rows make for a clean yet still eye-catching design. This special edition unfortunately also can't be found among any reputable retailers online.
CoroCoro Comics Special Edition 3DS
This version of the handheld is so rare that its hard to find a proper image of it online. Offered in 2012 to coincide with the comic publication's 35th anniversary, the front cover features a bombastic design to fit the occasion. Little else is known of the edition, unfortunately, as the system was a rare find even for Japanese natives. There are no shopping listings of this unit online.
Disney Magic Castle My Happy Life 3DS XL
A quieter entry on this list is the Japanese-only Disney Magic Castle My Happy Life 3DS XL special edition, which launched with the game of the same name back in 2013. The Mickey Mouse shapes floating above the title's logo make for a cute design that's easy on the eyes while remaining unique in its own right. This system sells for $175.45 on Amazon.
SD Gundam Limited Edition 3DS
Perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing entry on this list is the SD Gundam Limited Edition 3DS, which released only in Japan in 2011. Quoting one the series' most nefarious villains, the front cover reads "In war, to keep the upper hand, you have to think two or three steps ahead of your enemy." There's not much else left to say here other than the fact that the system currently sits for $299.99 on Amazon.
Majora’s Mask New 3DS XL
If you're wondering whether or not you'd see any North American 3DS' on this list, look no further. The Majora’s Mask New 3DS XL released two years ago to coincide with Nintendo's Majora's Mask remake on the handheld. Needless to say, it sold out quickly online and in-store, currently going for $329.99 on eBay.
Pikachu Edition 3DS XL
The Pikachu Edition 3DS XL is close to iconic when it comes to special edition 3DS systems. Released in 2012 across the world, this handheld sold out rapidly. Despite its awkward front cover design, the fact that Pikachu's tail is featured on the back is a super cute addition that makes the whole unit come alive. It currently sells new on Amazon for $264.47.
About the author
David Lozada
David is an Italian/Latino New York City-based writer whose passions include music, anime, cosplay, movies, bike riding, video games, and just being an all-around nerd. He's always out and about, going to anime and gaming conventions alike across America and posting all of his shenanigans on social media for the world to see. If you bump into him, wherever he may be, don't be shy to say hello!
