Though many could argue that the Nintendo 3DS console family is now dead, with it being superseded by the Nintendo Switch, it is undoubtedly one of the best gaming consoles ever released.
There are many consoles that fall under the 3DS banner; the original 3DS, the 3DS XL, the New 3DS and 3DS XL, as well as the 2DS and the New 2DS XL. Of course, the 2DS consoles don't have 3D capabilities. As with any beloved console, fans absolutely adore owning a shiny looking limited edition and Nintendo delivered quite a few awesome editions during the 3Ds' lifetime. Check out ten of the coolest limited edition designs just below.
10 Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth (3DS XL)
The Persona Q series is a spin-off of the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei franchises that offers more of a dungeon crawl format, as well as elements from the main game. The first Persona Q game released in 2014 and featured characters from both Persona 3 and Persona 4.
To coincide with the release, Nintendo launched a limited edition 3DS XL that takes on the appearance of the Grimoire. Nintendo cleverly utilizes the open and close nature of the console to parallel the iconic book used in the Velvet Room in the game. However, this console did not include a copy of the game.
9 Pokémon 20th Anniversary (New 3DS)
When the New 3Ds model released, it received mixed criticism. The removable faceplates meant that you could easily change the look of your console, but this also meant any limited edition console was actually just limited edition faceplates.
Regardless of this, the Pokémon 20th Anniversary limited edition New 3DS brought plenty of nostalgia back for fans with its retro Pokémon Red and Blue faceplates, with each console containing both sets. The console coincided with the re-release of the generation one Pokémon games for virtual console on 3DS in 2016. This limited edition came with Pokémon Red and Blue pre-installed, as well as an exclusive home menu theme.
8 Monster Hunter 4 - Airu White (3DS XL)
For the release of Monster Hunter 4 on 3DS in 2013, Japan received two different limited edition consoles, Airu White (as shown above) and Goa Magara Black, which was black with various gold emblem decorations. The consoles included a physical copy of the game.
The white version is adorable, covered with the many faces of Felynes (or Airus as they are known in Japan), and with two little Felyne characters in the bottom right. This more muted design looks rather stylish while still giving out plenty of cute vibes.
7 The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary (3DS)
This gorgeous black and gold Nintendo 3DS console was released especially for the 25th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda in 2011. It came bundled with a physical copy of The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time 3D, a remaster of the original Nintendo 64 game from 1998.
This sleek and sophisticated design featured gold emblems on the front and back, such as the Triforce and ocarina, as well as featuring gold detailing on the inside on the buttons and sliders.
6 Super Smash Bros. (3DS XL)
Super Smash Bros. is one of Nintendo's most popular franchises, so when the series was set to receive a new title for 3DS in 2014, it came as no surprise that a limited edition console released too. The design really pops with the monochrome characters standing out against the colored backdrop.
There were actually two variants available, with the red version releasing first and the blue one shortly afterward. Interestingly, while Europe and Australia also received the red version, North America was the only country to release the blue variant.
5 Pikachu (3DS XL)
Despite the rather unfortunate placement of the cameras, this limited edition Pikachu console is still unbelievably adorable. Its bright colors coupled with the iconic Pokémon mascot on the front is a winning design, and fans love that Pikachu's tail goes onto the back cover also.
This colorful console released in 2013 for North America, with Japan and Europe receiving a little earlier in 2012. Pikachu has graced the front of a few limited edition 3DS/2DS consoles in his time, but the bold design of this one makes it stand out from the others.
4 SD Gundam G Generation 3D (3DS)
This stunning console was only released in Japan, but its design is so visually appealing that it certainly made the rest of us in other countries super jealous. The console coincided with the release of SD Gundam G Generation 3D, which also only released in Japan, in 2011.
The console came bundled with a physical copy of the game, as well as a couple of cards that featured adorable chibi Gundams. The front cover quotes the series' antagonist-turned-protagonist Char Aznable, "In war, to keep the upper hand, you have to think two or three steps ahead of your enemy."
3 Super Nintendo Entertainment System/SNES (New 3Ds XL)
In 2017, Nintendo decided to gives fans a bit of a retro throwback with a SNES themed 3DS XL console. It wasn't the first retro-styled 3DS, with Nintendo having previously released one with a NES controller design. However, the great thing about this one is that when opened fully, the 3DS actually looks like the retro SNES console.
There were actually three different variants of this, the North American one shown on the left, the European one on the right, and the Japanese one that was the same as the European but said "Super Famicom" instead.
2 Animal Crossing: New Leaf Welcome Amiibo (New 2DS XL)
The Animal Crossing franchise has received a few limited edition consoles, but this particular model has to be the best one. It features gorgeous pastel green and cream colors with etchings all over and a hollowed-out Nook leaf in the center. This New 2DS XL was released in 2018, though regrettably it only launched in Japan and Europe.
This console came with Animal Crossing: New Leaf Welcome Amiibo pre-installed and also included an AC Adapter. The New 2DS XL offered a slimline, sleek console with the same features of the New 3DS, such as amiibo support, faster processing power, C Stick, and more, but of course, did not include the 3D capabilities.
1 The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (New 3DS XL)
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask limited edition console released in 2015 alongside the 3DS remake of the Nintendo 64 title from 2000. However, fans criticized that this console did not come with the game or an AC adapter for that matter.
This golden beauty was one of the most sought after limited edition consoles ever, with it selling out within hours of the product going live at various retailers. Unsurprisingly, this console fell victim to scalpers who were re-selling it at extortionate prices online.