So here's something wild - old Nintendo 3DS consoles are selling for absolutely bonkers prices right now. We're talking $250 to $350 for used systems on eBay. Yeah, you read that right. A handheld that came out way back in 2011 is commanding prices that'll probably match whatever Nintendo charges for the Switch 2.
I was scrolling through eBay listings after Pirat_Nation pointed this out, and honestly, my jaw dropped. Regular 3DS units, 3DS XLs, doesn't matter - they're all going for crazy money. The condition affects the price a bit, sure, but even beat-up ones aren't exactly cheap anymore.
But wait, why is this happening? Retro gaming's been on fire lately, and the 3DS hit that sweet spot where it's old enough to be nostalgic but recent enough that people remember playing it. Plus, Nintendo shut down the 3DS eShop back in March 2023, which means you can't buy digital games anymore. Physical cartridges are the only way to go now.
Here's what really gets me though. The Switch 2 is probably launching in 2026, and most rumors put it around $400. So you're telling me a 14-year-old handheld costs almost as much as Nintendo's next-gen console? That's nuts. I love my 3DS collection as much as the next person, but these prices are getting out of control.
If you've got a 3DS gathering dust somewhere, maybe it's time to check what it's worth. Just saying.
Riley
Sports & racing — couch-coop, arcade, party