The 3DS Pokémon library offers three useful starting points: the island trials of Alola, a return to Hoenn and the approachable journey through Kalos. There is also a substantial dungeon-crawling alternative if you want to play as a Pokémon instead of training a team. The best choice depends on how much guidance, nostalgia and mechanical variety you want. These are original 3DS releases; DS Pokémon cartridges form a separate library even when your console can run them.
Editorial illustration, not a game screenshot.
The main 3DS Pokémon choices
- Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon: Choose these for Alola with expanded encounters and additional material around its island adventure. Trials replace much of the traditional gym sequence, while regional forms give familiar creatures a new place in your planning. They revisit much of Sun and Moon, so buying both pairs is unnecessary for most players.
- Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire: These Hoenn remakes combine a recognizable journey with the conveniences and presentation of the 3DS era. Searching for particular creatures through the DexNav gives collecting a more directed rhythm than repeatedly wandering through grass. They do not include Emerald’s Battle Frontier, an important distinction for facility-focused players.
- Pokémon X and Y: Kalos makes an inviting introduction through a wide range of available creatures and the debut of Mega Evolution. The campaign is a comfortable choice when learning types and building a favorite team matters more than seeking difficulty. The adventure can feel forgiving to experienced players who want a demanding progression.
- Pokémon Sun and Moon: The original Alola story has its own character focus and remains worth considering if you already own a copy. Its trials, regional forms and island setting provide the core reasons to explore this generation. Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are alternatives with changes, not mandatory DLC or direct save upgrades.
- Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon: Recruiting partners and moving through turn-based dungeon floors offers a different way to enjoy the creatures. Position, items and the danger of the next room replace the usual rhythm of routes, gyms and trainer battles. This is a spin-off, with a different combat structure and sharper difficulty spikes.
Compare the games at a glance
| Game | Best fit | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon | Alola with expanded content | Substantial overlap with Sun and Moon |
| Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire | Hoenn nostalgia and collecting | No Emerald Battle Frontier |
| Pokémon X and Y | An approachable introduction | Relatively gentle campaign |
| Pokémon Sun and Moon | Original Alola storytelling | Overlap with the Ultra versions |
| Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon | Dungeon-crawling spin-off | Not a badge-collecting RPG |
Choose a 3DS Pokémon region. Comparison by play preference, not a numerical score.
How to choose without buying twice
Start with X or Y if you want a gentle traditional introduction. Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire suits a returning fan who remembers Hoenn and wants a familiar framework. Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon offers more to explore within Alola, but the original Sun and Moon should not be dismissed when the story is your priority or a copy is already on your shelf. Mystery Dungeon is the deliberate detour for players interested in dungeon RPGs rather than another trainer journey.
The official 3DS online-play service has ended, and new eShop purchases are unavailable. Treat the campaigns and compatible local features as the basis of a purchase; do not pay extra for an assumed working online event or download. Check cartridge region against your 3DS. DS Pokémon games offer other classic regions, while Pokémon on Switch removes the need to source older handheld hardware. A broader selection of 3DS RPGs is useful if party systems matter more to you than collecting Pokémon.