Do you want/have a 3DS, but you are also on a budget, eh? No problems! Sure, the 3DS has been out for less than two years, but there are already options for the more financially conservative gamer. So long as you're willing to buy online.

1. Systems

Currently, there are two versions of the 3DS out: the $170 regular version, which comes with a 2 GB SD Card, and the $200 XL version, which comes with a 4 GB SD Card. All things considered, unless you have a strong preference otherwise, you should probably get the regular version. BUT, there's a catch. You see, Nintendo has prepared a few bundles for the regular 3DS at various points, which allow you to get one of several games. I recommend either the Ocarina of Time bundle or the Fire Emblem or 3D Land bundle, depending on whether you've played Ocarina before. Either way, you'll be getting a high quality portable game for $10 off the regular price.

Alternatively, some of the new XL systems come with a game preloaded, such as Mario Kart 7. These bundles also cost $200. If you are more interested in an XL system, you certianly won't regret picking up a MK7 bundle.

2. Retail Games

Not all games on the 3DS cost $40. Here are some of the less expensive choices that, for $20 or less, will still be worth your time, based on both personal experiences and general review scores.

Some games that cost over $20 new can be bought for cheaper used. If you think used games benefit the industry, consider these cheap used games.

3. eShop Goodies

Yes, eShop games are pricy compared to iPhone apps. But a lot of them are actually worth the investment. Besides, you have at least 2GB of free memory on your 3DS. Why not use some of it?

4. Virtual Console

Once again, yes these games are overpriced, but they are still worth a few dollars.

5. Game Lengths

Okay, so maybe price isn't your primary concern. But what about value? How long will it these games last? Well, based on info from howlongtobeat.com, we can get some rough estimates on how many hours you can expect to pour into 3DS games.

Conclusion:

Now, let's see what you can get for, say, $300, and for fun, let's buy nothing used.

*A brand new 3DS ($200 w/Super Mario 3D Land)

*Super Mario 3D Land/Ocarina of Time 3D (Free with 3DS)

*Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars ($20)

*Pilotwings Resort ($20)

*Bit Trip Saga ($20)

*Tetris Axis ($15)

*Mutant Mudds ($9)

*Pushmo ($7)

*Link's Awakening DX ($6)

Sources

Amazon

Gamestop

Gamerankings

Nintendo Wiki

How Long To Beat

Equivalent Vita Thread

This is a work in progress. Add your own suggestions, alert me of good deals, and let's make it easy being a 3DS fan!

Star Fox, Pokemon Rumble and Cave Story

VVVVVV is perfection to me.

The best western game of the decade, imo and one of the best games of all time, period. Simple everything, yet complete in everything.

Cave story is like 30 bucks here, and its a great game
i ve bought NFS the run for 17 bucks, pretty decent game
Project zero: Spirit camera cost me 25 but it was the tax free day, it should be no more than 35$
RE Mercenaries is also 20 or less

You can usually pick up new games on Amazon for less than what Gamestop charges for used games. If there is a game you want to support it is better to wait a little for price drop on Amazon and pick it up new (Resident Evil: Revelations is about 20 dollars new on Amazon right now).  Basically, you should put a link to Amazon Resident Evil: Revelations in your op!  I predicted this game to sell at least 1.5m don't let me down...

First of all, I think VVVVVV is an awesome game, but you should not list it in a budget thread. It's heavily overpriced for the 2 hours it lasts, imho. I still love the game and have it on my 3DS and it looks and plays awesome, but I still think this game should be 5 bucks max.

If you buy a 3DS and have not much more money to spare I would get Pushmo, Crashmo and Mutant Mudds off the eShop. If you want something to stuff into your 3DS slot so that no dust gets in I would go for Resident Evil Revelations. I have seen it on amazon.com for sub 20$ which is also very good value. Or stuff Dragon Quest IX in there if you haven't played it already.

It lasted me 4 hours but probably 1 hour just for that fucking "Vidi, Vici, Veni" part lol.

I have it both on 3DS and PC, and yeah, unless you really want to play it on the go, the PC is more attractive price-wise. I bought it for 1.49.

I still need to rescue like 2 crew members in VVVVVV. I believe I put at least 1 hour into the game so far. So it will probably last me 2.5-3 hours at least. I'm kind of stuck right now not sure where to go but eventually I'll find my way.

There are some really worthy games on the eShop for under 5$