The Sims 3

 3DS
Metascore
52

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 29
  3. Negative: 12 out of 29
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  1. Pocket Gamer France
    Jun 27, 2011
    45
    Very limited content and clumsy controls make The Sims 3 a disappointing 3DS launch title. Nevertheless, there is a true Sims experience here, and one that is boosted by the clever use of the StreetPass function.
  2. Everyeye.it
    Jun 14, 2011
    45
    The Sims 3 simply doesn't work on Nintendo 3DS (and, probabily, on a portable system as well). The nice formula of the PC version has been distorted and misread.
  3. Multiplayer.it
    Apr 17, 2011
    45
    The last installment of the most famous virtual life simulator jumps into a 3D new life: it's a shame that the games disappoints in every way.
  5. Eurogamer Italy
    May 27, 2011
    40
    Considering its numerous faults, this edition of The Sims 3 proves to be quite disappointing, since the only ones able to fully enjoy it will be those unable to live a single moment of their live's without their precious Sims by their side.
  6. Gameblog.fr
    Apr 19, 2011
    40
    The Sims 3 3DS is to the other console versions what the travel MB games are to the original MB connect 4. A light portable version keeping the basic principles, with adapted ergonomics but without every bell and whistle that were its charm. You can get it if your really won't be able to keep away from the other versions for long, but even if it's your case, I wouldn't recommend it if you don't want to play it in 2D, since the 3D gives more headaches than added enjoyment.
  7. Video Game Talk
    Apr 12, 2011
    40
    Ultimately, The Sims is a game you can lose yourself in, as you get caught up in the antics of the little digital people you've created. You share their hopes, their fears, their ups and downs. Or, at least, you can do that on the PC. On the 3DS, you mainly have to mop up a lot of messes, half of which are created by your Sim wetting themselves. It's about as fun as it sounds.
  8. Metro GameCentral
    Mar 22, 2011
    40
    As a quick and dirty port this is no disgrace but it doesn't make any meaningful use of the 3DS's functions or the concept's potential.
  9. Eurogamer Sweden
    Apr 2, 2011
    30
    The Sims 3 for Nintendo 3DS is nothing but a rushed and soulless conversion of the popular series. Only the most essential functions remain, and the use of 3 in the games title remains a mystery. This shouldn't even be called Sims 1,5. Stay away.
  10. Gamekult
    Apr 2, 2011
    30
    Quotation forthcoming.
  11. GamePro
    Mar 31, 2011
    30
    It's not at all surprising to play a franchise launch game that lacks polish and precision, but The Sims 3 comes off as careless -- especially for a series with such strong cultural and consumer cachet. Even the much cheaper iPhone version offers a richer portable take on the series, and that came out in 2009!
  12. Nintendo Life
    Mar 30, 2011
    30
    A strong contender for the title of 'Worst 3DS Launch Game'. It has a sickening amount of bugs, is unfinished and reeks of a game that has been rushed for launch.
  13. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    Mar 29, 2011
    20
    A shambles of a port that is an embarrassment to anyone who decided it was ready to be released.

Awards & Rankings

64
#64 Best 3DS Game of 2011
35
#35 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2011
29
#29 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2011

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
2.9

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 36 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 36
  3. Negative: 26 out of 36
  1. Phil4000
    May 23, 2011
    2
    Picked up The Sims 3 on the launch of the 3DS, and what a disappointment it was. I have been a avid Sims fan since the original, and this gamePicked up The Sims 3 on the launch of the 3DS, and what a disappointment it was. I have been a avid Sims fan since the original, and this game has got to be the worst Sims product I have ever bought. The biggest disappointment has to be the amount of content in the game, which is very limited with only three locations available (your home and two community lots which include a library and stores). I could have sacrificed the number of options if the core gameplay was as I expected, but no, the sluggish, low frame rate almost makes the game unplayable (Its also worth mentioning that turning off the 3D didn't seem to help, which I found odd). This has been my least played 3DS title and a complete waste of my time and money.… Full Review »
  2. sweexmonxx
    May 10, 2011
    1
    The Sims 3 is the latest in the franchise and what way to bring it to the 3DS. What do I think? It is absolutely !@$?. The sims was never goodThe Sims 3 is the latest in the franchise and what way to bring it to the 3DS. What do I think? It is absolutely !@$?. The sims was never good to be on a handheld device but the 3DS is even worse! I been playing it but even before playing the game it was extremely bad! The character customisation is horrible, the camera doesn't work well with it. Making the character from scratch it Horrible. No good content. The gameplay is very hard and confusing with the 3DS because the buttons just don't work well with it! And even controlling your character and organising his/her life is impossible, you don't get a sense of control in the world but feels as if the game just plays it for you but in a bad way. You can't look after your character because its so hard to do all these things on the 3DS, it will just turn into a disaster. The 3D effects are good. I can't recommend this game, But if your a die hard fan and can get use to it then and play on-the-go then this is for you. But if you really want the best sims experience play the PC version. Even the console version is better then the 3DS version. Save your money and buy SSFIV 3D or Zelda. A horrible game.… Full Review »
  3. GPFluzzy
    Aug 26, 2021
    3
    this is just sad, the DS version has more features and is more fun than this version, you have 1 less trait slot and fewer traits than the DSthis is just sad, the DS version has more features and is more fun than this version, you have 1 less trait slot and fewer traits than the DS version, you can only make 1 sim in your family and its always a young adult/adult (yeah no kids here! even though freaking tomodachi life could do it.), there isn't mood bars so you have to wait for your sim to have a low need to actually tell what they well need, your sims can get stir crazy easier tan (insert pandemic joke here) and i can go on, no wonder sims 3 pets for 3DS was better (it even had different controls), but there are some good properties that arent in the DS version like woohoo (again no try for baby), create a townie (makes up for only 1 sim in a family somewhat), the guitar skill and a few more things, but it doesn't help the bad things from this game. if you're a 3DS owner who wants to play the sims 3 either get sims 3 pets or the DS version, if you dont own one but are willing to pay for a handheld to play the sims 3 (for whatever reason) you should get a laptop and play the sims 3 on it instead and let this version be forgotten.… Full Review »
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