Pokémon Picross was generally well received by critics, who liked how its approachable nonogram puzzles and Pokémon-collecting hooks invited newcomers into the genre. The main reservation was its free-to-start progression: Picrites could be earned or purchased, and critics found the resulting friction a blemish on an otherwise appealing puzzle game. Today, there is an additional practical caveat: Nintendo says purchases on the Nintendo 3DS eShop ended on 27 March 2023.
What did critics think of Pokémon Picross?
Metacritic’s Nintendo 3DS review record gives Pokémon Picross a 75 Metascore from 15 critic reviews, categorized as “Generally Favorable.” Eight reviews were positive (53%), six were mixed (40%), and one was negative (7%). That is a favorable aggregate, not unanimity: critics broadly approved of the game while differing on how its progression and value compared with other Picross titles.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Picross 3D (Nintendo DS) (Pre-Played) | $18.62 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Picross 3D - Nintendo DS (Renewed) | $16.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Nintendo Picross 3D Round 2 | $58.12 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Pokemon Moon - Nintendo 3DS Moon Edition | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
YIXIND Pokemon Soul Silver,Heart Gold,Platinum, Diamond,Pearl Version Game Cartridges Game Card for... | $38.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Nintendo Life separately lists a score of 7/10 for its 2015 review. That is the publication’s own score, not part of Metacritic’s score. Metacritic’s critic-review page and Nintendo Life’s game listing provide those records.
Why did critics like its puzzles and Pokémon hooks?
Accessible nonograms
In Picross, also called a nonogram, numbers beside each row and above each column indicate how many consecutive squares to fill. Working out which squares belong to the pattern reveals a Pokémon portrait. NintendoWorldReport described the game as “a perfect gateway drug to nonogram puzzles if you’ve never tried them before” in its 3 December 2015 review. Cubed3 similarly said it “succeeds flawlessly with its goal of making an easily accessible Picross title” in a review dated 7 January 2016.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Nintendo Picross 3D (Nintendo DS)
A collection that supports the puzzle loop
Solving puzzles adds Pokémon to a collection, and those Pokémon bring abilities that can help with later puzzles. Depending on the skill, a Pokémon can reveal squares, scan for errors, or identify rows with definite fills. Nintendo lists 12 skills, more than 300 puzzles, an advanced mode, and Daily Training on its Pokémon Picross product page.
That progression gives the game more than a sequence of standalone portraits: collecting Pokémon and using their abilities creates additional reasons to keep solving. Destructoid also praised its missions, murals, and Mega rows, which add longer-term objectives and variety to the basic grid-solving format.
Rank #2
- Nintendo Picross 3D (Nintendo DS)
Where did reviewers see problems?
Picrite-driven progression
The game was free-to-start. Players could earn Picrites by playing, including by clearing puzzles, or buy them with Nintendo eShop funds. Picrites could open areas, replenish the energy meter, or help Pokémon recover skills. Destructoid called the pricing scheme “strangely disguised,” reflecting a broader concern among critics that progression and purchases could interrupt the puzzle experience. The reviews do not establish one agreed price for the complete game, so it is more accurate to describe the criticism as friction around the economy than to assign the game a single full-game cost.
Genre veterans may want more
The accessibility that made the game inviting to new nonogram players was not enough for every critic. GamesBeat considered it a fine game but preferred Picross DS and Picross 3D. That points to a distinction in the reception: Pokémon-themed collecting and gentle onboarding were strengths, while players seeking the genre’s strongest or most satisfying puzzle experience could find better entries elsewhere. The reviewed material does not establish the current availability of those alternatives.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- NINTENDO
- High-quality dimensions
- Durable
Can you buy Pokémon Picross now?
Nintendo’s product listing states that purchases on the Nintendo eShop for Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems ended on 27 March 2023. Accordingly, Pokémon Picross should not be described as currently purchasable through the 3DS eShop. That notice addresses new purchases; on its own, it does not establish whether a previously downloaded copy remains playable.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Pokémon Picross worth playing?
As a critic-reviewed puzzle game, Pokémon Picross has a clear appeal for players who enjoy Pokémon or want an accessible introduction to nonograms. Its collection, abilities, missions, and large puzzle set give the grid-solving a recognizable Pokémon-shaped sense of progression. The main trade-off is that free-to-start mechanics could make that progression feel less smooth, and critics who valued the genre above the franchise tie-in were less likely to see it as a top-tier Picross entry.
Rank #4
- Pokemon Moon will launch in the US November 18th, 2016 exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- Embark on a new adventure as a Pokemon Trainer and catch, battle, and trade all-new Pokemon on the tropical islands of a new Region and become a Pokemon Champion!
- Rated “E”; Everyone w/ Mild Cartoon Violence
For anyone who already owns access to the game, the review record supports trying it if that mix sounds appealing. For someone hoping to buy it new through the 3DS eShop, Nintendo’s stated storefront closure changes the practical answer: that purchase route is no longer available.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →
