I think it’s been well over ten years since I first played Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker on the Nintendo Wii U. The Wii U struggled at the time and had only a handful of exclusives truly worth playing, but this was definitely one of them. I remembered having a great time with its diorama-style puzzle levels, so when I spotted the Nintendo 3DS version for just a few euros, I thought: why not?

Returning to Toad’s Charming World

Jumping back into Toad’s world for a second playthrough felt instantly familiar. What really stands out about this game, and many other Nintendo titles, is the sense of innocence they carry. The world of Captain Toad is so cute and endearing that it genuinely makes me happy. In a time where the world often shrugs at atrocities and where the rights of women and minorities are constantly under pressure, this kind of light-hearted escape feels more than welcome.

A Perfect Fit for Handheld Play

Nintendo later brought the game to the Nintendo Switch, while also releasing a version for the older Nintendo 3DS. Especially that handheld version shines. The 3D effect genuinely adds depth to the diorama-like levels and makes exploring them even more enjoyable. Captain Toad is a relatively small game with compact, charming stages, and it can be finished in just a handful of hours. That makes it absolutely perfect for portable play.

A Game Worth Revisiting

Replaying games isn’t something I usually do, but Captain Toad is a rare exception. It still looks and feels remarkably fresh and remains just as fun as I remembered. Picking it up for five euros certainly helps, of course. More than anything, it made me want to spend more time with my old Nintendo 3DS. I hadn’t touched the system in nearly two years, yet it still has so much charm. Maybe it’s time to dust off those old 3DS games and dive back in.

Wanna read more about videogames? Click here!