3D platformers takes the principles of 2D platformer and but instead of going with a side scrolling or vertical scrolling view, the action is replaced in a 3D environment.

The Nintendo 64 was known for having many (and some of the best) 3D platformers. Shortly after this generation, 3D platformers became less common. Super Mario 64 is considered to be the game that revolutionized 3D platformers and set the standard for future games to follow. Before that, the potential of 3D platformers were not yet realized.

Another take at the genre was tried by Sunstorm Interactive in Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project, which featured a true-3D engine and, except for a few exceptions, tried to honour the traditional side-scrolling format. This was mostly done to honour the original 2D platformers, Duke Nukem and Duke Nukem II.

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