I’ve made it to year 28 without even researching any 3D engine after v1, all of my games have been based on 2d engines but once I create my console I really would want it to have 3D games and not only 2D, but I can’t see the option to research better 3D engines anywhere.
Is there something specific I need to do?
You need to make some games with 3D Engine v1 to “level up” and be able to use v2.
YOu need to develop games with 3G graphics V1, I think you have to get to Level 3 for V2 to be researchable. Then repeat.
I suppose if you have time and cash to burn you could develop and trash games to get the tech.
I got on board with 3D early, because I could see which way the market was heading 
I did that and changed roads with no problem thanks to a lot of small practice games. Accidentally released a game instead of trashing it, and I lost 10K fans, but it was fixed with one medium game.
When you reach 3D v3 then you can start using it in medium games with ease.