Nintendo 3DS
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This page is dedicated to the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops, which shut down on March 27, 2023. Thank you for your twelve years of service.
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The Nintendo 3DS is a handheld gaming console developed by Nintendo and the successor to the Nintendo DS line.
Why It Makes Touching Even Better in 3D
- As the console's name suggests, the top screen is able to provide 3D effects without the need for 3D glasses or other similar peripherals. You can even adjust it or turn it off, thus solving a major problem that the Virtual Boy had.
- The StreetPass feature allows the 3DS to wirelessly connect to other systems in the area around it to collect Miis and play some multiplayer games. Some games also use it for other functions, such as
- The SpotPass feature allows for StreetPass gameplay without being in the immediate area, which allows you to connect with others from around the world.
- There are augmented reality (AR) features that are used in the built-in game AR Games and several others, such as the opening cinematics of Bravely Default.
- The 3DS has a built-in pedometer, which tracks how many steps the player takes. They are rewarded a Play Coin for every step they take, which can then be used in several 3DS games; up to 10 Play Coins can be obtained per day, and a maximum of 300 can be obtained at one time.
- The inclusion of the Circle Pad makes 3D movement much easier than it was on the DS.
- It is completely backwards-compatible with any DS Game Cards and DSiWare games and software.
- The 3DS has a large selection of first-party games (both good and bad), most of which are made for the console rather than just watered-down ports of home console games. They are listed in their respective sections.
- Many third-party titles (again both good and bad) were also created for this system. They are listed in their respective sections.
- There were many 3DS models, including the 3DS XL, 2DS (which plays 3DS games only in 2D, but costs less than the 3D models), New 3DS, New 3DS XL and New 2DS XL (which is the same as the 2DS, but with a clamshell design and New 3DS features).
- The New 3DS/2DS models have extra features, such as a second analog nub, custom face plates, a built-in NFC reader and more powerful hardware than the original, which allowed for newer style games.
- Meanwhile, the 2DS and New 2DS XL lack the 3D mode and are lower-priced, making them easier to produce and be easier on children's eyes. Although the original 2DS was criticized for lacking hinges, it was also more durable.
- The Circle Pad Pro and NFC Reader/Writer accessories for the original 3DS give it more capabilities, such as reading amiibo and having extra buttons and another Circle Pad that could be used with some games.
- All models came in several variations, such as Hyrule Gold Edition and the Year of the Luigi Edition, which had a digital copy of Mario & Luigi: Dream Team pre-installed.
- The console uses standard or micro SD cards, depending on the model, meaning that they are lower-priced than the Vita's memory cards.
- Although it may not be the best, it uses dual-camera technology, something that wouldn't be popularized in smartphones until the late 2010's. Back then, however, dual cameras were only used by the 3DS, which ended up becoming a fad.
Bad Qualities
Overall
- The cameras have several issues:
- Images taken with the New 3DS's inner cameras will have a strange purplish tint in some lightings.
- Videos recorded with the cameras (particularly the original) suffer from choppy frame rates (some as low as 5fps) and low resolution at 240p.
- Sadly, the Nintendo 3DS eShop closed on March 27, 2023, so you are no longer able to digitally buy games legally. This page is dedicated to this fact.
- This also means that digital-only games, such as HarmoKnight, the Pushmo trilogy and Nintendo Badge Arcade, are now lost to time.
- Nintendo put too much focus on the New 3DS models, basically forcing players to abandon their old models to spend money on the newer ones.
- You can only play Super Nintendo games on the New 3DS models.
- Unlike most Nintendo handhelds, this console has region-locking, while its competitor, the Vita, had no such issue. However, you are able to play DS games from any region.
- Unless you live in a high-population area, the StreetPass feature barely works properly.
- Despite having backwards compatibility with DS games, there is no GBA cartridge slot on any of the models, meaning you are unable to play GBA games on your 3DS, just like the DSi and DSi XL.
- You are also unable to play games that require the use of the GBA cartridge slot, such as the Guitar Hero: On Tour series.
- PictoChat, a feature that the DS family had, is not available on the 3DS. However, prior to the eShop's closure, you could buy equivalents known as Swapnote and Swapdoodle, even being able to attach badges from Nintendo Badge Arcade.
- As of April 8, 2024, the Nintendo Network has been shut down, so it's now impossible to play multiplayer games unless they are locally played.
Original Model
- The battery life leaves much to be desired, lasting around 3-5 hours. However, it is possible to get about 5-8 hours when playing DS games.
- The 3DS doesn't have a very good Circle Pad and the rubber can easily come off if you are playing too roughly with it. Also, the shoulder buttons are prone to giving out, just like the DSi and DSi XL.
Nintendo 3DS XL
- The speakers have very low-quality sound.
- Just like the DS Lite, the top screen's hinge can get loose over time and eventually break.
- The system can take a while to load or turn on/off.
Nintendo 2DS
- While the 2DS is cheaper than the normal 3DS, there are still charges and downsides to it:
- It loses the original 3DS's stereo sound to the $130 price tag, although is still supports stereo sound through the headphone jack.
- It lacks the clamshell design that the DS and 3DS families are well-known for, so you can't put in your pocket.
- Its screens are more vulnerable to cracking, which is especially problematic considering that the system was designed for younger children.
- Games such as Super Mario 3D Land may be harder, since some of the optical-illusion puzzles utilized 3D capabilities.
New 3DS
- Sadly, the New 3DS models weren't very commercially successful, selling less units than even the Wii U, due to Nintendo trying too hard to push them.
- It doesn't come with a charger (except for the New 2DS XL), meaning you will need to buy one or have already owned one.
- For some strange reason, the SD card slot is located where the battery is, meaning you will have to unscrew the plastic case to replace the SD card.
- The ZL and ZR buttons can be hard to reach.
- The standard New 3DS model wasn't available at launch, and was only released in special bundles in North America.
- The 3DS XL models don't have customizable face plates.
- The C-Stick's placement is very odd and requires jamming your thumb into it to use.
- Many of the same issues that the 3DS and 3DS XL had are still here.
New 2DS XL
- Like the original 2DS, it loses stereo sound. It also has the speaker in the bottom right-hand corner, making it easy to obstruct with your hand.
- As if the speaker placement wasn't bad enough, both the front and back cameras are on the bottom screen rather than the top screen. While the front camera's placement is fine, the back camera might get covered by your fingers sometimes.
- It suffers from many of the same issues that the New 3DS and New 3DS XL had.
- The edges of this model are really sharp and can be rather uncomfortable for your palms when you play with it for a relatively long session.
Reception
The Nintendo 3DS hardware has largely received positive reviews, with the use of 3D effects and its overall more powerful hardware being praised, but the low battery life was a point of criticism.
Over 75.96 million units have been sold worldwide as of September 30, 2020. While it may not enough to outsell its predecessor, it is the 12th best-selling console/handheld of all time.
Good/Decent Examples of Nintendo 3DS Games
First-Party Titles
- Super Mario 3D Land
- New Super Mario Bros. 2
- Mario Kart 7
- Dr. Mario: Miracle Cure
- Luigi's Mansion
- Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon
- Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
- Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
- Mario & Luigi: Dream Team
- Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam
- Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World
- WarioWare Gold
- Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
- The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
- The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes
- Hyrule Warriors Legends
- Kirby: Triple Deluxe
- Kirby: Planet Robobot
- Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn
- Kirby Fighters Deluxe
- Dedede Drum Dash Deluxe
- Kirby's Blowout Blast
- Metroid: Samus Returns
- Pokémon X and Y
- Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
- Pokémon Sun and Moon/Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
- Detective Pikachu
- Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon
- Fire Emblem Awakening
- Fire Emblem Fates
- Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadow of Valentia
- Fire Emblem Warriors (only on New 3DS)
- Animal Crossing: New Leaf
- Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer
- Hey! Pikmin
- Xenoblade Chronicles 3D (only on New 3DS)
- Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
- Code Name: S.T.E.A.M.
- Rhythm Heaven Megamix
- Tomodachi Life
- Miitopia
- Ultimate NES Remix
- Ever Oasis
- HarmoKnight
- Pocket Card Jockey
- Pushmo, Crashmo and Stretchmo
- Style Savvy: Trendsetters, Style Savvy: Fashion Forward and Style Savvy: Styling Star
- Swapnote and Swapdoodle
- Culdcept Revolt
- Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido
- Dillon's Rolling Western, Dillon's Rolling Western: The Last Ranger and Dillon's Dead-Heat Breakers
- BoxBoy!, BoxBoxBoy! and Bye-Bye BoxBoy!
- Bravely Default and its sequel, Bravely Second: End Layer
- Yo-Kai Watch 1, 2 and 3
- Professor Layton & The Miracle Mask and Professor Layton & The Azran Legacy
- Puzzle & Dragons Z + Super Mario Bros. Edition
- Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past
- Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
Third-Party Titles
- Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition
- Minecraft (only on New 3DS)
- Mighty Gunvolt
- Sonic Generations
- Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance
- Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D
- Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan
- Shovel Knight
- Rayman Origins
- Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright
- Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
- Story of Seasons and Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns
- Mega Man Legacy Collection
- Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice
- Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures
- Chousoku Henkei Gyrozetter: Albatross no Tsubasa (a good example of a Japan-exclusive title)
Bad/Mediocre Examples of Nintendo 3DS Games
First-Party Titles
- Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS
- Paper Mario: Sticker Star
- Mario Sports Superstars
- Mario Party: Island Tour
- Mario Party: Star Rush
- Mario Party: The Top 100
- Yoshi's New Island
- Team Kirby Clash Deluxe (the only bad Kirby-series eShop-exclusive game on 3DS)
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity
- Metroid Prime: Federation Force
- Fossil Fighter: Frontier
- Chibi-Robo! Zip Lash
- Nintendo Badge Arcade
Third-Party Titles
- Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal
- Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley and Harvest Moon: Skytree Village
- Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2013)
- Disney Infinity for 3DS
- Super Monkey Ball 3D
- Power Rangers Megaforce
- Doraemon: Nobita no Uchuu Eiyuuki
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