Nintendo 3DS

{{Short description|Handheld game console}} {{Redirect|3DS}} {{distinguish|Nintendo DS|Nintendo 2DS}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2021}} {{Infobox information appliance | name = Nintendo 3DS | logo = Nintendo 3DS logo.svg{{!}}class=skin-invert | image = Nintendo-3DS-AquaOpen.png | caption = The original Nintendo 3DS in aqua blue in its open position | alt = An opened clamshell dual-screen handheld device. A camera is embedded in the internal hinge. | aka = iQue 3DS (China) | developer = Nintendo Research & Engineering | manufacturer = Nintendo, Foxconn | family = Nintendo 3DS family | type = Handheld game console | generation = Eighth | release_date = {{Collapsible list |title={{nobold|February 26, 2011}}|Nintendo 3DS:{{Video game release|JP|February 26, 2011<ref>{{cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=September 28, 2010 |title=Nintendo Conference 2010 Details |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/29/nintendo-conference-2010-details |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815115411/http://ds.ign.com/articles/112/1124149p1.html |archive-date=August 15, 2012 |access-date=September 26, 2013 |publisher=IGN}}</ref>|EU|March 25, 2011<ref>{{cite web |date=October 29, 2010 |title=Supplementary Information about Earnings Release |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2010/101029e.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190519044526/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2010/101029e.pdf |archive-date=May 19, 2019 |access-date=November 7, 2010 |publisher=Nintendo |page=9}}</ref>|NA|March 27, 2011<ref name="NAdetails">{{cite web |last=Kaluszka |first=Aaron |date=January 19, 2011 |title=3DS North American Price, Date, Colors Set |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/24774 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927191256/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/24774 |archive-date=September 27, 2012 |access-date=January 19, 2011 |publisher=Nintendo World Report}}</ref>|AU|March 31, 2011<ref name="AUSdetails">{{cite web |author=Daniel Vuckovic |date=February 8, 2011 |title=Nintendo 3DS launches in Australia on March 31st for $349 |url=http://www.vooks.net/Nintendo-3DS-launches-in-Australia-on-March-31st-for-349/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203063028/http://www.vooks.net/Nintendo-3DS-launches-in-Australia-on-March-31st-for-349/ |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=September 26, 2013 |publisher=Vooks.net}}</ref>}} Nintendo 3DS XL: {{vgrelease|JP/EU|July 28, 2012{{efn|As '''Nintendo 3DS LL''' in Japan}}|NA|August 19, 2012|AU|August 23, 2012}}}} | availability = | price = {{Unbulleted list | 3DS: {{Unbulleted indent list | {{¥|25,000|2011|round=-1|link=yes}} | {{US$|249.99|2011|round=-1|link=yes}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Moriarty |first1=Colin |date=2013-10-15 |title=The Real Cost of Gaming: Inflation, Time, and Purchasing Power |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/15/the-real-cost-of-gaming-inflation-time-and-purchasing-power |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915010832/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/15/the-real-cost-of-gaming-inflation-time-and-purchasing-power |archive-date=September 15, 2020 |access-date=2020-08-28 |website=IGN}}</ref> | {{AU$|349.99|2011|round=-1|link=yes}} }} | 3DS XL: {{Unbulleted indent list | {{US$|199.99|2012|round=-1|link=yes}} | {{AU$|349.99|2012|round=-1|link=yes}} }} | 3DS LL: {{Unbulleted indent list | {{¥|18,900|2012|round=-1|link=yes}} }} }} | discontinued = {{Video game release|WW|September 16, 2020}} | units_sold =  | units_shipped = 75.94 million ({{As of|2022|09|30|df=US|lc=y}})<ref>{{cite web |date=March 31, 2020 |title=Dedicated Video Game Sales Units |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621033554/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/index.html |archive-date=June 21, 2017 |access-date=May 7, 2020 |website=Nintendo}}</ref> | media = {{Unbulleted list | Nintendo 3DS Game Card | Nintendo DSi Game Card | Nintendo DS Game Card | Digital distribution | SD/SDHC card }} | os = Nintendo 3DS system software | system_on_chip =  | cpu = {{Unbulleted list|Dual-core ARM11 MPCore @ 268 MHz|Single-core ARM9}} | memory = 128 MB FCRAM, 6 MB VRAM | storage = 2 GB eMMC | memory_card = {{Unbulleted list | 3DS: SD card (2 GB included) | 3DS XL: SDHC card (4 GB included) }} | display = {{Collapsible list | title = {{nobold|2 LCD screens}} | Nintendo 3DS: | Upper: 3.53" autostereoscopic (3D) LCD @ 800 × 240 px (400 × 240 WQVGA per eye) | Lower: 3.00" resistive touchscreen LCD @ 320 × 240 (QVGA) | Nintendo 3DS XL / Nintendo 3DS LL: | Upper: 4.88" autostereoscopic (3D) LCD @ 800 × 240 px (400 × 240 WQVGA per eye) | Lower: 4.18" resistive touchscreen LCD @ 320 × 240 (QVGA) }} | graphics = DMP PICA200 @ {{Nowrap|268 MHz}} | sound = Stereo speakers (pseudo-surround), microphone | input = A/B/X/Y buttons, Circle Pad, L/R bumpers, D-pad, 3D depth slider, volume slider, wireless switch, power button | controllers =  | camera = Rear: 2 × 0.3 MP, f/2.85 Front: 0.3 MP, f/2.85 240p video recording | touchpad =  | connectivity = {{Nowrap|2.4 GHz}} 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, infrared | power = {{Unbulleted list | Nintendo 3DS: | {{Nowrap|1300 mAh}}, {{Nowrap|3.7 V}}, {{Nowrap|5 Wh}} lithium-ion battery | {{Collapsible list | title = {{nobold|Battery life}} | | 3DS games: {{Nowrap|3{{ndash}}5 hours}} | DS games: {{Nowrap|5{{ndash}}8 hours}} | Sleep Mode: {{Nowrap|≈ 3 days}} }} | Nintendo 3DS XL / Nintendo 3DS LL: | {{Nowrap|1750 mAh}}, {{Nowrap|3.7 V}}, {{Nowrap|6.5 Wh}} lithium-ion battery | {{Collapsible list | title = {{nobold|Battery life}} | | 3DS games: {{Nowrap|3.5{{ndash}}6.5 hours}} | DS games: {{Nowrap|7{{ndash}}10 hours}} | Sleep Mode: {{Nowrap|≈ 3 days}} }} }} | platform = | currentfw = 11.17.0-50, as of {{Start date and age|2023|05|22}} | online_services = {{Collapsible list | title = {{nobold|Nintendo Network (discontinued)}} | * Nintendo eShop (discontinued) * Miiverse (discontinued) * SpotPass (discontinued) * Nintendo Zone (discontinued) }} | dimensions = {{Collapsible list | title = {{nobold|Body}} | 3DS: {{Cvt|134|xx|74|xx|21|mm}} | 3DS XL: {{Cvt|156|xx|93|xx|22|mm}} }} | weight = {{Plainlist| * 3DS: {{Cvt|235|g}} * 3DS XL: {{Cvt|336|g}} }} | top_game = {{Nowrap|''Mario Kart 7'', 18.99 million units ({{As of|2024|03|31|df=US|lc=y}})<ref name="3dssoftwaresales">{{cite web |date=March 31, 2020 |title=Top Selling Software Sales Units |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/sales/software/3ds.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123185311/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/sales/software/3ds.html |archive-date=January 23, 2017 |access-date=May 7, 2020 |website=Nintendo}}</ref>}} (list) | compatibility = Nintendo DS/DSi | predecessor = Nintendo DS/DSi | successor = Nintendo Switch<ref name="Wilde 2020" /> | related = {{Ubl|Nintendo 2DS|New Nintendo 3DS|New Nintendo 2DS XL}} | codename = CTR · Centrair · Citrus }} The {{Nihongo foot|'''Nintendo 3DS'''|ニンテンドー3DS|Nintendō Surī Dī Esu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a foldable dual-screen handheld game console developed by Nintendo. Announced in March 2010 and released beginning in early 2011, it succeeds the Nintendo DS and DSi. Building on the basic design of the DS, the 3DS retains the clamshell form factor and backward compatibility with Nintendo DS software,<ref name="announcement">{{Cite press release |title=Launch of New Portable Game Machine |date=March 23, 2010 |publisher=Nintendo |location=Minami-ku, Kyoto |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2010/100323e.pdf |access-date=March 23, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190911193136/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2010/100323e.pdf |archive-date=September 11, 2019}}</ref> while introducing autostereoscopic 3D visuals that do not require special glasses. As an eighth-generation console, its primary competitor was Sony's PlayStation Vita.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 16, 2011 |title=Nintendo 3DS vs. PS Vita: Handheld Wars, The Next Generation |url=http://www.industrygamers.com/news/3ds-vs-ps-vita-handheld-wars-the-next-generation/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923215840/http://www.industrygamers.com/news/3ds-vs-ps-vita-handheld-wars-the-next-generation |archive-date=September 23, 2011 |access-date=November 1, 2011 |publisher=IndustryGamers}}</ref>

The Nintendo 3DS was released in Japan on February 26, 2011, and worldwide beginning the next month.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 19, 2011 |title=Nintendo's 3DS Hits the U.S. On March 27 for $249.99 |url=https://kotaku.com/nintendos-3ds-hits-the-u-s-on-march-27-for-249-99-5737568 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824204910/http://kotaku.com/5737568/nintendos-3ds-hits-the-us-on-march-27-for-24999 |archive-date=August 24, 2012 |access-date=July 7, 2012 |publisher=Kotaku.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=January 19, 2011 |title=Nintendo's 3DS Hits Europe On March 25 |url=https://kotaku.com/nintendos-3ds-hits-europe-on-march-25-5737640 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509041759/http://kotaku.com/5737640/nintendos-3ds-hits-europe-on-march-25 |archive-date=May 9, 2013 |access-date=July 7, 2012 |publisher=Kotaku.com}}</ref> Less than six months after launch, Nintendo announced a significant price reduction from US$249.99 to US$169.99 amid disappointing launch sales.<ref name="3DS Price Cut">{{Cite news |last=Schroeder |first=Stan |date=July 28, 2011 |title=Nintendo 3DS Price Cut to $169 Amid Disappointing Sales |url=http://mashable.com/2011/07/28/nintendo-cuts-3ds-price/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121205021517/http://mashable.com/2011/07/28/nintendo-cuts-3ds-price/ |archive-date=December 5, 2012 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |publisher=Mashable.com}}</ref> The company offered free games from the Nintendo eShop to consumers who bought the system at the original launch price.<ref name="Pricedrop">{{cite web |date=July 28, 2011 |title=What Do You Think About Nintendo's Big 3DS Announcement? |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/07/28/what-do-you-think-about-nintendos-big-3ds-announcement |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008153441/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/07/28/what-do-you-think-about-nintendos-big-3ds-announcement |archive-date=October 8, 2013 |access-date=September 26, 2013 |work=IGN DS |publisher=IGN}}</ref> This strategy was considered a major success, and the console went on to become one of Nintendo's most successful handheld consoles in the first two years of its release. {{As of|2025|12|31|df=US}}, the Nintendo 3DS family of systems combined have sold 75.94 million units, and games for the systems have sold 392.29 million units.<ref name="nintendosales">{{cite web |title=Dedicated Video Game Sales Units |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621033554/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/index.html |archive-date=June 21, 2017 |access-date=October 2, 2024 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>

The 3DS family received several hardware revisions during its lifespan. The Nintendo 3DS XL, featuring larger screens, launched in July 2012.<ref name="3DS XL release">{{Cite news |last=McEntegart |first=Jane |date=June 23, 2012 |title=Nintendo 3DS XL Arriving in UK On July 28 |url=http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Nintendo-3DS-3DS-XL-UK-Launch-Release-No-Charger,16109.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205014259/http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Nintendo-3DS-3DS-XL-UK-Launch-Release-No-Charger,16109.html |archive-date=February 5, 2013 |access-date=November 26, 2012 |publisher=Tom's Hardware}}</ref> The Nintendo 2DS, an entry-level model with a non-folding design and no 3D display, followed in October 2013.<ref name="2ds">{{cite web |last=Yin |first=Wesley |date=August 28, 2013 |title=Nintendo announces Nintendo 2DS handheld console • News • |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-08-29-nintendo-announces-nintendo-2ds-handheld-console |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831062220/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-08-29-nintendo-announces-nintendo-2ds-handheld-console |archive-date=August 31, 2013 |access-date=August 30, 2013 |publisher=Eurogamer.net}}</ref> The New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 2DS XL added upgraded hardware and additional controls, beginning in October 2014.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 29, 2014 |title=New Nintendo 3DS And New Nintendo 3DS XL Announced, Are More Powerful |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/08/29/new-nintendo-3ds-new-nintendo-3ds-xl-announced-powerful/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918211500/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/08/29/new-nintendo-3ds-new-nintendo-3ds-xl-announced-powerful/ |archive-date=September 18, 2017 |access-date=August 30, 2014 |publisher=Siliconera}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=October 11, 2014 |title=Nintendo's new 3DS console hits shelves in Japan |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/10/11/business/corporate-business/nintendos-new-3ds-console-hits-shelves-japan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221054432/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/10/11/business/corporate-business/nintendos-new-3ds-console-hits-shelves-japan/ |archive-date=December 21, 2014 |access-date=January 6, 2015 |publisher=Japan Times}}</ref> Nintendo discontinued the 3DS line on September 16, 2020.<ref name="Byford">{{cite web |last=Byford |first=Sam |date=September 17, 2020 |title=Nintendo has discontinued the 3DS |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/17/21441096/nintendo-3ds-production-discontinued-total-sales |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917094029/https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/17/21441096/nintendo-3ds-production-discontinued-total-sales |archive-date=September 17, 2020 |access-date=September 17, 2020 |work=The Verge}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=September 17, 2020 |title=Nintendo 3DS discontinued after almost a decade |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-54191058 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917125902/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-54191058 |archive-date=September 17, 2020 |access-date=September 17, 2020 |work=BBC News}}</ref> The Nintendo eShop closed on March 27, 2023,<ref name="eShopDiscontinuation" /><ref name="TheVergeClosureDate">{{Cite web |last=Faulkner |first=Cameron |date=July 19, 2022 |title=Nintendo will close the Wii U and 3DS eShops on March 27th, 2023 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/7/19/23269792/nintendo-wii-u-3ds-eshop-closing-date-2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728174542/https://www.theverge.com/2022/7/19/23269792/nintendo-wii-u-3ds-eshop-closing-date-2023 |archive-date=July 28, 2022 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |work=The Verge}}</ref> and Nintendo Network features ended on April 8, 2024, with limited exceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nintendo Support: Announcement of Discontinuation of Online Services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software |url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/63227/~/announcement-of-discontinuation-of-online-services-for-nintendo-3ds-and-wii-u |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408031559/https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/63227/~/announcement-of-discontinuation-of-online-services-for-nintendo-3ds-and-wii-u |archive-date=April 8, 2024 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=en-americas-support.nintendo.com}}</ref>

== History == === Background === Nintendo began experimenting with stereoscopic 3D video game technology in the 1980s. The Famicom 3D System, an accessory consisting of liquid crystal shutter glasses, was Nintendo's first product that enabled stereoscopic 3D effects. Although few titles were released, Nintendo helped design one—called ''Famicom Grand Prix II: 3D Hot Rally''—which was co-developed by Nintendo and HAL Laboratory and released in 1988. The Famicom 3D System failed to garner market interest and was never released outside Japan.<ref name="Famicom 3D">{{cite web |date=April 30, 2010 |title=Nintendo's First 3D Technology Shot A Spaceship At Mario's Face |url=https://kotaku.com/nintendos-first-3d-technology-shot-a-spaceship-at-mario-5527760 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024034404/http://kotaku.com/5527760/nintendos-first-3d-technology-shot-a-spaceship-at-marios-face |archive-date=October 24, 2016 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |publisher=Kotaku}}</ref><ref name="Iwata 3DS interview">{{cite web |date=January 7, 2011 |title=Volume 1: And That's How the Nintendo 3DS Was Made |url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/how-nintendo-3ds-made/0/0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502173442/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/how-nintendo-3ds-made/0/0 |archive-date=May 2, 2020 |access-date=November 27, 2012}}</ref>

Nintendo's second attempt with 3D development was the Virtual Boy, designed by Gunpei Yokoi, creator of the Game Boy handheld console, Kid Icarus, and popular ''Metroid'' video game. It was a portable table-top system consisting of separate handheld controller and goggles that used two tiny, rapidly oscillating mirrors to achieve stereoscopic monochrome 3D.<ref name="Early 3D from Nintendo">{{cite web |last=Conneally |first=Tim |date=March 23, 2010 |title=Nintendo wants to try its hand at 3D again |url=http://betanews.com/2010/03/23/nintendo-wants-to-try-its-hand-at-3d-again/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226013958/http://betanews.com/2010/03/23/nintendo-wants-to-try-its-hand-at-3d-again/ |archive-date=December 26, 2013 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |publisher=betanews.com}}</ref> Released in 1995, the Virtual Boy sold fewer than a million units, with only 22 compatible game titles released, and was widely considered to be a commercial failure.<ref name="Iwata 3DS interview" /><ref>{{cite web |author=Blake Snow |date=May 4, 2007 |title=The 10 Worst-Selling Consoles of All Time |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/111823/the-10-worst-selling-consoles-of-all-time-page-2-of-2/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905175411/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/111823/the-10-worst-selling-consoles-of-all-time-page-2-of-2/ |archive-date=September 5, 2008 |access-date=November 25, 2007 |publisher=GamePro}}</ref> Shigeru Miyamoto, known for his work on popular game franchises such as Mario and ''The Legend of Zelda'', commented in a 2011 interview that he felt conflicted about Yokoi's decision to use wire-frame models for 3D and suggested that the product may not have been marketed correctly.<ref name="Iwata 3DS interview" /> The failure of the Virtual Boy left many at Nintendo doubting the viability of 3D gaming.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 27, 2011 |title=Nintendo 'Traumatized' By 3D Virtual Boy, But '(Laughs)' About It Now |url=https://kotaku.com/nintendo-traumatized-by-3d-virtual-boy-but-laughs-ab-5745178 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120021559/https://kotaku.com/5745178/nintendo-traumatized-by-3d-virtual-boy-but-laughs-about-it-now |archive-date=November 20, 2018 |access-date=February 7, 2011 |publisher=Kotaku}}</ref>

Despite this, Nintendo continued to investigate the incorporation of 3D technology into later products. The GameCube, released in 2001, was also capable of displaying true stereoscopic 3D with an LCD attachment, though only the launch title ''Luigi's Mansion'' was ever designed to utilize it. While a working internal prototype was created, the add-on itself was never released due to its expensive cost, leaving the feature unavailable outside of development.<ref name="IwataAsks3DS">{{cite web |title=Iwata Asks: Nintendo 3DS |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/iwata/iwata_asks_-_nintendo_3ds_30756_30757.html#top |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120213182527/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/iwata/iwata_asks_-_nintendo_3ds_30756_30757.html#top |archive-date=February 13, 2012 |access-date=January 11, 2011 |quote='''Iwata:''' To go back a little further, the Nintendo GameCube system actually had 3D-compatible circuitry built in [...] '''Itoi:''' Nintendo GameCube did? And all the Nintendo GameCube systems around the world? '''Iwata:''' Yeah. If you fit it with a certain accessory, it could display 3D images. [...] '''Iwata:''' We already had a game for it, though – Luigi’s Mansion, simultaneously released with Nintendo GameCube. '''Itoi:''' The one in which Luigi shoulders a vacuum cleaner? '''Iwata:''' Yeah, that one. We had a functional version of that in 3D.}}</ref> Nintendo later experimented with a 3D LCD during the development of the Game Boy Advance SP, but the idea was shelved after it failed to achieve satisfactory results. Another attempt was made in preparation for a virtual navigation guide to be used on the Nintendo DS at Shigureden, an interactive museum in Japan.<ref name="Shigureden">{{cite web |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=February 22, 2011 |title=Nintendo-Powered Museum Closes Its Doors |url=https://kotaku.com/nintendo-powered-museum-closes-its-doors-5766825 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128202301/http://kotaku.com/5766825/nintendo+powered-museum-closes-its-doors |archive-date=January 28, 2013 |access-date=December 4, 2012 |publisher=kotaku.com}}</ref><ref name="Shigureden2">{{cite web |last=Kelly |first=Tim |date=December 25, 2006 |title=Shigureden celebrates poetry and a centuries-old card game |url=https://www.forbes.com/global/2006/1225/053.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621235822/http://www.forbes.com/global/2006/1225/053.html |archive-date=June 21, 2013 |access-date=December 4, 2012 |work=Forbes}}</ref> Nintendo president Hiroshi Yamauchi encouraged additional 3D research in an effort to use the technology in the exhibition. Although the project fell short, Nintendo was able to collect valuable research on liquid crystal which would later aid in the development of the Nintendo 3DS.<ref name="Iwata 3DS interview" />

=== Development === Speculation on the development of a successor to the Nintendo DS began in late 2009. At the time, Nintendo controlled as much as 68.3% of the handheld gaming market.<ref name="3DS Speculation — TechRadar">{{Cite news |last=Hartley |first=Adam |date=October 14, 2009 |title=Rumour: Nvidia Tegra-powered Nintendo handheld due 2010 |url=http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/rumour-nvidia-tegra-powered-nintendo-handheld-due-2010-642583 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225223323/http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/rumour-nvidia-tegra-powered-nintendo-handheld-due-2010-642583 |archive-date=December 25, 2013 |access-date=November 28, 2012 |publisher=TechRadar.com}}</ref> In October 2009, tech tabloid Bright Side of News reported that Nvidia, a graphics processing unit (GPU) developer that recently made headway with its Tegra System-on-Chip processors, had been selected by Nintendo to develop hardware for their next generation portable game console.<ref>{{cite web |last=Valich |first=Theo |date=October 13, 2009 |title=nVidia Tegra wins contract for next-gen Nintendo DS |url=http://www.brightsideofnews.com/news/2009/10/13/nvidia-tegra-wins-contract-for-next-gen-nintendo-ds.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502143045/http://www.brightsideofnews.com/news/2009/10/13/nvidia-tegra-wins-contract-for-next-gen-nintendo-ds.aspx |archive-date=May 2, 2020 |access-date=April 4, 2010 |work=Bright Side of News* |publisher=Bright Side Network |quote=Currently, we have no information what exact chip is being used [just that nVidia won the contract], but with the debut set for February 2010, the second generation of Tegra chips could make an excellent base [to be launched at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona].}}</ref> Later that month, speaking about the future for Nintendo's portable consoles, company president Satoru Iwata mentioned that while mobile broadband connectivity via subscription "doesn't fit Nintendo customers", he was interested in exploring options like Amazon's Whispernet found on the Amazon Kindle which provides free wireless connectivity to its customers for the sole purpose of browsing and purchasing content from the Kindle Store.<ref name="Whispernet">{{cite web |last=Harding |first=Robin |date=October 30, 2009 |title=Nintendo considers Kindle tactics for consoles |url=https://www.ft.com/content/04f7ebd8-c571-11de-8193-00144feab49a |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303191850/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/04f7ebd8-c571-11de-8193-00144feab49a.html |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=April 4, 2010 |work=Financial Times}}</ref>

Nintendo had expressed interest in motion-sensing capabilities since the development of the original Nintendo DS,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Totilo |first=Stephen |date=May 13, 2004 |title=Taking the Game War To a Second Front |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/13/technology/taking-the-game-war-to-a-second-front.html?pagewanted=all |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509070757/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/13/technology/taking-the-game-war-to-a-second-front.html?pagewanted=all |archive-date=May 9, 2013 |access-date=April 4, 2010 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> and an alleged comment by Satoru Iwata from a 2010 interview with Asahi Shimbun implied that the successor to the Nintendo DS would incorporate a motion sensor. The claim led to a minor dispute between the publication and Nintendo over its accuracy.<ref name="Kotaku">{{cite web |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=February 2, 2010 |title=Nintendo vs. Japanese Newspaper, It Continues! |url=https://kotaku.com/nintendo-vs-japanese-newspaper-it-continues-5462023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004021511/https://kotaku.com/5462023/nintendo-vs-japanese-newspaper-it-continues |archive-date=October 4, 2018 |access-date=April 4, 2010 |work=Kotaku |publisher=Gawker Media}}</ref> In February 2010, video gaming website Computer and Video Games reported that a select "handful" of Japanese developers were in possession of software development kits for the Nintendo DS successor, with The Pokémon Company given special priority. According to their insider at an unspecified third-party development studio, the hardware features a "tilt" function that is similar to that of the iPhone, "but does a lot more".<ref name="CVG">{{cite web |last=Ingham |first=Tim |date=February 16, 2010 |title=DS2 in the hands of Pokemon Company |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/235077/ds2-in-the-hands-of-pokemon-company/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207203931/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/235077/ds2-in-the-hands-of-pokemon-company/ |archive-date=December 7, 2014 |access-date=April 4, 2010 |work=CVG |publisher=Future Publishing |quote=Any kind of March announcement wouldn't fit with the timeline I understand the second DS to be on,' he added.}}</ref>

=== Announcement === [[File:E3 2010 Nintendo Media Event - Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword demo machines rise from the floor.jpg|thumb|left|The Nintendo 3DS E3 2010 unveiling involved an elaborate stage with moving set pieces.]] thumb|left|A prototype ''Aqua Blue'' Nintendo 3DS shown at E3 2010; the circle pad was originally colored alongside the console.

On March 23, 2010, Nintendo officially announced the Nintendo 3DS handheld console.<ref name="announcement" /> According to industry analysts, the timing of the announcement, which had drawn attention away from the launch of the company's still-new Nintendo DSi XL handheld, was likely intended to preempt impending news leaks about the product by the Japanese press.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 29, 2010 |title=Did Nintendo Doom New Handheld Before Its Release? |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2010/03/29/did-nintendo-doom-new-handheld-before-its-release.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611042557/http://www.cnbc.com/id/36087758 |archive-date=June 11, 2011 |access-date=April 3, 2010 |publisher=CNBC |quote='Apparently, the Japanese press was all over it and talked with suppliers there and Nintendo just wanted to get out ahead by breaking the news to prevent a leak,' says Billy Pigeon, senior analyst with M2 Research.}}</ref> In April 2010, a picture of a possible development build of the internal components of the 3DS was released as part of a U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filing by Mitsumi.<ref name="WirelessGoodness">{{cite web |date=April 30, 2010 |title=Nintendo DS testing platform revealed by FCC |url=http://www.wirelessgoodness.com/2010/04/30/nintendo-ds-testing-platform-revealed-by-fcc/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150308162723/http://www.wirelessgoodness.com/2010/04/30/nintendo-ds-testing-platform-revealed-by-fcc/ |archive-date=March 8, 2015 |access-date=May 18, 2010 |work=Wireless Goodness |quote=An FCC filing today by Mitsumi exposed what appears to be a Nintendo DS testing platform.}}</ref> An analysis of the image showed that it was likely genuine as it featured components known to be used in the Nintendo DS line along with features of the 3DS that had not been announced like a 5:3 top screen and a control nub similar to those used in Sony's PlayStation Portable systems.<ref>{{cite web |last=Predy |first=Logan |date=May 17, 2010 |title=3DS Dev-Build Hardware Analysis |url=http://gameusagi.com/?p=1158 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426124412/http://gameusagi.com/?p=1158 |archive-date=April 26, 2012 |access-date=May 18, 2010 |work=Game Usagi |quote=For their '3D Control Stick' Nintendo has decided to go for something much more akin to the 'control nub' on the PSP systems.}}</ref>

In June 2010, video gaming website IGN reported that according to "several developers who have experienced 3DS in its current form," the system possesses processing power that "far exceed[s] the Nintendo Wii" and with 3D shaders, they could make games that "look close to current generation visuals on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3". IGN also cited "several developer sources" as saying that the system does not use the Nvidia Tegra mobile chipset.<ref>{{cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=June 4, 2010 |title=E3 2010: Everything We Know About the 3DS |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/04/e3-2010-everything-we-know-about-the-3ds |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008180614/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/04/e3-2010-everything-we-know-about-the-3ds |archive-date=October 8, 2013 |access-date=September 26, 2013 |publisher=IGN}}</ref>

The system was fully revealed at Nintendo's conference at E3 2010 on June 15, 2010.<ref name="announcement 2">{{Cite news |last=Tabuchi |first=Hiroko |author-link=Hiroko Tabuchi |date=March 23, 2010 |title=Nintendo to Make 3-D Version of Its DS Handheld Game |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/24/technology/24nintendo.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329224525/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/24/technology/24nintendo.html |archive-date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=April 4, 2010 |work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name="E3 2010 unveiling">{{Cite news |last=Snider |first=Mike |date=June 15, 2010 |title=E3 2010: Nintendo 3DS unveiled |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2010/06/e3-2010-nintendo-3ds-unveiled-/1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112092225/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2010/06/e3-2010-nintendo-3ds-unveiled-/1 |archive-date=November 12, 2013 |access-date=November 26, 2012 |publisher=USA Today}}</ref> The first game revealed was ''Kid Icarus: Uprising'', and several other titles from third parties were also announced, including Square Enix with ''Kingdom Hearts 3D'', Konami with ''Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D'', Ubisoft with ''Assassin's Creed: Lost Legacy'', and Capcom with ''Resident Evil: Revelations'' and ''Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition''. Other Nintendo-developed titles revealed after the conference included ''Mario Kart 7'' (then named ''Mario Kart 3DS''), ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'', ''Star Fox 64 3D'',<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo 3DS – Games at Nintendo — Nintendo of America Inc |url=https://www.nintendo.com/3ds/games/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111031033924/http://www.nintendo.com/3ds/games |archive-date=October 31, 2011 |access-date=July 7, 2012 |publisher=Nintendo.com}}</ref> and ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D''.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 29, 2010 |title=E3 2010: Ocarina of Time 3DS On the Way! – Nintendo 3DS News at IGN |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/15/e3-2010-ocarina-of-time-3ds-on-the-way |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308005614/http://ds.ign.com/articles/109/1098192p1.html |archive-date=March 8, 2012 |access-date=June 18, 2010 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> Nintendo also demoed 3D trailers of the movies ''How to Train Your Dragon'', ''Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole'', and ''Tangled'' on the 3DS.<ref>[http://cnettv.cnet.com/e3-2010-nintendo-3ds-unveiled/9742-1_53-50089051.html E3 2010 Nintendo 3DS Unveiled] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225152127/http://cnettv.cnet.com/e3-2010-nintendo-3ds-unveiled/9742-1_53-50089051.html |date=December 25, 2013 }} CNET</ref><ref name="hands-on">{{cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=June 15, 2010 |title=E3 2010: 3DS: Our First Hands-on |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/15/e3-2010-3ds-our-first-hands-on |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008172008/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/15/e3-2010-3ds-our-first-hands-on |archive-date=October 8, 2013 |access-date=September 26, 2013 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> The 3DS design shown at E3 was almost final, but subject to minor changes.<ref>{{cite web |last=Towell |first=Justin |date=August 23, 2010 |title=Is the design of the 3DS final or not? Nintendo clears up the confusion |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/is-the-design-of-the-3ds-final-or-not-nintendo-clears-up-the-confusion/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930081445/http://www.gamesradar.com/is-the-design-of-the-3ds-final-or-not-nintendo-clears-up-the-confusion/ |archive-date=September 30, 2013 |access-date=August 25, 2010 |publisher=GamesRadar UK}}</ref>

On September 29, 2010, Nintendo announced that the Nintendo 3DS would be released in Japan on February 26, 2011. Furthermore, several additional features were announced: the inclusion of a ''Mii Maker'' (similar to the ''Mii Channel'' on the Wii), Virtual Console (including Game Boy and Game Boy Color), 3D Classics, a cradle for recharging the system's battery, multitasking, several included augmented reality games, an included 2 GB SD card, and stored game data, as well as the final names for the 3DS tag modes, StreetPass and SpotPass. Nintendo further revealed that the system would be available at launch in two colors, "Aqua Blue" and "Cosmo Black", and that its launch price in Japan would be ¥25,000.<ref name="WiiNintendo">{{cite web |date=September 29, 2010 |title=Nintendo Conference 2010 Coverage: 3DS Launch Details Revealed |work=NintendoFuse |url=http://www.wiinintendo.net/2010/09/28/nintendo-conference-2010-coverage-3ds-japanese-launch-details-revealed-at-1-am-est-tonight/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107040747/http://www.wiinintendo.net/2010/09/28/nintendo-conference-2010-coverage-3ds-japanese-launch-details-revealed-at-1-am-est-tonight/ |archive-date=January 7, 2011 |access-date=September 29, 2010 |publisher=WiiNintendo}}</ref> The final physical design was also revealed at this event.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 29, 2010 |title=Nintendo 3DS Final Design |url=http://www.wiinintendo.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/3DS-final-design.png |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724131108/http://www.wiinintendo.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/3DS-final-design.png |archive-date=July 24, 2011 |access-date=September 29, 2010 |publisher=WiiNintendo}}</ref>

=== Pre-launch events === On January 19, 2011, Nintendo held two simultaneous press conferences in Amsterdam and New York City, where it revealed all of the features of the Nintendo 3DS.<ref>[http://live.nintendo3ds.nintendo-europe.com/index.html Nintendo 3DS Preview Event] {{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Nintendo of Europe</ref> In North America, the release date was confirmed as March 27, 2011, with a retail price of $249.99. In Europe, the release date was announced as March 25, 2011, though Nintendo said that pricing would be up to retailers. Most retailers priced the handheld between £219.99 and £229.99,<ref>[https://www.gamesradar.com/nintendo-allowing-retailers-to-set-3ds-price-in-europe-good-luck-if-you-have-a-pre-order/ Nintendo allowing retailers to set 3DS price in Europe. Good luck if you have a pre-order] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225221227/https://www.gamesradar.com/nintendo-allowing-retailers-to-set-3ds-price-in-europe-good-luck-if-you-have-a-pre-order/ |date=February 25, 2020 }} Nintendo 3DS News at GamesRadar</ref> though some retailers, such as Amazon, lowered the price following Sony's announcement of the PSP's successor on January 26, 2011,<ref>{{cite web |last=Interactive |first=Disney |title=Nintendo 3DS at |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004ISLDV0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310031307/http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004ISLDV0 |archive-date=March 10, 2014 |access-date=November 1, 2011 |publisher=Amazon.co.uk}}</ref> with some retailers pricing the handheld at around £200 in February.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo 3DS UK price war rages on |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/288351/nintendo-3ds-uk-price-war-rages-on/?cid=OTC-RSS&attr=CVG-General-RSS |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513074052/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/288351/nintendo-3ds-uk-price-war-rages-on/?cid=OTC-RSS&attr=CVG-General-RSS |archive-date=May 13, 2012 |access-date=December 5, 2011 |publisher=CVG}}</ref>

In February 2011, Nintendo held four hands-on events in the UK named "Believe Your Eyes". February 5 and 6 saw simultaneous events in London and Manchester, while the 12th and 13th saw events in Glasgow and Bristol. Invitations to the events were offered first to Club Nintendo members, then later to members of the public via an online registration form.<ref>{{cite web |title=Find out where you can try Nintendo 3DS near you! |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/events_31044.html#get-events/h/e |access-date=February 6, 2011 |publisher=Nintendo}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Guests watched two brief performances and trailers, then were given time to play a selection of games on 3DS devices. Attendees were then allowed into a second room, containing further games to play (mainly augmented reality-based) and in-device videos.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo 3DS – Preview Event |url=https://www.nintendo.com/3ds/videos/#/Nintendo_3DS_-_Preview_Event |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106000720/http://www.nintendo.com/3ds/videos#/Nintendo_3DS_-_Preview_Event |archive-date=November 6, 2011 |access-date=November 1, 2011 |publisher=Nintendo.com}}</ref>

=== Launch === The Nintendo 3DS launched in Japan on February 26, 2011 (priced at {{Yen|25,000|link=yes}}), followed by releases in Europe on March 25, North America on March 27, and Australia on March 31. The handheld quickly ran into slower-than-expected sales due to several factors. Most notably, the 3DS's price of {{US$|249.99|2011|link=yes|round=0}}, the highest ever for a Nintendo handheld, deterred many consumers, especially compared to the original Nintendo DS, which launched at $150 in 2004. The compact design of the launch model also drew criticism, as it proved uncomfortable for prolonged use by adults. Meanwhile, the device's stereoscopic 3D effect, though technologically impressive, caused eye fatigue and came with a warning that it should not be used by children under six, one of Nintendo's core demographics. Lastly, the launch lineup lacked any flagship Nintendo franchises.<ref name="Wilde 2020">{{Cite news |last=Wilde |first=Thomas |date=2020-09-20 |title=Nintendo 3DS, 2011-2020: Its strange life, quiet death, and the potential end of a mobile gaming dynasty |url=https://www.geekwire.com/2020/nintendo-3ds-2011-2020-strange-life-quiet-death-potential-end-mobile-gaming-dynasty/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250306135653/https://www.geekwire.com/2020/nintendo-3ds-2011-2020-strange-life-quiet-death-potential-end-mobile-gaming-dynasty/ |archive-date=March 6, 2025 |access-date=2025-03-20 |work=GeekWire |language=en-US |quote=The Switch, which worked as both a home and portable console, couldn’t help but occupy some of the 3DS’s territory, and most developers chose to make games for the newer, more powerful, higher-profile system. [...] the Switch’s hybrid handheld means that it’s effectively still servicing both of its previous audiences.}}</ref> The rise of mobile gaming on a phone also led to diminishing interest in handheld consoles in general, affecting the 3DS's sales.

{{Anchor|ambassador}}In response, Nintendo announced a major price cut on July 28, 2011, reducing the console's price by nearly a third, to {{US$|169.99|2011|link=yes|round=0}} in North America and {{Yen|15,000}} in Japan. To appease early adopters, Nintendo launched the 3DS Ambassador Program, offering 20 free classic games to users who accessed the eShop before August 21.<ref name="guardian_drop">{{Cite news |last=Boxer |first=Steve |date=July 28, 2011 |title=3DS price cut by almost a third as Nintendo reports loss |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2011/jul/28/3ds-price-cut-nintendo-loss |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304045841/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2011/jul/28/3ds-price-cut-nintendo-loss |archive-date=March 4, 2017 |access-date=December 17, 2016 |work=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=August 11, 2011 |title=| Nintendo 3DS — Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Program |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/3ds/en_na/3dsambassador.jsp?menu=ts&submenu=ctr-ts-amb-no-eshop-icon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309004716/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/3ds/en_na/3dsambassador.jsp?menu=ts&submenu=ctr-ts-amb-no-eshop-icon |archive-date=March 9, 2012 |access-date=May 2, 2012 |publisher=Nintendo.com}}</ref> These included ten NES titles, such as ''Super Mario Bros.'', ''The Legend of Zelda'', and ''Metroid'', as well as ten Game Boy Advance games, including ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'', ''The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap'', and ''WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames!''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Reilly |first=Jim |title=3DS GBA Ambassador Games Now Available |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/12/16/3ds-gba-ambassador-games-now-available.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419155530/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/12/16/3ds-gba-ambassador-games-now-available.aspx |archive-date=April 19, 2012 |access-date=September 12, 2012 |publisher=gameinformer}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Newton |first=James |date=August 31, 2011 |title=NES Ambassador Games for North America Available Now |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2011/08/nes_ambassador_games_for_north_america_available_now |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101122656/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2011/08/nes_ambassador_games_for_north_america_available_now |archive-date=November 1, 2012 |access-date=September 12, 2012 |publisher=nintendolife}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Newton |first=James |date=September 2011 |title=NES Ambassador Games Available in Europe Now |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2011/09/nes_ambassador_games_available_in_europe_now |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002053035/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2011/09/nes_ambassador_games_available_in_europe_now |archive-date=October 2, 2013 |access-date=August 23, 2013 |publisher=nintendolife}}</ref>

The 3DS expanded to new markets with its South Korean release on April 28, 2012,<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |date=March 22, 2012 |title=슈퍼 마리오 3D랜드, 3DS와 동시 발매 |trans-title='Super Mario 3D Land', Launched with Nintendo 3DS simultaneously in April 28 |url=https://thisisgame.com/webzine/rboard/1/?page=1143&n=37203 |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=ThisIsGame |language=ko}}</ref> followed by launches in Hong Kong and Taiwan on September 28, 2012.<ref name="nintendo2">{{cite web |title=Nintendo 3DS/Nintendo 3DS XL |url=http://www.nintendo.com.hk/3ds/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917134430/http://www.nintendo.com.hk/3ds/ |archive-date=September 17, 2020 |access-date=May 11, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo |language=zh}}</ref><ref name="nintendo4">{{cite web |title=Nintendo 3DS/Nintendo 3DS XL |url=http://www.nintendo.tw/3ds/index.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423115419/http://www.nintendo.tw/3ds/index.htm |archive-date=April 23, 2014 |access-date=May 11, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo |language=zh}}</ref> Maxsoft distributed console to Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Sunder Electronics to India.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Asia-exclusive white Mario 3DS XL coming your way soon! (UPDATED) |url=https://www.techinasia.com/asia-exclusive-white-mario-3ds-xl-coming-your-way-soon-we-hope}}</ref>

Nintendo also addressed design criticisms by introducing cheaper hardware options that ditched the stereoscopic 3D screens (Nintendo 2DS) and larger hardware models.<ref name="Wilde 2020" />

=== Larger model === thumb|right|230px|A Nintendo 3DS XL in the open position Rumors of a larger 3DS began circulating in June 2012, fueled by a report from Japanese publication ''Nikkei'', which claimed the system would be unveiled at E3 2012. While Nintendo initially dismissed the report as speculative,<ref>{{cite web |last=Fingas |first=Jon |date=June 4, 2012 |title=Nintendo may have supersized 3DS with 4.3-inch screen in store for E3, Mario never looked bigger (update: Nintendo response) |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/06/04/nintendo-may-have-supersized-3ds-with-4-3-inch-screen-at-e3/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002110827/http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/04/nintendo-may-have-supersized-3ds-with-4-3-inch-screen-at-e3/ |archive-date=October 2, 2013 |access-date=September 29, 2013 |publisher=Engadget.com}}</ref> it officially announced the Nintendo 3DS XL on June 21, 2012, during a Nintendo Direct presentation.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Buckley |first=Sean |date=June 21, 2012 |title=Nintendo announces $199 3DS XL with 4.88-inch top screen, available August 19th |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/06/21/nintendo-announces-extra-large-3ds-ll-with-4-88-inch-top-screen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002105830/http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/21/nintendo-announces-extra-large-3ds-ll-with-4-88-inch-top-screen/ |archive-date=October 2, 2013 |access-date=September 29, 2013 |publisher=Engadget.com}}</ref>

This new version, featuring screens 90% larger than the original, was released worldwide later that year, providing a more comfortable option for extended play.<ref name="Wilde 2020" /><ref name=":0" />

The '''Nintendo 3DS XL''' ('''Nintendo 3DS LL''' in Japan) was released on July 28, 2012, in Japan, priced at ¥18,900, and was available in ''Silver + Black'', ''Red + Black'' and ''White'' color variations.<ref name="3dsxlcolors">{{cite web |last=East |first=Thomas |date=June 22, 2012 |title=Nintendo 3DS XL revealed — UK release date and first pictures |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/39513/nintendo-3ds-xl-uk-release-date-pictures/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907191504/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/39513/nintendo-3ds-xl-uk-release-date-pictures/ |archive-date=September 7, 2014 |access-date=September 7, 2014 |publisher=Official Nintendo Magazine}}</ref> In Europe, the system launched on the same day but in ''Silver + Black'', ''Blue + Black'' and ''Red + Black'' color variations.<ref name="3dsxlcolors" /> On August 19, the Nintendo 3DS XL launched in North America, priced at US$199.99, and available in ''Blue + Black'' and ''Red + Black''.<ref name="ign">{{cite web |date=June 21, 2012 |title=Nintendo Reveals 3DS XL |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/22/nintendo-reveals-3ds-xl |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625055115/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/22/nintendo-reveals-3ds-xl |archive-date=June 25, 2012 |access-date=July 7, 2012 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> On August 23, 2012, Australia and New Zealand saw the launch of the new handheld, priced at AU$249.95, and available in the same color variations as in Europe, ''Silver + Black'', ''Blue + Black'' and ''Red + Black''.<ref name="Australia 3DS XL launch">{{cite web |last=Bray |first=Nicholas |title=News 3DS Australian Nintendo 3DS XL Launch Details Revealed |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30842 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105013100/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30842 |archive-date=November 5, 2013 |access-date=September 24, 2016 |publisher=NintendoWorldReport}}</ref> The launch of the Nintendo 3DS XL coincided with the release of ''New Super Mario Bros. 2'', the first Nintendo 3DS game to be available in both retail and downloadable versions.

On September 20, 2012, the Nintendo 3DS XL launched in South Korea, in ''Silver + Black'', ''Red + Black'', and ''White'' color variations.<ref name="nintendo5">{{cite web |title=Nintendo of Korea, "Nintendo 3DS XL" Release Date and Pricing Announced |url=http://www.nintendo.co.kr/PR/press_list.php?cPage1=1&cPage2=1&idx=49&press_div=P |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104080401/http://www.nintendo.co.kr/PR/press_list.php?cPage1=1&cPage2=1&idx=49&press_div=P |archive-date=November 4, 2013 |access-date=November 8, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo of Korea |language=ko}}</ref> On September 28, 2012, the system launched in two other regions, Hong Kong and Taiwan, in ''Blue + Black'' and ''White'' color variations.<ref name="nintendoworldreport1">[http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30968 New 3DS Colors Coming to Taiwan and Hong Kong – News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130519023236/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30968 |date=May 19, 2013 }}. Nintendo World Report. Retrieved on August 23, 2013.</ref> In December 2012, Nintendo Chinese distribution partner, iQue, launched the iQue 3DS XL in three special editions, one featuring a Mario decal while the other two feature both Mario and Luigi.<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web |title="iQue 3DS XL" 今年12月发售 |url=http://www.ique.com/3ds/pressrelease_3dsxl.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111232600/https://www.ique.com/3ds/pressrelease_3dsxl.html |archive-date=November 11, 2019 |access-date=November 9, 2012 |publisher=Ique.com}}</ref>

=== Later years === Nintendo unveiled its next console, the Nintendo Switch, in October 2016, with a global release in March 2017. The Switch is a hybrid video game console that functions both as a home console when docked to a television, and as a handheld system.<ref name="wired filsamie2">{{Cite magazine |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=January 13, 2017 |title=Nintendo's Boss Promises the Switch Won't Have the NES Classic's Supply Issues |url=https://www.wired.com/2017/01/reggie-fils-aime-nintendo-interview/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116013534/https://www.wired.com/2017/01/reggie-fils-aime-nintendo-interview/ |archive-date=January 16, 2017 |access-date=January 16, 2017 |magazine=Wired}}</ref><ref name="polygon-homefirst2">{{Cite web |last=Crecente |first=Brian |date=October 20, 2016 |title=Nintendo: Switch is a home gaming system 'first and foremost' |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/10/20/13347910/nintendo-switch-home-gaming-system |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021004824/http://www.polygon.com/2016/10/20/13347910/nintendo-switch-home-gaming-system |archive-date=October 21, 2016 |access-date=October 20, 2016 |website=Polygon}}</ref>

Although Nintendo avoided positioning the Switch as a direct successor to the Wii U or 3DS,<ref name="bloomberg">{{Cite web |last1=Nakamura |first1=Yuji |last2=Amano |first2=Takashi |date=October 28, 2016 |title=Nintendo's Big Switch: Q&A With President Tatsumi Kimishima |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-28/nintendo-s-big-switch-q-a-with-president-tatsumi-kimishima |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220064153/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-28/nintendo-s-big-switch-q-a-with-president-tatsumi-kimishima |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |access-date=December 9, 2016 |website=Bloomberg}}</ref> it gradually assumed their roles as the company's main home and handheld console.<ref name="Wilde 2020" /><ref name="Cox 2020">{{Cite news |last=Cox |first=Kate |date=2020-09-19 |title=A fond farewell to the weird and wonderful Nintendo DS |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/09/a-fond-farewell-to-the-weird-and-wonderful-nintendo-ds/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241126183300/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/09/a-fond-farewell-to-the-weird-and-wonderful-nintendo-ds/ |archive-date=November 26, 2024 |access-date=2025-03-20 |work=Ars Technica |language=en-US |quote=For Nintendo's part, all its gaming is now potentially mobile: the great advantage of the Switch is the ease from which it goes from a tabletop console to a handheld one, with barely a pause in-between. The rise and sustained popularity of the Switch effectively started the clock ticking down the last minutes of the DS' viability long ago. In some ways, it's a miracle it lasted until now.}}</ref> The Wii U was discontinued shortly before the Switch's launch, while the 3DS remained in production until 2020 as an entry-level option for younger players.<ref name="wired filsamie2" /><ref name="gamasutra 100m">{{cite web |last=Kerr |first=Chris |date=February 2, 2017 |title=Nintendo president expects Switch sales to match the Wii |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/nintendo-president-expects-switch-sales-to-match-the-wii |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203081309/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/290668/Nintendo_president_expects_Switch_sales_to_match_the_Wii.php |archive-date=February 3, 2017 |access-date=February 2, 2017 |work=Gamasutra}}</ref>

At the time of the Switch's release, Nintendo executives, including Reggie Fils-Aimé, expressed confidence in the 3DS's ability to coexist alongside the Switch.<ref name="gamasutra 100m" /><ref name="wired filsamie">{{cite magazine |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=January 13, 2017 |title=Nintendo's Boss Promises the Switch Won't Have the NES Classic's Supply Issues |url=https://www.wired.com/2017/01/reggie-fils-aime-nintendo-interview/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116013534/https://www.wired.com/2017/01/reggie-fils-aime-nintendo-interview/ |archive-date=January 16, 2017 |access-date=January 16, 2017 |magazine=Wired}}</ref> In 2017, Fils-Aimé reaffirmed support for the 3DS beyond 2018.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 15, 2017 |title=E3 2017: Nintendo Will Support 3DS Beyond 2018 |url=http://ign.com/articles/2017/06/15/e3-2017-nintendo-will-support-3ds-beyond-2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616075505/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/06/15/e3-2017-nintendo-will-support-3ds-beyond-2018 |archive-date=June 16, 2017 |access-date=June 17, 2017 |work=IGN}}</ref> However, that same year, sales of the New Nintendo 3DS ended in Europe and Japan, leaving the New Nintendo 3DS XL and New Nintendo 2DS XL as the only models available.<ref name="Frank">{{cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=July 13, 2017 |title=New Nintendo 3DS production ends in Japan |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/13/15964404/new-nintendo-3ds-out-of-production-japan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222055330/https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/13/15964404/new-nintendo-3ds-out-of-production-japan |archive-date=December 22, 2017 |access-date=July 18, 2017 |work=Polygon}}</ref><ref name="Phillips">{{cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=July 14, 2017 |title=New Nintendo 3DS discontinued |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-07-14-new-nintendo-3ds-discontinued |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312202727/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-07-14-new-nintendo-3ds-discontinued |archive-date=March 12, 2018 |access-date=July 14, 2017 |work=Eurogamer}}</ref>

In June 2018, Nintendo suggested that it was exploring options for a potential successor to the 3DS.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 30, 2018 |title=Nintendo Is Considering A Successor To The 3DS According To Its New President |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/06/nintendo_is_considering_a_successor_to_the_3ds_according_to_its_new_president |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630154909/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/06/nintendo_is_considering_a_successor_to_the_3ds_according_to_its_new_president |archive-date=June 30, 2018 |access-date=June 30, 2018 |work=Nintendo Life}}</ref> In July 2019, the company introduced the Nintendo Switch Lite—a lower-cost, handheld-only version of the Switch—while still maintaining that the 3DS would be supported as long as consumer demand persisted.<ref>{{cite web |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=2019-07-10 |title=Nintendo says the Switch Lite isn't going to replace the 3DS |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/10/20687937/nintendo-switch-lite-3ds-2ds-future |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426164851/https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/10/20687937/nintendo-switch-lite-3ds-2ds-future |archive-date=April 26, 2020 |access-date=2020-06-02 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref> By that time, however, 3DS sales had dropped nearly 50% year-over-year, the release schedule had slowed to a trickle, and Nintendo had quietly scaled back its support for the platform. Its last original first-party release was ''WarioWare Gold'', a 2018 minigame collection.<ref name="Wilde 2020" /><ref>{{cite web |date=June 13, 2019 |title=Nintendo on 3DS, "We'll continue to support it" |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/368976/nintendo-on-3ds-well-continue-to-support-it |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614132546/https://www.pcmag.com/news/368976/nintendo-on-3ds-well-continue-to-support-it |archive-date=June 14, 2019 |access-date=June 13, 2019 |work=PC Magazine}}</ref>

Despite dwindling demand, Nintendo would continue supporting the 3DS family until it was officially discontinued on September 16, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo 3DS Family |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Nintendo-3DS-Family/Nintendo-3DS-Family-94560.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220509124201/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Hardware/Nintendo-3DS-Family/Nintendo-3DS-Family-94560.html |archive-date=May 9, 2022 |access-date=2020-09-17 |website=Nintendo of Europe GmbH |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=ニンテンドー3DSシリーズ｜任天堂 |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/hardware/3dsseries/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917074025/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/hardware/3dsseries/index.html |archive-date=September 17, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-17 |website=任天堂ホームページ}}</ref><ref name="gamesindustry1">{{cite web |date=September 17, 2020 |title=Nintendo 3DS discontinued |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-09-17-nintendo-3ds-discontinued |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920190246/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-09-17-nintendo-3ds-discontinued |archive-date=September 20, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-17 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref> The 3DS eShop closed on March 27, 2023,<ref>{{cite web |last=Bailey |first=Kat |date=February 16, 2022 |title=Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops Will Be Discontinued In 2023 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-3ds-wii-eshop-discontinued-date |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022145241/https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-3ds-wii-eshop-discontinued-date |archive-date=October 22, 2022 |access-date=October 22, 2022 |website=IGN}}</ref> and Nintendo Network online services were discontinued on April 8, 2024.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Nintendo Support: Announcement of Discontinuation of Online Services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software |url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/63227 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408013142/https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/63227 |archive-date=April 8, 2024 |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=en-americas-support.nintendo.com}}</ref>

== Hardware ==  The original Nintendo 3DS uses custom hardware co-developed by Nintendo Research & Engineering and several manufacturing partners, integrated into a single system on a chip. It features a dual-core ARM11 MPCore–based central processing unit (CPU),<ref name="Nintendo 3DS specs – Eurogamer">{{cite web |last=Leadbetter |first=Richard |date=2016-03-16 |title=Face-Off: Nintendo 3DS vs New 3DS |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2016-nintendo-3ds-vs-new-3ds-face-off |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909230012/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2016-nintendo-3ds-vs-new-3ds-face-off |archive-date=September 9, 2021 |access-date=2021-11-02 |website=Eurogamer |language=en}}</ref> with one core reserved for the operating system to support multitasking, and an additional ARM9 processor used primarily for backward compatibility with Nintendo DS and DSi software. Visuals are handled by a PICA200 graphics processing unit (GPU).<ref name="Nintendo 3DS specs – Eurogamer" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-06-21 |title=Press Release: DMP 3D Graphics IP core "PICA200" is adopted by Nintendo 3DS |url=https://www.dmprof.com/en/news/2010/3d-graphics-ip-core-pica200-adopted-for-nintendo-3ds/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019125602/https://www.dmprof.com/en/news/2010/3d-graphics-ip-core-pica200-adopted-for-nintendo-3ds/ |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |access-date=2021-11-02 |publisher=Digital Media Professionals Inc. (DMP) |language=en}}</ref> The system includes 128 MB of FCRAM,<ref name="Ifixit teardown – 3DS">{{cite web |date=2011-03-03 |title=Nintendo 3DS Teardown |url=https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Nintendo+3DS+Teardown/5029 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226172810/https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Nintendo+3DS+Teardown/5029 |archive-date=February 26, 2019 |access-date=2019-02-26 |website=iFixit |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Miro |date=March 28, 2011 |title=Nintendo 3DS has 128 MB RAM |url=https://www.ifixit.com/blog/2011/03/28/nintendo-3ds-has-128mb-ram/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016095215/https://www.ifixit.com/blog/2011/03/28/nintendo-3ds-has-128mb-ram/ |archive-date=October 16, 2018 |access-date=February 26, 2019 |website=iFixit Blog}}</ref> along with 2 GB of internal eMMC flash storage,<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo 3DS Carries $100.71 Bill of Materials, IHS iSuppli Physical Teardown Reveals – IHS Technology |url=https://technology.ihs.com/389045/nintendo-3ds-carries-10071-bill-of-materials-ihs-isuppli-physical-teardown-reveals |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226111305/https://technology.ihs.com/389045/nintendo-3ds-carries-10071-bill-of-materials-ihs-isuppli-physical-teardown-reveals |archive-date=February 26, 2019 |access-date=2019-02-26 |website=technology.ihs.com}}</ref> expandable via SD cards.<ref name="Ifixit teardown – 3DS" />

The Nintendo 3DS has two separate TFT LCD displays. The top screen has a 5:3 aspect ratio and can display 3D images without special glasses using an autostereoscopic parallax barrier. Its native resolution is 800 × 240 pixels (400 × 240 pixels per eye, or WQVGA). On the original model, the top screen measures {{Convert|3.53|in}} diagonally, while on the 3DS XL it measures {{Convert|4.88|in|abbr=on}}. A "3D Depth Slider" beside the screen allows players to adjust or disable the 3D effect.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 7, 2012 |title=Nintendo 3DS Official Site – Features |url=http://www.nintendo.com/3ds/features#/two-screens |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007004512/http://www.nintendo.com/3ds/features#/two-screens |archive-date=October 7, 2012 |access-date=April 5, 2018}}</ref> The lower screen is a 4:3 resistive touchscreen with a resolution of 320 × 240 pixels (QVGA), It also retains the same aspect ratio as the Nintendo DS. The bottom screen measures {{Convert|3.02|in|abbr=on}} on the original 3DS and {{Convert|4.18|in|abbr=on}} on the 3DS XL.<ref name="Nintendo 3DS Spec Sheet">{{cite web |date=September 29, 2010 |title=Nintendo 3DS Spec Sheet |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n10/conference2010/3ds/spec.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629123207/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n10/conference2010/3ds/spec.pdf |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |access-date=September 29, 2010 |publisher=Nintendo Co., Ltd. |language=ja}}</ref><ref name="3ds family chart">{{cite web |title=Nintendo 3DS Family — Comparison Chart |url=http://cdn02.nintendo-europe.com/media/images/projects/flower/3ds/FAMILY_A4_TABLE_UK.pdf |access-date=November 11, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo of Europe}}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Although the XL model uses physically larger displays, both models share the same resolutions, resulting in lower pixel density on the XL compared with the standard 3DS.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stein |first=Scott |title=Nintendo 3DS XL review: A great little place to play games |url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/nintendo-3ds-xl-review/ |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref>

The 3DS includes three cameras: two outward-facing cameras for capturing 3D photos and video, and a single inward-facing camera above the top screen. All three have a maximum resolution of 640 × 480 pixels (0.3 megapixels, VGA). A built-in microphone is located on the front edge of the system.<ref name="Nintendo 3DS Spec Sheet" /> Connectivity features include Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g) and an infrared port used by accessories such as the Circle Pad Pro and the amiibo reader/writer.<ref name="ifixit">{{cite web |date=March 3, 2011 |title=Nintendo 3DS teardown |url=http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Nintendo-3DS-Teardown/5029/2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229171603/http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Nintendo-3DS-Teardown/5029/2 |archive-date=December 29, 2018 |access-date=July 7, 2012 |publisher=Ifixit.com}}</ref>

The Nintendo 3DS uses a {{Nowrap|3.7 V}} {{Nowrap|1300 mAh}} {{Nowrap|5 Wh}} lithium ion battery.<ref name="Ifixit teardown – 3DS" /> Battery life is rated at roughly 3–5 hours when playing Nintendo 3DS titles and 5–8 hours when playing Nintendo DS titles, depending on display brightness, volume, and wireless use. The Nintendo 3DS XL includes a 3.7 V, 1750 mAh battery, lasting approximately 3.5–6.5 hours for 3DS games and 6–10 hours for DS games. The original 3DS weighs about {{Convert|230|g}}, while the 3DS XL weighs about {{Convert|336|g|abbr=on}}. When opened, the original model measures {{Convert|134|xx|74|xx|abbr=on|21|mm}}, compared with {{Convert|156|xx|93|xx|abbr=on|22|mm}} for the XL. The 3DS includes a telescoping stylus extendable to {{Convert|100|mm|abbr=on}}, while the 3DS XL includes a fixed {{Convert|93|mm|abbr=on}} stylus.<ref name="Nintendo 3DS Spec Sheet" />

All systems in the Nintendo 3DS family use the same AC adapter as the Nintendo DSi. To reduce manufacturing costs, some bundles—particularly in Japan and Europe—did not include an adapter, requiring users to purchase one separately or reuse an existing unit. The original 3DS was packaged with a charging cradle; cradles for the 3DS XL and New Nintendo 3DS models were sold separately, and none was produced for the Nintendo 2DS.<ref>{{cite web |title=3DS XL charging cradle released in UK next week, price revealed |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/40979/3ds-xl-charging-cradle-release-date-and-price/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819000505/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/40979/3ds-xl-charging-cradle-release-date-and-price/ |archive-date=August 19, 2012 |access-date=November 11, 2013}}</ref>

=== iQue 3DS XL === The Nintendo 3DS was sold in the Chinese market under the iQue name, a collaboration of Nintendo and Wei Yen, and was known as the iQue 3DS XL. This was the last console sold under the iQue name, and the only model of 3DS available in China. No physical games were ever sold for the system, and only ''Super Mario 3D Land'' and ''Mario Kart 7'' were supplied preinstalled.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012 |title=主机 |trans-title=Host |url=https://www.ique.com/3ds/hardware/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224134907/https://www.ique.com/3ds/hardware/index.html |archive-date=February 24, 2024 |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=iQue 3DS XL |language=zh}}</ref>

=== Input === The Nintendo 3DS features multiple input controls, including a round analog nub called the Circle Pad, a D-pad, four face action buttons (A, B, X, Y), two shoulder buttons (L and R), Start and Select buttons, and a Home button. Additional controls include a Power button, a volume slider and a wireless switch to enable or disable wireless communication. The lower touchscreen can be used with either a finger or the included stylus. The system also has a six-axis motion sensor, combining a three-axis accelerometer and a three-axis gyroscope. With the Circle Pad Pro accessory, players gain a second Circle Pad and extra trigger buttons (ZL, ZR).<ref name="mcferran1">{{cite web |last=McFerran |first=Damien |date=January 27, 2012 |title=3DS XL Circle Pad Pro finally makes its way to North America |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-3ds-circle-pad-pro-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306010050/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-3ds-circle-pad-pro-review |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |access-date=February 29, 2016 |work=Digital Foundry via Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network}}</ref>

=== {{Anchor|Nintendo 3DS Game Card}} Game card === {{Main|Nintendo Game Card}}

The Nintendo 3DS Game Card is the physical media format used to distribute games for the 3DS family of systems. It is similar in design to the Nintendo DS Game Card but includes a small tab in the top-left corner that prevents 3DS Game Cards from being inserted into a DS system.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pereira |first=Chris |date=June 21, 2010 |title=A Look at the New Nintendo 3DS Game Cards |url=http://www.1up.com/news/nintendo-3ds-game-cards |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629035950/http://www.1up.com/news/nintendo-3ds-game-cards |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |access-date=July 16, 2010 |work=1UP.com |publisher=UGO Entertainment}}</ref> Game Cards are available in capacities of 1 GB, 2 GB or 4 GB, which are 2, 4, and 8 times larger, respectively, than the maximum capacity of a Nintendo DS Game Card (512 MB). Although an 8 GB version was reportedly possible, it was never produced.<ref>{{cite web |last=Yeung |first=Karlie |date=December 17, 2010 |title=3DS Cartridges Could Store Up to 8 GB |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/24569 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403104001/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/24569 |archive-date=April 3, 2012 |access-date=January 31, 2012 |publisher=Nintendo World Report |quote=The memory size for Nintendo 3DS cartridges will range from one to eight gigabytes, reports major Taiwanese newspaper China Times.}}</ref>

=== Accessories === ==== Circle Pad Pro ==== thumb|The Circle Pad Pro accessory for the original Nintendo 3DS The Circle Pad Pro is an accessory/add-on which connects to a Nintendo 3DS system through infrared, adding support for a second Circle Pad, a substitute R button input (as the original one becomes difficult to reach), and an extra set of trigger buttons (ZL / ZR).<ref name="mcferran1" /> The device was first released in Japan on December 10, 2011, coinciding with the release of ''Monster Hunter 3G'' in the region.<ref name="VergeSlidePad">{{cite web |last=Byford |first=Sam |date=December 14, 2011 |title=Nintendo 3DS Circle Pad Pro review |url=https://www.theverge.com/gaming/2011/12/14/2633074/nintendo-3ds-circle-pad-pro-review-japan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130421042900/http://www.theverge.com/gaming/2011/12/14/2633074/nintendo-3ds-circle-pad-pro-review-japan |archive-date=April 21, 2013 |access-date=April 18, 2013 |website=The Verge}}</ref> It was subsequently released in Europe on January 27, 2012, in Australia on February 2, 2012, and in North America on February 7, 2012, coinciding with the release of ''Resident Evil: Revelations'' in those regions.<ref name="Circle Pad Pro release">{{cite web |last=Hidalgo |first=Jason |date=February 2, 2012 |title=Nintendo Slide Pad for 3DS review |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/nintendo-slide-pad-for-3ds-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405214746/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/nintendo-slide-pad-for-3ds-review/ |archive-date=April 5, 2013 |access-date=April 18, 2013 |publisher=Engadget}}</ref>

Images of the device first appeared in September 2011 in Famitsu.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Nintendo 3DS Getting Dual Analogs, More Shoulder Buttons with Monster Hunter 3G, News from |magazine=GamePro |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/222690/nintendo-3ds-getting-dual-analogs-more-shoulder-buttons-with-monster-hunter-3g/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111202214619/http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/222690/nintendo-3ds-getting-dual-analogs-more-shoulder-buttons-with-monster-hunter-3g/ |archive-date=December 2, 2011 |access-date=November 1, 2011 |publisher=GamePro}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Leo |first=Jonathan |date=September 6, 2011 |title=3DS to receive right analog pad, Monster Hunter – Report |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/3ds-to-receive-right-analog-pad-monster-hunter-report/1100-6333078/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822094211/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/3ds-to-receive-right-analog-pad-monster-hunter-report/1100-6333078/ |archive-date=August 22, 2017 |access-date=March 6, 2011 |publisher=Gamespot.com}}</ref> The first titles confirmed to compatible with the add-on were ''Monster Hunter 3G'', ''Resident Evil: Revelations'', ''Ace Combat 3D Cross Rumble'' (Japanese version only), ''Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D'', ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'', and ''Shin Sangoku Musou VS''.<ref name="FirstCCPGames">{{cite web |date=September 13, 2011 |title=3DS Slide Pad Attachment Formally Announced |work=Andriasang |url=http://andriasang.com/comy43/3ds_slide_pad_announced/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316021038/http://andriasang.com/comy43/3ds_slide_pad_announced/ |archive-date=March 16, 2012 |access-date=November 1, 2011 |publisher=Andriasang.com}}</ref>

The Nintendo 3DS XL version of the device, called the '''Circle Pad Pro XL''', was released in Japan on November 15, 2012, Europe on March 22, 2013, and North America on April 17, 2013.<ref name="XL Circle Pad">{{Cite news |last=Madden |first=Orla |date=October 7, 2012 |title=3DS XL Circle Pad Pro Release Date Confirmed |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/10/3ds_xl_circle_pad_pro_release_date_confirmed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022210829/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/10/3ds_xl_circle_pad_pro_release_date_confirmed |archive-date=October 22, 2012 |access-date=December 12, 2012 |publisher=Nintendo Life}}</ref><ref>[http://store.nintendo.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=204208¤cy=USD&catalogId=10001&tranId=0&lastAction=setCurr&storeId=10001&languageId=-1&categoryId=68709&ddkey=http://setcurrencypreference Nintendo: Online Store – Product Detail] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224103952/http://store.nintendo.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=204208 |date=December 24, 2013 }}. Store.nintendo.com (January 1, 2000). Retrieved on August 23, 2013.</ref><ref name="Circle Pad Pro XL release">{{cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=April 17, 2013 |title=Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Pro available for pre-order through official Nintendo store |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/4/17/4236596/nintendo-3ds-xl-circle-pad-pro-available-for-pre-order |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420031019/http://www.polygon.com/2013/4/17/4236596/nintendo-3ds-xl-circle-pad-pro-available-for-pre-order |archive-date=April 20, 2013 |access-date=April 18, 2013 |publisher=Polygon}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Matulef |first=Jeffrey |date=April 20, 2013 |title=3DS XL Circle Pad Pro finally makes its way to North America |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-04-20-3ds-xl-circle-pad-pro-finally-makes-its-way-to-north-america |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130421135526/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-04-20-3ds-xl-circle-pad-pro-finally-makes-its-way-to-north-america |archive-date=April 21, 2013 |access-date=April 20, 2013 |work=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network}}</ref>

The C-Stick and ZL / ZR buttons on the New Nintendo 3DS are backward compatible with Circle Pad Pro-compatible titles.<ref name="SiliconCCP">{{cite web |date=September 23, 2014 |title=New Nintendo 3DS Comes To Australia On November 21 |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/09/23/new-nintendo-3ds-comes-australia-november-21/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511121425/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/09/23/new-nintendo-3ds-comes-australia-november-21/ |archive-date=May 11, 2018 |access-date=October 13, 2014 |work=Siliconera}}</ref><ref name="N3DSCCP">{{cite web |author=Zorine Te |date=February 15, 2015 |title=Games That Are Better On The New Nintendo 3DS |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/games-that-are-better-on-the-new-nintendo-3ds/1100-6425283/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116052519/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/games-that-are-better-on-the-new-nintendo-3ds/1100-6425283/ |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |access-date=May 20, 2016 |publisher=GameSpot}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible collapsible collapsed plainrowheaders" ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Release date ! scope="col" | Publisher ! scope="col" | Notes |- ! scope="row" | ''Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate''<ref name="VergeSlidePad" /><ref name="FirstCCPGames" /> | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2011|12|10}} | Capcom | No support in the demo in all regions.<ref>{{cite web |author=Shaan Joshi (KneehighPark) |date=February 28, 2013 |title=Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (3DS) Demo Impressions |url=http://cogconnected.com/preview/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-wii-u-demo-impressions/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617035807/http://cogconnected.com/preview/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-wii-u-demo-impressions/ |archive-date=June 17, 2016 |access-date=June 7, 2016 |publisher=COGconnected}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | ''Ace Combat 3D: Cross Rumble''<ref name="FirstCCPGames" /> | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2012|01|12}} | Bandai Namco Games | Support was removed in the international release and is only available in the Japanese version.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ingram |first=Christopher |date=January 3, 2012 |title=Review: Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy (3DS) |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2012/01/ace_combat_assault_horizon_legacy_3ds |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307161808/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2012/01/ace_combat_assault_horizon_legacy_3ds |archive-date=March 7, 2016 |access-date=March 7, 2016 |publisher=NintendoLife}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | ''Resident Evil: Revelations''<ref name="FirstCCPGames" /> | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2012|01|26}} | Capcom | The peripheral is supported in the demo for all regions.<ref>{{cite web |author=Henry Gilbert |date=January 19, 2012 |title=Resident Evil: Revelations 3DS demo works with the Circle Pad Pro |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/resident-evil-revelations-3ds-demo-works-circle-pad-pro/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010153934/http://www.gamesradar.com/resident-evil-revelations-3ds-demo-works-circle-pad-pro/ |archive-date=October 10, 2016 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |publisher=GamesRadar}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | ''Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D''<ref name="FirstCCPGames" /> | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2012|02|21}} | Konami | |- ! scope="row" | ''Kid Icarus: Uprising''<ref>{{cite web |last=Dutton |first=Fred |date=January 10, 2012 |title=Kid Icarus: Uprising gets Circle Pad Pro support |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-01-10-kid-icarus-uprising-gets-circle-pad-pro-support |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209031733/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-01-10-kid-icarus-uprising-gets-circle-pad-pro-support |archive-date=February 9, 2012 |access-date=January 28, 2012 |work=Eurogamer}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2012|03|22}} | Nintendo | |- ! scope="row" | ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance''<ref name="FirstCCPGames" /> | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2012|03|29}} | Square Enix | |- ! scope="row" | ''Shin Sangoku Musou VS''<ref name="FirstCCPGames" /> | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2012|04|26}} | Koei Tecmo | |- ! scope="row" | ''Sengoku Musou Chronicle 2nd'' | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2012|09|13}} | Koei Tecmo | |- ! scope="row" | ''E.X. Troopers'' | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2012|11|22}} | Capcom | |- ! scope="row" | ''3D Galaxy Force II'' | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2013|07|24}} | SEGA | |- ! scope="row" | ''Monster Hunter 4'' | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2013|09|14}} | Capcom | |- ! scope="row" | ''One Piece: Unlimited World Red''<ref>{{Cite news |author=Morgan Sleeper |title=Review: One Piece Unlimited World Red |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds/one_piece_unlimited_world_red |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610125335/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds/one_piece_unlimited_world_red |archive-date=June 10, 2016 |access-date=May 25, 2016 |work=NintendoLife}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2013|11|21}} | Bandai Namco Games | |- ! scope="row" | ''Steel Diver: Sub Wars''<ref name="N3DSCCP" /> | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2014|02|13}} | Nintendo | |- ! scope="row" | ''Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson'' | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2014|08|07}} | Marvelous | |- ! scope="row" | ''Dragon Quest X'' | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2014|09|04}} | Square Enix | |- ! scope="row" | ''Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate''<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Culafi |first1=Alex |last2=Ronaghan |first2=Neal |title=The Different Controls of Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/editorial/39724/the-different-controls-of-monster-hunter-4-ultimate |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507111340/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/editorial/39724/the-different-controls-of-monster-hunter-4-ultimate |archive-date=May 7, 2016 |access-date=May 25, 2016 |work=NintendoWorldReport}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2014|10|11}} | Capcom | |- ! scope="row" | ''Attack on Titan: Humanity in Chains''<ref>{{Cite news |author=Morgan Sleeper |title=Review: Attack on Titan: Humanity in Chains (3DS) |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds/attack_on_titan_humanity_in_chains |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523110912/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds/attack_on_titan_humanity_in_chains |archive-date=May 23, 2016 |access-date=May 25, 2016 |work=NintendoLife}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2014|12|04}} | Spike Chunsoft | |- ! scope="row" | ''Samurai Warriors Chronicles 3'' | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2014|12|04}} | Koei Tecmo | |- ! scope="row" | ''Final Fantasy Explorers'' | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2014|12|18}} | Square Enix | |- ! scope="row" | ''Kenka Bancho 6: Soul and Blood'' | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2015|01|15}} | Spike Chunsoft | |- ! scope="row" | ''Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy +'' | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2015|01|29}} | Bandai Namco Games | |- ! scope="row" | ''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D'' | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2015|02|13}} | Nintendo | |- ! scope="row" | ''IronFall: Invasion'' | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2015|02|13}} | VD-Dev | |- ! scope="row" | ''Code Name: S.T.E.A.M.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koopman |first=Daan |date=February 2, 2015 |title=Cube Creator 3D to Support C-Stick and Circle Pad Pro |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/39557/cube-creator-3d-to-support-c-stick-and-circle-pad-pro |access-date=October 30, 2023 |website=Nintendo World Report}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2015|03|13}} | Nintendo | |- ! scope="row" | ''Cube Creator 3D'' | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2015|04|23}} | Big John Games | |- ! scope="row" | ''Touch Battle Tank 3D 3'' | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2015|04|28}} | SilverStarJapan | |- ! scope="row" | ''Super Robot Taisen BX'' | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2015|08|20}} | Bandai Namco Games | |- ! scope="row" | ''The Legend of the Dark Witch 2'' | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2015|11|04}} | Flyhigh Works | |- ! scope="row" | ''Noah no Yurikago'' | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2015|11|18}} | SilverStarJapan | |- ! scope="row" | ''Monster Hunter Generations'' | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2015|11|28}} | Capcom | |- ! scope="row" | ''Metroid Prime: Federation Force''<ref>{{Cite news |title=Nintendo Direct 2016.3.4 プレゼンテーション映像 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNyWixkbXIE&t=33m5s |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316101012/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNyWixkbXIE&t=33m5s |archive-date=March 16, 2021 |access-date=March 5, 2016 |publisher=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sato |date=March 7, 2016 |title=Metroid Prime: Federation Force Supports Circle Pad Pro And Gyro Sensor Controls |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/03/07/metroid-prime-federation-force-supports-circle-pad-pro-gyro-sensor-controls/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308054644/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/03/07/metroid-prime-federation-force-supports-circle-pad-pro-gyro-sensor-controls/ |archive-date=March 8, 2016 |access-date=March 7, 2016 |publisher=Siliconera}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2016|08|19}} | Nintendo | |- ! scope="row" | ''Luigi's Mansion''<ref>{{Cite news |title=Review: Luigi's Mansion (3DS) |url=https://www.nintendojo.com/reviews/review-luigis-mansion-3ds |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815044524/https://www.nintendojo.com/reviews/review-luigis-mansion-3ds |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |access-date=July 25, 2022 |work=Nintendojo}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| {{dts|2018|10|12}} | Nintendo | |}

==== Stand ==== [[File:Nintendo 3DS stand (3684).jpg|thumb|A Nintendo 3DS stand, originally bundled with ''Kid Icarus: Uprising'']]

This accessory came bundled exclusively with every retail copy of ''Kid Icarus: Uprising''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=January 12, 2012 |title=Kid Icarus: Uprising Will Be Bundled with a Stupid Stand! |url=https://kotaku.com/kid-icarus-uprising-will-be-bundled-with-a-stupid-stan-5875410 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227060249/https://kotaku.com/kid-icarus-uprising-will-be-bundled-with-a-stupid-stan-5875410 |archive-date=February 27, 2019 |access-date=2019-02-26 |website=Kotaku |language=en-US}}</ref> The stand made the game, and other games with similar controls such as ''Liberation Maiden'', easier to play for various users, as it helped free the tension of suspending the console with one hand since the other hand would be using the stylus on the touch screen for longer periods than usual.

==== NFC Reader/Writer ==== {{See also|Amiibo}}

[[File:Nintendo 3DS NFC Reader Writer.jpg|thumb|A Nintendo 3DS NFC Reader/Writer, which enabled Amiibo for the 3DS, 3DS XL, and 2DS]]

A near-field communication (NFC) reader and writer was released on September 25, 2015, in North America at {{Currency|19.99|USD|linked=no}} and on October 2 in Europe, alongside ''Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer''. This peripheral enables Amiibo support for the Nintendo 3DS, 3DS XL, and 2DS, a feature already built-in to New Nintendo 3DS systems. The accessory is powered by two AA batteries.<ref>{{cite web |last=Matulef |first=Jeffrey |date=2015-07-28 |title=3DS NFC Reader/Writer dated for October in Europe |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-07-28-3ds-nfc-reader-writer-dated-for-october-in-europe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227060543/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-07-28-3ds-nfc-reader-writer-dated-for-october-in-europe |archive-date=February 27, 2019 |access-date=2019-02-26 |website=Eurogamer |language=en}}</ref>

=== Other models === {{see also|Eighth generation of video game consoles#Handheld comparison}} The Nintendo 3DS family consists of six models. Apart from the regular-sized Nintendo 3DS, the '''Nintendo 3DS XL''' is a larger model of the console which was released on July 28, 2012, and features 90% larger screens than the original Nintendo 3DS.<ref name="3DS XL release" /> The '''Nintendo 2DS''' is a complete redesign of the handheld which was released on October 12, 2013, and is described as an "entry level" version of the 3DS. This console, while still capable of playing Nintendo DS and 3DS games, removes the 3D functionality and changes the form factor to a fixed, "slate" design.<ref name="2ds" /> The '''New Nintendo 3DS''', which also has an XL variant, adds additional controls and improved functionality, and is able to play certain games not compatible with the previous models. A cheaper alternative, the '''New Nintendo 2DS XL''', incorporates some of the features from the New Nintendo 3DS with elements from the 2DS such as the lack of stereoscopic 3D functionality; it also shifts from the slate form factor of the original 2DS model to a clamshell design.

==== Nintendo 2DS ==== {{Main|Nintendo 2DS}}

thumb|A ''Black + Blue'' Nintendo 2DS The '''Nintendo 2DS''' (abbreviated to '''2DS''') was announced on August 28, 2013, as a new entry-level model of the Nintendo 3DS family. While its hardware and software are relatively similar to the Nintendo 3DS (and still offers compatibility with Nintendo DS and 3DS games), it lacks the 3DS's signature 3D screen, does not have internal stereo speakers (only using a mono speaker), and uses a slate-like form factor as opposed to the clamshell design used by its Nintendo DS and 3DS predecessors. The Nintendo 2DS was released in North America and Europe on October 12, 2013, coinciding with the launch of ''Pokémon X'' & ''Y'' and was sold alongside the Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL at a relatively lower price point.<ref name=ign-announce-2ds />

As a cheaper model of the Nintendo 3DS family that plays both Nintendo DS and 3DS games, the Nintendo 2DS was seen as a market strategy to broaden the overall Nintendo handheld gaming market. As such, the 2DS is a handheld console targeted at a different audience than that of the regular Nintendo 3DS models, particularly younger users. Despite concerns from critics who felt that the company was trying to de-emphasize the 3D functionality by releasing the 2DS, Nintendo maintained that 3D is still part of their future plans.<ref>{{cite web |last=Green |first=Andy |date=August 28, 2013 |title=3D Gaming is Very Much A Part of Nintendo's Future Plans |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/08/3d_gaming_is_very_much_a_part_of_nintendos_future_plans |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130830091445/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/08/3d_gaming_is_very_much_a_part_of_nintendos_future_plans |archive-date=August 30, 2013 |access-date=September 1, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo Life}}</ref>

==== New Nintendo 3DS ==== {{Main|New Nintendo 3DS}}

thumb|A ''Metallic Black'' New Nintendo 3DS XL The '''New Nintendo 3DS''' and '''New Nintendo 3DS XL''' (known as '''New Nintendo 3DS LL''' in Japan) are updated revisions of the 3DS and 3DS XL that were first unveiled during a Japanese Nintendo Direct presentation on August 29, 2014. The new models feature a more powerful processor, face tracking for improved 3D viewing angles, additional ZL/ZR shoulder buttons and a new "C-Stick" pointing stick that are comparable to and backward compatible with games that support the Circle Pad Pro, colored face buttons inspired by those of Super Famicom controllers, automatic brightness adjustment, microSD storage, larger batteries, and integrated near-field communications support for use with Amiibo products. The regular-sized New Nintendo 3DS also has slightly larger screens than the prior model, and a suite of interchangeable faceplates.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kubba |first=Sinan |date=August 29, 2014 |title=Nintendo unveils 'new' 3DS, 3DS XL [update] |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/29/nintendo-unveils-new-3ds-3ds-xl/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904031542/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/29/nintendo-unveils-new-3ds-3ds-xl/ |archive-date=September 4, 2014 |access-date=September 6, 2014 |publisher=Joystiq}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=August 29, 2014 |title=Nintendo Just Announced a New 3DS. It Has Another Analog Stick. |url=https://kotaku.com/nintendo-just-announced-a-new-3ds-1628389333 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905011943/http://kotaku.com/nintendo-just-announced-a-new-3ds-1628389333 |archive-date=September 5, 2014 |access-date=September 6, 2014 |work=Kotaku}}</ref>

As with its predecessors, the New Nintendo 3DS is compatible with existing DS and 3DS titles. Some software titles, such as ''Xenoblade Chronicles 3D'' and Super NES games released for Virtual Console, are specifically optimized for the device and its upgraded processor and are incompatible with the earlier 3DS and 2DS models.<ref name=polygon-usrelease /><ref name=eurna-release-gamespot /><ref name="polygon-xeno3d">{{cite web |date=February 6, 2015 |title=Xenoblade Chronicles comes to New Nintendo 3DS on April 10 |url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/2/6/7992605/xenoblade-chronicles-3ds-release-date |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920073728/http://www.polygon.com/2015/2/6/7992605/xenoblade-chronicles-3ds-release-date |archive-date=September 20, 2015 |access-date=February 14, 2015 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media}}</ref>

The systems were released in Japan on October 11, 2014, in Australia and New Zealand on November 21, 2014,<ref name="siliconera.com">{{cite web |date=September 24, 2014 |title=New Nintendo 3DS Comes To Australia On November 21 |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/09/23/new-nintendo-3ds-comes-australia-november-21/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511121425/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/09/23/new-nintendo-3ds-comes-australia-november-21/ |archive-date=May 11, 2018 |access-date=October 13, 2014 |work=Siliconera}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Tom |date=August 29, 2014 |title=Nintendo announces new 3DS and 3DS XL designs with extra buttons, improved CPU |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-08-29-nintendo-announces-new-3ds-and-3ds-xl-designs-with-extra-buttons |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829130919/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-08-29-nintendo-announces-new-3ds-and-3ds-xl-designs-with-extra-buttons |archive-date=August 29, 2014 |access-date=August 29, 2014 |publisher=eurogamer.net}}</ref> and at retail in Europe and North America on February 13, 2015. Only the XL version was made available in North America at launch,<ref name="polygon-usrelease">{{cite web |date=January 14, 2015 |title=New Nintendo 3DS XL hits North America Feb. 13 |url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/1/14/7540289/new-nintendo-3ds |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129064112/https://www.polygon.com/2015/1/14/7540289/new-nintendo-3ds |archive-date=January 29, 2019 |access-date=January 14, 2015 |website=Polygon}}</ref><ref name="eurna-release-gamespot">{{cite web |title=New Nintendo 3DS Release Date Confirmed--Only XL Version Coming to US |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-nintendo-3ds-release-date-confirmed-only-xl-ve/1100-6424634/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129064247/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-nintendo-3ds-release-date-confirmed-only-xl-ve/1100-6424634/ |archive-date=January 29, 2019 |access-date=January 14, 2015 |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive}}</ref> though the smaller model was later released in a series of limited edition bundles.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo announces two New Nintendo 3DS systems coming this fall – Nintendo Official Site |url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/K2zf0kVCs-zIPGKnlu6sTRWrZvaE-EoV |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730205533/http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/K2zf0kVCs-zIPGKnlu6sTRWrZvaE-EoV |archive-date=July 30, 2016 |access-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref>

==== New Nintendo 2DS XL ==== {{Main|New Nintendo 2DS XL}}

alt=|thumb|A ''Black x Turquoise'' New Nintendo 2DS XL On April 27, 2017, Nintendo unveiled the '''New Nintendo 2DS XL''' (known as '''New Nintendo 2DS LL''' in Japan), which was released in North America and Europe on July 28, 2017<ref>{{cite web |last=Brockwell |first=Holly |date=April 28, 2017 |title=The New Nintendo 2DS XL Is Coming To The UK In July |url=http://www.gizmodo.co.uk/2017/04/the-new-nintendo-2ds-xl-is-coming-to-the-uk-in-july/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502160532/http://www.gizmodo.co.uk/2017/04/the-new-nintendo-2ds-xl-is-coming-to-the-uk-in-july |archive-date=May 2, 2017 |access-date=April 28, 2017 |publisher=Gizmodo}}</ref> and Japan on July 29, 2017.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=April 28, 2017 |title=The First Special Edition Nintendo 2DS XL Is Beautiful |url=http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2017/04/28/the-first-special-edition-nintendo-2ds-xl-is-beautiful |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502160926/http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2017/04/28/the-first-special-edition-nintendo-2ds-xl-is-beautiful |archive-date=May 2, 2017 |access-date=April 28, 2017 |publisher=Kotaku}}</ref> The system is a variation of the New Nintendo 3DS line, featuring the additional hardware features and software compatibility of the New Nintendo 3DS, albeit without the stereoscopic 3D functionality, updated micro SD card placement to make it easier to remove, an updated home button and cartridge cover similar to the Nintendo Switch, and a foldable form factor.<ref>{{Citation |last=Nintendo |title=Introducing New Nintendo 2DS XL |date=April 27, 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lxNHhgMuTg |access-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428013740/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lxNHhgMuTg&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=April 28, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== 3DS family comparison table == {| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;" |+ Comparison of Nintendo 3DS family systems |- ! style="width:10%;"| Name ! style="width:15%;"| New Nintendo 2DS XL ! style="width:15%;"| New Nintendo 3DS XL ! style="width:15%;"| New Nintendo 3DS ! style="width:15%;"| Nintendo 2DS ! style="width:15%;"| Nintendo 3DS XL ! style="width:15%;"| Nintendo 3DS |- class="skin-invert-image" ! Logo ! 130px ! 130px ! 130px ! 130px ! 130px ! 130px

|- style="text-align:center;" ! Console |alt=|125x125px | 150px | 150px | 150px | 150px | 150px

|- ! In production | colspan="2" {{N/a|Discontinued}} (as of September 16, 2020)<ref name="Byford"/> | {{N/a|Discontinued}} (as of July 13, 2017)<ref name="Frank"/> | colspan="3" {{N/a|Discontinued}} (as of September 16, 2020)

|- style="text-align:center;" ! Generation | colspan="6"| Eighth generation

|- ! Release date | {{Video game release|AU|June 15, 2017<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=April 20, 2017 |title=New Nintendo 2DS XL portable system to launch in Australia & New Zealand on June 15! |url=http://www.nintendo.com.au/new-nintendo-2ds-xl-portable-system-to-launch-in-australia-new-zealand-on-june-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170719135023/http://www.nintendo.com.au/new-nintendo-2ds-xl-portable-system-to-launch-in-australia-new-zealand-on-june-15 |archive-date=July 19, 2017 |access-date=April 28, 2017 |website=Nintendo Australia}}</ref>|JP|July 13, 2017|NA/EU|July 28, 2017}} | {{Video game release|JP|October 11, 2014|AU|November 21, 2014|NA/EU|February 13, 2015}} | {{Video game release|JP|October 25, 2014|AU|November 21, 2014|EU|February 13, 2015|NA|September 25, 2015}} | {{Video game release|WW|October 12, 2013|JP|February 27, 2016}} | {{Video game release|JP/EU|July 28, 2012|NA|August 19, 2012|AU|August 23, 2012}} | {{Video game release|JP|February 26, 2011|EU|March 25, 2011|NA|March 27, 2011|AU|March 31, 2011}}

|- ! Launch price  | {{Unbulleted list|US$149.99|A$199.99|C$199.99|€149.99|£129.99}} | {{Unbulleted list|¥18,900|US$199.99|A$249.99|C$239.99|€199.99|£179.99}} | {{Unbulleted list|¥16,000|US$219.99|A$219.95|€169.99|£149.99}} | {{Unbulleted list|¥9,980|US$129.99|€129.99|£109.99|A$149.95}} | ¥18,900 US$199.99 €199.99 £179.99 A$249.95<ref name="Australia 3DS XL launch" /> | ¥25,000 US$249.99<ref name="NAdetails" /> €249.99 £209.99 A$349.95

|- style="text-align:center;" ! Current price | colspan="6" {{N/a|Discontinued}} |- !Units shipped | colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"|'''Worldwide:''' 75.94 million (as of September 30, 2022)<ref name="nintendosales"/> includes 60.41 million 3DS and variants, and 12.12 million 2DS and variants |- !Best-selling software title | colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| ''Mario Kart 7'', 18.99 million (as of March 31, 2024) |- style="text-align:center;" ! 3D enabled | {{No}} | colspan="2" {{yes|Yes (adjustable depth with Super Stable 3D)}} | {{No}} | colspan="2" {{yes|Yes (adjustable depth)}} |- ! rowspan="5"| Display | 4.88 in (124 mm) | Autostereoscopic (3D) 4.88 in (124 mm)<ref name="nintendo 3ds hardware specs" /> | Autostereoscopic (3D) 3.88 in (99 mm)<ref name="nintendo 3ds hardware specs" /> | 3.53 in (90 mm) | Autostereoscopic (3D) 4.88 in (124 mm)<ref name="nintendo 3ds hardware specs" /> | Autostereoscopic (3D) 3.53 in (90 mm)<ref name="nintendo 3ds hardware specs" /> |- | Upper: 400 × 240 px WQVGA | colspan="2" | Upper: 800 × 240 px (400 × 240 WQVGA per eye) | Upper: 400 × 240 px WQVGA | colspan="2" | Upper: 800 × 240 px (400 × 240 WQVGA per eye) |- | colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| Lower: 320 × 240 QVGA |- style="text-align:center;" | colspan="6"| approximately 16.77 million colors<ref name="nintendo 3ds hardware specs" /> |- style="text-align:center;" || 5 brightness levels<ref>{{cite book |url=https://www.nintendo.com/au/support/articles/new-nintendo-2ds-xl-operations-manual/ |title=New Nintendo 2DS XL Operations Manual |page=23 |access-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731213715/https://www.nintendo.com/au/support/articles/new-nintendo-2ds-xl-operations-manual/ |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> | colspan="2"| 5 brightness levels & automatic brightness adjustment<ref>{{cite web |title=Brightness Levels on the New Nintendo 3DS System Change Automatically | Nintendo Support |url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/14246/~/brightness-levels-on-the-new-nintendo-3ds-system-change-automatically |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401075604/https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/14246/~/brightness-levels-on-the-new-nintendo-3ds-system-change-automatically |archive-date=April 1, 2025 |access-date=February 12, 2025}}</ref> | colspan="3"| 5 brightness levels<ref>{{cite web |date=August 10, 2018 |title=3DS Brightness level higher than 5? |url=https://gbatemp.net/threads/3ds-brightness-level-higher-than-5.514446/#:~:text=The%20brightness%20level%20on%20the,to%20a%20maximum%20of%205}}</ref> |- ! Processor | colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| 804 MHz quad-core ARM11 & 134 MHz single-core ARM9<ref name="3dbrew hardware">{{cite web |title=Hardware – 3dbrew |url=http://3dbrew.org/wiki/Hardware |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227093027/http://3dbrew.org/wiki/Hardware |archive-date=December 27, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2015}}</ref> | colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| 268 MHz dual-core ARM11 & 134 MHz single-core ARM9<ref name="3dbrew hardware" /> |- ! Graphics | colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| 268 MHz Digital Media Professionals PICA200<ref name="3dbrew hardware" /><ref>[http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-3ds-gpu-revealed-blog-post Nintendo 3DS graphics chip revealed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205080026/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-3ds-gpu-revealed-blog-post |date=February 5, 2021 }} Eurogamer Network Ltd.</ref> |- ! Memory | colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| 256 MB FCRAM @ 6.4 GB/s (64 MB reserved for OS) | colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| 128 MB FCRAM @ 3.2 GB/s (32 MB reserved for OS)<ref>[http://www.eetimes.com/electronics-news/4214569/Teardowns-find-Fujitsu-FCRAM-in-Nintendo-3DS] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012233236/http://www.eetimes.com/electronics-news/4214569/Teardowns-find-Fujitsu-FCRAM-in-Nintendo-3DS|date=October 12, 2012}} EE Times</ref> |- ! Camera | One front-facing and two outward-facing 0.3 MP (VGA) sensors | colspan="2" |One front-facing and two outward-facing 0.3 MP (VGA) sensors Infrared LED light facing the user | colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| One front-facing and two outward-facing 0.3 MP (VGA) sensors<ref name="nintendo 3ds hardware specs" /> |- ! Storage | colspan="3" |4 GB microSDHC card included | colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"|4 GB SDHC card included<ref>{{cite web |title=3DS XL Circle Pad Pro Expansion Coming This Year |url=http://andriasang.com/con1pd/3ds_circle_pad_expansion/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130120234914/http://andriasang.com/con1pd/3ds_circle_pad_expansion/ |archive-date=January 20, 2013 |access-date=July 7, 2012 |publisher=andriasang}}</ref> | 2 GB SD card included<ref>[http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20110301/189976/ 3DS Teardown – Examining Main Board] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128120907/http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20110301/189976/ |date=January 28, 2018 }} and Expandable via SD card slot</ref> |- ! Physical media | colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"|Nintendo 3DS game card (1-8 GB) Nintendo DS game card (8-512 MB) |- ! Input controls | colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| * D-pad * Circle Pad * Analog nub (C-stick) * A/B/X/Y, L/R, ZL/ZR, and START/SELECT buttons * Home button * Touchscreen * Microphone * Camera * Motion sensor * Gyro sensor | style="text-align:center;" | * D-pad * Circle Pad * A/B/X/Y, L/R, and START/SELECT buttons * Home button * Touchscreen * Microphone * Camera * Motion sensor * Gyro sensor<ref name="nintendo 3ds hardware specs">[https://web.archive.org/web/20130316055624/http://www.nintendo.com/3ds/hardware/specs Nintendo 3DS – Hardware Specifications at Nintendo] Nintendo of America</ref> | colspan="2" | * D-pad * Circle Pad (2× with add-on) * A/B/X/Y, L/R, and START/SELECT buttons (ZL/ZR buttons with add-on) * Home button * Touchscreen * Microphone * Camera * Wireless switch * Motion sensor * Gyro sensor<ref name="nintendo 3ds hardware specs" /> |- ! Lithium-ion battery | 1400 mAh | 1750 mAh | 1400 mAh | 1300 mAh | 1750 mAh | 1300 mAh |- ! Run time | 3.5–7 hours (determined by screen brightness, Wi-Fi, and sound volume)<ref>{{cite web |date=2019-02-13 |title=New Nintendo 2DS XL vs. New Nintendo 3DS XL | Spec Comparison |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/new-nintendo-2ds-xl-versus-new-nintendo-3ds-xl/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209062234/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/new-nintendo-2ds-xl-versus-new-nintendo-3ds-xl/ |archive-date=February 9, 2019 |access-date=2019-07-23 |publisher=Digital Trends}}</ref> | 3.5–7 hours (determined by screen brightness, Wi-Fi, sound volume, and 3D effect)<ref>{{cite web |date=September 2014 |title=Here's How New Nintendo 3DS And New Nintendo 3DS XL Compare To Each Other |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/09/01/heres-new-nintendo-3ds-new-nintendo-3ds-xl-compare/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910201805/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/09/01/heres-new-nintendo-3ds-new-nintendo-3ds-xl-compare/ |archive-date=September 10, 2014 |access-date=September 9, 2014 |publisher=Siliconera}}</ref> | 3.5–6 hours (determined by screen brightness, Wi-Fi, sound volume, and 3D effect) | 3.5–5.5 hours (determined by screen brightness, Wi-Fi and sound volume)<ref>{{cite web |title=Family A4 Table UK |url=https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn02.nintendo-europe.com%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2Fprojects%2Fflower%2F3ds%2FFAMILY_A4_TABLE_UK.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220060951/https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http:%2F%2Fcdn02.nintendo-europe.com%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2Fprojects%2Fflower%2F3ds%2FFAMILY_A4_TABLE_UK.pdf |archive-date=December 20, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 3–5 hours (determined by screen brightness, Wi-Fi, sound volume, and 3D effect)<ref name="nintendo 3ds hardware specs" /> | 3.5–6.5 hours (determined by screen brightness, Wi-Fi, sound volume, and 3D effect)<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo 3DS XL Battery pack buy page |url=https://store.nintendo.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=198214&catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&categoryId=68709&krypto=GrjJmjV7%2Fh%2BLquzlLeEgC0pM7E9p4HRUPrBBk5noDOUhysvG4h%2BRIMfOJ2hjwRRRKRVvdQqs1rg%3D&ddkey=https://setcurrencypreference |access-date=August 20, 2012 |publisher=Nintendo}}{{dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web |url=https://store.nintendo.com/wcsstore/NOASTORE/noaimages/NC77418.jpg |title=Nintendo 3DS XL Battery image 6.5WA@3.7V=1750mAh |publisher=Nintendo |access-date=August 20, 2012 }}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="nuk" /> |- ! Connectivity | colspan="3" | * Integrated 802.11b/g * IR transceiver * NFC reader for Amiibo | colspan="3" | * Integrated 802.11b/g * IR transceiver * NFC reader for Amiibo (with add-on) |- ! Stylus length | 69 mm (2.7 in) | {{cvt|86|mm}} | {{cvt|76.5|mm}} | {{cvt|96|mm}}<ref name="Kotaku announcement">{{cite web |last=Totilo |first=Stephen |date=August 28, 2013 |title=Introducing... The Nintendo 2DS. No, That's Not a Typo |url=https://kotaku.com/introducing-the-nintendo-2ds-no-thats-not-a-typo-1214807721 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124005400/https://kotaku.com/introducing-the-nintendo-2ds-no-thats-not-a-typo-1214807721 |archive-date=January 24, 2021 |access-date=March 12, 2014 |website=Kotaku}}</ref> | {{cvt|96|mm}} | Extendable up to {{cvt|100|mm}}<ref name="nintendo 3ds hardware specs" /> |- ! Weight | 260 g (9.2 oz) | {{cvt|329|g}} | {{cvt|253|g}} | {{cvt|260|g}} | {{cvt|336|g}}<ref name="nuk">{{cite web |date=June 22, 2012 |title=Nintendo 3DS XL |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/3DS_XL/3DS_XL_en_GB/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130903060006/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/3DS_XL/3DS_XL_en_GB/#page4 |archive-date=September 3, 2013 |access-date=July 7, 2012 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | {{cvt|235|g}}<ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/hardware/spec/index.html Nintendo 3DS – Hardware Specifications] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818182154/http://www.nintendo.co.jp///3ds/hardware/spec/index.html |date=August 18, 2014 }} Nintendo Co., Ltd.</ref> |- ! Dimensions | 159.36 mm (6.27 in) W 86.36 mm (3.4 in) D 20.8 mm (0.81 in) H |{{cvt|160|mm}} W {{cvt|93.5|mm}} D {{cvt|21.5|mm}} H |{{cvt|142|mm}} W {{cvt|80.6|mm}} D {{cvt|21.6|mm}} H |{{cvt|144|mm}} W {{cvt|127|mm}} D {{cvt|20.3|mm}} H |{{cvt|156|mm}} W {{cvt|93|mm}} D {{cvt|22|mm}} H<ref name="nuk" /> |{{cvt|134|mm}} W {{cvt|74|mm}} D {{cvt|22|mm}} H<ref name="nintendo 3ds hardware specs"/> |- !Online services | colspan="6"| '''Nintendo Network''' * Nintendo eShop (Discontinued) * Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection (Discontinued) * Miiverse (Discontinued) * Nintendo Video (Discontinued) * Swapnote (Nintendo Letter Box in PAL region) (Discontinued) ** StreetPass Mii Plaza (local & online players met) * SpotPass and StreetPass (Spotpass Discontinued) * Nintendo Network ID (Discontinued) |- ! Preloaded applications | colspan="6"| * Health & Safety Information * Nintendo 3DS / DS Game Card launcher * Nintendo 3DS Camera (photo and video recording and editing) * Nintendo 3DS Sound * Nintendo eShop * Mii Maker * StreetPass Mii Plaza * AR Games * Face Raiders * Activity Log * Nintendo Zone (select regions only) * Nintendo Video * Swapnote (''Nintendo Letter Box'' in PAL region) * Eurosport (select regions only) * Netflix (select regions only, with paid subscription) * YouTube * Hulu Plus (select regions only, with paid subscription) * 3DS/DS Download Play * System Settings * Game Notes * Friend List * Notifications * Internet Browser |- ! Regional lockout | colspan="6" {{bad|Yes}} |- !Backward compatibility | colspan="3" | '''Physical only''' '''Nintendo Game Cards''' :Nintendo DS/DSi Game Card '''Downloadable only''' * DSiWare * '''Virtual Console''' ** Game Boy ** Game Boy Color ** Super Nintendo Entertainment System ** Game Boy Advance (Available through the Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Program only) ** Game Gear ** PC Engine (Available in Japan only) ** Nintendo Entertainment System | colspan="3" | '''Physical only''' '''Nintendo Game Cards''' :Nintendo DS/DSi Game Card '''Downloadable only''' * DSiWare * '''Virtual Console''' ** Game Boy ** Game Boy Color ** Game Boy Advance (Available through the Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Program only) ** Game Gear ** PC Engine (Available in Japan only) ** Nintendo Entertainment System |}

== Software == {{See also|Nintendo 3DS system software}}

=== Operating system ===

The '''Home Menu''' is a graphical user interface similar to the Nintendo DSi Menu and Wii U Menu for Nintendo 3DS systems. It is used to launch software stored on Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS Game Cards, applications installed on a SD card, and DSiWare titles installed in the system's internal memory. Application icons are set in a customizable grid navigable on the lower screen. On the upper screen, a special 3D animated logo is displayed for each individual app, as well as system information such as wireless signal strength, date and time, and battery life.<ref name="home menu">{{cite web |title=Nintendo 3DS Family — HOME Menu |url=https://www.nintendo.com/3ds/built-in-software/#/1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131122182504/http://www.nintendo.com/3ds/built-in-software/#/1 |archive-date=November 22, 2013 |access-date=November 11, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> Using the Home button, users can suspend the current software that is running and bring up the Home Menu, allowing the user to launch certain multitasking applications, such as the Internet Browser and Miiverse.

Similarly to the Nintendo DSi, the menu has updateable firmware. On April 25, 2012, a system update brought the introduction of a folder system, which allows users to put applications inside folders.<ref name="folders">{{cite web |title=How to do a 3DS System Update and create folders |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/37534/how-to-do-a-3ds-system-update-and-create-folders/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926174120/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/37534/how-to-do-a-3ds-system-update-and-create-folders/ |archive-date=September 26, 2013 |access-date=September 18, 2013 |publisher=Official Nintendo Magazine}}</ref> On June 20, 2013, a system update brought the introduction of the ''Save Data Backup'' feature, which allows the user to back up save data from downloadable Nintendo 3DS software and most Virtual Console games.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mallory |first=Jordan |title=3DS system update adds on-board save data backup |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/20/3ds-system-update-adds-on-board-save-data-backup/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202231543/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/20/3ds-system-update-adds-on-board-save-data-backup/ |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |access-date=September 29, 2013 |publisher=Joystiq}}</ref> An update was released on October 30, 2014, to enable players to download custom themes for the Home Menu, based on various Nintendo titles.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sahdev |first=Ishaan |date=August 29, 2014 |title=Nintendo 3DS To Get Custom Themes For Home Menu |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/08/29/nintendo-3ds-get-custom-themes-home-menu/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015100153/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/08/29/nintendo-3ds-get-custom-themes-home-menu/ |archive-date=October 15, 2014 |access-date=October 13, 2014 |work=Siliconera}}</ref>

=== {{Anchor|Nintendo 3DS Camera}} Camera === '''Nintendo 3DS Camera''' is a built-in photo and video recorder with an integrated media gallery and photo editing functionality. The app uses the system's two front-facing cameras to take 3D photos, and the user-facing camera to take regular 2D photos. All photographs are taken at a resolution of 640 × 480 px (VGA), or 0.3 megapixels. The two perspectives of 3D photographs are stored into two separate files, with JPG and MPO extensions.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kreutmayr |first1=Fabian |date=2011-02-08 |title=3DS: Bilder werden im mpo-Format gespeichert |url=http://nintendo-online.de/news/7622/3ds-bilder-werden-im-mpo-format-gespeichert/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416224504/https://nintendo-online.de/news/7622/3ds-bilder-werden-im-mpo-format-gespeichert/ |archive-date=April 16, 2021 |access-date=April 16, 2021 |website=Nintendo-Online.de |language=de-DE}}</ref>

There are various options and filters available when taking photos or recording video. There is also a ''Low-Light'' option, which is useful when taking photos and recording video in low lighting conditions.<ref name="3ds camera">{{cite web |title=Nintendo 3DS Camera |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Nintendo-3DS/Instant-Software/Nintendo-3DS-Camera/Nintendo-3DS-Camera-115344.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820094443/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Nintendo-3DS-Family/Instant-Software/Nintendo-3DS-Camera/Nintendo-3DS-Camera-115344.html |archive-date=August 20, 2021 |access-date=November 11, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> There is a loud shutter sound that happens when you take photos, which cannot be turned down or off, likely to comply with Japan's mandatory shutter sound.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-09-30 |title=Japan's noisy iPhone problem |url=https://www.engadget.com/2016-09-30-japans-noisy-iphone-problem.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002035713/https://www.engadget.com/2016-09-30-japans-noisy-iphone-problem.html |archive-date=October 2, 2023 |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}}</ref>

On December 7, 2011, a system update added the ability to record 3D video along special recording options, such as the ability to make stop motion animations.<ref name="Stuart">{{Cite news |last=Stuart |first=Keith |date=December 7, 2011 |title=3DS gets 3D video recording in latest system update to console |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2011/dec/07/nintendo-3ds-system-update |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921215209/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2011/dec/07/nintendo-3ds-system-update |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |access-date=September 24, 2012 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> All recording modes only allow a single video to be up to 10 minutes long.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 20, 2011 |title=Nintendo 3DS: Record 10 Minutes Of 3D Video On Nintendo 3DS With November Firmware Update |url=http://mynintendonews.com/2011/10/20/nintendo-3ds-record-10-minutes-of-3d-video-on-nintendo-3ds-with-november-firmware-update/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053833/http://mynintendonews.com/2011/10/20/nintendo-3ds-record-10-minutes-of-3d-video-on-nintendo-3ds-with-november-firmware-update/ |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |access-date=September 25, 2013 |publisher=My Nintendo News}}</ref>

=== {{Anchor|Nintendo 3DS Sound}} Sound === '''Nintendo 3DS Sound''' is a built-in music player and sound recorder. Supported filename extensions include MP3 audio with .mp3 and AAC audio with .mp4, .m4a, or .3GP. Audio files can be played from an SD card, with visualizations displayed on the upper screen. Music can be played while the console is closed, using the system's headphone jack. A set of sound manipulation options are available, as well as several audio filters. Ten-second voice recordings can also be recorded and edited.<ref name="3ds sound">{{cite web |title=Nintendo 3DS Sound |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Nintendo-3DS/Instant-Software/Nintendo-3DS-Sound/Nintendo-3DS-Sound-115638.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820094526/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Nintendo-3DS-Family/Instant-Software/Nintendo-3DS-Sound/Nintendo-3DS-Sound-115638.html |archive-date=August 20, 2021 |access-date=November 11, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> There is also a StreetPass function built-into the app, where users exchange song data to make a compatibility chart between them.<ref name="3ds sound" />

=== Nintendo eShop === {{Main|Nintendo eShop}}

'''Nintendo eShop''' is the Nintendo 3DS's online software distribution service. Launched in June 2011, the eShop provides downloadable retail and download-only Nintendo 3DS titles, Virtual Console titles, and various applications and videos. It also allows users to purchase downloadable content (DLC) and automatically download patches for both physical and downloadable games. All content obtained from Nintendo eShop is attached to a Nintendo Network ID but can only be used in one system. Background downloading is possible via SpotPass, while playing games or in sleep mode. Up to ten downloads can be queued at a time and their status can be checked on the Home Menu.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo adding sleep mode downloads to 3DS eShop, planning web interface |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/nintendo-adding-sleep-mode-downloads-to-3ds-eshop-planning-web/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111011632/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/nintendo-adding-sleep-mode-downloads-to-3ds-eshop-planning-web/ |archive-date=November 11, 2013 |access-date=November 11, 2013 |publisher=Joystiq}}</ref>

Certain Latin American and Caribbean countries, which feature a more limited eShop, had their systems closed in July 2020. Countries in the region with the full eShop and the rest of the world were unaffected.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 April 2020 |title=Nintendo 3DS and Wii U Limited eShop Closure (Latin America and Caribbean Countries) |url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/48972/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429011323/https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/48972/ |archive-date=April 29, 2020 |access-date=28 April 2020 |website=Nintendo Customer Support}}</ref>

It was later announced on February 15, 2022, that support for Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo 3DS for the rest of the world would be discontinued in late March 2023 (this was confirmed to be March 27, 2023<ref name="TheVergeClosureDate" />), with the ability to add credit cards ceasing by May 23, 2022, followed by the inability to add funds by August 29, 2022.<ref name="eShopDiscontinuation">{{Cite web |title=Nintendo Support: Wii U & Nintendo 3DS eShop Discontinuation |url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/57847 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216083802/https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/57847 |archive-date=February 16, 2022 |access-date=2022-02-16 |website=en-americas-support.nintendo.com}}</ref>

=== Miiverse === {{Main|Miiverse}}

'''Miiverse''' was an integrated social networking service, which allowed players to interact and share their gaming experiences through their personal Mii characters. It was originally launched on Wii U and was launched on the Nintendo 3DS on December 11, 2013, via a firmware update.<ref>{{cite web |author=Joe Skrebels on |date=December 10, 2013 |title=3DS System Update released — adds Miiverse and NNIDs |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/56333/3ds-system-update-released-adds-miiverse-and-nnids/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314083800/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/56333/3ds-system-update-released-adds-miiverse-and-nnids/ |archive-date=March 14, 2014 |access-date=June 3, 2014 |publisher=Official Nintendo Magazine UK}}</ref> Its functionality was similar to the Wii U version albeit without the private messaging feature, and required a Nintendo Network ID.

Miiverse allowed users to seamlessly share accomplishments, comments, hand written notes, and game screenshots with other players on various communities specific to their games and applications. It was possible to access Wii U communities on the Nintendo 3DS and vice versa. It was also possible to access Miiverse on any internet enabled smartphone, tablet and PC.<ref>[https://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/04/25/miiverse-now-accessible-on-pc-smartphones Miiverse Now Accessible on PC, Smartphones – IGN] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709161455/http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/04/25/miiverse-now-accessible-on-pc-smartphones |date=July 9, 2017 }}. Uk.ign.com. Retrieved on August 23, 2013.</ref> The service was moderated through software filtering as well as a human resource team in order to ensure that the content shared by users was appropriate and that no spoilers were shared.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fletcher |first=JC |date=June 7, 2012 |title=Miiverse messages will be subject to moderation before posting |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/miiverse-messages-will-be-subject-to-moderation-before-posting/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616040116/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/miiverse-messages-will-be-subject-to-moderation-before-posting/ |archive-date=June 16, 2013 |access-date=October 25, 2012 |publisher=Joystiq}}</ref> It was also possible to post screenshots from certain games to social networking websites such as Twitter, Tumblr and/or Facebook via the ''Nintendo 3DS Image Share'' service.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo 3DS Image Share |url=https://www.nintendo.com/3ds/image-share |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016181646/http://www.nintendo.com/3ds/image-share |archive-date=October 16, 2013 |access-date=October 18, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo.com}}</ref>

On November 7, 2017, the Miiverse servers closed down for the 3DS and the Wii U.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Davidson |first1=Matt |date=August 29, 2017 |title=Nintendo: Miiverse to Shut Down in November |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/08/29/nintendo-miiverse-to-shut-down-in-november |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230617164440/https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/08/29/nintendo-miiverse-to-shut-down-in-november |archive-date=June 17, 2023 |access-date=17 June 2023 |website=IGN}}</ref>

=== Internet browser === The Nintendo 3DS's internet browser was released via a firmware update on June 6, 2011, in North America and June 7, 2011, in Europe and Japan.<ref>{{cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=May 12, 2011 |title=Nintendo 3DS e-Shop and browser delayed |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-05-12-nintendo-3ds-e-shop-and-browser-delayed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630063856/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-05-12-nintendo-3ds-e-shop-and-browser-delayed |archive-date=June 30, 2016 |access-date=December 22, 2013 |publisher=Eurogamer}}</ref> It functions as a multitasking system application and can be used while another application is suspended in the background. The browser supports HTML, CSS, JavaScript and some HTML5 elements but does not support Flash, video or music.<ref>{{cite web |title=Internet Browser {{!}} Nintendo 3DS |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Nintendo-3DS/Instant-Software/Internet-Browser/Internet-Browser-115440.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103085711/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Hardware/Nintendo-3DS-Family/Instant-Software/Internet-Browser/Internet-Browser-115440.html |archive-date=November 3, 2021 |access-date=December 22, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> It can also download and show 3D images with the .mpo file extension and allows users to save images on an SD card. Additionally the browser supports JPEG and MPO image uploads from the system's photo gallery.

=== Video services ===  Nintendo Video launched in Australia, Europe, and Japan on July 13, 2011, and in North America on July 21, 2011, along with a tutorial video.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 11, 2011 |title=Download the free Nintendo Video application, only for Nintendo 3DS |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/2011/download_nintendo_video_for_nintendo_3ds_43881.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103085711/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/2011/Download-the-free-Nintendo-Video-application-only-for-Nintendo-3DS-252872.html |archive-date=November 3, 2021 |access-date=July 14, 2011 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Fletcher |first=JC |date=July 12, 2011 |title=3DS 'Nintendo Video' service available tomorrow in Japan |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/3ds-nintendo-video-service-available-tomorrow-in-japan/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529105400/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/3ds-nintendo-video-service-available-tomorrow-in-japan/ |archive-date=May 29, 2012 |access-date=September 24, 2012 |publisher=Joystiq}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kaluska |first=Aaron |date=July 21, 2011 |title=Nintendo Video Goes Live in North America |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/27244 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724233353/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/27244 |archive-date=July 24, 2012 |access-date=September 24, 2012 |publisher=Nintendo World Report}}</ref> The service periodically updates its video content availability through SpotPass, automatically adding and deleting content from the console. Up to four videos can be available through the app at the same time. Nintendo Video content include: established series such as ''Oscar's Oasis'' and ''Shaun the Sheep'' (with fifteen exclusive episodes);<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 16, 2012 |title=Shaun the Sheep comes to life on Nintendo 3DS |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/2011/shaun_the_sheep_comes_to_life_on_nintendo_3ds_47788.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130421023106/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/2011/shaun_the_sheep_comes_to_life_on_nintendo_3ds_47788.html |archive-date=April 21, 2013 |access-date=September 24, 2012 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> original series such as ''Dinosaur Office'' and ''BearShark'' by CollegeHumor; short films; movie trailers; and sports videos by Redbull and BSkyB. The Nintendo Video app was discontinued in the Japanese, European and Oceania regions by April 2014, and in North America by July 2015. In North America at least, the "Nintendo Video" name continues to exist via a permanent Nintendo eShop category for all hosted videos that previously featured on the former app, as well as potential new content. The permanently hosted online "Nintendo Video" eShop videos can be viewed on-demand at any time without additional costs.

The Netflix streaming video service was released in North America on July 14, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last=Heater |first=Brian |date=July 14, 2011 |title=Nintendo confirms Netflix on the 3DS hitting today |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/nintendo-confirms-netflix-on-the-3ds-hitting-today/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714222333/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/nintendo-confirms-netflix-on-the-3ds-hitting-today/ |archive-date=July 14, 2011 |access-date=July 14, 2011 |publisher=Engadget}}</ref> Netflix users are able to pause streaming video on the Nintendo 3DS and resume it on other Netflix-enabled devices. Only 2D content is available through the service.<ref name="Netflix app added to eShop">{{cite web |date=July 13, 2011 |title=Netflix Coming to 3DS Tomorrow |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/27172 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724143122/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/27172 |archive-date=July 24, 2012 |access-date=October 8, 2012 |publisher=Nintendo World Report}}</ref> The Netflix app was discontinued on June 30, 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Netflix No Longer Works On Wii U Or 3DS, So Where's The Switch Version? |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/07/netflix_no_longer_works_on_wii_u_or_3ds_so_wheres_the_switch_version |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702113110/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/07/netflix_no_longer_works_on_wii_u_or_3ds_so_wheres_the_switch_version |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2021 |publisher=Nintendo Life}}</ref> Nintendo announced on October 21, 2011, that Hulu Plus would be released on the Nintendo 3DS by the end of the year.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Paul |first=Ian |date=October 21, 2011 |title=Hulu Plus Comes to Nintendo 3DS, Wii; 3DS Gets 3D Video Recording |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/242291/hulu_plus_comes_to_nintendo_3ds_wii_3ds_gets_3d_video_recording.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509201729/http://www.pcworld.com/article/242291/hulu_plus_comes_to_nintendo_3ds_wii_3ds_gets_3d_video_recording.html |archive-date=May 9, 2012 |access-date=September 24, 2012 |publisher=PCWorld}}</ref> On February 16, 2012, following the debut of Hulu on the Wii, Nintendo reiterated the announcement this time claiming it would be available on the 3DS sometime in 2012.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 16, 2012 |title=Nintendo Teams Up with Hulu Plus to Offer Thousands of Current TV Shows and Classic Movies on the Wii Console |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120216005908/en/Nintendo-Teams-Hulu-Offer-Thousands-Current-TV |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120901202005/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120216005908/en/Nintendo-Teams-Hulu-Offer-Thousands-Current-TV |archive-date=September 1, 2012 |access-date=September 24, 2012 |publisher=Business Wire}}</ref> Finally, on August 6, 2013, the Hulu application became available in Japan and on October 17, 2013, the Hulu Plus application was launched in North America, along with a one-week free trial.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hulu Now Available on 3DS eShop in Japan — News |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/35116 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926113817/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/35116 |archive-date=September 26, 2013 |access-date=September 25, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo World Report}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gruver |first=Tim |date=October 13, 2013 |title=Hulu Plus Now Available On 3DS And 2DS — News |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/10/17/hulu-plus-now-available-on-3ds-and-2ds.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017131811/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/10/17/hulu-plus-now-available-on-3ds-and-2ds.aspx |archive-date=October 17, 2013 |access-date=October 18, 2013 |publisher=Game Informer}}</ref> On November 29, 2013, the YouTube application was released for the Nintendo 3DS in Europe and North America.<ref>{{cite news |date=November 29, 2013 |title=The 3DS YouTube App Has Finally Gone Live |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/11/the_3ds_youtube_app_has_finally_gone_live |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105012521/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/11/the_3ds_youtube_app_has_finally_gone_live |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |access-date=November 4, 2018 |work=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref> It was discontinued in August 2019.<ref>{{cite news |title=YouTube App for Nintendo 3DS Discontinuation |url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/47010/~/youtube-app-for-nintendo-3ds-discontinuation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221001615/https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/47010/~/youtube-app-for-nintendo-3ds-discontinuation |archive-date=February 21, 2020 |access-date=February 4, 2020 |work=Nintendo America}}</ref>

The SpotPass TV service launched in Japan on June 19, 2011. The service was a joint service between Nippon TV and Fuji TV that brought free 3D video content to Nintendo 3DS users in Japan. Types of content included programming teaching the user how to do magic tricks, Japanese idol sumo wrestling, sports, and 3D dating, among others. The service was terminated on June 20, 2012, a year after its inception.<ref>{{cite web |title=SpotPass TV Canceled in Japan — News |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30122 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926113814/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30122 |archive-date=September 26, 2013 |access-date=September 18, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo World Report}}</ref> A Eurosport app launched in Europe and Australia on December 15, 2011, and worked similarly to the Nintendo Video app. It featured weekly episodes of ''Watts Zap'' and other compilation videos containing Eurosport content.<ref>{{cite web |title=3DS News: Eurosport 3DS video player app is live |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/33535/eurosport-3ds-video-player-app-is-live/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926182409/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/33535/eurosport-3ds-video-player-app-is-live/ |archive-date=September 26, 2013 |access-date=September 18, 2013 |publisher=Official Nintendo Magazine}}</ref> The service was terminated on December 31, 2012, a year after its inception.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 18, 2012 |title=Nintendo/Eurosport 3DS app to see support end in 2013 | GoNintendo — What are YOU waiting for? |url=http://www.gonintendo.com/?mode=viewstory&id=193035 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927205326/http://www.gonintendo.com/?mode=viewstory&id=193035 |archive-date=September 27, 2013 |access-date=September 18, 2013 |publisher=GoNintendo}}</ref>

=== {{Anchor|Nintendo Letter Box}} Swapnote === {{Main|Swapnote}}

'''Swapnote''' (known as '''Nintendo Letter Box''' in Europe and Australia) is a messaging application for the Nintendo 3DS. Swapnote was released on December 21, 2011, in Japan and on December 22 in Europe, Australia and North America, via the Nintendo eShop. The application is free and is pre-installed on newer systems. It allows users to send hand-written/drawn messages to registered friends via SpotPass either or other users via StreetPass.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wahlgren |first=Jon |date=October 21, 2011 |title=Kid Icarus, Kirby Getting 3D Classics Makeovers |url=http://3dsware.nintendolife.com/news/2011/10/kid_icarus_kirby_getting_3d_classics_makeovers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023215424/http://3dsware.nintendolife.com/news/2011/10/kid_icarus_kirby_getting_3d_classics_makeovers |archive-date=October 23, 2011 |access-date=October 22, 2011 |publisher=Nintendo Life}}</ref> The app also allows users to freely embed pictures and sounds into their messages.

On October 31, 2013, Nintendo abruptly suspended the Swapnote/Nintendo Letter Box SpotPass functionality after discovering minors were sharing Friend Codes with strangers who had exploited the messaging service to allegedly exchange pornographic imagery.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=November 6, 2013 |title=Accused Child Predator Allegedly Used Nintendo's Swapnote Service |url=https://kotaku.com/child-predators-were-using-nintendos-swapnote-service-1459304126 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107220730/http://kotaku.com/child-predators-were-using-nintendos-swapnote-service-1459304126 |archive-date=November 7, 2013 |access-date=November 8, 2013 |website=Kotaku |publisher=G/O Media}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |script-title=ja:わいせつ画像:ゲーム機で送信させる女児被害、容疑者を書類送検／茨城 |url=http://mainichi.jp/area/ibaraki/news/20131106ddlk08040158000c.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108225215/http://mainichi.jp/area/ibaraki/news/20131106ddlk08040158000c.html |archive-date=November 8, 2013 |access-date=November 8, 2013 |publisher=Mainichi Shimbun |language=ja}}</ref>

=== Mii Maker === '''Mii Maker''' is a system application that allows users to create Mii characters through either a selection of facial and body features, such as the nose, mouth, eyes, hair, among other, or by taking a photo using the system's cameras and auto-generate a personal Mii. Mii characters can also be added and shared by reading special QR codes with one of the cameras.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mii Maker |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Nintendo-3DS/Instant-Software/Mii-Maker/Mii-Maker-115540.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103085711/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Hardware/Nintendo-3DS-Family/Instant-Software/Mii-Maker/Mii-Maker-115540.html |archive-date=November 3, 2021 |access-date=November 11, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> It is also possible to import Mii characters from a Wii or a Wii U system. However, Mii created on Nintendo 3DS systems cannot be exported back to a Wii due to the addition of character parts in Mii Maker not present on the Wii's ''Mii Channel''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Yoon |first=Andrew |date=January 19, 2011 |title=3DS can import your Wii Mii, too 'robust' to export them back |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/3ds-can-import-your-wii-mii-too-robust-to-export-them-back/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111011306/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/3ds-can-import-your-wii-mii-too-robust-to-export-them-back/ |archive-date=November 11, 2013 |access-date=November 11, 2013 |publisher=Joystiq}}</ref> This restriction, however, is not applied when exporting a Mii from a Nintendo 3DS to a Wii U system.

=== Activity Log === {{Anchor|Play coins}}'''Activity Log''' is a system application that tracks a record of which games have been played and for how long. Additionally, it functions as a pedometer. The feature encourages walking every day with the system in order to earn ''Play Coins'', at a maximum of 10 each day at a rate of one per 100 steps, to a total of 300 coins. Play Coins can then be used with compatible games and applications to acquire special content and a variety of other benefits.<ref>{{cite web |author=Artest |first=John |date=March 26, 2011 |title=How To Spend Nintendo 3DS Play Coins |url=http://www.modojo.com/features/how_to_spend_nintendo_3ds_play_coins |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025054137/http://www.modojo.com/features/how_to_spend_nintendo_3ds_play_coins/ |archive-date=October 25, 2011 |access-date=September 30, 2013 |publisher=Modojo.com}}</ref>

=== Other network features === Other network features of the Nintendo 3DS include the Nintendo Network, SpotPass and StreetPass. StreetPass Mii Plaza is a StreetPass application which comes pre-installed on every Nintendo 3DS system, while Nintendo Zone Viewer is a built-in application that detects and makes use of certified SpotPass hotspots. The service has since been discontinued.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nintendo Support: Nintendo Zone Viewer Service Update |url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/12564/~/nintendo-zone-viewer-service-update |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321001145/https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/12564/~/nintendo-zone-viewer-service-update |archive-date=March 21, 2019 |access-date=2023-03-01 |website=en-americas-support.nintendo.com}}</ref> The Nintendo Network online service has been discontinued as of April 8, 2024, marking an end for most of the online features of the 3DS, including SpotPass and online multiplayer.<ref name=":1" />

== Games == {{Further|List of Nintendo 3DS games|List of best-selling Nintendo 3DS games|List of cancelled Nintendo 3DS games}}

Retail copies of games are supplied on proprietary cartridges called ''Nintendo 3DS Game Cards'', which are packaged in keep cases with simple instructions. In Europe, the boxes have a triangle at the bottom corner of the paper sleeve-insert side. The triangle is color-coded to identify the region for which the title is intended and which manual languages are included. Unlike with previous Nintendo consoles, the complete software manual is only available digitally via the system's Home Menu. Software published by Nintendo and by some third parties come packaged with Club Nintendo points, which can be redeemed for special rewards.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 16, 2011 |title=Club Nintendo points available in third-party 3DS games |url=http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/3DS/Nintendo+3DS/news.asp?c=28372 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512112952/http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/3DS/Nintendo+3DS/news.asp?c=28372 |archive-date=May 12, 2015 |access-date=November 10, 2013 |publisher=PocketGamer}}</ref> Retail and download-only games are also available for download in the Nintendo eShop. All Nintendo 3DS consoles are region locked (software purchased in a region can be only played on that region's hardware).<ref>{{cite web |date=March 24, 2011 |title=3DS region block confirmed, US won't even read JP games |url=http://www.destructoid.com/3ds-region-block-confirmed-us-won-t-even-read-jp-games-197176.phtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110192757/http://www.destructoid.com/3ds-region-block-confirmed-us-won-t-even-read-jp-games-197176.phtml |archive-date=November 10, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2013 |publisher=Destructoid}}</ref>

A total of 392.14 million Nintendo 3DS games have been sold worldwide as of December 31, 2024, with 59 titles surpassing the million-unit mark. The most successful game, ''Mario Kart 7'', has sold 18.99 million units worldwide.<ref name="nintendosales" />

=== Launch titles === The Nintendo 3DS launched in Japan with '''8''' games,<ref>{{cite web |date=January 8, 2011 |title=Here Are Japan's 3DS Launch Titles |url=https://kotaku.com/here-are-japans-3ds-launch-titles-5728228 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003215428/http://kotaku.com/5728228/the-ten-3ds-launch-titles-in-japan |archive-date=October 3, 2013 |access-date=September 25, 2013 |publisher=Kotaku}}</ref> in North America with '''12''' games<ref>{{cite web |date=January 19, 2011 |title=3DS: North American Launch Titles |url=http://www.destructoid.com/3ds-north-american-launch-titles-192044.phtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926074258/http://www.destructoid.com/3ds-north-american-launch-titles-192044.phtml |archive-date=September 26, 2013 |access-date=September 25, 2013 |publisher=Destructoid}}</ref> and in Europe with '''14''' games.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo confirms day one launch line-up for Nintendo 3DS |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/2011/Nintendo-confirms-day-one-launch-line-up-for-Nintendo-3DS-253379.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130707050449/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/2011/Nintendo-confirms-day-one-launch-line-up-for-Nintendo-3DS-253379.html |archive-date=July 7, 2013 |access-date=September 25, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> An additional thirty games were announced for release during the system's "launch window", which includes the three months after the system's launch date.

{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed sortable" |+ {{Nowrap|List of Nintendo 3DS launch titles by region released}} ! scope="col" | Launch title ! scope="col" | JP ! scope="col" | NA ! scope="col" | EU ! scope="col" | AU |- | ''Asphalt 3D'' | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} |- | ''Bust-a-Move Universe'' | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} |- | ''Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs 3D'' | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} |- | ''Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars'' | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} |- | ''Madden NFL Football'' | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} |- | ''Nintendogs + Cats'' | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} |- | ''Pilotwings Resort'' | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} |- | ''Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D'' | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} |- | ''Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask'' | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} |- | ''Rayman 3D'' | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} |- | ''Ridge Racer 3D'' | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} |- | ''Samurai Warriors: Chronicles'' | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} |- | ''The Sims 3'' | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} |- | ''Steel Diver'' | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} |- | ''Super Monkey Ball 3D'' | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} |- | ''Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition'' | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} |- | ''Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars'' | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} |- | ''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D'' | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} |}

=== Augmented reality === {{Redirect|AR Games|games utilising augmented reality|Augmented reality#Video games}} [[File:Nintendo 3DS Target Shooting demo at E3 2010.jpg|right|240x180px|thumb| An augmented reality tech demo called ''Target Shooting'', as seen at E3 2010]]  ''AR Games'' is a compilation of several augmented reality mini-games and simple tools, which is pre-installed on every Nintendo 3DS, along with six paper cards that interact with certain games. Five of the six cards have a picture of a character on them, consisting of Mario, Link, Kirby, Pikmin, and Samus. The sixth one is a question mark box from the ''Super Mario Bros.'' series. Nintendo has also published downloadable versions of this card in larger sizes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Big AR Card |url=https://www.nintendo.com/images/3ds/arcards/big_arcard.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019132536/http://www.nintendo.com/images/3ds/arcards/big_arcard.pdf |archive-date=October 19, 2013 |access-date=September 26, 2013}}</ref> By scanning the cards, real time graphics are augmented onto live footage. It is also possible to take 3D photos of Nintendo characters, using any to all 6 AR Cards, as well as their Miis.

Some AR cards are also compatible with other Nintendo 3DS games including ''Nintendogs + Cats'', ''Kid Icarus: Uprising'', ''Pokédex 3D Pro'', ''Freakyforms: Your Creations, Alive!'', and ''Tetris: Axis''.<ref name="nintendo1">{{cite web |title=Nintendo 3DS Official Site — AR Cards |url=https://www.nintendo.com/3ds/ar-cards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624031643/http://www.nintendo.com/3ds/ar-cards/ |archive-date=June 24, 2012 |access-date=July 7, 2012 |publisher=Nintendo.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=January 16, 2011 |title=Make Your Nintendogs + cats Pop Out Onto Your Desk With AR Cards |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/01/16/make-your-nintendogs-cats-pop-out-onto-your-desk-with-ar-cards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506100028/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/01/16/make-your-nintendogs-cats-pop-out-onto-your-desk-with-ar-cards/ |archive-date=May 6, 2012 |access-date=July 7, 2012 |publisher=Siliconera}}</ref>

''Face Raiders'' is another augmented reality application pre-installed on every Nintendo 3DS system. In order to start playing, the user must take pictures of peoples' faces. These faces then turn into enemies and attack the player, who must shoot them using the system's gyroscope. The background of the game is the rear camera's viewpoint.<ref>{{cite web |author=Maxwell McGee |date=January 19, 2011 |title=Face Raiders Hands-On – 3DS Previews at GameSpot |url=http://www.gamespot.com/3ds/action/faceraiders/news.html?sid=6286596&mode=previews |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122010113/http://www.gamespot.com/3ds/action/faceraiders/news.html?sid=6286596&mode=previews |archive-date=January 22, 2011 |access-date=March 28, 2011 |publisher=GameSpot}}</ref> As people walk by in the background, the game takes their pictures from their faces, also adding them as enemies. It is also possible to collect faces from the system's image gallery, which is searched automatically for faces.<ref>{{cite web |author=Andrew Yoon |date=January 19, 2011 |title=Face Raiders preview: seriously, it is called Face Raiders |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/face-raiders-preview/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124000536/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/face-raiders-preview |archive-date=January 24, 2011 |access-date=March 28, 2011 |publisher=Joystiq}}</ref>

There are other Nintendo 3DS applications that similarly use the system's AR capabilities, such as ''Photos with Mario'', ''Photos with Animal Crossing'', ''Pokémon Dream Radar'', and ''Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir''.<ref name="Two New Pokemon Games Come to eShop">{{cite web |last=Drake |first=Audrey |date=May 15, 2012 |title=Two New Pokemon Games Come to eShop |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/15/two-new-pokemon-games-coming-to-eshop |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619124445/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/15/two-new-pokemon-games-coming-to-eshop |archive-date=June 19, 2012 |access-date=June 26, 2012 |website=IGN |quote='Nintendo has finally confirmed that two downloadable Pokemon games first teased during last month's Nintendo Direct Japanese broadcast will be coming to North America this fall. The first is ''Pokémon Dream Radar'', an AR shooting game that allows players to use the system's gyroscope and Augmented Reality capabilities along with its internal camera to find and catch monsters in the real world. [...]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Richard |date=April 13, 2012 |title=Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir review: Behind you! |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/spirit-camera-the-cursed-memoir-review/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921061557/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/spirit-camera-the-cursed-memoir-review/ |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |access-date=September 18, 2013 |publisher=Joystiq}}</ref>

=== Download Play === Download Play allows users to play local multiplayer games with other Nintendo 3DS systems using only one Game Card. Players must have their systems within wireless range (up to approximately 65 feet) of each other for the guest system to download the necessary data from the host system. Download Play on Nintendo 3DS systems is also backward compatible, meaning that it is also available for Nintendo DS games. Unlike Download Play on Nintendo DS, game data is stored on the system's SD card once downloaded to the guest system, no longer requiring a re-download for a future game session.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 12, 2012 |title=Nintendo Patents Improvements for 3DS Download Play – 3DS News @ Nintendo Life |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/07/nintendo_patents_improvements_for_3ds_download_play |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054045/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/07/nintendo_patents_improvements_for_3ds_download_play |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |access-date=September 25, 2013 |publisher=Nintendolife.com}}</ref> Nintendo 3DS games can only transfer a maximum of 32 MB of data to other systems while in download play.<ref>{{cite web |last=McFerran |first=Damien |date=June 3, 2013 |title=Developer Interview: Next Level Games And Nintendo Talk Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon — Nintendo Life |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/06/developer_interview_next_level_games_and_nintendo_talk_luigis_mansion_dark_moon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413141158/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/06/developer_interview_next_level_games_and_nintendo_talk_luigis_mansion_dark_moon |archive-date=April 13, 2014 |access-date=April 12, 2014 |website=Nintendo Life |publisher=Gamer Network}}</ref> Other forms of local multiplayer modes require each player to own the software that is currently being used.

=== Backward compatibility === {{See also|List of Nintendo DS games|List of DSiWare games and applications}}

In addition to its own software, the Nintendo 3DS is backward compatible with all Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi software. Like the DSi and DSi XL, the Nintendo 3DS is incompatible with DS software that requires use of the Game Boy Advance port. Nintendo DS and DSi software cannot be played with 3D visuals on the 3DS. The original DS display resolutions are displayed in a scaled and stretched fashion due to the increased resolution of the 3DS's screens. If the user holds down the START or SELECT buttons upon launching Nintendo DS software, the emulated screens will be displayed in the Nintendo DS's native resolution, albeit smaller with black borders. On the Nintendo 3DS XL, this method yields a viewing size for DS games similar to their native sizes (due to the larger screen size of the XL), unlike on the original 3DS models, where the games appear to be shrunk.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo 3DS Operations Manual Page 31 (US) |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/CTR_ops_eng.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017005210/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/CTR_ops_eng.pdf |archive-date=October 17, 2011 |access-date=November 1, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo 3DS — Getting Started — First-Time Set Up |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/3ds/en_na/gs_first_time.jsp?menu=using%20game%20cards&submenu=ctr-gs-games-start-ds |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110601061212/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/3ds/en_na/gs_first_time.jsp?menu=using%20game%20cards&submenu=ctr-gs-games-start-ds |archive-date=June 1, 2011 |access-date=August 6, 2011 |publisher=Nintendo.com}}</ref>

==== Virtual Console ==== {{Main|Virtual Console}}

The '''Virtual Console''' service allows Nintendo 3DS owners to download and play games originally released for the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Gear, Nintendo Entertainment System, and exclusively for the New Nintendo 3DS models, Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Virtual Console games are distributed over broadband Internet via the Nintendo eShop, and are saved to a removable SD card. Once downloaded, Virtual Console games can be accessed from the Home Menu as individual apps. The service was launched on June 6 in North America and June 7, 2011, in Japan and Europe{{Citation needed|date=June 2011}} as part of a system update.<ref name="nintendo.com">{{cite web |date=2011-05-12 |title=Upcoming Nintendo 3DS system update information at Nintendo :: What's New |url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/6ANlirylYehWRAOQn_i0e53E0XtWMk4s |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110808115212/http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/6ANlirylYehWRAOQn_i0e53E0XtWMk4s |archive-date=August 8, 2011 |access-date=August 6, 2011 |publisher=Nintendo.com}}</ref>

Nintendo and Sega also launched the ''3D Classics'' series, a selection of enhanced retro games for the Nintendo 3DS featuring updated stereoscopic graphics.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fletcher |first=JC |title=Excitebike 3D Classic to be offered free with 3DS eShop update |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/excitebike-3d-classic-to-be-offered-free-with-3ds-eshop-update/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220063424/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/excitebike-3d-classic-to-be-offered-free-with-3ds-eshop-update/ |archive-date=December 20, 2013 |access-date=September 29, 2013 |publisher=Joystiq}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 18, 2013 |title=SEGA Blog | 'SEGA 3D Classic Series' Coming to Nintendo 3DS |url=http://blogs.sega.com/2013/07/18/sega-3d-classic-series-coming-to-nintendo-3ds/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002191919/http://blogs.sega.com/2013/07/18/sega-3d-classic-series-coming-to-nintendo-3ds/ |archive-date=October 2, 2013 |access-date=September 30, 2013 |publisher=Blogs.sega.com}}</ref>

=== Louvre === Beginning in 2012, the Louvre in Paris utilized Nintendo 3DS systems to provide audioguides. The following year, the museum contracted Nintendo to create a 3DS-based audiovisual visitor guide.<ref name="phillips">{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=2013-11-27 |title=Nintendo's 3DS Louvre guide released on eShop |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-11-27-nintendos-3ds-louvre-guide-released-on-eshop |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907183929/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-11-27-nintendos-3ds-louvre-guide-released-on-eshop |archive-date=September 7, 2015 |access-date=2023-06-30 |work=Eurogamer |language=en-gb}}</ref> Titled ''Nintendo 3DS Guide: Louvre'', this guide contains over 30 hours of audio and over 1,000 photographs of artwork and the museum itself, including 3D views,<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Louvre Guide for Nintendo 3DS |url=http://louvreguide.nintendo.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220023445/http://louvreguide.nintendo.com/ |archive-date=February 20, 2016 |website=Nintendo}}</ref> and also provides navigation thanks to differential GPS transmitters installed within the museum.<ref name="netburn">{{Cite news |last=Netburn |first=Deborah |date=April 16, 2012 |title=How the Louvre and Nintendo are reinventing the museum audio tour |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2012-apr-16-la-fi-tn-louvre-nintendo-3ds-audiotour-20120416-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630211748/https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2012-apr-16-la-fi-tn-louvre-nintendo-3ds-audiotour-20120416-story.html |archive-date=June 30, 2023 |access-date=June 30, 2023 |work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> 3DS XLs pre-loaded with the guide are available to rent at the museum, and the software can also be purchased from the Nintendo eShop. Unlike most 3DS titles, the guide is not region locked.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Warr |first=Philippa |date=December 2, 2013 |title=Nintendo 3DS Louvre guide escapes region locking |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-12/02/louvre-3ds-guide |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425111028/http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-12/02/louvre-3ds-guide |archive-date=April 25, 2016 |magazine=Wired}}</ref>

The upgraded 2013 Louvre guide was also announced in a special Nintendo Direct featuring Satoru Iwata and Shigeru Miyamoto at the museum demonstrating the guide's features, including while visiting a number of the works that the museum is most known for such as the ''Venus de Milo'', the ''Winged Victory of Samothrace'' and the ''Mona Lisa''.<ref>{{cite web |author=Nintendo |date=27 November 2013 |title=Nintendo Direct - Nintendo 3DS Guide: Louvre |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WavLP_3ew-A |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514101902/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WavLP_3ew-A |archive-date=May 14, 2023 |access-date=9 July 2023 |website=YouTube |publisher=Nintendo of America |language=en}}</ref>

The Louvre retired the 3DS guides in September 2025.<ref>{{cite news |last=Prada |first=Luis |date=9 May 2025 |title=The Louvre Is Saying Goodbye to Its Nintendo 3DS Tour Guides |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-louvre-is-saying-goodbye-to-its-nintendo-3ds-tour-guides/ |access-date=16 September 2025 |publisher=Vice News}}</ref>

== Reception == The Nintendo 3DS hardware has received largely positive reviews. ''IGN'' called its hardware design a "natural evolution of the Nintendo DSi system."<ref name="hands-on" /> ''CNET'' praised the device's 3D effect, while ''IGN'' called it "impressively sharp and clean", and impressively superior to its predecessors,<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo 3DS (Cosmo Black) |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/consoles/nintendo-3ds-cosmo-black/4505-10109_7-34469175.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103090503/https://www.cnet.com/reviews/nintendo-3ds-review/ |archive-date=November 3, 2021 |access-date=November 1, 2011 |publisher=Reviews.cnet.com}}</ref><ref name="ign1">{{cite web |title=IGN Nintendo 3DS Review |url=http://uk.gear.ign.com/articles/115/1155978p2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322153857/http://uk.gear.ign.com/articles/115/1155978p2.html |archive-date=March 22, 2011 |access-date=November 1, 2011 |publisher=Uk.gear.ign.com}}</ref> although it was noted that the 3D effect only worked if the system was held at the right distance and angle.<ref name="ign1" /><ref name="eng1">{{cite web |last=Stevens |first=Tim |date=March 21, 2011 |title=Engadget Nintendo 3DS Review |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/nintendo-3ds-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101171802/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/nintendo-3ds-review |archive-date=November 1, 2011 |access-date=November 1, 2011 |website=Engadget}}</ref> A common complaint was the 3DS's short battery life; ''Engadget'' reported to get 3 hours of battery life from the system,<ref name="eng1" /> while ''IGN'' reported 2 to 4.5 hours of play.

The Nintendo 3DS XL was very well received at launch. Reviewers generally recommended the console to new buyers of the Nintendo 3DS family, although not so much to current owners of a Nintendo 3DS. ''Kotaku'' mentioned it as "possibly the best portable gaming device ever...[and] a well-designed machine..." and that "it plays great games"<ref>{{cite web |date=August 19, 2012 |title=The Nintendo 3DS XL: The Kotaku Review |url=https://kotaku.com/the-nintendo-3ds-xl-the-kotaku-review-5935578 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922064935/http://kotaku.com/5935578/the-nintendo-3ds-xl-the-kotaku-review |archive-date=September 22, 2012 |access-date=September 21, 2012 |publisher=Kotaku.com}}</ref> while ''The Verge'' called it "the best portable gaming buy around right now."<ref>{{cite web |date=October 2012 |title=Vox-games-eyebrow Nintendo 3DS XL review |url=https://www.theverge.com/gaming/2012/8/13/3201220/nintendo-3ds-xl-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706224710/https://www.theverge.com/gaming/2012/8/13/3201220/nintendo-3ds-xl-review |archive-date=July 6, 2017 |access-date=September 6, 2017 |publisher=theverge.com}}</ref> The Nintendo 3DS XL improves upon the battery life of the original 3DS. ''Kotaku'' claimed that the Nintendo 3DS XL's battery "lasts a cross-country flight.".<ref name="Kotaku review">{{cite web |last=Totilo |first=Stephen |date=August 19, 2012 |title=The Nintendo 3DS XL: The Kotaku Review |url=https://kotaku.com/the-nintendo-3ds-xl-the-kotaku-review-5935578 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906205420/http://kotaku.com/5935578/the-nintendo-3ds-xl-the-kotaku-review |archive-date=September 6, 2013 |access-date=September 30, 2013 |website=Kotaku}}</ref> Sam Byford of ''The Verge'' noted that the larger top screen makes more obvious problems with aliasing and low-resolution textures. He did, however, say that the 3D felt more immersive: "Where the 3DS felt like peering through a peephole into another world, the XL is almost like stepping through a door."<ref name="Verge review" /> On the other hand, ''Destructoid'' said the 3D effect on the XL was more subtle than on its predecessor.<ref name="Destructoid review" /> ''The Verge'' spoke positively of the build quality and design choices, saying the console improved on the original.<ref name="Verge review">{{cite web |date=October 1, 2012 |title=Nintendo 3DS XL review |url=https://www.theverge.com/gaming/2012/8/13/3201220/nintendo-3ds-xl-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005224458/http://www.theverge.com/gaming/2012/8/13/3201220/nintendo-3ds-xl-review |archive-date=October 5, 2013 |access-date=September 30, 2013 |publisher=The Verge}}</ref> A ''Destructoid'' reviewer said the 3DS XL was easier to use than the regular Nintendo 3DS, mainly due to their large hands.<ref name="Destructoid review">{{cite web |date=July 27, 2012 |title=Review: The 3DS XL |url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-the-3ds-xl-232074.phtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002130845/http://www.destructoid.com/review-the-3ds-xl-232074.phtml |archive-date=October 2, 2013 |access-date=September 30, 2013 |publisher=Destructoid}}</ref> ''The Verge'' noted lowered sound quality from the original, the result of smaller speakers.<ref name="Verge review" /> Both ''The Verge'' and ''Gizmodo'' complained of low-quality cameras.<ref name="Verge review" />

=== Sales === {| class="wikitable" style="float: right; text-align: right; margin: 10px" |+ Life-to-date number of units shipped, in millions (all models combined) ! Date ! Japan ! America ! Other ! Total ! Increase |- ! 2011-03-31<ref name="nintendosales Q1 2011">{{cite web |date=2011-04-25 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2011/110425e.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411081050/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2011/110425e.pdf |archive-date=April 11, 2019 |access-date=2011-04-25 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 1.06 || 1.32 || 1.23 ! 3.61 ! {{n/a}} |- ! 2011-06-30<ref name="nintendosales Q2 2011">{{cite web |date=2011-07-30 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1106.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027052007/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1106.pdf |archive-date=2011-10-27 |access-date=2011-07-30 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 1.27 || 1.43 || 1.63 ! 4.32 | 19.67% |- ! 2011-09-30<ref name="nintendosales Q3 2011">{{cite web |date=2011-10-27 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1109.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111215134256/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1109.pdf |archive-date=2011-12-15 |access-date=2011-10-27 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 2.13 || 2.13 || 2.42 ! 6.68 | 54.63% |- ! 2011-12-31<ref name="nintendosales Q4 2011">{{cite web |date=2012-01-26 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1112.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227063725/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1112.pdf |archive-date=2012-02-27 |access-date=2012-01-26 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 4.66 || 5.47 || 4.91 ! 15.03 | 125% |- ! 2012-03-31<ref name="nintendosales Q1 2012">{{cite web |date=2012-04-25 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1203.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617131946/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1203.pdf |archive-date=June 17, 2012 |access-date=2012-04-26 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 5.85 || 5.99 || 5.30 ! 17.13 | 13.97% |- ! 2012-06-30<ref name="nintendosales Q2 2012">{{cite web |date=2012-07-24 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1206.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813103304/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1206.pdf |archive-date=August 13, 2012 |access-date=2012-07-26 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 6.76 || 6.41 || 5.82 ! 19.00 | 10.92% |- ! 2012-09-30<ref name="nintendosales Q3 2012">{{cite web |date=2012-10-23 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1209.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112203633/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1209.pdf |archive-date=November 12, 2012 |access-date=2012-10-24 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 7.94 || 7.38 || 6.88 ! 22.19 | 16.79% |- ! 2012-12-31<ref name="nintendosales Q4 2012">{{cite web |date=2013-01-30 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1212.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130228025231/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1212.pdf |archive-date=2013-02-28 |access-date=2013-01-30 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 10.88 || 9.97 || 8.99 ! 29.84 | 34.47% |- ! 2013-03-31<ref name="nintendosales Q1 2013">{{cite web |date=2013-04-24 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1303.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526130209/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1303.pdf |archive-date=2013-05-26 |access-date=2013-04-24 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 11.54 || 10.26 || 9.29 ! 31.09 | 4.19% |- ! 2013-06-30<ref name="nintendosales Q2 2013">{{cite web |date=2013-07-30 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1306.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130810035526/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1306.pdf |archive-date=2013-08-10 |access-date=2013-07-31 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 12.18 || 10.62 || 9.69 ! 32.48 | 4.47% |- ! 2013-09-30<ref name="nintendosales Q3 2013">{{cite web |date=2013-10-29 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1309.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101034057/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1309.pdf |archive-date=2013-11-01 |access-date=2013-10-30 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 13.33 || 11.43 || 10.22 ! 34.98 | 7.7% |- ! 2013-12-31<ref name="nintendosales Q4 2013">{{cite web |date=2014-01-28 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1312.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201192958/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1312.pdf |archive-date=2014-02-01 |access-date=2014-01-29 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 15.76 || 14.36 || 12.62 ! 42.74 | 22.18% |- ! 2014-03-31<ref name="nintendosales Q1 2014">{{cite web |date=2013-05-07 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1403.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508062158/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1403.pdf |archive-date=2014-05-08 |access-date=2014-05-07 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 15.89 || 14.59 || 12.85 ! 43.33 | 1.38% |- !2014-06-30<ref name="nintendosales Q2 2014">{{cite web |date=2013-07-30 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1406.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808052538/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1406.pdf |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |access-date=2014-07-30 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 16.15 || 14.83 || 13.16 ! 44.14 | 1.87% |- !2014-09-30<ref name="nintendosales Q3 2014">{{cite web |date=2013-10-29 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1409.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029102815/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1409.pdf |archive-date=October 29, 2014 |access-date=2014-10-29 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 16.61 || 15.27 || 13.54 ! 45.42 | 2.9% |- !2014-12-31<ref name="nintendosales Q4 2014">{{cite web |date=2015-01-28 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1412.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128175000/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1412.pdf |archive-date=January 28, 2015 |access-date=2015-01-28 |publisher=Nintendo |format=PDF]}}</ref> | 18.70 || 16.77 || 14.93 !50.41 | 10.99% |- ! 2015-03-31<ref name="nintendosales Q1 2015">{{cite web |date=2015-03-31 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1503.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101090337/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1503.pdf |archive-date=January 1, 2019 |access-date=2015-07-29 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 18.96 || 17.51 || 15.58 ! 52.06 | 1.33% |- ! 2015-06-30<ref name="nintendosales Q2 2015">{{cite web |date=2015-06-30 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1506.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150807051131/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1506.pdf |archive-date=August 7, 2015 |access-date=2015-07-29 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 19.25 || 17.91 || 15.90 ! 53.07 | 1.94% |- ! 2015-09-30<ref name="nintendosales Q3 2015">{{cite web |date=2015-09-30 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales1509.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200914231927/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales1509.pdf |archive-date=September 14, 2020 |access-date=2016-01-05 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 19.79 || 18.27 || 16.29 ! 54.34 | 2.39% |- ! 2015-12-31<ref name="nintendosales Q4 2015">{{cite web |date=2016-04-27 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales1512.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915010832/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales1512.pdf |archive-date=September 15, 2020 |access-date=2015-12-31 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 20.97 || 19.50 || 17.47 ! 57.94 | 6.62% |- ! 2016-03-31<ref name="nintendosales Q1 2016">{{cite web |date=2016-04-27 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1603.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011145332/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1603.pdf |archive-date=October 11, 2016 |access-date=2016-03-31 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 21.32 || 19.76 || 17.77 ! 58.85 | 1.57% |- ! 2016-06-30<ref name="nintendosales Q2 2016">{{cite web |date=2016-10-26 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1606.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727092003/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1606.pdf |archive-date=July 27, 2016 |access-date=2016-06-30 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 21.63 || 20.11 || 18.05 ! 59.79 | 1.6% |- ! 2016-09-30<ref name="nintendosales Q3 2016">{{cite web |date=2016-10-26 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1609.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026231748/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1609.pdf |archive-date=October 26, 2016 |access-date=2016-09-30 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 22.14 || 20.73 || 18.69 ! 61.57 | 2.98% |- ! 2016-12-31<ref name="nintendosales Q4 2016">{{cite web |date=2017-01-31 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1612.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727092003/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1609.pdf |archive-date=July 27, 2016 |access-date=2016-12-31 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 23.13 || 21.96 || 20.21 ! 65.30 | 6.05% |- ! 2017-03-31<ref name="nintendosales Q1 2017">{{cite web |date=2017-04-27 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/finance/historical_data/xls/consolidated_sales_e1703.xlsx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026163943/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/finance/historical_data/xls/consolidated_sales_e1703.xlsx |archive-date=October 26, 2017 |access-date=2017-03-31 |publisher=Nintendo |format=XLS}}</ref> | 23.31 || 22.32 || 20.50 ! 66.12 | 1.26% |- ! 2017-06-30<ref name="nintendosales Q2 2017">{{cite web |date=2017-07-26 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621033554/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/index.html |archive-date=June 21, 2017 |access-date=2017-03-31 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 23.54 || 22.73 || 20.80 ! 67.08 | 1.45% |- ! 2017-09-30<ref name="nintendosales Q3 2017">{{cite web |date=2017-10-30 |title=Consolidated Hardware/Software Sales Transition |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804101845/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |access-date=2017-10-30 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 24.07 || 23.49 || 21.42 ! 68.98 | 2.83% |- ! 2017-12-31<ref name="nintendosales Q4 2017">{{cite web |date=2018-01-31 |title=Consolidated Hardware/Software Sales Transition |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804101845/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |access-date=2019-07-12 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 24.63 || 24.88 || 22.48 ! 71.99 | 4.36% |- ! 2018-03-31<ref name="nintendosales Q1 2018">{{cite web |date=2018-04-26 |title=Consolidated Hardware/Software Sales Transition |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804101845/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |access-date=2019-07-12 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 24.70 || 25.17 || 22.66 ! 72.53 | 0.75% |- ! 2018-06-30<ref name="nintendosales Q2 2018">{{cite web |date=2018-07-31 |title=Consolidated Hardware/Software Sales Transition |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804101845/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |access-date=2019-07-12 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 24.76 || 25.37 || 22.76 ! 72.89 | 0.5% |- ! 2018-09-30<ref name="nintendosales Q3 2018">{{cite web |date=2018-10-30 |title=Consolidated Hardware/Software Sales Transition |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804101845/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |access-date=2019-07-12 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 24.93 || 25.67 || 22.92 ! 73.53 | 0.88% |- ! 2018-12-31<ref name="nintendosales Q4 2018">{{cite web |date=2019-01-31 |title=Consolidated Hardware/Software Sales Transition |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804101845/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |access-date=2019-07-12 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 25.15 || 26.35 || 23.34 ! 74.84 | 1.78% |- ! 2019-03-31<ref name="nintendosales Q1 2019">{{cite web |date=2019-04-25 |title=Consolidated Hardware/Software Sales Transition |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804101845/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |access-date=2019-07-12 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 25.18 || 26.45 || 23.46 ! 75.08 | 0.32% |- ! 2019-06-30<ref name="nintendosales Q2 2019">{{cite web |date=2019-07-30 |title=Consolidated Hardware/Software Sales Transition |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804101845/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |access-date=2019-08-01 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 25.20 || 26.54 || 23.54 ! 75.28 | 0.27% |- ! 2019-09-30<ref name="nintendosales Q3 2019">{{cite web |date=2019-10-31 |title=Consolidated Hardware/Software Sales Transition |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804101845/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |access-date=2020-09-19 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 25.22 || 26.62 || 23.61 ! 75.45 | 0.23% |- ! 2019-12-31<ref name="nintendosales Q4 2019">{{cite web |date=2020-01-30 |title=Consolidated Hardware/Software Sales Transition |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804101845/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |access-date=2020-09-19 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 25.24 || 26.72 || 23.75 ! 75.71 | 0.34% |- ! 2020-03-31<ref name="nintendosales Q1 2020">{{cite web |date=2020-05-07 |title=Consolidated Hardware/Software Sales Transition |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804101845/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/number.html |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |access-date=2020-09-19 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | 25.26 || 26.73 || 23.78 ! 75.77 | 0.08% |- !2020-06-30<ref>{{Cite web |title=IR Information : Sales Data - Dedicated Video Game Sales Units |url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906074623/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/index.html |archive-date=September 6, 2020 |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=Nintendo Co., Ltd. |language=en}}</ref> |25.26 |26.83 |23.78 !75.87 |0.13% |- !2020-09-30<ref>{{Cite web |title=IR Information : Sales Data - Dedicated Video Game Sales Units |url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106024402/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/index.html |archive-date=November 6, 2020 |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=Nintendo Co., Ltd. |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nintendo.co.jp" /> |25.26 |26.90 |23.78 !75.94 |0.09% |}

==== Pre-launch ==== Prior to its launch, Amazon UK announced that the Nintendo 3DS was their most pre-ordered video game system ever.<ref name="Amazon3DSpreorder">{{cite web |date=March 17, 2011 |title=3DS Amazon UK's most preordered system ever |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6304525.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110321015218/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6304525.html |archive-date=March 21, 2011 |access-date=2011-03-18 |publisher=GameSpot}}</ref> Nintendo of America announced that the number of pre-orders were double the number of pre-orders for the Wii.<ref name="NOA3DSpreorder">{{cite web |last=Brightman |first=James |title=Nintendo: 3DS Pre-Orders Now 2X Level of Wii |url=http://www.industrygamers.com/news/nintendo-3ds-pre-orders-now-2x-level-of-wii/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008020631/http://www.industrygamers.com/news/nintendo-3ds-pre-orders-now-2x-level-of-wii/ |archive-date=October 8, 2011 |access-date=March 28, 2011 |publisher=Industry Gamers}}</ref>

==== Launch ==== The system launched in Japan on February 26, 2011, and sold its entire allotment of 400,000 Nintendo 3DS units during its release, amid reports of major queues outside retailers and pre-order sellouts.<ref>{{cite web |last=Peckham |first=Matt |date=February 28, 2011 |title=Nintendo 3DS Sells 400,000 in Japan, Already R4 Hacked |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/220875/nintendo_3ds_sells_400000_in_japan_already_r4_hacked.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508182301/http://www.pcworld.com/article/220875/nintendo_3ds_sells_400000_in_japan_already_r4_hacked.html |archive-date=May 8, 2012 |access-date=February 28, 2011 |publisher=PC World}}</ref> On March 25, 2011, the system launched in Europe, selling 303,000 units during its first two days of its release. In the UK 113,000 3DS units were sold during its opening weekend, making it Nintendo's most successful hardware launch in the country to this day.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 1, 2011 |title=Nintendo 3DS UK sales figures are in |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/296536/nintendo-3ds-uk-sales-figures-are-in/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229005203/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/296536/nintendo-3ds-uk-sales-figures-are-in/ |archive-date=December 29, 2014 |access-date=April 1, 2011 |publisher=Computer and Video Games}}</ref> According to the NPD Group, Nintendo sold just under 500,000 Nintendo 3DS units during the month of March 2011 in the US, with 440,000 Nintendo 3DS units sold in its first week of release.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=POKÉMON GAMES SELL NEARLY 2.5 MILLION IN NINTENDO'S BEST MARCH IN U.S. FOR PORTABLE HARDWARE |date=March 14, 2011 |publisher=Nintendo |url=http://press.nintendo.com/articles.jsp?id=28640 |access-date=March 14, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110418200358/http://press.nintendo.com/articles.jsp?id=28640 |archive-date=April 18, 2011}}</ref><ref name="Cliff Edwards">{{Cite news |author=Cliff Edwards |date=April 15, 2011 |title=Nintendo Says 3DS Has 'Great' Start With U.S. Sales of 440,000 in Week One |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-14/nintendo-says-3ds-u-s-debut-has-great-start-citing-npd-1-.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110418201455/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-14/nintendo-says-3ds-u-s-debut-has-great-start-citing-npd-1-.html |archive-date=April 18, 2011 |access-date=April 20, 2011 |publisher=Bloomberg L.P.}}</ref> As of March 31, 2011, the 3DS had sold 3.61 million units, short of the 4 million Nintendo projected.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ramsay |first=Randolph |date=April 25, 2011 |title=Wii successor confirmed for 2012, Nintendo profits fall by 66% - News at GameSpot |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6310161.html?tag=latestheadlines%3Btitle%3B1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103090444/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/wii-successor-confirmed-for-2012-nintendo-profits-fall-by-66/1100-6310161/ |archive-date=November 3, 2021 |access-date=November 1, 2011 |publisher=Gamespot.com}}</ref> The Nintendo 3DS is also the fastest selling console in Australia, with 200,000 units sold through 37 weeks of availability.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo 3DS Fastest Selling System in Australia – News |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/28709 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419190627/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/28709 |archive-date=April 19, 2012 |access-date=May 2, 2012 |publisher=Nintendo World Report}}</ref>

==== Price cut ==== Following the system's price cut of almost one third of its original price by the second quarter of 2011, sales saw an increase of more than 260 percent during the comparable 19-day time period in July. About 185,000 units were sold following a price cut on August 12. Nintendo sold more than 235,000 Nintendo 3DS systems in the United States in August, being the second best-selling dedicated game system for the month.<ref>{{cite web |last=Haselton |first=Todd |date=September 9, 2011 |title=Nintendo 3DS sales jump 260% after price cut |url=http://bgr.com/2011/09/09/nintendo-3ds-sales-jump-260-after-price-cut/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017060212/http://bgr.com/2011/09/09/nintendo-3ds-sales-jump-260-after-price-cut/ |archive-date=October 17, 2013 |access-date=October 18, 2013 |publisher=BGR}}</ref>

Approximately 8 months after its release, Nintendo of America announced that sales of the Nintendo 3DS had surpassed the original Nintendo DS in its first year, which was approximately 2.37 million units sold.<ref>{{cite web |last=Robinson |first=Landon |title=Nintendo 3DS surpassed year one DS sales |url=http://www.insidegamingdaily.com/2011/12/01/nintendo-3ds-surpasses-year-one-ds-sales/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204214658/http://www.insidegamingdaily.com/2011/12/01/nintendo-3ds-surpasses-year-one-ds-sales/ |archive-date=December 4, 2013 |access-date=November 20, 2013 |publisher=Inside Gaming Daily}}</ref> During the 2011 holiday season, the Nintendo 3DS sold approximately 1.6 million units in Japan.<ref name="holiday 2011 japan">{{cite web |last=Sakuraoka-Gilman |first=Matt |date=January 16, 2012 |title=Japanese sales figures highlight 3DS' holiday dominance |url=http://www.pocketgamer.biz/r/PG.Biz/Nintendo+3DS/news.asp?c=36940 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102045859/http://www.pocketgamer.biz/r/PG.Biz/Nintendo+3DS/news.asp?c=36940 |archive-date=November 2, 2013 |access-date=November 20, 2013 |publisher=PocketGamer.biz}}</ref> By the end of 2011, Nintendo 3DS sales reached 4 million units sold in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |last=Molina |first=Brett |date=2012-01-03 |title=Nintendo 3DS sales top 4 million; 'Zelda' hits 1M mark |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2012/01/nintendo-3ds-sales-top-4-million-zelda-hits-1m-mark/1#.UoznhMTxojc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625124209/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2012/01/nintendo-3ds-sales-top-4-million-zelda-hits-1m-mark/1#.UoznhMTxojc |archive-date=June 25, 2012 |access-date=November 20, 2013 |work=Game Hunters |publisher=USA Today}}</ref> Overall, Nintendo sold 11.4 million Nintendo 3DS units worldwide, in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kelly |first=Samantha |date=January 26, 2012 |title=Nintendo Reports Huge Losses on Sluggish 3DS Sales |url=http://mashable.com/2012/01/26/nintendo-sale/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204142457/http://mashable.com/2012/01/26/nintendo-sale/ |archive-date=December 4, 2013 |access-date=November 20, 2013 |publisher=Mashable}}</ref>

==== Subsequent sales ==== On September 30, 2013, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata announced that the Nintendo 3DS had sold more than 5 million units in Japan during the year of 2013. This mark was only surpassed by its predecessor, the Nintendo DS.<ref>{{cite web |title=3DS sells more than 5 million in Japan in 2013 |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/55721/3ds-sells-more-than-5-million-in-japan-in-2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024021955/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/55721/3ds-sells-more-than-5-million-in-japan-in-2013/ |archive-date=October 24, 2014 |access-date=2019-07-23}}</ref>

Following the launch of the Nintendo 2DS, Nintendo sold 452,000 units of the Nintendo 3DS family in the United States, during the month of October, double the previous month's sales. As such, it achieved its sixth consecutive month as the best-selling video game console in the US. Total Nintendo 3DS first-party software sales for the month hit more than 2 million units, the highest since December 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last=Holliday |first=Katie |date=November 15, 2013 |title=Nintendo clocks its highest US sales score in October |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2013/11/14/nintendo-clocks-highest-us-sales-score-in-october.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131120011354/http://www.cnbc.com/id/101200685 |archive-date=November 20, 2013 |access-date=November 20, 2013 |publisher=CNBC}}</ref> North American retailer Target reported that the Nintendo 3DS XL was among its top-sellers during the Black Friday.<ref>{{cite web |title=Walmart Reports Strong Black Friday Sales |url=http://www.630wpro.com/common/more.php?m=58&ts=1385994007&article=DE992A4A592211E3B51EFEFDADE6840A&mode=2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220024044/http://www.630wpro.com/common/more.php?m=58&ts=1385994007&article=DE992A4A592211E3B51EFEFDADE6840A&mode=2 |archive-date=December 20, 2013 |access-date=December 19, 2013 |publisher=630 WPRO}}</ref> On November 29, 2013, Nintendo of France deputy general manager Philippe Lavoué announced that Nintendo 3DS life-to-date hardware sales stand at 2.15 million units in France, in which 30 percent account for Nintendo 2DS sales. It was also announced that the 3DS possesses a market share of 50 percent of all video game systems sold, and that Nintendo 3DS software sales rose from 850,000 to 1,700,000 year-over-year in the region.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hellio |first=Patrick |title=Super Mario 3D World Killer-App De La Wii U ? |url=http://www.jdli.com/super-mario-3d-world-killer-app-de-la-wii-u-art-508-1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311113714/http://jdli.com/super-mario-3d-world-killer-app-de-la-wii-u-art-508-1.html |archive-date=March 11, 2016 |access-date=December 4, 2013 |publisher=JDLI.com |language=fr}}</ref> According to the NPD Group, Nintendo sold around 770,000 units of the Nintendo 3DS family in November in North America, pushing the lifetime to nearly 10.5 million units in the region.<ref>{{cite web |last=Jackson |first=Mike |title=NPD: PS4 tops Xbox One in North American November sales |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/442452/npd-ps4-tops-xbox-one-in-north-american-november-sales/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214234309/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/442452/npd-ps4-tops-xbox-one-in-north-american-november-sales/ |archive-date=December 14, 2013 |access-date=December 14, 2013 |publisher=CVG}}</ref> On December 19, 2013, MCV reported that lifetime Nintendo 3DS family sales in the United Kingdom had hit 2 million units, making it the best-selling console of the year in the region.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dring |first=Christopher |title=3DS sales hit 2 m in the UK |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/3ds-sales-hit-2m-in-the-uk/0126097 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011164434/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/3ds-sales-hit-2m-in-the-uk/0126097 |archive-date=October 11, 2015 |access-date=December 19, 2013 |publisher=MCV UK}}</ref>

By January 2014, Nintendo had sold 900,000 units in Spain.{{Citation needed |date=October 2023}} The fourth quarter of 2014 saw the release of the New Nintendo 3DS in Japan and Australia. Although having upgraded hardware, a few exclusive titles, and being capable of running Super NES games for the Virtual Console, it is not treated as a new generation of console. It is considered to be part of the 3DS family, and is therefore included in these sales figures.

The first quarter of 2015 saw the release of the New Nintendo 3DS, part of the 3DS family and thus counted among these sales figures, in Europe and North America.

{{As of|2022|9|30|df=US}}, Nintendo reports 75.94 million units have been shipped worldwide, of which 25.26 million were shipped to Japan, 26.90 million were shipped to the Americas, and 23.78 million were shipped to other territories including Europe.<ref name="nintendo.co.jp">{{cite web |date=April 25, 2021 |title=Nintendo Co., Ltd. Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/finance/historical_data/xls/consolidated_sales_e2103.xlsx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204075048/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/finance/historical_data/xls/consolidated_sales_e2103.xlsx |archive-date=February 4, 2022 |access-date=February 4, 2022 |publisher=Nintendo |format=XLS}}</ref>

=== Health concerns ===  Nintendo has publicly stated that the 3D mode of the Nintendo 3DS is not intended for use by children ages six and younger, citing possible harm to their vision. Nintendo suggests that younger players use the device's 2D mode instead,<ref name="reuters1">{{Cite news |date=January 3, 2011 |title=Nintendo warns children not to play new player in 3D |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nintendo-idUSTRE7020UL20110103 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122183625/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-nintendo-idUSTRE7020UL20110103 |archive-date=January 22, 2016 |access-date=January 6, 2011 |publisher=Reuters}}</ref> although the American Optometric Association has assured parents that 3D gaming in moderation would not be harmful for children.<ref name="kotaku2">{{cite web |date=January 5, 2011 |title=Doctors Say The 3DS Is Safe, Potentially Beneficial To Children |url=https://kotaku.com/doctors-say-the-3ds-is-safe-potentially-beneficial-to-5725770 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124063548/https://kotaku.com/5725770/doctors-say-the-3ds-is-safe-potentially-beneficial-to-children |archive-date=November 24, 2018 |access-date=January 7, 2011 |publisher=Kotaku}}</ref> Additionally, the 3DS may help in screening children before the age of 6 who have depth related vision problems according to Dr. Michael Duenas, associate director for health sciences and policy for the American Optometric Association, and Dr. Joe Ellis, the president of the optometrists' association.<ref name="JT">{{cite web |title=3DS may spot kids' eye problems |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nb20110323a2.html |access-date=October 25, 2011 |work=The Japan Times Online |publisher=The Japan Times}}</ref> However, Dr. David Hunter, a pediatric ophthalmologist affiliated with the American Academy of Ophthalmology believes that it is largely speculative whether a child who has problems perceiving depth in real life would react to a 3DS in any way that parents would recognize as indicating any problems with depth perception.<ref name=JT /> Duenas asserted that Nintendo's vague warning that "there is a possibility that 3-D images which send different images to the left and right eye could affect the development of vision in small children," was not specifically backed up by any scientific evidence, and that it was motivated by preventing possible liability rather than safeguarding against realistic harm.<ref name=JT />

The system's parental controls, safeguarded by a PIN, allow parents to disable autostereoscopic effects on systems intended for use by young children.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 18, 2011 |title=Nintendo 3DS Takes No-Glasses 3D Mainstream |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/222526/nintendo_3ds.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211083042/http://www.pcworld.com/article/222526/nintendo_3ds.html |archive-date=February 11, 2017 |access-date=February 9, 2017 |publisher=PCWorld}}</ref> Playing games in 3D has been suspected of causing headaches among some gamers.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 28, 2011 |title=Nintendo responds to 3DS headache complaints |url=http://portal.maxconsole.net/?45324-Nintendo-responds-to-3DS-headache-complaints |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415122157/http://portal.maxconsole.net/?45324-Nintendo-responds-to-3DS-headache-complaints |archive-date=April 15, 2012 |access-date=June 20, 2011 |publisher=MaxConsole}}</ref>

Nintendo of America's then-president Reggie Fils-Aimé partially cited these concerns as one of the influences on the creation of the Nintendo 2DS, an entry-level version of the Nintendo 3DS system lacking 3D functionality.<ref name="ign-announce-2ds">{{cite web |date=August 28, 2013 |title=Nintendo Announces 2DS |url=http://ca.ign.com/articles/2013/08/28/nintendo-announces-2ds |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200352/http://ca.ign.com/articles/2013/08/28/nintendo-announces-2ds |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2013 |work=IGN}}</ref>

== Legal issues == In 2011, 58-year-old former Sony employee Seijiro Tomita sued Nintendo for infringing a patent on the 3D screen that obviates the need for 3D glasses. On March 13, 2013, a United States federal jury ordered Nintendo to pay him US$30.2 million in damages.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nintendo-patent-infringement-idUSBRE92C1DA20130313 U.S. jury finds Nintendo liable for patent infringement] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020225942/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nintendo-patent-infringement-idUSBRE92C1DA20130313 |date=October 20, 2021 }} – Reuters, Bernard Vaughan, March 13, 2013</ref> However, on August 7, 2013, that amount was reduced by 50% to US$15.1 million because the initial figure was, according to Judge Jed Rakoff, a federal judge, "intrinsically excessive" and "unsupported by the evidence presented at trial."<ref>{{cite web |last=Kubba |first=Sinan |date=August 15, 2013 |title=Nintendo wins 50 percent reduction of $30M 3D infringement award |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/15/nintendo-wins-50-percent-reduction-of-30m-3d-infringement-award/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925064804/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/15/nintendo-wins-50-percent-reduction-of-30m-3d-infringement-award/ |archive-date=September 25, 2013 |access-date=September 25, 2013 |publisher=Joystiq}}</ref> On December 11, 2013, it was decided by Judge Rakoff that Nintendo pay 1.82% of the wholesale price of each unit sold to Tomita.<ref>{{cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Thomas |date=January 6, 2014 |title=Nintendo Ordered to Pay Royalties on 3DS Sales For Patent Infringement |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/01/nintendo_ordered_to_pay_royalties_on_3ds_sales_for_patent_infringement |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925105832/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/01/nintendo_ordered_to_pay_royalties_on_3ds_sales_for_patent_infringement |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |access-date=December 10, 2015 |work=Nintendo Life}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=January 6, 2014 |title=Nintendo Loses Patent Infringement Case, Will Pay Royalties for 3DS Display Tech |url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2014/01/06-1/nintendo-loses-patent-infringement-case-will-pay-royalties-for-3ds-display-tech |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918055111/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2014/01/06-1/nintendo-loses-patent-infringement-case-will-pay-royalties-for-3ds-display-tech |archive-date=September 18, 2020 |access-date=January 7, 2020 |website=Crunchyroll}}</ref> On March 17, 2018, the United States Appeals Court determined Nintendo had not violated Tomita's patent.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wolfe |first=Jan |title=Nintendo prevails in inventor's patent case over 3D game console |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/ip-patent-nintendo/nintendo-prevails-in-inventors-patent-case-over-3d-game-console-idUSL2N1GU1YO |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004103730/https://www.reuters.com/article/ip-patent-nintendo/nintendo-prevails-in-inventors-patent-case-over-3d-game-console-idUSL2N1GU1YO |archive-date=October 4, 2018 |access-date=October 4, 2018 |work=U.S. |language=en-US}}</ref>

On July 17, 2015, Nintendo won a patent suit filed against eight of its handheld consoles, including the 3DS.<ref>[https://www.docketalarm.com/cases/California_Northern_District_Court/4--13-cv-00888/Quintal_Research_Group_Inc._-v-_Nintendo/83/ Quintal Research Group, Inc. -v- Nintendo] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723002835/https://www.docketalarm.com/cases/California_Northern_District_Court/4--13-cv-00888/Quintal_Research_Group_Inc._-v-_Nintendo/83/ |date=July 23, 2015 }} – Docket Alarm, July 17, 2015</ref> The suit was originally filed by the Quintal Research Group after it secured a patent for a "computerized information retrieval system" in 2008.<ref>[https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/07/22/nintendo-victorious-in-handheld-patent-lawsuit Nintendo Victorious in Handheld Patent Lawsuit] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915003854/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/07/22/nintendo-victorious-in-handheld-patent-lawsuit |date=September 15, 2020 }} – IGN, Luke Karmali, July 22, 2015</ref>

== See also == * Citra, a Nintendo 3DS emulator

== Notes == {{Notelist}}

== References == {{reflist}}

== External links == {{Commons category|Nintendo 3DS}} * [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/index.html Official Nintendo 3DS website] {{in lang|ja}} * [http://nintendo.com/3ds/ Official North American Nintendo 3DS website]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160830105604/http://www.nintendo.com/3ds |date=August 30, 2016 }} {{in lang|en}}. * [http://nintendo3ds.co.uk/ Official European Nintendo 3DS website] {{in lang|en}} * [http://nintendo3ds.com.au/ Official Australian Nintendo 3DS website]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326012100/http://www.nintendo3ds.com.au/ |date=March 26, 2013 }} {{in lang|en}}.

{{Nintendo 3DS}} {{Nintendo hardware}} {{Stereoscopy}} {{Second screen}} {{Eighth generation game consoles}} {{Handheld game consoles}} {{Portal bar|2010s|Video games|Electronics}}

Category:Nintendo 3DS Category:2010s toys Category:ARM-based video game consoles Category:Backward-compatible video game consoles Category:Discontinued handheld game consoles Category:Eighth-generation video game consoles Category:Handheld game consoles Category:IQue consoles 3DS Category:Products introduced in 2011 Category:Products and services discontinued in 2020