The Nintendo 3DS
This page contains information about the 3DS, 2DS, and 3DS XL.
If you would like something added or fixed, please send me a email at gremlin.noobsandnerds@protonmail.com
Legacy
The Nintendo 3DS line of handhelds are the follow up consoles to the DS line (including the DSi line). It has better specs than the previous DS line which allows for graphics that are comparible to the Nintendo Wii, all within a portable formfactor. It also has sterioscopic 3D (the 2DS doesn't) which was a controversial feature that many users reported made them sick and that developers didn't properly utilize. Some games looked good in 3D and was sometimes a requirement to play well in certain games like Super Mario 3D Land. Nintendo's website reports 75.94 million sales on 3DS hardware HOWEVER I have a suspision that these numbers include the New 3DS line which this page is not about. The New 3DS line has games that can't be played on the original 3DS line so it will get it's own page if I ever get my hands on one.
Side note:
I was originally going to say that the 3DS can output graphics that rivals the Wii's but due to it's smaller native resolution, the resources required for sterioscopic 3D, and the lack of bloom it falls short when compared to the Wii. Another thing to consider is that while the Wii's graphical capabities are better on paper, it's video output was limited to 480p on TV screens much larger than what the 3DS line has which creates a blown up image and can look quite bad at times. A lot of the time 3DS games can look better since they were meant for a smaller displays that didn't range in size all too much. Having consistent screen sizes and resolutions to work with tends to make dev's jobs easier when it comes to graphics.
Hardware Specifications
Original 3DS
Backwards Compatible: Yes
Display: Dual 3 in. LCD Screens
Top Screen: 3.53 in. at 800x240 in 3D mode (400x240 per eye), 400x240 outside of 3D mode
Lower Screen: 3.02 in. Resistive Touchscreen at 320x240
CPUs: Dual Core ARM11 MPCore 268 MHz with a Dual Core VFPv2 Co-Processor
Single Core ARM946 134MHz
GPU: DMP PICA200 268MHz
Ram: 128 MB FCRAM and 6 MB VRAM
Storage: 1 GB eMMC
SD Card Slot for expansion
Battery: 1300 mAh lithium-ion
Wireless: 802.11b/g
Misc: Microphone
Infared (Used by certain games)
Stero Speakers
3DS XL
Backwards Compatible: Yes
Display: Dual 4 in. LCD Screens
Top Screen: 4.88 in. at 800x240 in 3D mode (400x240 per eye), 400x240 outside of 3D mode
Lower Screen: 4.18 in. Resistive Touchscreen at 320x240
CPUs: Dual Core ARM11 MPCore 268 MHz with a Dual Core VFPv2 Co-Processor
Single Core ARM946 134MHz
GPU: DMP PICA200 268MHz
Ram: 128 MB FCRAM and 6 MB VRAM
Storage: 1 GB eMMC
SD Card Slot for expansion
Battery: 1750 mAh lithium-ion
Wireless: 802.11b/g
Misc: Microphone
Infared (Used by certain games)
Stero Speakers
2DS
Backwards Compatible: Yes
Display: Dual 3 in. LCD Screens
Top Screen: 3.53 in. at 400x240
Lower Screen: 3.02 in. Resistive Touchscreen at 320x240
CPUs: Dual Core ARM11 MPCore 268 MHz with a Dual Core VFPv2 Co-Processor
Single Core ARM946 134MHz
GPU: DMP PICA200 268MHz
Ram: 128 MB FCRAM and 6 MB VRAM
Storage: 1 GB eMMC
SD Card Slot for expansion
Battery: 1300 mAh lithium-ion
Wireless: 802.11b/g
Misc: Microphone
Infared (Used by certain games)
Mono Speaker
Modding
You can use DS flashcarts on a unmodified system so long as it hasn't been blacklisted. Look for ones that state that they function on 3DS.
What is a DS Flashcart?
A DS Flashcart is a third party cartridge that allows the user to do even more then what was originally intended on the DS line. A flash cart allows you to run DS game backups, have easy access to your DS saves, and use homebrew ds applications (games, utilities, and more). What it doesn't allow you to do is play 3DS games and homebrew. DS games and homebrew will work, 3DS ones will not. Do not get one of these if you intend to run 3DS stuff on it.
You are also able to use custom firmware (CFW) on the 3DS line thanks to boot9strap and Luma3DS. It opens up the ability to install homebrew software which opens up even more oppertunities like installing 3DS games from the internet, restoring online multiplayer services, restoring non game services that were run originally by nintendo, and even allows you to recieve StreetPasses over the internet!
To learn how to install CFW on your 3DS/2DS, click on the link below
Homebrew
Gremlin's Recommendations
Universal Updater
Download and update 3DS and DS homebrew directly from a 3DS. Should come with the CFW if you installed it with the guide linked above.
Nimbus
Nimbus allows you to swap online services originally ran by Nintendo over to the Pretendo Network. This brings back function to services like online friends, online multiplayer (only for select games), and replaces the Miiverse with Juxtaposition. One of my mutals on neocities made an easy to follow guide for setting it up. Available on Universal Updater.
hShop
Allows you to download 3DS games, Updates, DLC, DSiWare, Virtual Console games, videos, themes, a small selection of homebrew, and rom hacks. It is not linked to because doing so would break neocities TOS. However, you can look it up online. Pretty easy to find once you have the name.
NetPass
Allows you to recieve StreetPasses over the internet. This is useful since most people who own 3DSes don't randomly carry them around on sleep mode anymore. If you don't care for StreetPasses it's not for you, those who do care will greatly appreciate this. Available on Universal Updater.
Wumiibo
Lets you spoof amiibos. No longer will you have to spend a small fortune to get special items locked behind physical amiibos. Available on Universal Updater.
NDS Forwarder Generator
Does as the title states. This allows you to play DS games that you have digital backups of as if they are Virtual Console games. Useful if you want DS games and homebrew easily accessible on your 3DS homescreen. Available on Universal Updater.
There are many more useful and fun homebrew applications (games too!) that can be found through Universal Updater and at www.gamebrew.org. The scene is still active, get out there and enjoy it!
