More Hardware Features Compare Nintendo 3DS Systems

 

3D Screen

The Nintendo 3DS system opens up a whole new world of eye-popping gameplay possibilities. The stereoscopic 3D display of the upper screen gives objects within the game world a feeling of space and depth that extends far into the back of the screen. It becomes easier to see the position of characters and obstacles in the world, making many game experiences even more intuitive for all types of players.

3D Depth Slider

A built-in 3D Depth Slider allows you to immediately adjust the intensity of the 3D settings on the Nintendo 3DS system to your liking. The 3D effect can also be turned down completely—all Nintendo 3DS games and applications can be played in 2D, and look better than any Nintendo handheld before it.

Motion Sensor & Gyro Sensor

Portable play control reaches a new level with these amazing features, allowing for new & unique gameplay mechanics. A built-in motion sensor and gyro sensor can react to the motion and tilt of the system, so whether players are twisting their systems side to side or moving them up and down, their motion-compatible Nintendo 3DS games respond instantly.

Two Screens

Game graphics have never looked better on a Nintendo handheld system, thanks to the two screens of the Nintendo 3DS system.

A widescreen display on the top screen shows 800x240 pixel resolution, allocating 400 pixels for each eye to create the 3D effect.

The bottom LCD touch screen operates at a resolution of 320x240—with both screens capable of displaying a brilliant 16.77 million colors.

Analog Control

With the Circle Pad, located above the + Control Pad, Nintendo 3DS offers full analog control in 3D game worlds. Combined with the touch screen, traditional buttons, camera and microphone input, and advanced motion control of the Motion Sensor and Gyro Sensor, the potential is extraordinary.

3D Camera

The Nintendo 3DS system uses its two outer cameras to see the world in 3D, much like the human eye. This allows for the creation of 3D photos, 3D video, and even 3D stop-motion animations, that make for an eye-popping addition to your next photo op.

Check out the Nintendo 3DS Photo Showcase. Browse featured galleries of user-submitted photos updated weekly, and submit your own. Explore 3D photos here.

Stylus

All Nintendo 3DS systems come with a Stylus to allow for precise touch controls on the bottom screen.

The original Nintendo 3DS comes with an Adjustable Stylus that can be shortened or lengthened to your liking, while the Nintendo 3DS XL comes with a comfortable, full-sized Stylus.

SD Memory Card Included

Every Nintendo 3DS system comes packed with a SD Memory Card*. You can use this SD Memory Card to store your 3D photos, and sound recordings created on the Nintendo 3DS system, and music** from your PC. You can also use it to store games downloaded from the Nintendo eShop. The Nintendo 3DS system has SDHC card compatibility to increase your storage space even further.

* Nintendo 3DS systems come with a 2GB SD Memory Card and Nintendo 3DS XL systems come with a 4GB SD Memory Card.

** Nintendo 3DS is compatible with MP3 and AAC file formats.

Backwards Compatibility

Almost all existing Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi games can be played on a Nintendo 3DS system in 2D. With backwards compatibility, your existing portable games look and play just as well*.

Learn more about software compatibility
in the Nintendo DS family.

* Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi games will be displayed in 2D graphics. Select Nintendo DS games that use accessories in the Game Boy™ Advance slot of the Nintendo DS system are not compatible with the Nintendo 3DS system.

StreetPass™

Social and wired like no Nintendo system before it, Nintendo 3DS brings fellow players together in exciting new ways with StreetPass™ communication. Set your Nintendo 3DS to Sleep Mode and carry it with you wherever you go to exchange game data like Mii™ characters, high scores, and custom characters with other users you pass on the street. You control what data you exchange, and you can exchange data for multiple games at once, making virtual connections with real world people you encounter in your daily life.

StreetPass Mii Plaza: Find out more about StreetPass Mii Plaza and how to interact with other Nintendo 3DS owners. Learn more >


Nintendo 3DS Meetups Everywhere lets people organize their own Meetups to exchange StreetPass content and get to know fellow players in their area. See if there's a Meetup in your neighborhood today! Visit Meetup.com >
 

SpotPass™

Your Nintendo 3DS system can automatically connect to a wireless internet access point. Once connected, special items will download automatically to your system via the SpotPass feature, even while in sleep mode. Some of these surprise items include exclusive content and promotions from Nintendo Zone™, unique 3D videos from the Nintendo Video™ service, and add-on game content from your favorite Nintendo 3DS games!

Not sure if you've received something? Look for the blue LED light on the outside of your Nintendo 3DS system or a blue dot on your favorite HOME Menu icon to find out what's been delivered to you.

Getting SpotPass on the go is easier than ever! Enjoy a free and automatic connection to Wi-Fi at over 29,000 Nintendo Zone locations across the U.S. and Canada. To find a location near you and learn more about Nintendo Zone, click here.

 
 

Built-In Software

Featuring greatly enhanced graphics, a host of built-in software, and robust wireless connectivity, the Nintendo 3DS system advances the realm of portable entertainment in a number of ways.

SEE BUILT-IN SOFTWARE

Nintendo 3DS Accessories

There are dozens of useful accessories like these available at retailers nationwide. Check out the wide range of available products, and find out where to buy.

SEE THE ACCESSORIES