Nintendo 3DS: Difference between revisions

{{system infobox

|image=[[File:Nintendo3DS 3.png|250px]]<br>An aqua blue Nintendo 3DS design

|release='''Nintendo 3DS:'''<br>{{release|Japan|February 26, 2011|Europe|March 25, 2011<ref name="Nintendo%20of%20Europe%20News">19 January 2011. [http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/2010/nintendo_3ds_brings_a_dimensional_shift_to_the_world_of_entertainment_on_march_25_31059.html Nintendo 3DS brings a dimensional shift to the world of entertainment on March 25]. ''Nintendo News''. Retrieved 4 November 2011.</ref>|USA|March 27, 2011|Canada|March 27, 2011<ref>https://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/gaming/controller-freak/nintendo-3ds-coming-to-canada-march-27th/article611006/</ref>|Australia|March 31, 2011<ref name="Nintendo%203DS%20Australian%20Release%20Date">Vuckovic, Daniel (February 7, 2011) [http://www.vooks.net/story-19908-Nintendo-3DS-Australian-Launch-Event-details-and-live-blog.html Nintendo 3DS Australian Launch Event details and live blog]. ''Vooks''. Retrieved 4 November 2011.</ref>|Brazil|July 9, 2011|South Korea|April 28, 2012|HK|September 28, 2012<ref>http://nintendo.com.hk/pressrelease_3ds.htm</ref>|ROC|September 28, 2012<ref>http://nintendo.tw/pressrelease_3ds.htm</ref>}}

|release2='''Nintendo 3DS XL:'''<br>{{release|Japan|July 28, 2012 (as Nintendo 3DS LL)|Europe|July 28, 2012|USA|August 19, 2012<ref name=ign3dxl></ref>|Australia|August 23, 2012|Brazil|September 3, 2012|South Korea|September 20, 2012|HK|September 28, 2012{{ref needed}}|ROC|September 28, 2012|China|December 7, 2012 (as iQue 3DS XL)}} '''Nintendo 2DS:'''<br>{{release|USA|October 12, 2013|Europe|October 12, 2013|Australia|October 12, 2013|South Korea|December 7, 2013|Japan|February 27, 2016<ref>http://www.polygon.com/2015/12/25/10665522/pokemon-red-blue-yellow-green-2ds-mew-code</ref>}} '''New Nintendo 3DS:'''<br>{{release|Japan|October 11, 2014|Australia|November 21, 2014<ref name="NintendoDirectAus">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uNYEo8YN3I</ref>|Europe|February 13, 2015|South Korea|September 10, 2015<ref>http://www.reinodocogumelo.com/2015/08/new-nintendo-3ds-sera-lancado-na-coreia.html</ref>|USA|September 25, 2015<ref>http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/K2zf0kVCs-zIPGKnlu6sTRWrZvaE-EoV{{dead link}}</ref>}} '''New Nintendo 3DS XL:'''<br>{{release|Japan|October 11, 2014 (as New Nintendo 3DS LL)|Australia|November 21, 2014<ref name="NintendoDirectAus"></ref>|USA|February 13, 2015|Europe|February 13, 2015|South Korea|May 1, 2015}} '''New Nintendo 2DS XL:'''<br>{{release|Australia|June 15, 2017|Japan|July 13, 2017 (as New Nintendo 2DS LL)|South Korea|July 13, 2017|USA|July 28, 2017|Europe|July 28, 2017}}

|discontinued='''Nintendo 3DS:'''<br>{{release|Europe|February 2015<ref name="europebye">http://www.nintendo.es/Noticias/2015/febrero/Llega-la-portatil-que-pedias-953777.html</ref>}}

|predecessor=[[Nintendo DS]]

|successor=N/A<!--NOTE TO EDITORS: Do not put the Nintendo Switch or the Switch Lite in this parameter. Both are not officially considered successors of the 3DS.-->

|ratings={{ratings|pegi=7|esrb=E|acb=PG|usk=0}}

The '''{{wp|Nintendo 3DS}}''', or simply the '''3DS''', is an eighth-generation handheld game system produced by [[Nintendo]]. It is the successor to the [[Nintendo DS]] but derives elements from the [[Nintendo DSi]], so it could more specifically be a successor of the latter. One of the Nintendo 3DS's primary features is the 3D visual screen, which displays auto-stereoscopic images to create the illusion of depth without the need for 3D glasses. The depth can be adjusted with a slider found to the right of the screen, or turned off completely to play games in 2D. The console was released in Japan on February 26, 2011; in Europe on March 25, 2011; in the United States and Canada on March 27, 2011; and in Australia on March 31, 2011. It is the handheld counterpart of the [[Wii U]], with graphical capabilities likened to that of the [[Nintendo GameCube]], with better 3D modeling than the GameCube, but not on par with the Wii, instead being more pixelated due to the lack of texture filtering. This is the first Nintendo handheld console (not counting the Nintendo DSi) since the [[Game Boy Color]] not to feature a ''Super Mario'' game on its launch date.

The system was initially available in two colors, Aqua Blue and Cosmos Black, with further iterations such as Flame Red, Pearl (Misty) Pink, and Midnight Purple released later. An Ice White 3DS (bundled with ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]'') was released in Japan on November 3, 2011, while a Cobalt Blue version bundled with ''[[Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon]]'' was released in North America on November 28, 2013. Three exclusive models inspired by [[Mario]], [[Princess Peach]], and [[Toad]] were also made available to Japanese, European, and Australian [[Club Nintendo (rewards program)|Club Nintendo]] members.<ref>[http://club.nintendo.jp/chotto_mario/index.html Club Nintendo Japan - Nintendo 3DS Mario Models]</ref> Later hardware revisions such as the 3DS XL also received ''Super Mario''-themed models, including a [[The Year of Luigi|Year of Luigi]] version released in Japan.

The Nintendo 3DS console has a similar appearance to that of the [[Nintendo DS]], but it builds upon its features. It includes three cameras, one being inward and the other two being outward, that are used to shoot 3D pictures, merge them, record 3D videos, and play camera-based games such as ''[[AR Games]]''. The console, much like its predecessors, features the four {{button|3ds|A}}, {{button|3ds|B}}, {{button|3ds|X}}, and {{button|3ds|Y}} buttons; the {{button|3ds|start}} and {{button|3ds|select}} buttons (which are embedded below the Touch Screen); and the {{button|3ds|L}} and {{button|3ds|R}} shoulder buttons. Two new additions to the console are a Circle Pad {{button|3ds|Stick}} located above the {{button|3ds|Pad}}, which has been shifted downward, and the {{button|3ds|home}} button, first used with the [[Wii]] console, used to access a HOME menu that is similar to that of the [[Nintendo DSi]] and [[Nintendo DSi#Nintendo DSi XL|Nintendo DSi XL]]. The console also has wireless connectivity, which is used to connect with other consoles via local play or StreetPass, or to the Internet to download expansions for the console or play with people from around the world, for example. Online expansions include friend lists, sharing game content with friends, paid downloadable content for games (an example is ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'' having additional [[Coin Rush]] packs),<ref>[http://www.cubed3.com/news/14273 3DS To Feature Expanded Online; Achievements, Friend Lists]</ref> and firmware updates. The Nintendo 3DS and all of its models are backwards compatible with both Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi-enhanced games.

 

 

 

 

===Language support===

The 3DS also features enhanced language accessibility. The system is the first Nintendo console to have Portuguese and Russian system language settings and the first Nintendo handheld console to feature a Dutch setting. All these languages are included on the PAL version of the 3DS, and the Portuguese language is also included on the American version. ''Super Mario'' games also began being translated into these languages (except Brazilian Portuguese). The 3DS is the first [[Nintendo]] system to be rated by PEGI and the ESRB (receiving a 7+ and E rating, respectively) due to the built-in games, including ''Face Raiders'', ''AR Games'', and StreetPass Mii Plaza containing 3D images which could cause damage to eyesight for anyone below the specified age groups.

 

The '''Step Counter''' works by using the 3DS's motion sensor to count the player's steps when the 3DS is closed. Every 100 steps gives the player one Play Coin, which can be used in the ''AR Games'', StreetPass Mii Plaza, and compatible games (e.g. ''[[nookipedia:Animal Crossing: New Leaf|Animal Crossing: New Leaf]]'' or ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]''). Players can receive a maximum of ten Play Coins per day and can hold a maximum of 300 on the 3DS system. Additionally, every step is logged in the Activity Log.

 

===Themes===

 

|''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' / ''Wii U''<br>"Results Display Screen"

|[[File:3DS Famicom Theme.png|120px]]

|Super Mario Bros.: Underwater{{footnote|main|3}}

 

 

[[File:Black 3DS XL Powered Off.png|thumb|A black Nintendo 3DS XL]]

[[File:3DS XL Logo.svg|left|class=invert]]The '''Nintendo 3DS XL''' ('''Nintendo 3DS LL''' in Japan and '''iQue 3DS XL''' in China) is the second version of the Nintendo 3DS handheld. Similarly to the DSi XL, the 3DS XL has larger screens: the upper measuring 124 mm (4.88 inches) and the lower measuring 106 mm (4.18 inches), both being 90% larger than the standard Nintendo 3DS screens, making it tied to the New Nintendo 3DS XL as the biggest screen on a Nintendo handheld so far. The resolution, however, is the same. The 3DS XL also has been given rounded corners and digital {{button|3ds|home}}, {{button|3ds|select}}, and {{button|3ds|start}} buttons instead of the embedded ones found on the Nintendo 3DS. The handheld also sports a single color job instead of the dual color job of its predecessor (black in the interior of the lid and a second main color overall), although it may also come with dual colors. Additionally, it is packaged with a 4 GB SD card, and the battery has been optimized to last longer. It lasts about 3.5 to six hours (283 to 485 mA) when playing 3DS games, compared to the three to five hours (260 to 433 mA) of play on the original version. The handheld was released in Japan and Europe on July 28, 2012, in North America on August 19, 2012, and in Oceania (bundled with an AC adapter) on August 23, 2012.<ref>[http://www.aussie-nintendo.com/news/ac-adaptor-to-be-bundled-with-3ds-xl-in-aunz]</ref> In Japan and Europe, the handheld does not come with a battery charger, but can use the original Nintendo DSi/Nintendo 3DS charger. The handheld has its own charger in North America,<ref name=ign3dxl>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/22/nintendo-reveals-3ds-xl IGN - Nintendo reveals 3ds Xl].</ref> but it does not include the charging cradle packaged with the original 3DS.

 

 

 

*The Nintendo 2DS has a single speaker with monaural sound output as opposed to the dual speakers with stereo output on the 3DS. Stereo output is supported on the 2DS via the headphone port.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The '''Circle Pad Pro''' is an extra accessory marketed as enhancing 3DS gameplay controls. As the name implies, it has an extra Circle Pad positioned on the right-hand side, as well as additional ZL and ZR shoulder buttons on the back. The whole combination is bundled onto a cradle that fits into the bottom of the 3DS, just as the charging cradle does. The functionality of this device has been incorporated into the New Nintendo 3DS as a circular nub (called the C-Stick) and integrated ZL/ZR buttons. ''[[Luigi's Mansion (Nintendo 3DS)|Luigi's Mansion]]'' is the only ''Super Mario'' game compatible with the Circle Pad Pro.

 

 

The '''''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' wheel''' is a specially made wheel developed by peripheral manufacturer Hori<ref>http://www.amazon.com/HORI-Nintendo-3DS-Mario-Racing-Wheel/dp/B0061YFZDQ</ref> for the original Nintendo 3DS model. The product is marked with the [[Official Nintendo Seal]] and fits snugly onto the back of the console. Its function is identical to that of the [[Wii#Wii Wheel|Wii Wheel]]. Like the Circle Pad Pro, the ''Mario Kart 7'' wheel is only available in Cosmos Black.

 

[[File:Amiibo - New Nintendo 3DS XL.jpg|200px|left|thumb|An amiibo scanning on a New Nintendo 3DS XL]]

[[File:3DS amiibo.jpg|150px|thumb|The NFC Reader/Writer required to use amiibo with the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL]]

'''amiibo''' are a series of toys-to-life accessories by Nintendo that can be scanned into games using near-field communication technology to add content into games. Originally released for the Wii U, Nintendo 3DS systems later received amiibo compatibility. Compatibility with original Nintendo 3DS systems require an NFC Reader/Writer that wirelessly transfers data via infrared communication, the accessory was released on July 30, 2015 in Japan<ref>[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/hardware/accessories/3ds_readerwriter/index.html],Nintendo 3DS NFC reader/writer</ref> and Fall 2015 in other regions<ref>Nintendo (Nintendo of America). (April 1, 2015.) [https://youtu.be/IMedqo8mLaQ?t=42m33s Nintendo Direct 4.1.2015]. YouTube. Retrieved May 26, 2015.</ref>. New Nintendo 3DS systems feature a built-in near field communicator, activated by placing an amiibo on the Touch Screen. ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' is the first game on the system to incorporate this feature.

 

 

The [[Wii#Mii Channel|Mii Channel]] on the [[Wii]] makes a return with minimal changes as '''Mii Maker'''. However, there is a new feature in which the 3DS camera takes a photo of the player and converts it to make the photo look like a [[Mii]]. This feature is not automatic. Players must select the Mii's gender, hair color, and eye color before being prompted to take a picture of either themselves or another person.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7QMPkWptmw</ref> Players are then able to leave the Mii as it is or to make any modifications they may deem necessary with new customization options (hairstyles, eye shapes, etc.). Players can also connect to their Mii Channel and import any Miis found there to the 3DS. To connect the Mii Maker to the Wii, the player must press the {{button|wii|A}}, {{button|wii|B}}, and {{button|wii|1}} buttons on the {{button|wii|Wiimote}} when on the Mii Channel. Holding down the {{button|wii|2}} button for a period of time afterward makes a "Connect to DS" icon appear (if it is not present already). After creating a Mii, it can be used in some ''Super Mario'' games.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'''Swapnote''' (called '''Nintendo Letter Box''' in British English) is a free, downloadable messaging service that allows users to write notes (up to four pages) via the stylus and send them by StreetPass (and previously by SpotPass) to people registered in their Friend Lists (in the case of StreetPass, notes can be given to people who may not be on said list). Users can reply to each note once, and replies are restricted to one page. As users send notes to their friends, they gain access to a variety of features, including the ability to attach photos stored in an SD card, to create messages and art displayed in full 3D, to change the stationery on which notes are written, to view notes in a slide show format, and (using 15 Play Coins) to attach sound recordings from the Nintendo 3DS Sound application. The software can store a combined maximum of 3,000 notes and replies, and each note can have a maximum of 100 replies attached to it, with new notes/replies replacing old ones once this limit is reached (notes given "Favorite" status are not deleted, though replies are). An update for this software was released on July 5, 2012<ref>http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/07/letter_box_update_adds_coloured_ink</ref> in Japan, Europe, and Oceania which adds the feature to change the ink's colors by pressing {{button|3ds|Pad}} either to the right or left, with North America receiving the feature shortly afterward. An April 2013 update allows users to use different colors of ink on each page in one note and added some more features to the software, such as the ability to delete multiple notes at once. On October 31, 2013, Nintendo suspended the SpotPass functionality of Swapnote in all regions, due to incidents in Japan where the app was used to share explicit content with minors<ref>[http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/UHQZFP2Jxcll_Vm-PsZpxNIK5920bRRK Notice about service for Nintendo 3DS software Swapnote] Accessed November 1, 2013.</ref>, not only affecting interaction between users, but also halting the reception of special notes and stationery from developers.

 

A sequel released on November 17, 2016 known as '''Swapdoodle''' retains similar elements from Swapnote (except photo and sound attachments) with new features. There are now Doodle Lessons for players where they can practise drawing, along with stamps and secret pages. The application is free-to-start with in-game purchases.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swapnote#Swapdoodle</ref>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

{{3DS}}