Play games in 3D without the need
for special glasses
view larger

Nintendo 3DS

Nintendo 3DS combines all the functionality of 3DS XL at an even more affordable price. Play 3DS and DS games, take 3D photos, and connect with friends with StreetPass and SpotPass.

Nintendo 3DS includes two screens. The bottom touch screen makes use of a telescoping stylus that is stored in the unit itself. The top screen displays 3D visuals to the naked eye. Looking at the screen is like peering through a window into a world where characters and objects have true depth. The system also has a 3D Depth Slider that lets players select the level of 3D they enjoy the most. The 3D effect can be ratcheted up to the highest level, scaled back to a more moderate setting or even turned off completely, depending on the preference of the user.

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.

Play 3DS and DS games, take 3D photos, and connect with friends view larger 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 and Gyro Sensor

Portable play control reaches a new level with these amazing features, allowing for new and 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.

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.

Stay connected with StreetPass and SpotPass, even when in Sleep Mode
view larger 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.

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.

Key Features

3D upper screen with 3D Depth Slider, lower touch screen New input and controls: Circle Pad, gyro sensor, motion sensor, and pedometer Cameras: One inward-facing, dual outward-facing Wireless switch Augmented Reality (AR) games and built-in applications

What’s in the Box

Nintendo 3DS Charging cradle AC adapter Nintendo 3DS stylus Six AR Cards for use with augmented reality games 2 GB SD Card for storing photos, music, and downloadable content.

Modern handheld gaming has long been dominated by Nintendo and Sony. Each hardware manufacturer has multiple viable offerings derived either directly, or evolving from the respective DS and PlayStation Portable product lines. All of these devices are impressive multifunctional devices, with designs meant to encourage gameplay on the go, integration with the Internet, backwards compatibility to previous games, and so on, but each goes about this in different ways. Taking a few minutes to examine the main features, and getting more familiar with available options, accessories and possible limitations of each handheld is the optimal way to determine which is the best choice for a player.

Handheld Console Choices

  Nintendo 3DS View larger Nintendo DSi/DSi XL View larger PSP View larger PSPgo View larger PlayStation Vita View larger Suggested Retail Price (prices may vary) $169.99 $149.99/$169.99 $149.99 $199.99 $249.99 – $299.99
(February 2012) Display Dual screen: upper – 3.53″ LCD, lower – 3.02″ LCD touch screen Dual screen, backlit, 3.25″/4.2″, LCD with 256 x 192 resolution 4.3″ full transparent 3.8″ full transparent 5″ OLED multi-touch screen Internal Usable Memory 64 MB NA 64 MB 16 GB TBD External Media Storage SD memory card SD memory card Sony Memory Stick Duo Memory stick micro New proprietary “NVG” flash cards Size 5.3″ (l) x 2.9″ (w) x 0.8″ (h) 5.4″ (w) x 2.9″ (l) x 0.74″ (h) / 6.3″ (w) x 3.6″ (l) x 0.84″ (h) 6.7 (w) x 2.7″ (w) x 0.7″ (h) 5.0 (w) x 2.71″ (h) x 0.65″ (d) 7.2 (l) x 3.3″ (w) x 0.73″ (d) Weight 8 oz. 7.5/11.1 oz. 6.7 oz. 5.5 oz. TBD Colors Aqua Blue, Flaming Red, Cosmo Black 7.5 oz. Piano black (other colors via bundles) Piano black, Pearl white Black (other colors to follow) Backwards Compatibility Plays most DS and DSi games Plays all DS games Plays all PSP games in UMD format, or available via download; also plays downloadable PS1 games for PSP Plays all PSP games available via download and PS1 games for PSP Plays all PSP games available via download and PS1 games for PSP Wireless Communications Supports local Nintendo wireless connectivity between devices and IEEE802.11 b/g Wi-Fi connectivity Supports local Nintendo wireless connectivity between devices and IEEE802.11 b/g Wi-Fi connectivity Local ad hoc connectivity between PSP devices and infrastructure Wi-Fi connection options Local ad hoc connectivity between PSP devices and infrastructure Wi-Fi connection options 3G support in one or two hardware releases; standard ad hoc connectivity between devices and infrastructure Wi-Fi connection options in both Online Media Portal Nintendo eShop Nintendo DSi Shop PlayStation Network PlayStation Network PlayStation Network Streaming Video Netflix* No PSN movie rentals, and other video content PSN movie rentals, and other video content PSN movie rentals, and other video content Internet Browser Built-in Built-in Built-in Built-in Built-in Console Integration Yes, with Wii Yes, with Wii Yes, with PS3 Yes, with PS3 Yes, with PS3 Game Media Game card and digital download Game card and digital download UMD disc and digital download Digital download Digital download, alternate media TBD Online Multiplayer Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Local Wireless Multiplayer Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Estimated Battery Life 3-8 hrs 3-14 hrs 4-6 hours 4-6 hours TBD Input Method Touch screen, face and shoulder buttons, circle pad, motion/gyro sensor Touch screen, face and shoulder buttons Analog stick, D-pad, face buttons and shoulder buttons Analog stick, D-pad, face buttons and shoulder buttons Front and rear touch inputs, 2 analog sticks, D-pad, face buttons and shoulder buttons Digital Camera(s) 3 (0.3 megapixels); 3D capabilities 2 (0.3 megapixels) No No 2 Built-in Microphone Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Graphic Quality Top adjustable 3D screen – 800 x 240 resolution; lower screen – 320 x 240 resolution 256 x 192 resolution 480 x 272 resolution
(16:9 aspect ratio) 480 x 272 resolution
(16:9 aspect ratio) 960 x 544 resolution
(16:9 aspect ratio) General Game Price Range Standard:
$19.99 – $39.99
Downloads:
$1.99 – $4.99 Standard:
$19.99 – $39.99
Downloads:
$1.99 – $4.99 Standard:
$19.99 – $39.99
Downloads:
$1.99 – $4.99 Standard:
$19.99 – $39.99
Downloads:
$1.99 – $4.99 Standard:
$19.99 – $39.99
Downloads:
$1.99 – $4.99

Online Play and Functionality

The wireless revolution in personal electronics has made online functionality and connectivity to the Internet a huge focus in handheld gaming. Every handheld console has an online arena that has either been built specifically for it, or that has been adapted to suit the needs of online players. By utilizing these portals players can greatly expand their chosen platform’s potential, maximize gaming fun and increase the overall entertainment value of their devices.

The Nintendo eShop is your one-stop shop for exciting downloadable games, videos, applications, and so much more. Discover all-new 3D software, plus legendary titles from gaming past remastered in 3D. Revisit with classic portable “Virtual Console” games starring Mario, Link, many other faces from the Nintendo catalog of games. Gain access to hundreds of previously released DSiWare games, applications and much more. Browsing the Nintendo eShop is incredibly easy, and fun. Find any title in seconds, then view screenshots, game info, and even video to help you make your purchase. You’ll even find details and 3D video of Nintendo 3DS games available at retail stores. All games are able to be saved in your own custom wishlist so you can always remember the titles you want to get.

DSiWare through the DSi Shop is a service that allows DSi players to download games and applications directly to their handheld console in exchange for DSi Points purchased through a local retailer. Experience new and innovative gameplay, fresh takes on the classics-and much more. Just shop, download, and enjoy. Visiting the DSi Shop is easy, just establish wireless broadband connection, click on the Nintendo DSi Shop icon from your menu screen and browse the shop and use Nintendo DSi Points. Games and applications can be saved to SD cards (sold separately).

PlayStation Network is an all access pass not only to a world of gaming, but also one of entertainment at-large. The service is 100% free, only requiring a PlayStation handheld (or a PS3) and a broadband connection to the Internet Once you are in visit the PlayStation Store where users can download games, first run and classic movies, previews, DLC add-ons for games, game demos, music and original PlayStation oriented streaming video content. Purchases can be made using a credit card or a PlayStation Network Card purchased offline. Content can be stored on external media or within the hard drive of the PSPgo.

* Existing Netflix unlimited membership account required.

Product Features

• Nintendo 3DS offers a new way to play, 3D without the need for special glasses. The 3D Depth Slider lets your determine how much 3D you want to see.
• Play 3D games and take 3D pictures with Nintendo 3DS. One inner camera and two outer cameras. Resolutions are 640 x 480 for each camera. Lens are single focus and uses the CMOS capture element.
• Connect to a deeper wireless experience with SpotPass and StreetPass, giving you more exclusive content and connecting you with other Nintendo 3DS users.
• Complete with an adjustable stylus, 6 AR cards, and fun built-in software such as Face Raiders, Nintendo 3DS Sound, and the Mii Maker application.
• Use Parental Controls to restrict 3D mode for children 6 and under.