A short love letter to the Nintendo 3DS

In 2011 Nintendo released the Nintendo 3DS followed by the New 3DS in 2015. This was a device that took the hugely popular Nintendo DS to a whole new level. It was more powerful, had a thumbpad, and best of all, the top screen could produce 3D images without the need for special glasses. Now, I don’t quite understand the technology behind all of this, but it’s pretty amazing and I think it needs a little more love. Here is a short video I found that explains how it works.

Around 2016, I decided I wanted to play Pokémon games and Pokemon Sun AND Pokémon Moon they were on their way. This was perfect! I decided to get a DS and Pokémon Omega Ruby, but there was a problem. I liked the New 3DS’ clamshell design and bigger screens, plus it would play any titles that required the New 3DS over the original 3DS (confusing, I know). However, I didn’t care for the 3D feature and the 2DS was significantly cheaper. Eventually, I gave in and bought the New 3DS anyway and a few months later, Nintendo released the New 2DS which pissed me off a bit.

When I first got the portable gaming device, I started playing games Omega Ruby and he was having a blast. I also tried the 3D effect, but it looked gimmicky and didn’t do enough to get me excited, so for many years I just left it out. Every time I have a new game like Pokemon Sun OR Awakening of the Fire Emblem, I would scroll up to 3D and still be unimpressed. Then, I got a Switch and the 3DS went away for a while until the announcement of Metroid terror.

When Metroid terror has been announced, I have made the courageous decision to play the previous 4 mainline Metroid games. I bought Metroid Zero mission AND Metroid Fusion on the Wii U Virtual Console, I had a Nintendo Switch Online membership to cover Supermetroidand I decided to buy Metroid: Samus Returnsthe 3DS remake of Metroid II.

Samus returns changed my view of the 3D effect. When I maxed the slider out, I didn’t think about it at first and was almost ready to turn it off like I normally do. When I did, it felt like everything in the game was different. I turned the 3D effect back on and suddenly something clicked for me. It made the game feel more alive and real. It helped me differentiate background elements from foreground ones. In short, it kind of gave me a different perspective and appreciation for the game.

Since then when I went to play a 3DS title like The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, I turned on the 3D effect and found that there are at least some games where I prefer the 3D effect. The extra depth that worlds and characters have is a lovely little touch that can’t be experienced otherwise.

Now, technology isn’t perfect. If you’re not looking directly at the 3DS, look away for a second to something else, etc. Your ability to present the 3D effect will be hampered and may cause a minor headache until you are able to refocus. That said, I’d actually really appreciate a return to this technology if anyone wanted to improve it. Could you imagine having a Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch capable of presenting a 3D image while you are playing a game like Elden Ring OR The Legend of Zelda: Kingdom Tears? It could be great!

Of course, developing a game to use 3D technology well is very likely to be a hassle and ultimately not worth it for them. In my view, though, there’s a whole new world of opportunity waiting with enhanced versions of 3DS technology. Perhaps Skyrim might get yet another port!

What do you think of the 3DS? Did you hate him or felt he was underrated?