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The Nintendo 3DS is a handheld game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It was first released in 2011 and is the successor to the Nintendo DS. The 3DS features stereoscopic 3D display that provides a three-dimensional effect without the use of glasses.

Hardware Models

The Nintendo 3DS family consists of several hardware models:

Original Nintendo 3DS

  • Released in 2011
  • Features a 3.53-inch autostereoscopic (glasses-free 3D) top screen and a 3.02-inch touchscreen bottom screen
  • Powered by a dual-core ARM11 CPU clocked at 268 MHz and a DMP PICA200 GPU clocked at 268 MHz
  • 128 MB of system RAM and 6 MB of VRAM

Nintendo 3DS XL

  • Released in 2012
  • Larger version of the original 3DS with 4.88-inch top screen and 4.18-inch bottom screen
  • Retains the same internal hardware specifications as the original 3DS

Nintendo 2DS

  • Released in 2013
  • Removes the stereoscopic 3D functionality and foldable clamshell design of the 3DS
  • Maintains the same internal hardware as the original 3DS

New Nintendo 3DS

  • Released in 2014 (Japan) and 2015 (worldwide)
  • Upgraded internal hardware including a quad-core ARM11 CPU clocked at 804 MHz, 256 MB of RAM, and 10 MB of VRAM
  • Adds a second analog "C-Stick" nub and additional shoulder buttons (ZL/ZR)
  • Includes improved 3D tracking capabilities for a more stable 3D effect

New Nintendo 3DS XL

  • Larger version of the New Nintendo 3DS with a 4.88-inch top screen and 4.18-inch bottom screen
  • Retains the same internal hardware upgrades as the New Nintendo 3DS

Software and Features

The Nintendo 3DS runs the proprietary Nintendo 3DS system software, which has been updated numerous times since the console's launch. Key features and capabilities include:
  • Stereoscopic 3D display without glasses
  • Backwards compatibility with Nintendo DS games
  • Nintendo eShop for digital game and application purchases
  • Miiverse social network (discontinued in 2017)
  • StreetPass and SpotPass wireless communication features
  • Integrated cameras for capturing 3D photos and videos
  • Motion sensors and gyroscope for motion-controlled gameplay
The New Nintendo 3DS models introduced additional features like improved 3D tracking, NFC support for amiibo figures, and a more powerful web browser.

Discontinuation

In 2019, Nintendo announced that production of the standard New Nintendo 3DS model had ended in Japan, with the XL variant remaining in production until 2019. The Nintendo 3DS family of systems was ultimately discontinued worldwide in 2020 as Nintendo shifted its focus to the Nintendo Switch platform.