Why is the 3DS Popular Again?

[@morphstarchangeling8024]

Something really funny is Nintendo's recent survey actually asks if people are playing games on certain consoles and the 3DS was an option while the Wii U was not.

[@juicetimer]

since it was a commercial flop they probably don't think it's worth asking about at all whereas the 3DS was much more successful with a longer lifespan and also had a big resurgence in 2021 onwards (the Wii U kind of did too but not to the same extent)

[@Jhoncakeo-.-]

When, where!

[@Wongo-the-circle]

The Wii U was good, it’s just how they made the commercials, right?

[@morphstarchangeling8024]

@@Jhoncakeo-.- It was actually just a few days ago when it went public, it's already over now. It asked stuff about what kind of games you like, what games you've played, and a lot of the thousand year door related questions. It feels like it's to gauge future interest in RPGS

[@morphstarchangeling8024]

@@Jhoncakeo-.- It was actually just a few days ago when it went public, it's already over now. It asked stuff about what kind of games you like, what games you've played, and a lot of the thousand year door related questions. It feels like it's to gauge future interest in RPGS

[@MrMew]

Here is the real simple reason. No subscriptions. No Ads. Its that simple. Really it is. I don't even have to log into steam. its amazing.

[@masterace9543]

Yes omg it was a head trying launch p4 golden or cod offline just to go online and then turn off my wifi 😅

[@lancebaylis3169]

@MrMew Consoles really killed one of their main advantages by pulling this 'have to go online to authenticate' thing. PC gamers might expect that kind of thing, but console gamers want something they can boot up and dip in and out of without it becoming too complicated. If there's any one thing that I think is contributing to apathy with the current console generations, it's this.

[@FBI_Agent_69420]

@@lancebaylis3169 have they hit you console guys with their "you need to make an account on our platform to play this game you just bought" bullshit yet? We've been getting that on PC a lot in recent years, and now I can't play GTA or RDR2 because I forgot my password for it lol.

[@jejehatesme31]

is logging into steam that much of a turn off?

[@teamofone1219]

Also Nintendo despises backwards compatibility they are allergic to money.

[@andr0zzsenpai]

I still miss dual screen portable gaming... it's so useful if you can put all your UI info in the bottom screen and put the main game on top. I was a big fan of that.

[@Goopy731]

I think the compromise is that they just need adjustable UIs where you could have dual-screen or single.

[@Gloryboyquan]

vita better

[@Goopy731]

@@Gloryboyquan Nice bait. Anyway, as a Vita fan as well: I think comparing the Vita would be like comparing a Nintendo Switch to a PS5. They are fundamentally not the same thing but I like them both tbh.

[@JustEpic_Yt]

Same I kinda wish one day Nintendo could go back to it (once they’re done with the switch successor since it’s definitely going to be a switch 2)

[@silverblaize]

Especially since a hand held device is smaller by its very nature. So it only made sense to have a second screen for all the UI and extra stuff so that it doesn't take up screen space from the main gameplay. The Switch is awesome and all, but I do miss the DS/3DS hardware.

[@camwha5904]

"It's the first Nintendo thing I've ever owned" Damn, as someone that grew up with the DS lite and DSi this makes me feel old.

[@offbeatvillager]

Same 😂

[@thelegacyofgaming2928]

Gameboy Advance SP 😂

[@wallace4667]

imagine, that my first one was a gameboy color when I was like 10

[@zero604]

I grew up with Sega Master System and NES...

[@kennymun899]

Nintendo 64 😅

[@dontbeaturd763]

Another great feature of online play on the 3DS is that it was FREE. I didn’t know that online play was free on the system until around a year before the server shutdown - I can’t afford the online Switch subscription right now so, I really enjoyed being able to play Mario Kart online again and also visit other towns in Animal Crossing.

[@tabitharust304]

Which makes more sense why they would shut the servers down, because nobody was paying for it anyways. And by then they kept the servers up for so long, it is understandable that they shut them down because it was easier to keep their newer paid for servers for the switch up than the old ones that they weren't getting any money from.

[@Starberry7]

Oh yeah I hate the fact that switch online is a freaking paid subscription. Why do I need to pay money to swap pokemon with other people even tho I already paid 60€ for the game and almost 400€ for the console?

[@BlackWinds]

To be fair, it's $20 a year compared to $60 for the other two major platforms. Yeah I agree it shouldn't cost anything, but if it HAS to cost something, I think that's reasonable. Problem is, there is no difference in online server reliability since the wii; so we are basically just giving $20, just because nintendo said so. The $50 expansion pack is not worth it, even though the added online play to some retro games is pretty cool.

[@tabitharust304]

@@Starberry7 LITERALLY and now that the other servers shut down why don't they make it free? It would bring more popularity to the switch anyway. It's obvious they were trying to make the subscription a very long term thing though 😔

[@terminator_405]

@@BlackWindsthis mentality is why everyone but pc users need to pay for shitty online servers that are almost always peer to peer anyway.

[@Hazuls]

Loved my 3ds, what an awesome console. I like your point about 'handheld games' not existing in the same way. One of favorite features was street pass as i would carry my 3ds around everywhere and get tons of connections on campus. My switch, on the other hand, sits in my room like a console and never goes anywhere

[@ninethehermit]

I miss StreetPasses too!

[@Dinosaursof]

It’s so easy to just close the 3ds and put it in your pocket till later. Even the switch light requires a larger pocket and I lost a thumb stick cover from not using a case in my pocket.

[@katerinagagne1809]

this!!! i don't understand why they don't make more portable console with clam shell designs. i recently got a vita and until my case for it comes it it's not portable at all because i risk it getting banged up by other stuff in my bag 😭

[@KHJohan]

And DS design protects the screen while closed

[@Starberry7]

I always take a backpack or a bag with me anywhere so I don’t really have the problem of transporting the switch if I’d wanted to considering I also have a case for my switch to keep safe so the screen and joysticks and stuff are protected even inside a bag but even so I don’t really take it anywhere. Maybe because I don’t have any new games to play and I don’t wanna reply the ones I have. Maybe I’ll take it with me if I get a new game. Although I might just take my 3DS with me once I mod it.

[@darkzeroprojects4245]

​@@katerinagagne1809 Idk. Maybe Nintendo patent?

[@sirpuffin08]

@@darkzeroprojects4245 I believe the dual screen functionality isn't patented, just the 3d effect itself

[@Search-Co_olImagination]

Simple answer: every single game is free when jailbroken now!

[@NeonBobert]

thats called pirating

[@cencil6497]

@@NeonBobert Exactly. Who wants to pay the inflated prices on Ebay when you can pirate for free.

[@hhjpegg]

@@cencil6497me :p

[@A.R._Ironstar]

@@NeonBobert its called Nintendo doesn't make them anymore and the options are pay $300 for pokemon second hand, or $30 for an SD card 3DS chip, and then be able to do things like randomize and run rom hacks too.

[@hedgy_wedgy69]

That's exactly why I ordered a refurbished one from Walmart

[@NachosRenard]

Literally bought one a month ago cause I finally have the funds to buy stuff I couldn't when I was a child

[@karmafox220]

Same here I can't put it down!😂

[@Joe_334]

So sorry you only ever got to it so recently. It was an experience. It is a shame they pretty much made it to where you have to mod the system to get the extras.

[@polkmn8105]

same and i went a little crazy i got 2 limited editions and my wallet was dented a bit hahah.

[@davide2.07]

This is studied by market research as a trend called ‘Kidulting’

[@nyeeeofthestarsz1804]

Bought 3ds xl 4 days ago for 80€ plus 4 games, best investment ever

[@DanSutherland]

It's actually insane for a console as old and as popular as the 3DS to be reselling at these prices. I'm split on whether there's going to be a bubble that pops or not. It kinda depends on what happens with next gen consoles I think. If there's no option for physicals I think prices for everything that does will be on a major climb.

[@ruen_me1361]

tbf the newest stuff released on 3DS and the *new* 3DS aren’t terribly old in terms of getting use out of physical hardware, its more bonkers they think shutting down e shop is going to make ppl pay for the switch versions that they don’t really get to own or play offline instead of piracy

[@goer3148]

it's insane for a console that's so new and popular to be so bad and useless the only bubble that will pop is the switch bubble, I'm selling mine 4 sure. there won't ever be a good switch, the 3ds, on the other hand....: you give 200$ you get 100k hours of pure gameplay value.

[@Israeli_Prince]

​@@goer3148 It wouldn't say sad and useless. Nintendo Switch is literally a pioneer and paved the way for PC handhelds. Look at the Lenovo Legion Go, it was definitely inspired by the Switch. I'm a PC user, but I will always be a Nintendo fan boy.

[@Masterspidere]

from what i know, the 3ds rose in popularity again back in 2020, 2021 or 2022, you are just a bit late to it, but you explained this all really well

[@juicetimer]

It started getting big again in 2021, before that it was super cheap to get stuff for but after 2021 it started got way more expensive and it's at the most expensive it's ever been now in 2024

[@_3.14]

i consider myself lucky for finding one for 70 ish usd

[@Sajisme]

Hand held games in general have been getting really popular since 2020

[@LandonEmma]

I was gonna say that bro

[@LandonEmma]

2020 they got popular

[@memuskhan9976]

I appreciate how complete the system felt. Back when the console originally released my brother and I got one and we got one game each and for awhile that's all we had, but we weren't bored. It was always a treat to open Nintendo Video and see something new. I spent a lot of time with my cousin recording videos on it and had my mind blown when my brother showed me how to make stop motion videos on it and my mind was blown for a second time when I put a song on the SD card and the 3DS not only could play it but had mini games while it was playing. They just did more with less back then, and imo it feels like the games and consoles we have today don't.

[@Ashley-xb1dz]

Yeah it was so packed with awesome ideas, I miss all the creative stuff it could do and actually did.

[@justadummy8076]

Back when patching things through an update was harder, things used to work better 😂

[@Aure457]

As some people already pointed out, the 3DS is basically a buffed up DS, and it still includes the GBA instructions, so you can avoid emulating GBA and just run the games natively as if you were playing in a original GBA. There's two ways to do this, you can inject rooms into the same wrappers nintendo used for the 3DS ambassador program using New Super Ultimate Injector in your PC, this generates a CIA file that you can install; or you can use custom firmware, open_agb_firm lets you load .gba roms to the GBA CPU directly. The only disadvantage over emulation is that you can't use cheats.

[@ducktail4068]

Well thats not true because you can use cheats just fine on 3ds. Via the rosalina menu and checkpoint app

[@cuppacofi1129]

and no sleep mode unless you patch it in for the gba virtual console

[@HaloSIayer99]

I use Rosalina's menu, but it doesn't work for my gba or ds games for checkpoint ​@ducktail4068

[@DoctorSpaniel]

its a bit annoying that there arent as easy access to these .gba files for the 3ds and instead each person has to generate them themselves.

[@acer1kylesf943]

there are sources. I use one.

[@SuperFlashDriver]

For decades we've had Gameboy Color devices, Gameboy Advance devices (including the SPs), Bunch of Nintendo DS's (including the Lites, DSi, DSi XL, AND 3DS). However, it's amazing to see the new generation of gamers go back to emulating/homebrewing consoles they grew up with, much like what we did with the Gameboys/Original DS's and 4th/5th/6th generation consoles and PC games as well.

[@22gunslinger21]

I still think foldable handhelds would be optimal. Not just because you can fit things like dual screens, but because it solves the biggest problem in my opinion: size! The New 3DS XL was bigger than its other models and could still fit in your pocket. The foldable handheld design means you can keep it at a good length to hold it in your hands while also making it able to fit in your pocket. It doesn’t really have to get longer, it just has to get thicker and even afterwards it probably will still fit in a pocket or bag easier. Of course there are some things to increase the power of a console that will inevitably make it have to get longer (eg graphics cards and stuff), but being able to put that UNDERNEATH the controller and saving space with the foldable design still keeps it consistent with size.

[@darkzeroprojects4245]

I had a few ideas for a similar system but well..no money, no hardware and software engineers, etc.

[@22gunslinger21]

@@darkzeroprojects4245 yeah. Also I think it’s unfair to compare basically PC handhelds to others like the switch. I think the criteria should be off of how well they can make an independent OS, software etc. with the console they’ve made and how well they can work around digital games or data management. If you’re gonna take a whole pc with you then just get a laptop and controller, because realistically that might get you better performance than having to get an incredibly long brick. How long would someone expect to be playing each day with a pc handheld? And what about when they just wanna use a normal computer. If they wanna play games on the go phones and other handhelds have already been out (and apple allows emulators now). There’s a reason we classify consoles as different from PC.

[@ruen_me1361]

plus comfortable bumpers as a bonus for controls that feel good, a lot of ppl shit on clam designs that aren’t perfectly flat like the new phones but i think a lot of games benefit from bumpers, idc if perfectly flat *looks* modern bc the 3DS *feels* amazing to use compared to the bulky switch which idk it feels awkward for some reason on most games, i also think the switch’s shit hardware and tiny storage doesn’t help sell the *modern* aspect of it at all or single player games being online only , 30 steps backwards for a supposedly modern form factor

[@GojoStiglitz]

The thing I miss the most about the 3ds Eshop that I didn’t know I’d miss was little gift box your newly downloaded game came in on the home screen. That system had so much charm that I think Nintendo has lost sight on.

[@Alpha-Trion7]

If you add a game to a modded 3ds (add a cia), you'll get the little gift box every time. Installed from h-shop also. They are quite cute. :)

[@GojoStiglitz]

@@Alpha-Trion7 I have a second 2ds that I’m considering modding now for that reason lol. Thnx

[@dontbeaturd763]

My husband bought me a N3DS XL back in 2017 and I played it for a bit before buying myself a Switch and becoming hooked to BOTW. I finally started playing my 3DS again in late 2022 and fell in love with the system. Now I haven’t touched my Switch in at least 4 months and have been predominantly playing games on my 3DS.

[@TheNiteNinja19]

Same here. Picked up Link between Worlds and can't put it down.

[@dontbeaturd763]

@@TheNiteNinja19 Link Between Worlds was my first Zelda game - it's what piqued my interest in BOTW. I they are very different games - I would say that ALBW is definitely in my top 3 favorite Zelda games of all time.

[@Moonshine449]

@@dontbeaturd763You got to play Ocarina of Time 3D. Majoras Mask 3D Is also very good but you’ll be playing the game on a timer

[@lars1588]

I've been playing the WIi more than any other console for the past few years lol. It's just more fun for my play style (I actually like motion controls).

[@gunkhead]

Aw awesome husband, glad you've been enjoying it! Got mine in 2016. I hadn't touched mine that much in a while after 2+ years, mainly doodled in it till my sister offered to hack it back in 2021. Played more than ever before ever since, now adding my own stuff + more drawing ✨️

[@CyberBrick101]

Love the video MJ!! I bought myself a 2DS a few months ago at a game sale event for £50 and it has been my first time playing 3ds games! Modding the 2ds has been so much fun and i am enjoying games i thought id never get to play!

[@joichigamemode3219]

It's always been popular. Now that homebrewing is possible, you can play almost anything the 3ds offered

[@tanuki01]

Waiting for the home brew ds scene to really pick up

[@1-0-8-0-1]

@@tanuki01 no need to wait its been around forever

[@NETIERRAS]

this is the corect answer, bravo

[@laptoprelaks]

only among you 3DS gamer... the fact that this video trending this will spark "outsiders" or "onlookers" to start looking out for it... just look at Fuji/CCD cameras....

[@tanuki01]

@@laptoprelaks you say that like it’s a bad thing

[@KurisuDE]

That 3D screen is awesome. I want that in HD!

[@Hollow_purple556]

Thankfully I found my 3ds a week before the servers shut down and the day it shut down I modded my 3ds

[@Play444Fun]

Nice! I used to have one but i sold it! My cousin luckily has a clear yellow pokemon one which is now in my possession! I have modded it!!! Btw it is a 2ds

[@pregifted1591]

You can still mod it after its shut down

[@micah2936]

I modded mine the day after it shut down. I downloaded pokemon crystal, got the celebi (twice) then transferred them to home since bank is still online…. The shut down has zero effect on mods

[@electroseal5822]

Modded mine today and My god dows it feel so good to play games that are no longer on market or sold physically at ridiculous prices

[@tim.n5395]

Idk what droves me but 2 days before shutdown i grabbed my 3ds and played online,not knowing that it shuts down short after that

[@pm.meowth4850]

simple gen z and younger millennials are getting older and becoming nostalgic and trying to buy it

[@TatsuyaWow]

not really i got switch and i prefer my handheld 3ds/psvita over it

[@kirbgreen]

i played the 3ds when i was 3 (i was born in 2011) so basiclly

[@diabolicalfox]

Pretty much. I don't see an issue with that besides the fact that it's keeping these devices expensive on the second-hand market

[@sunpi]

I never got tired of the screens!

[@AnarickTheDevil]

Not once have I ever herd about anyone being tired of the two screen. I do hear quite often about the lack of games that support the switches touch screen though.

[@vanyadolly]

Yeah that's such a strange argument. Same with the touch screen. Having the option for the ease and precision of the stylus was a bonus. Not in every game, sure, but it was a great tool.

[@iBMcFly]

FAX

[@lars1588]

I've been playing the same red 3DS since December 2011. My sister and I put so many hours on it. It's fun to look back at our old photos/videos, as well as our gameplay logs. I have pictures of people and places I'll never see again on there (I should probably back those up sooner or later).

[@AdminAddy]

I have to admit, I also am getting so much nostalgia for the 3DS. I had it a long time back when I was still in Middle School, playing Nintendogs with my best friend (hope she's doing well wherever she is now). Playing Animal Crossing New Leaf and developing a brand new place and meeting so many great people on islands (I will drop one name, I met this one really nice person on ACNL named Eloise and she was the nicest person ever). Playing New Super Mario Bros 2 and trying to collect as many coins as I could. The 3DS has so many fond memories I can hardly list here. I'll miss it.

[@Hamburgerdad]

No need to miss it, time to break out the console again! Hopefully with the servers shutting down Pretendo will quickly take over the online multiplayer space as there is now a need (kind of like Wiimfii on the Wii). I know they don't support Animal Crossing yet but with additional support there's no reason they won't support it soon.

[@lars1588]

I remember when New Super Mario Bros. 2 came out and seeing the commercials on TV. I begged my parents for it, but never got it. Over the next decade or so, I never even got around to buying it for myself before the eShop closed, but at this point, I might as well download it for free, since I don't really want to buy a used physical copy.

[@JacksonGaming092]

i used to love nintendogs, i am still trying to find the cartridge so i can play it on my 3ds.

[@EcyGuy]

I too would make a primal scream if I wanted to play Mario on my 3DS but got an animatronic bear from a purple dude staring into my soul

[@LaggingLeland]

In the next few years I hope we get a legacy version of the 3ds, revamping the graphics, reopening the eshop and making a few more releases for the updated 3ds.

[@Lucky_Number113]

I'd buy this!

[@NekoLovely607]

Same!

[@NotArmani31]

This!!!! I feel like the 3DS would've been a good sister system of sorts to the Switch honestly

[@tanuki01]

I just want upgraded graphics and screen mods

[@TheKaizokuman]

Downloadable DS games as well.

[@Azeria]

Homebrewing the 3DS is a better experience than any other console bar the DSi. It can play every handheld Nintendo console game ever, you can download New 3DS, 3DS, DSiWare, etc. etc. direct to the console. It can play every DS game natively. It can emulate so many more, and the mod is super stable. It’s borderline first party feeling.

[@steverempel8584]

One thing that was actually good about the dual screen gimmick getting old with the 3DS, was that the second screen started to be used in ways that were actually better, mostly for being used for inventory or maps, or options. Having the main screen host the main game, using buttons to perform all actions and abilities, then having a second screen to manage the game, and being able to use the stylus in the menu, was a great use of the second screen. This sort of use was much more common in the 3DS. Compared to the OG DS where dual screen was still a gimmick, and lots of times action was done on the touch screen with the stylus. That can be fun sometimes, but is gimmicky. I'm a strong believer in having a second screen for utilitarian purposes, but not core gameplay.

[@thecatmangaming5503]

So noticable in Phantom Hourglass/Spirit Tracks vs Link Between Worlds Link Between Worlds is actually playable lol

[@eeyuup]

The pokemon games made perfect use of the dual screen all through the ds and 3ds era. Using the bottom screen for menus, and the top for the battle was a fantastic choice.

[@m1nt9reen]

and yet the gaming media would always see it as a negative that the second screen was used for things like maps instead of 'having more imagination'. Fools!

[@vanyadolly]

The stylus was essential! Especially the games that give you the choice whether to use it. If I'm lazy enough to lie in bed with the handheld rather than getting up to use my computer, I'm also too lazy to use the buttons.

[@nicodoe6181]

one of my favourite ds games, 9 hours 9 persons 9 doors uses the dual screen mechanic BRILLIANTLY. i dont want to spoil anything but i really think it would change your mind re: dual-screen gimmickery if you havent played it already! it doesnt feel gimmicky at all, its the only game ive played that leaned heavily into the dual screens (as in, the dual screens have a purpose other than allowing for touchscreen controls) and was all the better for it, to the extent that the games remake on modern, single-screen devices is a straight up bad game lmao

[@Gatorboy5678]

2:58 I LOVE HOW YOU PUT YO-KAI WATCH AS THE FIRST EXAMPLE!!!!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@TurkeyFaceX]

For me the 3DS has always been a great platform that never lost relevance. See the Switch as great as it is, its less portable than the 3DS. Sure you could argue it can be used as a portable, but even the Lite model is bigger than the 3DS itself. And if you're like me and went for the full hybrid version of the Switch, there are only two ways to carry it with you. You can either put the screen in one pocket and Joy Cons in the other (I use a shell case to protect the screen btw), or put it in a case and carry it in a bag. The 3DS is ten fold easier as it easily fits into one pocket and protects itself with its clamp shell design. Its for this reason I tend to carry my 3DS more frequently than my Switch when I'm on the go.

[@TyshaggyGaming]

Totally not me being able to fit an entire Nintendo Switch in my shorts pockets.

[@TurkeyFaceX]

​@@TyshaggyGaming I imagine doing so makes your shorts not comfy and easy to wear.

[@TyshaggyGaming]

@@TurkeyFaceX Nice reference, but in all honesty, it hardly makes a difference in comfort

[@mightza3781]

The real killer for handhelds are oversized phones that already take up an entire pocket. Mobile gaming market is actually bigger than consoles in terms of revenue even if a lot of it is micro-transaction FOMO garbage which has given executives the great idea of adding those "features" to console games.

[@TatsuyaWow]

@@mightza3781 ppl forgot that handheld was meant to last long , portable, good battery and durability, and now over size heat machine that last max 130 min on AAA title lol we got pc or console for that. Now we need to go indie chinese brand handheld to get emulate games kinda sad and these device we dont know how long will last or even if the quality are good

[@TS-je3cl]

I recently purchased my first 3ds ever for 70€, modded it. And realized how awesome it is! Especially what the community has done for the 3ds is breathtaking, when you come from other console modding communities. And honestly it sounds weird but I don't feel like I'm missing out on much regarding the server closing. The community has largely fixed everything to a point of acceptable functionality.

[@vortexlisa]

The GBA issue is to do with SD cards over 32gb and cluster size chosen. You need to pick 64kb as the cluster size and then they will be normal.

[@TheNiteNinja19]

I use a 512gb card and wrap the GBA games into the .3ds format and install them with FBI. Even difficult to emulate games like Golden Sun run flawlessly.

[@vortexlisa]

@TheNiteNinja19 I've never personally ran them as .3DS throgh fbi I tend to install them as .cia files. I had the weird screen issue at first and it took forever to find a solution... maybe making them .3ds would have been simpler. I don't know. I've never really understood why the cluster size does this with installed gba games.. I just know that fixed it.

[@Ornithopter470]

​@@vortexlisathe cluster size has to do with memory addressing. If the cluster size is smaller, then you end up needing many more cycles to actually read the data from a Given block.

[@klissattack]

I'm definitely part of the Homebrew Community as for why I'm still playing. Got a bunch of emulators (and a 126gb sd card). Currently I have all the mainline pokemon games on it and theyve all been patched to allow trade evolutions without the trade. That mixed with PKSM to transfer my caught pokemon has been a blast. 13:00 Retroarch has been great for NES, SNES and GB/A

[@Blazio]

I think people have kept caring about it for a while, its just the servers and pretendo and all that have put it in the news spotlight again so people are more vocal about still playing it.

[@AleSpeedcuber]

The Homebrew community focus a lot on the 3DS.For example,2 days ago a new Luma3DS firmware camed out.Imo, the 3DS should continue to matter in the next years.

[@SJrad]

The switch’s built in home software and menus definitely lacks the charm that the 3ds and wii u had. And while it is portable, i almost exclusively play my switch in docked because the joycons constantly disconnect as if they were detached from the screen. And with online multiplayer games like splatoon 3, i rather have an Ethernet connection for the best possible experience. As a result of it trying to cater to both, it’s held back by its hardware.

[@thecatmangaming5503]

The switch is very much the worst of both worlds unfortunately, for a TV exclusive user like you yeah it's very weak, and for a handheld exclusive user it's not really that portable, you'd need it in a case and rucksack really where a DS would just slide in your pocket and be fully protected The hybridity only works for users who are roughly 50/50 between both play modes and I genuinely dont know how many that is

[@lars1588]

The Switch menus remind me of the Windows 10 UI lol. Not very Nintendo at all.

[@oriongear2499]

But hey! It sure is easy to Emulate!

[@PFLX113]

I Love This folding design with the DS line and the small footprint it’s just gorgeous!

[@calculateddeclination5534]

I love the switch, but if I want to play on the couch I play a home console and if I want to play a handheld I play a vita or 3ds. I miss the pocketable handheld gaming eras. They were awesome. I still keep them alive by playing on my modded 3ds and vita. My blue 3ds and vita turn heads. People are very interested. The market is still there. They should just make pocketable handheld consoles again. Better than lugging around a switch or a steam deck around in a shoulder bag/ phanny pack.

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

It's called a hybrid welcome to the modern age😂😂😂 there is o reason for the games to not be in the same eco system anymore a hig box stuck under and tv or a small screen j your pocket but not on the tv is OBSOLETE

[@vanyadolly]

Exactly. The 3DS is a superior portable device. The Switch is a glorified home console. Which isn't bad thing, but one doesn't need to replace the other.

[@TatsuyaWow]

hell yeah some like me who love ps vita and 3ds w dont need the switch or even switch 2

[@cleverman383]

The thing that people don't grasp is that the games for these devices are literally made different. If you're a game developer, and you're making a 3DS game, you know that everyone playing your game is going to be playing it on a small device that they can play for a few minutes, put in their pocket, play for another few minutes, and so on. They're also likely to be watching or listening to something else while they play it, or at least be slightly distracted. This results in very different games than when the developer expects everyone to be sitting down and playing the game and giving it their full attention for a good 2-5 hours at a time.

[@mastnes1]

I bought my first ds system ever 2 months ago, last handheld I got was a SP that got broke in 2008. I paid $80 for a fully modded 3DS and get to play all the pokemon games I missed out on.

[@luigi2582]

Nintendo: tomorrow your 3ds will explode!!!

[@kitestar]

They said that about Wii, probably, didn’t stop the likes of riiconnect24, wiimfi…altwfc???

[@Noah-bi4ll]

Please, let it be today

[@luigi2582]

​@@Noah-bi4ll Im not nintendo but ok

[@TheNiteNinja19]

Yeah block updates lol

[@bigwee125]

There literally was a game about the 3DS exploding (Japan only), it was very fun

[@Barleh]

dude i remember playing metroid prime hunters on the og DS and being blown away by how effective aiming with a stylus was in a FPS

[@Rman1228]

I've had my Old 3DS modded for years, but seeing the outpouring of interest into this little handheld that I've spent so much time with is truly a unique feeling. Once I can purchase a replacement battery (mine was beginning to look like a spicy pillow) and get a hard drive for my Wii U the next few years are gonna go crazy

[@bulletslurp7355]

looking to get a wiiu as well for wind waker lol

[@HilohaGaming]

that ending actually made me chuckle, subscribed and liked.

[@meeks2165]

Ive asked my parents and grandparents for a 3DS for years and i still want one

[@cem8456]

Respect

[@scoop-thecringe]

at least just get you the 3ds already after like 12 years

[@Camoflague]

Use citra on your phone or computer (it got shutdown but there's another version still up on google)

[@blaiddfumbler]

fr get a 2ds xl, has better build quality than the regular 3ds xl

[@htsunmiku]

​​@@blaiddfumbler it actually doesn't. Best builds are the new 3ds models and the first 2ds. 2ds xl is fine but I've seen multiple people have the hinges crack. All it does is modernise the desgin. The stylus is also the worst from any DS model.

[@LeaveMeArone]

It literally is so good. I wish they would just keep supporting it at least online services and producing consoles…..

[@tasoganedude]

The World Ends With You was awesome on dual screens!

[@BikotoCH]

Super Underrated dude! Kinda want to play my 3ds now ha ha Keep it up!

[@mybeltruns]

Awesome vid and well written! You touched on a lot of points that I've also been thinking about the past few days. I haven't opened my 3ds for so long, but have also been drawn back by no longer feeling any moral reservations to actually mod my device given its discontinuation of services and support. Going back to these older game libraries has also scratched an itch for me I didn't realize I had, missing the nostalgia of shorter, simpler pick up and play handheld gaming sessions, that I've found have been easier to fit into my life.

[@mjshinyhunter]

thank you so much! i agree that only recently i’ve been thinking about how much handheld gaming has changed with the switch. i miss that old era of pick up and play titles!

[@newtzrcool]

8:41 It's actually fairly straightforward, especially in comparison to upgrading something like a homebrewed Switch or modded Vita's storage. All you need to do is format the new SD card as fat32 and then copy over the files from the old SD card onto the new one.

[@animationmann6612]

Having handhelds that fit in the Average Pocket are always gonna be loved i like my Steam Deck but only at home on the go i desire a small handheld

[@trle964]

The wii u was ahead of its time for a home console imo. So many cool things implemented into it and no one really appreciated it. The gamepad was so cozy and fun to hold in your hand and it truly was so special. It looks more futuristic than the switch. I just cant get past people disliking it.

[@ebapcs]

The 3DS, especially the Street Pass feature, is so cool and would be super fun to use today!

[@sirripsalot420]

Mario vs Donkey Kong will not be slandered here

[@Sapphire200]

16:00 if your pc has wifi you can use it as a hotspot for the 3DS while still using ethernet cable. Also recommended if your 3DS can't find your router bc of newer security protocols

[@mjshinyhunter]

i didn’t know about that! that’s definitely something i’ll have to try. thanks for the tip!

[@hugocardenasulloa3334]

I really, really, enjoyed 2 screens fire emblem, having the stats always on display was amazing. I got used to play 1 screen again, but for some games like FE I couldn't. I still play time to time in 3ds.

[@trovulnyan3370]

10:19 There is an English fan translation, it's not finished, but it has a decent amount of translated stuff (like a full main story translation)

[@mjshinyhunter]

interesting! i’ll have to give that a look

[@Richtofen-gy9cj]

@@mjshinyhunter Do those online services include the Pokemon Bank?

[@GamersCharisma]

Anything in TwilightMenu will run in DS mode, including SNES games. You are better off sticking with just DS games in TwilightMenu and running the rest from 3DS native emulators

[@BIRDBOI]

15:56 make a hotspot on your laptop called "mobile hotspot" in windows settings then connect your 3ds to that hotspot and then your connection will be faster also make it 2.4GHz not 5GHz

[@Oretal]

Thank you for mentioning the GHz requirement. I noticed the 3ds couldn’t handle 5GHz a few years back and I was so confused as to why it couldn’t connect to the internet for a little while. Once I realized I was like “damn…”. Thankfully I have a device that can convert 5 to 2.4 so that’s nice :]

[@somesalmon5694]

This is actually a brilliant idea, thanks for mentioning this!

[@Mito383]

I never stopped caring. My New 3DS is still my favorite console.

[@Kniffel101]

Some things to note: - all non-3DS games can be run in sharp, native resolution by holding Start or Select when booting the game until you see it run - open_agb_firm is the best way to run GBA games natively, but for New 3DS/2DS mGBA runs fine enough as you said, but not on old 3DS (except for GB/GBC games, those are fine) - running games natively is not emulation, be it through open_agb_firm or twilight menu

[@grantschilb8019]

This^ I still use an old 3DS and open agb firm does wonders.

[@bleachpong]

I actually just bought a new one and replaced the parts in my first model. H shop and Pretendo makes this handheld shine brighter than ever and I personally like playing on something that isn't monitored anymore by my most hated gaming company. Plus the 3d remakes of Ocarina Of Time and Majoras Mask are still stuck on there

[@Cyko..]

Not really. The shop is good but Pretendo blows chunks compared to Nintendo’s servers. Nintendo had thousands employed with thousands of servers worldwide. Pretendo has 9 people and only a few servers. Guess who wins?

[@bleachpong]

@@Cyko.. pretendo. Because it's all we got now

[@Cyko..]

@@bleachpong That’s fair. The only online game I ever got into on the 3DS is Mario Kart so I can still play that on the Switch. I can still enjoy my 3DS without playing online with others.

[@Astral52_]

I was lucky enough to get my 3DS XL a few days ago because my friend was gonna exchange it at a game shop but I intervened before we got there and he gave it to me along with 2 games, LOZ OOT 3D and FE Awakening. After thinking real hard about either wanting to preserve the natural state of my 3DS or mod it, I was convinced to mod it because of the potential it had to play other games I may not experience in the future or have experienced before. All in all I'm glad I did

[@NottJoeyOfficial]

Just so you know, it's not hard to move data to a new SD card. If you want a new SD card for your 3DS, all you have to do is format it to FAT32 on a PC and then copy all the data over to it from the old SD card on the PC. There's nothing special that needs to be done! It is however recommended to not go higher than a 128 gigabyte SD card on the thing due to compatibility issues.

[@NottJoeyOfficial]

Also, for DS and GBA, Twilight Menu is not emulation! It's full backwards compatibility and that's amazing because it means better compatibility! As for SNES, if you have a New 3DS it's recommended to use Virtual Console injects on the home menu. If you have an Old 3DS, don't try is the recommendation lol.

[@workinprogress8978]

​@@NottJoeyOfficial SNES9X emulator makes pretty much any of the SNES VC games for 3ds fully playable, except for Super FX games. You can even VC inject them using a version of SNES9X so they look pretty much the same on your home screen. Luckily for some of those (Yoshi's Island, Star Fox) there are ports or replacements available on GBA or other systems that are natively compatible. You really aren't missing much by modding an old 3ds vs a new 3ds except for the very small list of New 3DS exclusive games (Xenoblade, Warriors games, Minecraft) and maybe a homebrew game or two intended for the new 3ds.

[@dragoon1090]

I have a 256 in mine and it's almost full. I don't have any problems at all.

[@NottJoeyOfficial]

@@dragoon1090 I'll be honest, I considered it because my 128 is very full, but I decided against it and will just figure things out if the 300 titles I have installed aren't enough lol

[@TatsuyaWow]

@@NottJoeyOfficial i use my ps vita for GBA lol i try both adn it run better on the vita but some snes dont run as well so the rest is on the 3ds best of both world tbh

[@iraplikeyoubreathe]

It's a great system with an incredible selection of games. I only got my first system in 2016 late in its life, but in January of 2021 I bought a mint condition galaxy xl at a local pawn shop for 115 dollars, it's been a fantastic addition to my gaming rotation.

[@Monsuco]

Twilight Menu runs in DS mode so it's too limited to play SNES accurately since the OG DS has a very weak CPU. There's a port of Snes9x for 3DS that WILL be able to use the 3DS's much more powerful hardware. Similar situation for Sega Genesis / Mega Drive. The mGBA emulator works fine on the "New 3DS" models however it often struggles on "old 3DS" hardware. Instead there are tools to inject GBA ROMs into the "DS ambassador" Gameboy Advance virtual console titles. There's also the option of temporarily booting the 3DS into a custom boot firmware called Open AGB Firm. These don't emulate the GBA per se, they actually take advantage of the fact that the 3DS is similar enough to the GBA that it can run GBA code natively. When you attempt to run GBA games from Twilight Menu it will do so using a homebrew program for the original DS called GBARunner2 which kinda ran GBA games inside of a virtual machine. Most games will work but audio & video issues are common with GBARunner2.

[@Official_Trip]

what you said about game prices and the size of the games is spot on, i dont remember spending more than £30 on any DS game

[@Nando75549]

I still have my old 3DS since the year it came out. Used to play it none stop for days. Even modded the system back in 2019.

[@trovulnyan3370]

Great video!!! Didn't know you were a Yo-kai watch fan

[@mjshinyhunter]

thanks! i’ve been a huge fan of the series since the first game came out!

[@Gatorboy5678]

Frrrrrrr ❤❤❤❤

[@lukytay]

had the original 3DS on release and never upgraded. But once the store went down and the announcements came out, I upgraded to a NEW 3DS XL as the prices were rising. Modding the system is too easy & has such a great list of games

[@madnessarcade7447]

Wii U also is quirky and underrated imo Doesn’t matter if two games are on the same system or genre if they’re different approaches with a different audience in mind then they’re different

[@QuackersLuv]

Its simple, Nintendo closed the shop and now EVERY game is free if you homebrew it

[@pianoragslad2316]

Some people still play the game boy color which is 26 years old.

[@JonnyJayKhan]

My Nintendo 3DS was solely a device for me to put 300+ hours into every Pokémon game so now that the Switch has gotten me into other games it’s very very tempting to get a copy of Samus Returns or Ocarina of Time for the 3DS to play in bed when I feel finished with my main game for the day, playing 3DS in bed is just such a comfort thing

[@bilgtex]

If you're willing, GBA games can be added to the home screen too, or run natively through open AGB firm from Universal Updater. It played GBA flawlessly, but you do lose save states and stuff if that's important to you personally.

[@TatsuyaWow]

prefer ps vita for GBA in N3ds it lag abit trying to emulate and cant use cheat as well

[@evannewman3997]

Yeah, nothing beats original hardware when it comes to touchscreen-based games on the DS. I don't recommend playing pokemon ranger on a capacitive touch screen! As an aside, I would play that series on wii-u virtual console if possible, given the advantages of a larger screen.

[@mjshinyhunter]

I agree! Playing games like Pokemon Ranger on original hardware just feels right

[@danielbastuck3080]

I like the fact that you capture your footage from your device like that :)

[@Alex-hj2jd]

Odd question. It always has been popular.

[@pinkomega4145]

transfering files from sds is incredibly easy, you format the sd, copy your files onto a folder then paste them onto the new sd

[@cllaay]

Wow this is sick, i wouldnt have known about this! Free eshop is so cool, but emulators of other consoles is next level. I think theres a very good conversation to be had about pokemon not really accepting or properly adjusting to what console it is on right now. Going from nintendos handheld star to splitting games between a “real console” and mobile games hasnt felt like a great balance.

[@Graze19]

I’ve been procrastinating modding my 3DS for soo long

[@mjshinyhunter]

well now is your chance to go do it!

[@funniegaminstuff]

same! please help me

[@BlouePickdMan]

@@funniegaminstuff You should do it. It's worth it.

[@Dreaming-Void]

@@funniegaminstuff i can help you :D!

[@xBrayL]

No just no please use the offical 3ds hacks guide please it’s the most up to date legit easy and free guide way better then video guides that can become outdated

[@4ngeldus739]

hey I haven't been able to get pretendo working on mine, I've got it downloaded and enabled but I had issues logging in, is there any extra steps you would suggest that weren't explained well in the original setup instructions?

[@mjshinyhunter]

i had this same problem! basically you have to create an account on their website and then log in to a nintendo network id in the settings using the same information. if you’re on the pretendo servers it just work just fine and then you’re in! hope this helps!

[@blockman89]

I don't use my 3ds a lot today but I did mod mine way back and got so much out of it. However, I recently modded and gifted my Japanese 3ds for my gf and she has been really enjoying it. She isn't the biggest gamer, but she has been able to relive lots of memories with GBA and DS titles thanks to homebrew and ofc also play 3ds titles she never got the chance to enjoy. Glad I kept that thing around. I kept trying to sell it after modding my main 3ds (Bought a JPN system just to play imports like Dragon Ball Heroes)

[@FunBottleGames]

“(Privacy Is Fair Game)” 9:51

[@Rottypops]

Hearing you talk about the 3DS as if it's an obscure, quirky system that no one ever played or cared about is weird considering that Nintendo wanting to move on from the 3DS and focus on switch was actually struggling to abandon 3DS because people kept buying new units

[@buyingmilk]

I just want to play new leaf

[@W1ck3d_Dr3ams]

I grew up on a 2DS and 2DS XL. Now that I've got a 3DS XL that's been homebrewed, I'm having the time of my life. I love my 3DS, and I'm glad it's getting popular again.

[@gazehound]

Dude, first rule of hShop is you do not talk about hShop.

[@PalmDesertRock]

I bought a 3DS on release and sold it a few months later because there were no games that I had an interest in. But I knew I'd get another one eventually. So when Nintendo announced that they were gonna stop production a few years back, I bought a N3DSXL SNES Edition, because I expected prices to go up considerably from then on. Bought Samus Returns on cartridge and another ~40 games in the eShop. Replaced the C-Nub with a PSP Thumbstick and got a grip accessory that makes it more comfortable to hold with larger hands. Perfect setup, right on time. I love that little machine, and looking up the current prices for this specific console, even used, I'm glad I had the foresight to get it while it was still being sold at its MSRP.

[@sohaibhamdan2114]

the 3ds exists because it makes us realize how blant the switch is imo

[@arianaponytail]

i loved played nintendo ds and 3ds , i sold them at some point wich i regret . now when i see all that can be done with them. i will look to find one again. thanks so much for sharing all this info

[@pz3625]

There's a Sony handheld you have to try out it's called the PlayStation Vita Sony just didn't give it a lot of love

[@lovesickviolet]

the psp was ahead of its time fr 😔

[@TatsuyaWow]

i got both and i play both ! more the vita becuz of emulation is better

[@Natoursofcourse]

I think a big reason why people miss the 3DS is that it was from nintendo's experimental era. Since the switch, nintendo has been doing a lot of sticking to what works which is amazing for the system's legacy during lockdown and stuff. However, the 3DS did so many unique things with themes, nintendo badge arcade, and it's games. Theres still nothing like Kid icarus: Uprising, Tomodachi life, The pushmo series, and all the other weird third and first party games that they let onto the system. There was something very strangely curated about the 3DS eShop, whereas compared to the switch you can tell that there isn't much quality assurance.

[@AltairEgo1]

I miss the 3D the most. Having a built-in glassesless 3D screen in the 3DS was revolutionary and made the games look great.

[@mushroompizzalad3965]

If the 3DS hurt your eyes you are weak and will not survive the winter

[@rue483]

The whimsy (the menu music! the mii music!), the onboard apps (long live streetpass!), the sheer size of its game catalog, no subscriptions required, FREE ONLINE GAMEPLAY, the homebrew capability, and the FORM FACTOR! Just now, right now, I tried putting my new 3ds xl in my pocket just to see if it would fit, and it fits! I am wearing women's shorts! it fits in the pocket! This was always may major thing with the switch - I'm not dissing it - but I thought that it's marketing as a handheld felt flat seeing that you can't reliably take it anywhere without a case. And a lot of it is nostalgia. A lot of people, inclusing me, grew up with the 3DS and all its delightful features, and now that it's been dropped by nintendo there's virtually nothing keeping people from buying and tinkering on the console they loved as kids.

[@bloomxx.]

Since around 2018 i was looking for this console as a pokemon fan, because of it having most of the titles, but I never knew it had so much to offer. even today, when I have been the happy owner of a switch for 5 years, I am considering buying it, I think it has something special about it:)

[@murring]

past owner of a 3DS XL here, since i was in elementary school until i sold it sadly. i remember when i would go to school and put it in my backpack, and after school i'd be so happy to see the amount of people who were in my mii plaza, that was such a cool feature in my opinion and i wish they never discontinued that in the first place. one day ima get it back again just for the nostalgia. 🙏

[@ValeZ-sk9cr]

People want 3ds because of nostalgia and all fun games there is. Its completely easy to homebrew it and playing for fun in bed is all I want

[@jankrnac3535]

Just proving my point, I was arguing with Nintendo players few months ago about 7 years long game lifespan (1 console that can run a game) is too short for games and Nintendo should do more for compatibility or atleast longer support. Whilte they arguing ,,7 years is lot of time, nothing can last forefewer", few months after that come survey about how old games on different platforms are played the most, and Switch is literally only platform with medium old games less that 7 years, on PC it is 12 years old games. WiiU was in production untill 2014 and 3DS was some made even in 2020, that consoles are not really old.