Nintendo 3DS
The Nintendo 3DS
Manufacturer	Nintendo
Type	Handheld game console
Released	March 27, 2011 February 26, 2011 March 31, 2011 March 25, 2011
Media	Nintendo DS Game Card Nintendo 3DS Game Card SD Card
Predecessor	Nintendo DS

The Nintendo 3DS is a portable video game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. The 3DS, successor to the Nintendo DS series of handheld consoles, features a clamshell design similar to the DSi, with two LCD screens, the bottom screen being a touch-sensitive screen, and the top one being a 3D-compatible widescreen. The 3DS has the ability to produce 3D stereoscopic effects without the use of special glasses, via a process known as auto-stereoscopy. To control the 3D effect, the Nintendo 3DS features a 3D Depth Slider, which allows the 3D effect to be scaled back or completely turned off. Similar to the Wii, the 3DS features a Home button used to bring up system functions.

At launch, the 3DS was released in two colors, Aqua Blue and Cosmo Black, with a slew of other color options being released gradually. Notably, a version of the 3DS bundled with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Legend of Zelda series is scheduled for release. This 3DS incorporates elements from the series such as the Triforce, the Ocarina of Time, and the Goddess's Harp, as symbols in its design.

A year after release, the Nintendo 3DS XL was announced on the 21 of June with the release date set in the late summer. Much like the Nintendo DSi XL, the 3DS XL will feature longer battery life and screens which are 90% larger. This version is not set to replace the 3DS and both will still be released alongside the 3DS XL. The new handheld will be released in matte color in the combination of red and black and blue and black.

Features

The 3DS offers full backwards compatibility for Nintendo DS games, as well as downloadable content purchased for the DSi, or DSi XL. The Nintendo 3DS also features old features such as a built-in microphone and supports Wi-Fi standards, allowing players to interact with each other within short range or online. The 3DS can communicate with other 3DS devices when in close proximity with each other by using StreetPass or over the Internet using SpotPass, similar to the Wii's WiiConnect24 service. The 3DS can use StreetPass and SpotPass when in sleep mode.

The Nintendo eShop features a Virtual Console service, allowing players to purchase and download Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, which have been modified to utilize the 3D stereoscopic capabilities of the 3DS, as well as DSiWare and games specifically made for the Nintendo 3DS. The eShop also features game information, ratings, and demos, similar to the Wii's Nintendo Channel. The 3DS also has a built-in pedometer feature which can be used to earn Play Coins, virtual currency used for various purposes in certain titles, based on how much the user walks.

Other new features include an analog joystick called the "Circle Pad," a telescoping stylus, three cameras (two in the front for taking 3D pictures), a motion sensor, a gyro sensor, and a charging cradle terminal. The system was initially shown in many different colors, including red, blue, and black. The colors available at the system's launch were Aqua Blue and Cosmo Black.

Zelda games released on the 3DS

• The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX (2011)
• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (2011)
• The Legend of Zelda (2011)
• Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (2011)
• The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition (2011)
• The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (2011)
• The Legend of Zelda 3DS (TBA)

Gallery

The upcoming Nintendo 3DS XL

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