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Nintendo 3DS

Nintendo · Handheld 2011 Oem 5

Nintendo 3DS is a clamshell retro gaming handheld launched in 2011. Powered by ARM11 (2-core, 268 MHz), 128 MB RAM and DMP PICA200 GPU. Features a 3.53" TN LCD (dual screens, glasses-free 3D top) display (800 x 240 top, 320 x 240 bottom). 1300 mAh battery and WiFi 802.11b/g/n. Runs Nintendo 3DS System Software. Glasses-free autostereoscopic 3D top screen. Backward-compatible with DS games.

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Nintendo 3DS is a clamshell retro gaming handheld launched in 2011. Powered by ARM11 (2-core, 268 MHz), 128 MB RAM and DMP PICA200 GPU. Features a 3.53" TN LCD (dual screens, glasses-free 3D top) display (800 x 240 top, 320 x 240 bottom). 1300 mAh battery and WiFi 802.11b/g/n. Runs Nintendo 3DS System Software. Glasses-free autostereoscopic 3D top screen. Backward-compatible with DS games.

The Nintendo 3DS is the clamshell handheld Nintendo launched in 2011, best known for its glasses-free autostereoscopic 3D top screen. Inside is a dual-core ARM11 CPU at 268 MHz, 128 MB of RAM and a Digital Media Professionals PICA200 GPU, also clocked at 268 MHz. It plays the 3DS library natively and is backward-compatible with Nintendo DS games.

As an emulation device, the 3DS runs Game Boy Advance and Sega Genesis / Mega Drive games at full speed, and most SNES titles are playable, except those relying on the FX chip. The platform list stretches to PlayStation and Nintendo 64, but its comfort zone remains the 16-bit generation.

The 3.53-inch TN primary screen has an 800 x 240 resolution in a 5:3 aspect ratio at 236.61 PPI, while the secondary touchscreen offers 320 x 240 in 4:3. A dedicated slider adjusts the depth of the 3D effect, and brightness is set through the menu.

Controls include an analog slidepad on top, a cross D-pad below it, four face buttons, L and R shoulders, plus Home and Power buttons, a volume slider and a wireless switch. Sensors cover an accelerometer, gyro, microphone, a front camera and dual rear cameras. The console measures 134 x 74 x 22 mm and weighs 235 g. There is no rumble.

The 1300 mAh battery charges through a proprietary port, with a red power LED warning when it runs low. Connectivity includes WiFi, an IR transceiver and an NFC reader, while audio comes from front-facing stereo speakers or the 3.5mm headphone jack. Storage is SD-based, with 1 GB available.

The operating system is proprietary, but the modding scene is mature: boot9strap together with Luma3DS enables custom firmware, homebrew and emulators. Note that modding voids the warranty.

Ideal for: Nintendo fans who want the 3DS and DS libraries in one device, modding enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a compact clamshell handheld for GBA, Genesis and most SNES games.
Specs for: Nintendo 3DS - Aqua Blue
Specs for: Nintendo 3DS - Cosmo Black
Specs for: Nintendo 3DS - Flare Red
Specs for: Nintendo 3DS - Pearl Pink
Specs for: Nintendo 3DS - Ice White
Specs for: Nintendo 3DS - Cobalt Blue
Specs for: Nintendo 3DS - Midnight Purple
Specs for: Nintendo 3DS - Light Blue
Specs for: Nintendo 3DS - Gloss Pink
Specs for: Nintendo 3DS - Metallic Red
Specs for: Nintendo 3DS - Pure White
Specs for: Nintendo 3DS - Clear Black
Manufacturer
CPU
SoC
CPU CTR
Model
CTR
Architecture
ARM11
Cores
2
Frequency
268 MHz
Instruction Set
ARM
Chipset
Digital Media Professionals PICA200
GPU Frequency
268 MHz
Capacity
128 MB
Size
3.5
Technology
Primary: TN, Secondary: TN, Touchscreen
Resolution
Primary: 800 x 240, Secondary: 320 x 240
Pixel Density (PPI)
236.61
Aspect Ratio
Primary: 5:3, Secondary: 4:3
Lens
Plastic
Capacity
1300 mAh
Analog Sticks
Single slidepad
Stick Placement
Upper
D-Pad
Cross
D-Pad Placement
Lower
Shoulder Buttons
L, R
Extra Buttons
Home, Power, 3D depth slider, Volume slider, Wireless switch
Speaker Type
Dual Stereo
Speaker Position
Front facing
Ports
IR transceiver, NFC reader
Wi-Fi
WiFi 3
Charge Port
Proprietary Port
Audio Output
3.5mm Headphone
Internal Storage
1 GB
Card Support
SD
Operating System
Proprietary
Custom OS Support
boot9strap + Luma3DS
Dimensions
134 mm x 74 mm x 22 mm
Weight
235 g
⚠️

Modifications void warranty

Disassembling this device or installing custom firmware will cancel the manufacturer warranty. Only authorized service personnel should open the unit.

Nintendo · 8 platforms

GB GB
GBC GBC
NES NES
GBA GBA
SNE SNES
NDS NDS
N64 N64
3DS 3DS

Sega · 1 platform

MD MD

Sony · 1 platform

PS1 PS1

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • glasses-free 3D top screen
  • dual screens with touchscreen
  • native 3DS and DS library
  • mature custom firmware with Luma3DS
  • compact clamshell design
  • gyro and cameras

Cons

  • low-resolution TN panels
  • SNES FX chip games not playable
  • no rumble
  • proprietary charging port
  • modding voids warranty

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