Nintendo 3DS FAQ

No, sadly, it doesn't come with the redhead.

What features come with the 3DS out of the box? What features will be added later via patches?

-The 3DS comes with three cameras (two external, one internal). It takes and stores pictures, can record sound through the microphone, play MP3’s, and record data to an SD card (Each unit comes with a free 2 GB card inside). It’s fully backward compatible with DS games.  It’s wireless enabled and can use the StreetPass function to communicate with other systems it comes nearby to trade info on games. There are also plans to release 3D movies and an internet browser sometime down the road.

Is it true that the 3DS can take 3D photos?

-Yep. That’s what the two external cameras are for – by snapping a pic with both cameras and then overlaying the images, a 3D picture is created.

There have been reports of users getting headaches soon after playing the device. Is this true? If so, how can I avoid getting headaches?

-Nintendo tells you to take short breaks after every 30 minutes of playtime. We suggest you take a break if you are getting a headache or adjust the 3D slider until you find a more comfortable level of 3D.


How do 3DS cartridges differ from DS ones?

-The 3DS carts are almost exactly the same size and shape as normal DS games. A small tab jutting out of the side of each 3DS cart prevents you from being able to place it in a DS, but that’s the only aesthetic difference besides the gray coloring. 3DS carts also hold up to 2 GB of information.

Can I play DS games on my 3DS? Will they play in 3D?

-The 3DS will play all original DS games, however they won’t be displayed in 3D.

Can I play 3DS games in a DS or DSi?

-No, sorry.

Will my old DS/DSi/DSiXL accessories work for with a 3DS?

-Headphones and touch screen protectors work the same with a 3DS. The AC adapter, however, has a different shaped input so you can’t use your old one.

Is the 3DS region-free?

-3DS games are not region-free, however, original DS games are. This means that even though your 3DS is technically region-locked for any new 3DS games, you can still play old DS games from anywhere in the world.

What is the 3DS' major key strength outside of 3D?

-The 3DS is far more powerful than its predecessor. It sports vastly improved graphics, even rivaling current-generation consoles on occasion. The top screen is also wider, the Circle Pad makes controlling many games much easier, and the wireless functionality is broader than on the DS.

Why should I care about the play coins I get for walking around with my 3DS?

-It depends on what you like to play. The coins are used to buy new stuff in AR Games and StreetPass Mii Plaza (a mini-game collection of sorts that expands as you meet more people). But even if you don’t play those, play coins can be used to buy things in various 3DS games. As an example, Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition allows you to use your coins to purchase BP, which you would otherwise gain only through fighting matches.

What's the best reason to wait for a 3DS?

-Simply put, the games. The launch lineup doesn’t have many knockouts, but it’s only going to be a few months before the A-list titles start coming out, like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Star Fox 64 3D, Kid Icarus Uprising, new Resident Evil games, Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D, and Professor Layton.

What's the best reason to buy a 3DS right now?

-The applications that come with the system, AR Games and Face Raiders, are both actually very cool and more than just fluff. They’re actually better at illustrating the potential of the system than any of the launch titles.