The New Nintendo 3DS, released in 2014 (Japan) and 2015 (North America and Europe) by Nintendo, was a mid-generation refresh of the original Nintendo 3DS. While visually similar, the New Nintendo 3DS boasted significant internal upgrades, including a faster processor, increased RAM, and additional buttons (ZL and ZR triggers, as well as a C-Stick nub). These enhancements allowed for improved performance, smoother gameplay, and the ability to play exclusive titles not compatible with older 3DS models, most notably Xenoblade Chronicles 3D.
The New Nintendo 3DS also featured improved 3D viewing angles thanks to face-tracking technology, making the stereoscopic 3D effect more stable and less prone to distortion. This addressed a common complaint about the original 3DS. Furthermore, the inclusion of NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality enabled amiibo support, expanding the possibilities for in-game interactions and collectible figures. The console came in two models: the standard New Nintendo 3DS with interchangeable faceplates and the larger New Nintendo 3DS XL, which offered a larger screen size but lacked the customization options. The New Nintendo 3DS contributed to the continued success of the 3DS family, offering a refined and enhanced handheld gaming experience.
Despite its improvements, the New Nintendo 3DS faced some criticism for its staggered release and confusing naming convention, leading some consumers to mistakenly believe it was a completely new console generation. The limited availability of certain exclusive titles, while highlighting the system's capabilities, also created frustration among owners of the original 3DS. Nevertheless, the New Nintendo 3DS is now appreciated as a valuable upgrade that extended the lifespan of the 3DS platform and provided a superior handheld gaming experience for those who embraced it.
2014
NINTENDO
NEW NINTENDO 3DS
📜 History & Legacy
⚙️ Specifications
- ❖ CPU: ARM11 MPCore Quad-Core (268 MHz)
- ❖ GPU: FC FC4MP GPU (134 MHz)
- ❖ RAM: 256 MB (128 MB FCRAM + 128 MB SDRAM)
- ❖ Storage: MicroSDHC card slot (4GB card included)
- ❖ Media: Nintendo 3DS Game Card, Digital Downloads
🎮 Top 10 Games
- ★ Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
- ★ The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D
- ★ Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
- ★ Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
- ★ Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
- ★ Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright/Conquest/Revelation
- ★ Animal Crossing: New Leaf
- ★ Metroid: Samus Returns
- ★ Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
- ★ The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
💡 Curiosities
- ? Curiosity 1 (Did you know?) The New Nintendo 3DS had a slightly different button layout compared to the original 3DS, with the Start and Select buttons relocated below the screen.
- ? Curiosity 2 The New Nintendo 3DS XL was the only model released in North America initially, with the standard-sized New Nintendo 3DS arriving later in limited quantities and bundles.
- ? Curiosity 3 The face-tracking 3D technology used the internal camera to detect the player's face and adjust the 3D effect accordingly.
- ? Curiosity 4 The New Nintendo 3DS could play SNES Virtual Console titles that the original 3DS couldn't, due to its more powerful processor.
- ? Curiosity 5 The C-Stick was designed as an analog nub, similar to the GameCube's C-Stick, providing additional control options in certain games.
- ? Curiosity 6 The New Nintendo 3DS used a different AC adapter than the original 3DS, requiring a separate purchase for those upgrading.
- ? Curiosity 7 Some special edition New Nintendo 3DS models came with unique faceplates featuring characters like Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon.
- ? Curiosity 8 The improved processor also resulted in faster download speeds and quicker loading times compared to the original 3DS.
- ? Curiosity 9 The New Nintendo 3DS had a slightly longer battery life compared to the original 3DS.
- ? Curiosity 10 The New Nintendo 3DS was the last Nintendo handheld to use the 3D display technology.