| Name | Nintendo 3DS |
| Type | Handheld game console |
| Status | Experimental, limited mainstream appeal |
| Display | Stereoscopic 3D (without glasses) |
| Storage | Game cards |
| Developer | |
| Connectivity | WiFi • Bluetooth |
| Discontinued | July 2020 |
| Release date | February 2011 |
The Nintendo 3DS was an early attempt by Nintendo to bring stereoscopic 3D gaming to the handheld market. Developed in the mid-1990s and released in 1997, the 3DS predated Nintendo's hugely successful Nintendo DS system by nearly a decade.
In the early 1990s, Nintendo was exploring ways to bring 3D graphics and visuals to their portable gaming devices, which at the time were limited to 2D sprite-based graphics. The company's research led them to develop a new type of 3D display that could produce a stereoscopic effect without the need for special glasses.
However, the technical challenges proved immense, and Nintendo's initial prototypes struggled with issues like limited viewing angles, high power consumption, and poor image quality. It wasn't until the mid-1990s that the company was able to create a 3D handheld device that they felt was commercially viable.
The resulting Nintendo 3DS featured a glasses-free 3D display, using a lenticular lens array to create the stereoscopic effect. This required the player to hold the device at a precise distance and angle to get the full 3D experience. The system also included a rear-mounted analog stick and traditional D-pad and button controls.
Nintendo promoted the 3DS as offering a new dimension to portable gaming, with select titles taking advantage of the 3D capabilities. Notable 3DS games included Super Mario 3D Land, The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, Metroid Prime: Hunters, and Pokémon 3D Adventures.
However, the 3D effect was often criticized as gimmicky, with many players preferring to turn off the 3D feature entirely. The limited viewing angle and other technical limitations also hampered the overall user experience.
Beyond gaming, the 3DS offered a few other features like a built-in camera that could take 3D photos, as well as basic multimedia playback capabilities.
Despite Nintendo's marketing efforts, the 3DS struggled to find a mainstream audience, particularly in the face of the hugely successful Nintendo DS line. With a relatively high price point and niche appeal, the 3DS sold only around 12 million units worldwide before Nintendo discontinued it in 2002.
However, the 3DS did develop a devoted cult following among enthusiasts who appreciated its innovative 3D technology and unique game library. It is now regarded as an important early experiment in portable 3D gaming, paving the way for later developments in autostereoscopic displays and virtual reality.
While the 3DS itself was not a commercial success, many of the lessons learned in its development influenced Nintendo's future handheld designs. The company continued to experiment with new ways to enhance the portable gaming experience, ultimately leading to the tremendously successful launch of the Nintendo DS just a few years later.
