Editing Nintendo 3DS

{{Infobox information appliance
| name         = Nintendo 3DS
| logo         = Nintendo 3DS (logo).svg
| image        = Nintendo-3DS-AquaOpen.png
| caption      = An aqua Nintendo 3DS in the open position.
| aka          = 3DS <small>(abbreviation)</small>
| developer    = [[Nintendo Research & Engineering Department|Nintendo RED]]
| manufacturer = [[Nintendo]], [[Foxconn]]
| family       = [[Nintendo 3DS family]]
| type         = [[Handheld game console]]
| generation   = [[Eighth generation of video game consoles|Eighth generation]]
| lifespan     = 2011–present
| discontinued = <!-- In production -->
| media        = Physical and digital<br>[[Nintendo 3DS Game Card]]<br>[[Nintendo DS Game Card]]<br>[[Digital distribution in video games|Digital distribution]] ([[Nintendo eShop]])<br>[[Secure Digital|SD]]/[[SDHC]] card
| os           = [[Nintendo 3DS system software]]
| power        = Battery<br>'''Nintendo 3DS''':<br>1300&nbsp;mAh, 3.7&nbsp;V [[lithium-ion battery]]<br><u>3DS games</u>: 3 to 5 hours<br><u>DS games</u>: 5 to 8 hours<br><u>Sleep Mode</u>: ≈ 3 days<br>'''Nintendo 3DS XL''':<br>1750&nbsp;mAh, 3.7&nbsp;V [[lithium-ion battery]]<br><u>3DS games</u></u>: 3.5 to 6.5 hours<br><u>DS games</u>: 7 to 10 hours<br><u>Sleep Mode</u>: ≈ 3 days
| soc          = 
| cpu          = 268MHz Dual-Core [[ARM11|ARM11 MPCore]], single-core [[ARM9]]
| memory       = 128 MB [[FCRAM]], 6 MB [[VRAM]]
| storage      = 1&nbsp;GB internal [[flash memory]]
| memory card  = Included 2&nbsp;[[Gigabyte|GB]] [[Secure Digital card|SD card]] (3DS)<br>Included 4&nbsp;[[Gigabyte|GB]] [[SDHC|SDHC card]] (3DS XL)<br>[[Saved game|Cartridge save]]
| display      = LCD screens<br>'''Nintendo 3DS''':<br><u>Upper</u>: 3.53" [[Autostereoscopy|autostereoscopic]] (3D) [[LCD]] @ 800 × 240 [[Pixel|px]] <small>(400 × 240 [[WQVGA]] per eye)</small><br><u>Lower</u>: 3.00" [[resistive touchscreen]] LCD @ 320 × 240 <small>([[QVGA]])</small><br>'''Nintendo 3DS XL''':<br><u>Upper</u>: 4.88" [[Autostereoscopy|autostereoscopic]] (3D) [[LCD]] @ 800 × 240 [[Pixel|px]] <small>(400 × 240 [[WQVGA]] per eye)</small><br><u>Lower</u>: 4.18" [[resistive touchscreen]] LCD @ 320 × 240 <small>([[QVGA]])</small>
| graphics     = DMP [[PICA200]] GPU
| sound        = [[Stereophonic sound|Stereo speakers]] <small>(pseudo-surround)</small>, [[microphone]]
| input        = A/B/X/Y buttons, [[analog stick|Circle Pad]], L/R bumpers, [[D-pad]], 3D depth slider, volume slider, wireless switch, power button
| controllers  = <!-- Embedded -->
| camera       = One user-facing and two forward-facing [[VGA]] cameras
| touchpad     = <!-- Display -->
| connectivity = 2.4&nbsp;GHz [[802.11b]]/[[802.11g|g]] [[Wi-Fi]], [[Infrared]]
| platform     = 
| dimensions   = Body<br>'''Nintendo 3DS''':<br><u>Width</u>: {{convert|134|mm|in|abbr=on}}<br><u>Height</u>: {{convert|74|mm|in|abbr=on}}<br><u>Depth</u>: {{convert|21|mm|in|abbr=on}}<br>'''Nintendo 3DS XL''':<br><u>Width</u>: {{convert|156|mm|in|abbr=on}}<br><u>Height</u>: {{convert|93|mm|in|abbr=on}}<br><u>Depth</u>: {{convert|22|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| weight       = Body<br>'''Nintendo 3DS''':<br>{{convert|235|g}}<br>'''Nintendo 3DS XL''':<br>{{convert|336|g}}
| compatibility= [[Nintendo DS]] <!-- Do not list Virtual Console service here, as it is software emulation -->
| predecessor  = Nintendo DS
| successor    = [[New Nintendo 3DS]]
| website      = {{URL|www.nintendo.com/3ds}}
| title        = Nintendo 3DS
| releasedate  = '''Nintendo 3DS''':<br />JP: February 26, 2011<br />EU: March 25, 2011<br />NA: March 27, 2011<br />AU: March 31, 2011<br />
'''Nintendo 3DS XL''':<br />JP: July 28, 2012<br />EU: July 28, 2012<br />AU: August 23, 2012br />NA: August 19, 2012
| price        = '''Nintendo 3DS''':<br>[[¥]]25,000/[[US$]]249/[[AU$]]349.95<br>'''Nintendo 3DS XL''': ¥18,900/US$199/AU$349
| unitssold    = <!-- Nintendo only reports shipped units -->
| unitsshipped = '''Original''': 26.25 million <small>(2018-3-31)</small><br>'''All models combined''': 73.53 million <small>(2018-09-30)</small>
| service      = [[Nintendo Network]]<br>
* [[Nintendo eShop]]
* [[Miiverse]]
* [[SpotPass]]
* [[Nintendo Zone]]
| topgame      = ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'', 17.52 million units<br><small>(2018-09-30)</small>
}}

=Introduction=

The '''Nintendo 3DS''', or simply the 3DS, is a [[handheld game console]] produced by [[Nintendo]]. It is capable of displaying [[Stereoscopy|stereoscopic 3D]] effects without the use of [[Stereoscopy#3D viewers|3D glasses]] or additional accessories. Nintendo announced the console in March 2010 and officially unveiled it at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2010|E3 2010]] on June 15, 2010. The console succeeds the [[Nintendo DS]], featuring [[backward compatibility]] with older Nintendo DS video games. Its primary competitor is the [[PlayStation Vita]] from Sony.

<!-- Features -->
The handheld offers new features such as the [[StreetPass]] and [[SpotPass]] tag modes, powered by [[Nintendo Network]]; [[#Augmented reality|augmented reality]], using its [[Stereo camera|3D cameras]]; and [[Virtual Console]], which allows owners to download and play games originally released on older video game systems. It is also pre-loaded with various applications including these: an online distribution store called [[Nintendo eShop]], a [[social networking service]] called [[Nintendo Network|Miiverse]]; an [[Internet Browser (Nintendo 3DS)|Internet Browser]]; the [[Netflix]], [[Hulu Plus]] and [[YouTube]] streaming video services; [[Nintendo Video]]; a messaging application called [[Swapnote]] (known as ''Nintendo Letter Box'' in Europe and Australia); and Mii Maker.

<!-- Sales -->
The Nintendo 3DS was first released in Japan on February 26, 2011, and worldwide beginning in March 2011.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://kotaku.com/5737568/nintendos-3ds-hits-the-us-on-march-27-for-24999 |title=Nintendo's 3DS Hits the U.S. On March 27 for $249.99 |publisher=Kotaku.com |date=January 19, 2011 |accessdate=July 7, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://kotaku.com/5737640/nintendos-3ds-hits-europe-on-march-25 |title=Nintendo's 3DS Hits Europe On March 25 |publisher=Kotaku.com |date=January 19, 2011 |accessdate=July 7, 2012}}</ref> Less than six months later on July 28, 2011, Nintendo announced a significant price reduction from US$249 to US$169 amid disappointing launch sales.<ref name="3DS Price Cut">{{cite news|url=http://mashable.com/2011/07/28/nintendo-cuts-3ds-price/|title=Nintendo 3DS Price Cut to $169 Amid Disappointing Sales|last=Schroeder|first=Stan|date=July 28, 2011|publisher=Mashable.com|accessdate=November 27, 2012}}</ref> The company offered ten free [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] games and ten free [[Game Boy Advance]] games from the [[Nintendo eShop]] to consumers who bought the system at the original launch price.<ref name="Pricedrop">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/07/28/what-do-you-think-about-nintendos-big-3ds-announcement |title=What Do You Think About Nintendo's Big 3DS Announcement? |date=July 28, 2011 |work=IGN DS |publisher=[[IGN Entertainment|IGN]] |accessdate=September 26, 2013}}</ref> This strategy was considered a major success, and the console has gone on to become one of Nintendo's most successfully sold handheld consoles in the first two years of its release. {{As of|2018|09|30|df=US}}, the [[Nintendo 3DS family]] of systems combined have sold 73.53 million units.<ref name="nintendo.co.jp">{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2018/181030e.pdf |title=Nintendo Co., Ltd. Earnings Release: Six Months Ended September 30, 2018 |date=October 30, 2018 |publisher=Nintendo |page=8 |format=PDF |accessdate=January 6, 2019}}</ref>
<!-- Redesigns -->
Several redesigns have been made since; the [[#Larger model|Nintendo 3DS XL]], a larger model, first released in Japan and Europe in July 2012, featuring a 90% larger screen.<ref name="3DS XL release">{{cite news |url=http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Nintendo-3DS-3DS-XL-UK-Launch-Release-No-Charger,16109.html |title=Nintendo 3DS XL Arriving in UK On July 28 |last=McEntegart |first=Jane |publisher=Tom's Hardware |date=June 23, 2012 |accessdate=November 26, 2012}}</ref> An "entry-level" version of the console, the [[Nintendo 2DS]], with a fixed "slate" form factor and lacking autostereoscopic (3D) functionality, was released in Western markets in October 2013.<ref name="2ds">{{cite web|last=Yin |first=Wesley |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-08-29-nintendo-announces-nintendo-2ds-handheld-console |title=Nintendo announces Nintendo 2DS handheld console • News • |publisher=Eurogamer.net |date= |accessdate=August 30, 2013}}</ref> The [[New Nintendo 3DS]] features a more powerful CPU, a second analog stick called the C-Stick, additional buttons, an improved camera, and other changes, and was first released in Japan in October 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/08/29/new-nintendo-3ds-new-nintendo-3ds-xl-announced-powerful/|title=New Nintendo 3DS And New Nintendo 3DS XL Announced, Are More Powerful&nbsp;— Siliconera|date=August 29, 2014|publisher=Siliconera|accessdate=August 30, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/10/11/business/corporate-business/nintendos-new-3ds-console-hits-shelves-japan/|title=Nintendo's new 3DS console hits shelves in Japan|date=October 11, 2014|publisher=Japan Times}}</ref>

=Specifications=

== Hardware ==

[[File:Nintendo 3DS Button Map.png|thumb|500px|<center>Regular Nintendo 3DS button and features layout.</center>]]
:''The following explicitly refers to the original Nintendo 3DS model. Some technical details do not apply to later Nintendo 2DS and New Nintendo 3DS models''

<!-- GPU / CPU / RAM / DSP -->
The console has custom components codeveloped by the [[Nintendo Research & Engineering Department]] and other manufacturers, all combined into a unified [[system on chip]]. The [[Central processing unit|main processor]] (CPU) is an [[ARM11|ARM11 MPCore]]-based dual-core processor manufactured at [[45 nanometer|45&nbsp;nm]]. One processor core is dedicated to games and applications, while the other core is exclusive to the [[Nintendo 3DS system software|operating system]], enabling [[multitasking]] and background tasks. These tasks are handled seamlessly in the background during gameplay or while the system is in [[sleep mode]]. The system also contains a single-core [[ARM9]] processor, enabling [[backward compatibility]] with [[Nintendo DS]] games. The [[graphics processor]] (GPU) is developed by Digital Media Professionals, and consists of a semi-custom [[PICA200]] processor.

The system contains a total of 128&nbsp;[[Megabyte|MB]] of [[Random-access memory|system memory]] consisting of two 64&nbsp;MB (512&nbsp;Mb) [[FCRAM]] chips developed by [[Fujitsu]], with a maximum bandwidth of 3.2&nbsp;GB/s. However, 32&nbsp;MB is reserved for the operating system and unavailable to games. Additionally, the system contains 6&nbsp;MB of [[VRAM]]. The console also contains a dedicated hardware audio [[Digital signal processor|DSP]] module capable of outputting [[Monoaural|mono]], [[Stereophonic sound|stereo]] or pseudo-[[surround sound]] through either its two speakers or [[headphone jack]].

<!-- Displays -->
The Nintendo 3DS contains two separate screens. The top screen is a 15:9 <small>(5:3)</small> [[Autostereoscopy|autostereoscopic]] [[Liquid-crystal display|LCD screen]] with a display resolution of 800×240 pixels (400×240 pixels per eye, [[WQVGA]]). On the original Nintendo 3DS, the screen measures {{convert|3.53|in|abbr=on}}, while on the 3DS XL it measures {{convert|4.88|in|abbr=on}}. It is [[autostereoscopic]]; it uses a [[parallax barrier]] to produce a three-dimensional effect without requiring special glasses. There is a ''3D Depth Slider'' next to the screen for adjusting the 3D effect or turning it off altogether. The bottom screen is a 4:3 [[resistive touchscreen]] with a display resolution of 320×240 pixels ([[QVGA]]). On the original Nintendo 3DS, the screen measures {{convert|3.02|in|abbr=on|order=flip}}, while on the 3DS XL it measures {{convert|4.18|in|abbr=on|order=flip}}.

<!-- Cameras / Mic -->
The system features three [[camera sensor]]s: [[stereo camera|two cameras]] on the outside of the device, capable of taking 3D photos and capturing 3D video; and one camera facing the user positioned above the top screen. All camera sensors have a maximum resolution of 640×480 pixels (0.3 [[megapixel]]s, [[Video Graphics Array|VGA]]) with one-point focus and can only achieve [[digital zoom]]. There is also a [[microphone]] in the bottom of the system.

<!-- Storage / Connectivity -->
The system includes 1&nbsp;GB of internal [[flash memory]] manufactured by [[Toshiba]], but it is mostly used by the [[operating system]] and its pre-installed applications. The system's memory can be expanded via an [[Secure Digital|SD]] memory card slot, which supports SD and [[Secure Digital#SDHC|SDHC]] memory cards. All Nintendo 3DS systems come packaged with a 2&nbsp;GB [[SD card]] while Nintendo 3DS XL systems include a 4&nbsp;GB [[SDHC card]]. The system uses 2.4&nbsp;GHz [[802.11 b]]/[[802.11g|g]] [[wireless network]] connectivity with enhanced [[Wi-Fi Protected Access|WPA2]] security. There is also an infrared port on the back of the console, which allows the system to connect with certain peripherals such as the [[#Circle Pad Pro|Circle Pad Pro]] and the [[amiibo]] reader/writer.

<!-- Battery / Dimensions / Stylus -->
The Nintendo 3DS comes with a 1300&nbsp;mAh, 3.7&nbsp;V [[lithium ion battery]]. Its longevity fluctuates between 3 and 5 hours while playing Nintendo 3DS games and between 5 and 8 hours while playing Nintendo DS games, depending on brightness, volume and wireless settings. The Nintendo 3DS XL however, comes with a 1750 mAh, 3.7&nbsp;V [[lithium-ion battery]] capable of lasting between 3.5 and 6.5 hours playing 3DS games and 6 to 10 hours playing DS games. While the original 3DS weighs approximately {{convert|230|g}}, the larger XL version weighs approximately {{convert|336|g}}. When opened, the original 3DS is {{convert|134|mm|abbr=on}} wide, {{convert|74|mm|abbr=on}} broad, and {{convert|21|mm|abbr=on}} thick. The XL version however, is {{convert|156|mm|abbr=on}} wide, {{convert|93|mm|abbr=on}} broad, and {{convert|22|mm|abbr=on}} thick. The 3DS also come with a telescoping stylus, extendable to up to {{convert|100|mm|abbr=on}} long, while the 3DS XL come with a regular {{convert|93|mm|abbr=on}} stylus.
<!-- Reports show that raw material costs for the Nintendo 3DS amount to [[US$]]101.-->

<!-- AC adapter -->
All systems in the Nintendo 3DS family use the same [[AC adapter]] used with the [[Nintendo DSi]] and Nintendo DSi XL. In order to reduce production costs, certain console bundles, such as Japanese and European releases of the Nintendo 3DS XL and the New Nintendo 3DS, are not bundled with an AC adapter, requiring players to either use one from an older system they may own or purchase one separately. Along with plugging the adapter directly into the system, the standard Nintendo 3DS comes with a charging cradle, which players place their system into to charge. Charging cradles for the Nintendo 3DS XL and New Nintendo 3DS systems are sold separately from their respective systems, and there is no cradle for the Nintendo 2DS.

=== Controls ===
The Nintendo 3DS input controls include the following: a round nub [[Analog stick|analog input]] called the Circle Pad, a [[D-pad]], four face buttons (A, B, X, Y), bumper buttons (L, R), a Home button, Start and Select buttons, and a Power button. It also features a dedicated volume slider and a wireless switch, which turns on or off wireless communications. The touchscreen can be interacted with either the user's finger or a [[stylus (computing)|stylus]] bundled with the handheld. There is also a six-axis motion sensor, which includes a 3-axis [[accelerometer]] and a 3-axis [[gyroscope]]. Through the [[#Circle Pad Pro|Circle Pad Pro]] accessory the system has access to a second Circle Pad and trigger buttons (Z<small>L</small>, Z<small>R</small>).

=== {{anchor|Nintendo 3DS Game Card}} Game card ===

The '''Nintendo 3DS Game Card''' is a media format used to physically distribute [[video games]] for Nintendo 3DS systems. Despite looking near-identical to its predecessor, the [[Nintendo DS Game Card]], there is a small tab jutting out on the side of the card, preventing 3DS game cards from being inserted into a Nintendo DS. These game cards can hold up to either 1&nbsp;GB, 2&nbsp;GB or 4&nbsp;GB of game data depending on the game, which is 2, 4 and 8 times more storage, respectively, than the biggest Nintendo DS Game Card's capacity (512&nbsp;MB). Some sources claim that an 8&nbsp;GB version could be produced should a game ever require it.

=== Circle Pad Pro ===
The '''Circle Pad Pro''' is an accessory/add-on which connects to a Nintendo 3DS system through [[infrared]] adding support for a second Circle Pad, a substitute R button input (as the original one becomes difficult to reach), and an extra set of trigger buttons (Z<small>L</small>/Z<small>R</small>). The device was first released in Japan on December 10, 2011, coinciding with the release of ''[[Monster Hunter 3G]]'' in the region. It was subsequently released in Europe on January 27, 2012, in Australia on February 2, 2012, and in North America on February 7, 2012, coinciding with the release of ''[[Resident Evil: Revelations]]'' in those regions.

Images of the device first appeared in September 2011 in [[Famitsu]] The first titles confirmed to compatible with the add-on were ''Monster Hunter 3G'', ''Resident Evil Revelations'', ''[[Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy|Ace Combat 3D Cross Rumble]]'' <small>(Japanese version only)</small>, ''[[Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater|Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D]]'', ''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]'' and ''[[Dynasty Warriors#Portable games|Shin Sangoku Musou VS]]''.

The [[Nintendo 3DS XL]] version of the device, called the '''Circle Pad Pro XL''', was released in Japan on November 15, 2012, Europe on March 22, 2013, and North America on April 17, 2013.

The C-Stick and Z<small>L</small>/Z<small>R</small> buttons on the [[New Nintendo 3DS]] are backward compatible with Circle Pad Pro-compatible titles.

== Other models ==

The Nintendo 3DS family currently has five models available. Apart from the regular-sized Nintendo 3DS, the '''Nintendo 3DS XL''' is a larger model of the console which was released on July 28, 2012, and features 90% larger screens than the original Nintendo 3DS. The '''Nintendo 2DS''' is a complete redesign of the handheld which was released on October 12, 2013, and is described as an "entry level" version of the 3DS. This console, while still capable of playing Nintendo DS and 3DS games, removes the 3D functionality and changes the form factor to a fixed, "slate" design. The '''New Nintendo 3DS''', which also has an XL variant, adds additional controls and improved functionality, and will be able to play certain games not compatible with previous models.

=== Nintendo 2DS ===

[[File:Nintendo-2DS-angle.jpg|thumb|A ''Black + Blue'' Nintendo 2DS]]

The '''Nintendo 2DS''' (abbreviated to '''2DS''') was announced on August 28, 2013, as a new entry-level model of the [[Nintendo 3DS family]]. While its hardware and software are relatively similar to the Nintendo 3DS (and still offers compatibility with Nintendo DS and 3DS games), it lacks the 3DS's signature 3D screen, does not have internal stereo speakers (only using a [[monaural|mono]] speaker), and uses a slate-like form factor as opposed to the [[clamshell design]] used by its Nintendo DS and 3DS predecessors. The Nintendo 2DS was released in North America and Europe on October 12, 2013, coinciding with the launch of [[Pokémon X and Y|''Pokémon X'' & ''Y'']] and is being sold alongside the Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL at a relatively lower price point.

As a cheaper model of the Nintendo 3DS family that still plays Nintendo DS and 3DS games, the Nintendo 2DS is seen as a market strategy to broaden the overall Nintendo handheld gaming market. As such, the 2DS is a handheld console targeted at a different audience than that of the regular Nintendo 3DS models, particularly younger users. Despite concerns from critics who felt that the company was trying to de-emphasize the 3D functionality by releasing the 2DS, Nintendo maintains that 3D is still part of their future plans.

=== New Nintendo 3DS ===

The '''New Nintendo 3DS''' and '''New Nintendo 3DS XL''' (known as '''New Nintendo 3DS LL''' in Japan) are updated revisions of the 3DS and 3DS XL that were first unveiled during the Japanese [[Nintendo Direct]] presentation on August 29, 2014. The new models feature a more powerful processor, face tracking for improved 3D viewing angles, additional ZL/ZR shoulder buttons and a new "C-Stick" [[pointing stick]] that are comparable to and backward compatible with games that support the Circle Pad Pro, colored face buttons inspired by those of Super NES controllers, automatic brightness adjustment, [[microSD]] storage, larger batteries, and integrated [[near-field communications]] support for use with [[Amiibo]] products. The regular-sized New Nintendo 3DS also has slightly larger screens than the prior model, and a suite of interchangeable faceplates.

As with its predecessors, the New Nintendo 3DS is compatible with existing DS and 3DS titles. Some software titles, such as ''[[Xenoblade Chronicles 3D]]'' and [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] games released for [[Virtual Console]], are specifically optimized for the device and its upgraded processor and are incompatible with earlier 3DS and 2DS models.

The systems were released in Japan on October 11, 2014, in Australia and New Zealand on November 21, 2014, and at retail in Europe and North America on February 13, 2015. Only the XL version was made available in North America at launch, though the smaller model was later released in a series of limited edition bundles.

=== New Nintendo 2DS XL ===

On April 27, 2017, Nintendo unveiled the '''New Nintendo 2DS XL''' (known as '''New Nintendo 2DS LL''' in Japan), which was released in North America and Europe on July 28, 2017 and Japan on July 29, 2017. The system is a variation of the New Nintendo 3DS line, featuring the additional hardware features and software compatibility of the New Nintendo 3DS, albeit without the stereoscopic 3D functionality, and a newly designed foldable screen. No announcements have been made on a non-XL variant of the system.

== User interface ==

[[File:Nintendo 3DS Home Menu.jpg|thumb|250px|The Nintendo 3DS '''Home Menu''' as of system version 9.3.0-21. The upper screen displays a 3D animated logo for each individual app, while the bottom screen displays application icons.]]

The '''Home Menu''' (stylized as '''HOME Menu''') is a [[graphical user interface]] similar to the [[Nintendo DSi system software#DSi Menu|Nintendo DSi Menu]] and [[Wii U#Wii U Menu|Wii U Menu]] for Nintendo 3DS systems. It is used to launch software stored on [[Nintendo DS Game Card|Nintendo DS]] and [[Nintendo 3DS Game Card]]s, applications installed on a [[SD card]] and [[DSiWare]] titles installed in the system's internal memory. Application icons are set in a customizable grid navigable on the lower screen. On the upper screen, a special 3D animated logo is displayed for each individual app, as well as system information such as wireless signal strength, date and time, and battery life. Using the Home button, users can suspend the current software that is running and bring up the Home Menu, allowing the user to launch certain multitasking applications, such as the [[Internet Browser (Nintendo 3DS)|Internet Browser]] and [[Miiverse]].

<!-- Updates -->
Similarly to the [[Nintendo DSi]], the menu has updateable [[firmware]]. On April 25, 2012, a system update brought the introduction of a folder system, which allows users to put applications inside folders. On June 20, 2013, a system update brought the introduction of the ''Save Data Backup'' feature, which allows the user to back up save data from downloadable Nintendo 3DS software and most [[Virtual Console]] games. An update was released on October 30, 2014 to enable players to download custom themes for the Home Menu, based on various Nintendo titles.

=== {{anchor|Nintendo 3DS Camera}} Camera ===
'''Nintendo 3DS Camera''' is a built-in photo and video recorder with an integrated media gallery and [[Photo editing software|photo editing]] functionality. The app uses the system's two front-facing cameras to take 3D photos, and the user-facing camera to take regular 2D photos. All photographs are taken at a resolution of 640 x 480 [[pixel|px]] ([[Video Graphics Array|VGA]]), or 0.3 [[megapixel]]s. There are various options and filters available when taking photos or recording video. There is also a ''Low-Light'' option, which is useful when taking photos and recording video in low lighting conditions.

<!-- Update -->
On December 7, 2011, a system update added the ability to record 3D video along special recording options, such as the ability to make [[stop motion]] animations. All recording modes only allow a single video to be up to 10 minutes long.

=== {{anchor|Nintendo 3DS Sound}} Sound ===
'''Nintendo 3DS Sound''' is a built-in music player and sound recorder. Supported [[filename extension]]s include MP3 audio with [[MP3|.mp3]] and AAC audio with [[MPEG-4 Part 14|.mp4]], [[Apple Lossless|.m4a]], or [[3GP and 3G2|.3GP]]. Audio files can be played from an SD card, with visualizations displayed on the upper screen. Music can be played while the console is closed, using the system's [[headphone jack]]. A set of sound manipulation options are available, as well as several [[audio filters]]. Ten-second voice recordings can be also be recorded and edited. These can then be shared throughout other applications such as [[Swapnote]]. There is also a [[StreetPass]] function built-into the app, where users exchange song data to make a compatibility chart between them.

=== Multitasking ===
The Nintendo 3DS is capable of suspending an application and run one of six [[multitasking|multitasking application]]s. Once a game or application is running, the user can press the Home button to suspend it and temporarily open the Home Menu. It is then possible to open another specially designed multitasking application built into the system without closing the currently suspended software. Attempting to open a game or application while another is already running will result in a warning prompt. These multitasking applications include:
* '''''Game Notes''''', which allows users to write and save notes, with screenshots from both screens of the current suspended software present to aid the user.
* '''''Friend List''''', a list of registered friends, with information such as their current status as well as current/favorite application; up to 100 friends can be registered by exchanging friend codes or using the Local option.
* '''''Notifications''''', whilst receiving notifications the top [[LED light]] will flash either blue or green, depending if it is a [[SpotPass]] or [[StreetPass]] notification, respectively.
* '''''[[#Internet browser|Internet Browser]]'''''
* '''''[[Miiverse]]''''', a [[social networking service]] dedicated to games and other applications; comments and software screenshots can be posted on dedicated software communities.
* '''''Camera''''', a lightweight version of ''[[Nintendo 3DS Camera]]'' with most features omitted, accessed by holding the L and R buttons; [[QR code]]s can be read by the camera.

[[Category:Nintendo handhelds]]