The Nintendo 3DS is a handheld console developed by Nintendo, released on February 26th, 2011 in Japan, March 27th, 2011 in North America, March 25th, 2011 in Europe, and March 31st, 2011 in Australia. It is the primary successor to the Nintendo DSi, and was first revealed at E3 2010. While the design of both systems are similar, the 3DS now features a control-stick style button known as the Circle Pad.
The main gimmick behind the 3DS, like the name suggests, is its ability to display images in stereoscopic 3D without the use of 3D glasses. The 3D feature allows developers to add more depth and style to the games. For example, in Super Mario 3D Land, certain 1-Up Mushrooms are actually just cardboard cutouts. The only easy way to tell the difference between the fakes and the real mushrooms is to turn on the 3D feature. While most games do not incorporate the 3D feature as a gameplay mechanic, it is regardless available for use.
Like the DSi, Nintendo eventually released the 3DS XL, on July 28th, 2012 in Japan, August 19th, 2012 in North America, July 28th, 2012 in Europe, and August 23th, 2012 in Australia. The same aspects of the system return, except now the 3DS has been scaled up about 90%, to allow those with bigger hands a more comfortable experience. Nintendo also released a 2DS, a version of the 3DS that is unable to use the 3D feature but still plays its games. The system is no longer foldable, and less portable. This was created likely so that younger players could play the games without having the 3D effect harm their eyes.
The 3DS is backwards compatible, meaning games for the DS and DSi are still playable on the 3DS. Toggling the 3D feature in a DS game, however, has no effect. The Circle Pad also cannot be used in DS games. In Japan and Australia, a successor to the 3DS was announced in 2014, in the form of the New Nintendo 3DS.
Pikmin content
AR Cards
Bundled with the 3DS is a pack of AR Cards, one of which features a Red, Yellow, and Blue Pikmin. These cards can be used in the built-in app AR Games, and in various software that supports AR Cards, like Tomadachi Life. This Pikmin AR Card can be used in the game Star Photos, where the characters in the cards come to life. The player is able to take photos with them and the Question Mark Cube. The Pikmin have 5 different poses:
- The red Pikmin is laying down, while the others are standing up.
- The red and yellow Pikmin are running, and the blue Pikmin has tripped.
- The 3 Pikmin are carrying a blue 1-pellet.
- The yellow and red Pikmin are planted, and the blue Pikmin stares at the sprouts.
- All 3 Pikmin join hands.
In Japan, three Pikmin-themed AR cards came bundled with eShop cards.[1] The Yellow Pikmin card comes bundled with a 1000 Yen card, the Red Pikmin card comes with a 2000 Yen card, and the Blue Pikmin comes with a 3000 Yen card. Each card shows a Pikmin of the same color on it. With them, pictures can be taken. Unlike the bundled AR Cards, these can be freely moved around, and the Pikmin will interact with them accordingly. For example, if the card is held upside down, the Pikmin will hang onto the card before falling down. By tapping the cards, more Pikmin can be spawned. Tapping with the maximum amount of Pikmin on the card will turn it into a different whistle. This whistle will organize the Pikmin into lines. The ? card bundled with the 3DS will show a Red Bulborb when used with this card set. The Bulborb will chase after the Pikmin if they are close enough. These cards have not been released outside of Japan.
Themes
Currently, there are two Pikmin-related 3DS themes available on the 3DS Theme Shop. One is called "Working Together", and features a picture with the various Pikmin types on top. On the bottom, there is an animated image of various Pikmin working, being followed by a Red Bulborb. The second is called "Hungry Bulborb". This theme features many cartoon styled Pikmin on the top screen walking. On the bottom screen is a cartoon-styled Bulborb which will shift its eyes when the cursor on the bottom screen is moved. Like most themes, they are available for $1.99 / €1.99 / £1.79 each.
The "Working Together" theme.
The "Hungry Bulborb" theme.
Software
The Pikmin Short Movies are available for purchase on both the 3DS and Wii U eShop. The 3DS version has images in 3D, while the Wii U version's video is in high quality. Although not belonging to the Pikmin canon, Super Smash Bros. for 3DS is a game on the 3DS.
Other
When transferring downloadable content from DSi to 3DS, or 3DS to 3DS XL, various types of Pikmin are seen "carrying" the data over.
Pikmin 3 was originally made for the Game Boy Advance, and later Nintendo 3DS, but Shigeru Miyamoto wasn't happy with either of these consoles limitations for the game he envisioned. Eventually, he settled on using the Wii U.[2]
Gallery
The 3DS XL.
An image comparing the sizes of the standard 3DS model to the 3DS XL.
The 2DS.
Both models of the New Nintendo 3DS, with the XL on the left.
Trivia
- The AR Card for Pikmin has a pose where three Pikmin carry a 1-pellet. Although grounded Pikmin cannot do this in any Pikmin game, the instruction manual in Pikmin contains an old screenshot showing such a feat. It is also possible in Pikmin with a rare glitch.