What do you need to play 3DS games?

Surely you will wonder how to play old games when the 3DS console has been discontinued. Fortunately, Nintendo has compatible 3DS games with other Nintendo consoles, including the Nintendo 3DS XL, 2DS, and 2DS XL. If you don’t have one of these consoles, you can download the UWP Streamer app to your Xbox One and stream 3DS games over a Wi-Fi connection. This article will show you how to play your favorite Nintendo 3DS games on compatible consoles.

Table of Contents

Nintendo 3DS: compatible

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The 3DS game console gives you the full experience. If you don’t have this console available, purchase a used device to have the game display as designed. You can find used gaming consoles online or at a video game store. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Nintendo will stop making the 3DS in 2020, so you won’t find a new device.
Used 3DS consoles are still on the market, and some have been refurbished by Nintendo. These machines cost from 70 USD (equivalent to 1.6 million VND).

Nintendo 3DS XL: compatible

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Choose a 3DS for a bigger screen and longer battery life. Games usually display well on the 3DS XL because of the larger screen size. Besides, you can play games longer without charging the device. If you don’t have one, try looking for a used one online or at a video game store. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Nintendo discontinued the 3DS XL in 2019, but you can still find used devices.
Used or refurbished equipment costs from 140 USD (about 3.2 million VND).

Nintendo 2DS: compatible

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2DS consoles are still compatible with 3DS games but without 3D graphics. Nintendo is compatible with 3DS games with 2DS consoles, so you can still play games normally. Look for a 2DS online or at a video game store if you don’t have one. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Although the 2DS console has been discontinued since 2020, you can still find new devices online. Besides, used game consoles are also easy to find. New machines are priced from 329 USD (equivalent to about 7.5 million VND), while used machines are priced from 90 USD (equivalent to about 2 million VND).
You should note that the 3D effect of the game will not be displayed on the 2DS because the device does not support this technology.

Nintendo 2DS XL: compatible

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Choose the 2DS for a bigger screen and longer battery life, but no 3D graphics. The 2DS XL works similarly to the 2DS, and Nintendo has made 3DS games compatible with the device. However, you won’t see 3D graphics like you would on a 3DS. If you’re looking to buy a game console, the 2DS is the easiest to find. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Nintendo has also discontinued the 2DS XL from 2020. However, you can find new and used consoles online and in video game stores as of August 2021. The new device is priced at a premium. starting from 350 USD (equivalent to about 7.9 million VND), and used machines starting from 150 USD (equivalent to about 3.4 million VND).

Xbox One: partially compatible

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You can get apps to stream 3DS games via Xbox. However, you need to be near the 3DS while playing the game. Get the UWP Streamer app from the Xbox One store. After installing the application, you will stream 3DS games over a wireless network connection so that you can play on your TV. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

You can play games with an Xbox One controller.
Place the 3DS next to you so you can push the buttons on the touchscreen when you need to.

Nintendo DS, DSi and DSi XL: not compatible

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None of the older DS consoles are compatible with 3DS games. Unfortunately, older consoles can only play games that are pre-formatted for them. If you own this type of machine, you must buy old DS games to use. ^{[6] X Research Source}

If you have a DS game, you can play it on the 2DS and 3DS.
If you want to buy a game console, choose a 2DS or a 3DS if you want to play DS and 3DS games. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Nintendo Wii U: not compatible

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It’s a pity that this type of device is not compatible with 3DS games. The first reason is that the screen is different, so 3DS games will not display properly. In addition, the Wii U uses discs instead of tapes. If you own a Wii U, you’ll need to purchase games specifically formatted for the Wii U. ^{[8] X Research Source}

If you want to buy a game console, the Wii U is not the best choice. This console has fewer games than the others, and has been discontinued.

Nintendo Switch: not compatible

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Unfortunately, 3DS games are not compatible with the Switch. Although both devices use tape, they are of different sizes. ^{[9] X Research Source} Besides, the Switch doesn’t have two screens like the Nintendo 3DS, so you can’t play 3DS games on the Switch. ^{[10] X Research Source} If you have a Switch, buy a game specifically for it.

Virtual 3DS games are also not compatible with the Switch because of the different screens.

Advice

You can also find online some 3DS simulation games that you can play if you have trouble using the tape or virtual game.
If you play 3DS games on your 2DS, you won’t be able to view 3D graphics.

Steps