Nintendo 3DS: Difference between revisions

|release='''Nintendo 3DS:'''<br>{{release|Japan|February 26, 2011|Europe|March 25, 2011<ref name="Nintendo%20of%20Europe%20News">19 January 2011. [http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/2010/nintendo_3ds_brings_a_dimensional_shift_to_the_world_of_entertainment_on_march_25_31059.html Nintendo 3DS brings a dimensional shift to the world of entertainment on March 25]. ''Nintendo News''. Retrieved 4 November 2011.</ref>|USA|March 27, 2011|Canada|March 27, 2011<ref>https://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/gaming/controller-freak/nintendo-3ds-coming-to-canada-march-27th/article611006/</ref>|Australia|March 31, 2011<ref name="Nintendo%203DS%20Australian%20Release%20Date">Vuckovic, Daniel (February 7, 2011) [http://www.vooks.net/story-19908-Nintendo-3DS-Australian-Launch-Event-details-and-live-blog.html Nintendo 3DS Australian Launch Event details and live blog]. ''Vooks''. Retrieved 4 November 2011.</ref>|Brazil|July 9, 2011|South Korea|April 28, 2012|HK|September 28, 2012<ref>http://nintendo.com.hk/pressrelease_3ds.htm</ref>|ROC|September 28, 2012<ref>http://nintendo.tw/pressrelease_3ds.htm</ref>}} '''Nintendo 3DS XL:'''<br>{{release|Japan|July 28, 2012 (as Nintendo 3DS LL)|Europe|July 28, 2012|USA|August 19, 2012<ref name=ign3dxl></ref>|Australia|August 23, 2012|Brazil|September 3, 2012|South Korea|September 20, 2012|HK|September 28, 2012{{ref needed}}|ROC|September 28, 2012|China|December 7, 2012 (as iQue 3DS XL)}} '''Nintendo 2DS:'''<br>{{release|USA|October 12, 2013|Europe|October 12, 2013|Australia|October 12, 2013|South Korea|December 7, 2013|Japan|February 27, 2016<ref>http://www.polygon.com/2015/12/25/10665522/pokemon-red-blue-yellow-green-2ds-mew-code</ref>}} '''New Nintendo 3DS:'''<br>{{release|Japan|October 11, 2014|Australia|November 21, 2014<ref name="NintendoDirectAus">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uNYEo8YN3I</ref>|Europe|February 13, 2015|South Korea|September 10, 2015<ref>http://www.reinodocogumelo.com/2015/08/new-nintendo-3ds-sera-lancado-na-coreia.html</ref>|USA|September 25, 2015<ref>http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/K2zf0kVCs-zIPGKnlu6sTRWrZvaE-EoV{{dead link}}</ref>}} '''New Nintendo 3DS XL:'''<br>{{release|Japan|October 11, 2014 (as New Nintendo 3DS LL)|Australia|November 21, 2014<ref name="NintendoDirectAus"></ref>|USA|February 13, 2015|Europe|February 13, 2015|South Korea|May 1, 2015}} '''New Nintendo 2DS XL:'''<br>{{release|Australia|June 15, 2017|Japan|July 13, 2017 (as New Nintendo 2DS LL)|South Korea|July 13, 2017|USA|July 28, 2017|Europe|July 28, 2017}}

|discontinued='''Nintendo 3DS:'''<br>{{release|Europe|February 2015<ref name="europebye">http://www.nintendo.es/Noticias/2015/febrero/Llega-la-portatil-que-pedias-953777.html</ref>}}

'''Nintendo 3DS XL:'''<br>{{release|Japan|2015<ref>http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-to-discontinue-3ds-xl-in-japan/1100-6423876/</ref>|Europe|February 2015<ref name="europebye"/>}}

'''Nintendo 2DS:'''<br>{{release|USA|January 5-6, 2020<ref>https://www.resetera.com/threads/nintendo-has-silently-discontinued-2ds-in-north-america-new-2ds-xl-the-only-model-that-remains.169053/</ref><ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20200105060606/https://www.nintendo.com/3ds/buynow/</ref>}}

'''New Nintendo 3DS:'''<br>{{release|Japan|July 14, 2017<ref>https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-07-14-new-nintendo-3ds-discontinued</ref>|Europe|July 14, 2017<ref>https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/13/15964404/new-nintendo-3ds-out-of-production-japan</ref>}}

'''New Nintendo 3DS XL:'''<br>{{release|Europe|December 14, 2017<ref>https://www.resetera.com/threads/new-nintendo-3ds-xl-discontinued-in-europe-only-2ds-new-2ds-xl-to-see-restocks.11133/</ref>|Japan|July 25, 2019<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20190725014726{{dead link}}</ref>}}

'''New Nintendo 2DS XL:'''<br>{{release|Japan|September 17, 2020<ref name=JPNintendo3DS>[https://japanesenintendo.com/2020/09/17/nintendo-3ds-ends-production/ Nintendo 3DS Ends Production - Japanese Nintendo]</ref>|USA|September 17, 2020<ref name=JPNintendo3DS />}}

The system was initially available in two colors, Aqua Blue and Cosmos Black, with further iterations such as Flame Red, Pearl (Misty) Pink, and Midnight Purple released later. An Ice White 3DS (bundled with ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]'') was released in Japan on November 3, 2011, while a Cobalt Blue version bundled with ''[[Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon]]'' was released in North America on November 28, 2013. Three exclusive models inspired by [[Mario]], [[Princess Peach]], and [[Toad]] were also made available to Japanese, European, and Australian [[Club Nintendo (rewards program)|Club Nintendo]] members.<ref>[http://club.nintendo.jp/chotto_mario/index.html Club Nintendo Japan - Nintendo 3DS Mario Models]</ref> Later hardware revisions such as the 3DS XL also received ''Super Mario''-themed models, including a [[The Year of Luigi|Year of Luigi]] version released in Japan.

The Nintendo 3DS console has a similar appearance to that of the [[Nintendo DS]], but it builds upon its features. It includes three cameras, one being inward and the other two being outward, that are used to shoot 3D pictures, merge them, record 3D videos, and play camera-based games such as ''[[AR Games]]''. The console, much like its predecessors, features the four {{button|3ds|A}}, {{button|3ds|B}}, {{button|3ds|X}}, and {{button|3ds|Y}} buttons; the {{button|3ds|start}} and {{button|3ds|select}} buttons (which are embedded below the Touch Screen); and the {{button|3ds|L}} and {{button|3ds|R}} shoulder buttons. Two new additions to the console are a Circle Pad {{button|3ds|Stick}} located above the {{button|3ds|Pad}}, which has been shifted downward, and the {{button|3ds|home}} button, first used with the [[Wii]] console, used to access a HOME menu that is similar to that of the [[Nintendo DSi]] and [[Nintendo DSi#Nintendo DSi XL|Nintendo DSi XL]]. The console also has wireless connectivity, which is used to connect with other consoles via local play or StreetPass, or to the Internet to download expansions for the console or play with people from around the world, for example. Online expansions include friend lists, sharing game content with friends, paid downloadable content for games (an example is ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'' having additional [[Coin Rush]] packs),<ref>[http://www.cubed3.com/news/14273 3DS To Feature Expanded Online; Achievements, Friend Lists]</ref> and firmware updates. The Nintendo 3DS and all of its models are backwards compatible with both Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi-enhanced games.

The 3DS also features enhanced language accessibility. The system is the first Nintendo console to have Portuguese and Russian system language settings and the first Nintendo handheld console to feature a Dutch setting. All these languages are included on the PAL version of the 3DS, and the Portuguese language is also included on the American version. ''Super Mario'' games also began being translated into these languages (except Brazilian Portuguese). The 3DS is the first [[Nintendo]] system to be rated by PEGI and the ESRB (receiving a 7+ and E rating, respectively) due to the built-in games, including ''Face Raiders'', ''AR Games'', and StreetPass Mii Plaza containing 3D images which could cause damage to eyesight for anyone below the specified age groups.

====List of ''Super Mario''-related themes====

{|class="wikitable" style="width:100%; text-align:center"

|''[[Super Mario 3D World]]''<br>"[[Rainbow Run (level)|Rainbow Run]]"

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|''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]''<br>"[[Ground Theme (Super Mario Bros.)#Super Mario Galaxy|Super Mario 2007]]"

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|''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]''<br>"[[Ground Theme (Super Mario Bros.)#New Super Mario Bros. Wii|Toad House Music]]"

|''[[Super Mario Sunshine]]''<br>"Secret Course"

|''Super Mario Sunshine''<br>"Underground"

|''New Super Mario Bros. U''<br>"Toad House Music"

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|''Super Mario 3D World''<br>"Rainbow Run"

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|"Something for You"

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|"Ashley's Hex Hop"

[[File:3DS XL Logo.svg|left|class=invert]]The '''Nintendo 3DS XL''' ('''Nintendo 3DS LL''' in Japan and '''iQue 3DS XL''' in China) is the second version of the Nintendo 3DS handheld. Similarly to the DSi XL, the 3DS XL has larger screens: the upper measuring 124 mm (4.88 inches) and the lower measuring 106 mm (4.18 inches), both being 90% larger than the standard Nintendo 3DS screens, making it tied to the New Nintendo 3DS XL as the biggest screen on a Nintendo handheld so far. The resolution, however, is the same. The 3DS XL also has been given rounded corners and digital {{button|3ds|home}}, {{button|3ds|select}}, and {{button|3ds|start}} buttons instead of the embedded ones found on the Nintendo 3DS. The handheld also sports a single color job instead of the dual color job of its predecessor (black in the interior of the lid and a second main color overall), although it may also come with dual colors. Additionally, it is packaged with a 4 GB SD card, and the battery has been optimized to last longer. It lasts about 3.5 to six hours (283 to 485 mA) when playing 3DS games, compared to the three to five hours (260 to 433 mA) of play on the original version. The handheld was released in Japan and Europe on July 28, 2012, in North America on August 19, 2012, and in Oceania (bundled with an AC adapter) on August 23, 2012.<ref>[http://www.aussie-nintendo.com/news/ac-adaptor-to-be-bundled-with-3ds-xl-in-aunz]</ref> In Japan and Europe, the handheld does not come with a battery charger, but can use the original Nintendo DSi/Nintendo 3DS charger. The handheld has its own charger in North America,<ref name=ign3dxl>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/22/nintendo-reveals-3ds-xl IGN - Nintendo reveals 3ds Xl].</ref> but it does not include the charging cradle packaged with the original 3DS.

The '''Nintendo 2DS''' is the third version of the Nintendo 3DS handheld and is part of the Nintendo 3DS family<ref>http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/28/nintendo-announces-2ds</ref>. Like the rest of the Nintendo 3DS models, it can play all Nintendo 3DS games and most Nintendo DS and DSi games; however, unlike the rest of the Nintendo 3DS models, it cannot display 3D images (hence the name), but is more sturdy, that make the system friendly for younger children, and both screens are touch-sensitive without a hinge separating them, with the top screen protected by a layer of plastic<ref>http://www.gonintendo.com/?mode=viewstory&id=210991</ref>, while it features a tablet design rather than a clamshell design, making it the first handheld system since the original Game Boy Advance system to have a tablet design. The system's box includes a Nintendo 2DS, a Nintendo 2DS stylus, an SDHC Card, a Nintendo 3DS AC Adapter, and the six AR cards. It was released in North America, Europe, and Oceania on October 12th, 2013 at a price of $129.99 in the United States, €129.99 in Europe, and £129.99 in the United Kingdom in order to increase sales of upcoming 3DS games. The 2DS was released in Japan on February 27, 2016, at a cost of approximately 9,980 yen.

===New Nintendo 3DS/New Nintendo 3DS XL===

The '''New Nintendo 3DS''' and '''New Nintendo 3DS XL'''<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1cwg6mUhAg</ref> ('''New Nintendo 3DS LL''' in Japan), announced on August 28, 2014, were the first hardware upgrades for the Nintendo 3DS line of systems, similar to the Nintendo DSi and DSi XL. They were released on October 11, 2014 in Japan,<ref>http://www.siliconera.com/2014/08/29/new-nintendo-3ds-new-nintendo-3ds-xl-announced-powerful/</ref> on November 21, 2014 in Oceania,<ref name="NintendoDirectAus"></ref> and on February 13, 2015 in North America and Europe.<ref>Sickr (August 29, 2014). [http://mynintendonews.com/2014/08/29/new-nintendo-3ds-console-coming-to-north-america-and-europe-in-2015/ New Nintendo 3DS Console Coming to North America and Europe in 2015]. My Nintendo News. Retrieved August 29, 2014.</ref> In North America, only the XL model was released at launch. The standard-sized model was released on September 25, 2015 in special bundles such as the ''[[nookipedia:Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer|Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer]]'' and Pokémon 20th Anniversary bundles. On January 6, 2015, selected European [[Club Nintendo (rewards program)|Club Nintendo]] owners were invited to buy New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Edition, a special pre-release bundle of New Nintendo 3DS, for €199.99, with orders shipped as early as January 7, 2015.<ref>[http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/01/new_nintendo_3ds_ambassador_editions_already_in_the_hands_of_lucky_buyers New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Editions Already In The Hands Of Lucky Buyers]. Nintendo Life. Retrieved January 7, 2015.</ref>

In addition to having a more powerful CPU, the New Nintendo 3DS features an improved 3D effect, using the system's gyroscope and cameras to track the location of the player's eyes to sustain the 3D effect. An NFC sensor is built-in under the bottom screen, allowing compatibility with the [[amiibo]] line of products without needing the stand peripheral. Two additional shoulder buttons (ZL and ZR) have been added, alongside the C Stick, a second smaller Circle Pad positioned above the {{button|3ds|A}}{{button|3ds|B}}{{button|3ds|X}}{{button|3ds|Y}}, which shares a similar function with the Circle Pad Pro when added to the original Nintendo 3DS or 3DS XL. The {{button|3ds|START}} and {{button|3ds|SELECT}} buttons have been moved under the {{button|3ds|A}}{{button|3ds|B}}{{button|3ds|X}}{{button|3ds|Y}} buttons, similar to the [[Nintendo DS#Nintendo DS Lite|DS Lite]] and DSi. In addition, the cartridge and stylus slots have been moved to the bottom of the handheld, and the SD card slot has been replaced by a microSD slot on the back of the system which can be accessed by removing the bottom cover where the battery is located.

Similar to the [[Game Boy Advance#Game Boy Micro|Game Boy Micro]], the New Nintendo 3DS features removable back covers on the backs of the top and bottom screens, which can be replaced with custom covers purchased separately. These covers are only usable on the standard model. The New Nintendo 3DS models also feature some changes to the Internet application in that it can now play HTML5 videos. Japanese New Nintendo 3DS models have a web filter pre-activated which can only be removed by paying 30 yen, but the preactivated filter is absent on non-Japanese models.<ref>[http://www.vooks.net/no-internet-browser-filter-in-australian-new-nintendo-3ds-models/ No Internet Browser ‘filter’ in Australian New Nintendo 3DS models]. Vooks. Retrieved January 7, 2015.</ref> Certain titles, such as ''{{wp|Xenoblade Chronicles (video game)#Xenoblade Chronicles 3D|Xenoblade Chronicles 3D}}'', are exclusive to the New Nintendo 3DS systems, and are incompatible with any of the older models.<ref>http://www.nintendo.co.jp/nintendo_direct/20140829/index.html</ref> As of March 2016, [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]] games including ''[[Super Mario World]]'' have also been released on the New Nintendo 3DS's Virtual Console service.

The '''New Nintendo 2DS XL''' ('''New Nintendo 2DS LL''' in Japan), announced on April 27, 2017, is the fifth revision of the Nintendo 3DS family released in Oceania on June 15, 2017,<ref>Nintendo. (April 27, 2017). [http://www.nintendo.com.au/new-nintendo-2ds-xl-portable-system-to-launch-in-australia-new-zealand-on-june-15 New Nintendo 2DS XL portable system to launch in Australia & New Zealand on June 15!]. ''Nintendo.com.au''. Retrieved April 27, 2017.</ref> in Japan<ref>Nintendo. (April 27, 2017). [https://youtu.be/Pm2tcQuuYnA Newニンテンドー2DS LL 紹介映像]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved April 27, 2017.</ref> and South Korea<ref>http://www.nintendo.co.kr/PR/press_list.php?cPage1=1&cPage2=1&idx=264&press_div=P</ref> on July 13, 2017, and in Europe and North America on July 28, 2017.<ref>Nintendo. (April 27, 2017). [https://youtu.be/q1qrM1UbTyU New Nintendo 2DS XL - Announcement Trailer]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved April 27, 2017.</ref><ref>Nintendo. (April 27, 2017). [https://youtu.be/3lxNHhgMuTg Introducing New Nintendo 2DS XL]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved April 27, 2017.</ref> As the name implies, it shares the same clamshell design, size, and enhanced CPU capabilities as the New Nintendo 3DS XL. As with the Nintendo 2DS, it cannot display images in 3D. The New Nintendo 2DS XL also includes the C-stick, ZL, and ZR shoulder buttons in the same button layout, but unlike the New Nintendo 3DS XL, the front-facing camera and microphone are now positioned on the hinge of the New Nintendo 2DS XL, like the Nintendo DSi. The New Nintendo 2DS XL was released in a Black + Turquoise color scheme in North America, and in two color schemes in Japan, Europe, and Oceania: Black + Turquoise, and White + Orange. The White + Orange color scheme was later released in North America on October 6, 2017<ref>Nintendo. (September 13, 2017). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztMGTTAjsAQ Nintendo Direct 9.13.2017]. ''Youtube''. Retrieved September 13, 2017.</ref>. It ended production on September 17, 2020.

The '''Circle Pad Pro''' is an extra accessory marketed as enhancing 3DS gameplay controls. As the name implies, it has an extra Circle Pad positioned on the right-hand side, as well as additional ZL and ZR shoulder buttons on the back. The whole combination is bundled onto a cradle that fits into the bottom of the 3DS, just as the charging cradle does. The functionality of this device has been incorporated into the New Nintendo 3DS as a circular nub (called the C-Stick) and integrated ZL/ZR buttons. ''[[Luigi's Mansion (Nintendo 3DS)|Luigi's Mansion]]'' is the only ''Super Mario'' game compatible with the Circle Pad Pro.

The '''''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' wheel''' is a specially made wheel developed by peripheral manufacturer Hori<ref>http://www.amazon.com/HORI-Nintendo-3DS-Mario-Racing-Wheel/dp/B0061YFZDQ</ref> for the original Nintendo 3DS model. The product is marked with the [[Official Nintendo Seal]] and fits snugly onto the back of the console. Its function is identical to that of the [[Wii#Wii Wheel|Wii Wheel]]. Like the Circle Pad Pro, the ''Mario Kart 7'' wheel is only available in Cosmos Black.

'''amiibo''' are a series of toys-to-life accessories by Nintendo that can be scanned into games using near-field communication technology to add content into games. Originally released for the Wii U, Nintendo 3DS systems later received amiibo compatibility. Compatibility with original Nintendo 3DS systems require an NFC Reader/Writer that wirelessly transfers data via infrared communication, the accessory was released on July 30, 2015 in Japan<ref>[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/hardware/accessories/3ds_readerwriter/index.html],Nintendo 3DS NFC reader/writer</ref> and Fall 2015 in other regions<ref>Nintendo (Nintendo of America). (April 1, 2015.) [https://youtu.be/IMedqo8mLaQ?t=42m33s Nintendo Direct 4.1.2015]. YouTube. Retrieved May 26, 2015.</ref>. New Nintendo 3DS systems feature a built-in near field communicator, activated by placing an amiibo on the Touch Screen. ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' is the first game on the system to incorporate this feature.

Systems in the Nintendo 3DS family feature a variety of software. Despite the stereoscopic 3D display being a major feature of the systems (with the exceptions of the Nintendo 2DS and New Nintendo 2DS XL), select software designed for these systems (such as ''[[Ultimate NES Remix]]'' and ''[[Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS]]'') cannot be displayed in 3D at all.

The [[Wii#Mii Channel|Mii Channel]] on the [[Wii]] makes a return with minimal changes as '''Mii Maker'''. However, there is a new feature in which the 3DS camera takes a photo of the player and converts it to make the photo look like a [[Mii]]. This feature is not automatic. Players must select the Mii's gender, hair color, and eye color before being prompted to take a picture of either themselves or another person.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7QMPkWptmw</ref> Players are then able to leave the Mii as it is or to make any modifications they may deem necessary with new customization options (hairstyles, eye shapes, etc.). Players can also connect to their Mii Channel and import any Miis found there to the 3DS. To connect the Mii Maker to the Wii, the player must press the {{button|wii|A}}, {{button|wii|B}}, and {{button|wii|1}} buttons on the {{button|wii|Wiimote}} when on the Mii Channel. Holding down the {{button|wii|2}} button for a period of time afterward makes a "Connect to DS" icon appear (if it is not present already). After creating a Mii, it can be used in some ''Super Mario'' games.

The Nintendo 3DS supports augmented reality games through the built-in application '''''AR Games'''''. The system is released with a total of six '''AR Cards''' that are used primarily in this feature, having a minor role in ''[[Mario Party: Island Tour]]'', among other games. In ''Nintendogs + Cats'', using the Mario AR Card enables the player's pets to wear ''Super Mario''-related hats. The [[? Block]] card can be used to play games, while the five Character Cards included can be used to take 2D or 3D photos.

[[File:Nintendo eShop newlogo.svg|260px|left|The Nintendo eShop logo.]]

The '''Nintendo eShop''' (initially called '''Nintendo 3DS Shop''') is a feature that allowed players to buy software titles, including [[Virtual Console]] and [[DSiWare]] for their Nintendo 3DS with Nintendo 3DS prepaid cards or credit cards. It also allowed Game Promotion. The eShop is similar to [[Wii#Wii Shop Channel|Wii Shop Channel]] and was released with a firmware update on the evening of June 6th, 2011 in North America and on June 7th in other regions, along with the Internet Browser. At GDC 2011, it was also announced that "3D Classics" would be made available for download in addition to the regular titles (Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and NES titles). These games, while 3D-compatible, retain their original graphical styles. Other than purchasing content, users could view information on current and upcoming 3DS titles (most notably through monthly episodes of Nintendo Show 3D, which provides footage of and commentary on popular or notable releases) as well as the Staff Pick of the Week (a Virtual Console or DSiWare title). Continuing a practice established on the Nintendo DSi, content purchased from the eShop is transported to the 3DS Menu in the form of a gift that must be unwrapped before use. In addition, users were able to purchase downloadable content (DLC) for their existing games. As of the December 9, 2013 update, a Nintendo Network ID is required to download free and demo software from the Nintendo 3DS eShop. In addition, the player can link their Wii U Nintendo Network ID to their 3DS and vice versa to combine eShop funds on both systems into one. With the discontinuation of digital purchases for Nintendo 3DS in March 2023, it is no longer possible to digitally buy software and DLC, though software and DLC can still be downloaded by those who purchased them when they were available.

The '''Internet Browser''' is the system's built-in successor to the [[nwiki:Nintendo DSi Browser|Nintendo DSi Browser]]. It has a self-explanatory purpose of allowing the user to browse the internet from their Nintendo 3DS. There is a ''Super Mario''-related [[Easter egg]] that can be accessed when opening a new page: if the player taps to the rhythm of the first six notes of the ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' theme on the touch screen, "Most Visited Bookmarks" will change into "STAGE SELECT".

''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'' was the only ''Mario''-related 3DS title that had full Miiverse integration, having the functionality of posting in-game photos.

'''Swapnote''' (called '''Nintendo Letter Box''' in British English) is a free, downloadable messaging service that allows users to write notes (up to four pages) via the stylus and send them by StreetPass (and previously by SpotPass) to people registered in their Friend Lists (in the case of StreetPass, notes can be given to people who may not be on said list). Users can reply to each note once, and replies are restricted to one page. As users send notes to their friends, they gain access to a variety of features, including the ability to attach photos stored in an SD card, to create messages and art displayed in full 3D, to change the stationery on which notes are written, to view notes in a slide show format, and (using 15 Play Coins) to attach sound recordings from the Nintendo 3DS Sound application. The software can store a combined maximum of 3,000 notes and replies, and each note can have a maximum of 100 replies attached to it, with new notes/replies replacing old ones once this limit is reached (notes given "Favorite" status are not deleted, though replies are). An update for this software was released on July 5, 2012<ref>http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/07/letter_box_update_adds_coloured_ink</ref> in Japan, Europe, and Oceania which adds the feature to change the ink's colors by pressing {{button|3ds|Pad}} either to the right or left, with North America receiving the feature shortly afterward. An April 2013 update allows users to use different colors of ink on each page in one note and added some more features to the software, such as the ability to delete multiple notes at once. On October 31, 2013, Nintendo suspended the SpotPass functionality of Swapnote in all regions, due to incidents in Japan where the app was used to share explicit content with minors<ref>[http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/UHQZFP2Jxcll_Vm-PsZpxNIK5920bRRK Notice about service for Nintendo 3DS software Swapnote] Accessed November 1, 2013.</ref>, not only affecting interaction between users, but also halting the reception of special notes and stationery from developers.

A sequel released on November 17, 2016 known as '''Swapdoodle''' retains similar elements from Swapnote (except photo and sound attachments) with new features. There are now Doodle Lessons for players where they can practise drawing, along with stamps and secret pages. The application is free-to-start with in-game purchases.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swapnote#Swapdoodle</ref>

*In one 3DS promotional video, [[Mario]] is heard talking about the features of the Nintendo 3DS.<ref>NintendoHall (November 5, 2011). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvWf6tsHalY]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved November 25, 2020.</ref>

{{Consoles}}