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What Can You Do With StreetPass? A Deep Dive into Nintendo 3DS’s Unique Feature

StreetPass, a defining feature of the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, allows you to automatically exchange data with other 3DS users you pass by in the real world. This unique functionality enables a variety of engaging interactions, from receiving helpful in-game items to competing with rival players and even unlocking new gameplay elements. It operates seamlessly in the background, even when your console is in Sleep Mode, making each outing a potential encounter and a source of new possibilities. Let’s dive into the specifics of what you can actually do with StreetPass:

Exploring the Core Functions of StreetPass

At its heart, StreetPass revolves around the idea of local wireless communication. When you walk past another 3DS system with StreetPass enabled, your console will automatically exchange data. This data can take several forms:

Mii Character Exchange: You’ll receive the Mii character of the person you pass, along with their gameplay profile and other customizable information. These Miis will populate your StreetPass Mii Plaza, a central hub for all your encounters. You can then interact with these Miis in various ways, such as using them in mini-games within the plaza itself or in compatible games.
Gameplay Data Exchange: Many 3DS games utilize StreetPass functionality to unlock unique content or enhance gameplay. This could range from receiving items or power-ups, to battling rivals, or participating in cooperative activities. Specific details will vary from game to game, but this element adds a layer of real-world interaction that enriches the gaming experience.
Sharing Messages: Some games also allow you to share messages with people you regularly pass. This feature adds a more personal touch to StreetPass encounters, allowing you to exchange friendly greetings or in-game tips with fellow players you often encounter.
Unlockable Content: Many 3DS games tie certain unlockable features or content to StreetPass encounters. For example, in some games, you may only gain access to particular characters, costumes, or game modes through meeting other players via StreetPass. This encourages exploration and interaction with the gaming community.
Community Building: Through StreetPass, you become part of a wider network of 3DS users. You’ll begin to recognize regular encounters and build a sense of connection, making even simple games feel more engaging. StreetPass encourages a sense of community and shared experiences.

StreetPass Mii Plaza: Your Central Hub

The StreetPass Mii Plaza is a crucial part of the StreetPass experience. This is where all the Mii characters you’ve encountered will gather. Within the Plaza, you can:

Interact with Guests: You can view the profiles of the Miis you’ve encountered, learning about their favorite games and play history.
Play Mini-Games: The Plaza features a variety of mini-games that utilize your gathered Miis, adding replayability and fun. These include, but are not limited to, Puzzle Swap, Find Mii, and StreetPass Squad.
VIP Room: The VIP Room is an area where you can transfer Plaza guests to. Guests in the VIP Room will never be deleted from the plaza, unless you delete them yourself.
Purchase DLC: Until the eShop closure in March 2023, players were able to purchase additional games and features for their Mii Plaza. While these can no longer be bought, players who purchased them can still use them.

How to Maximize Your StreetPass Experience

Carry Your 3DS: The more you carry your system with you, the more opportunities you have for StreetPass encounters. Whether you’re commuting to work, going to school, or traveling, having your 3DS with you will increase your chance of connecting with other players.
Enable StreetPass: Make sure the wireless communication is enabled on your 3DS and that StreetPass is activated for the games you want to use it with.
Sleep Mode is Key: Your console needs to be in Sleep Mode for StreetPass to function. Make sure the power is on and the system isn’t shut down.
Check the StreetPass List: Check your StreetPass list regularly to see how many Mii characters you’ve received and what new content might be available.
Attend Events: Although the online services for the 3DS have closed, local StreetPass events and gatherings may still happen. These are great opportunities to collect a large number of StreetPass tags.
Be Aware of Cool Downs: After you’ve passed someone, it will take 4-8 hours before you can pass them again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about StreetPass

1. Does StreetPass Still Work in 2024?

Yes! StreetPass will remain fully functional even after the 3DS online service shutdown. It uses local wireless communication, not online servers, meaning it will continue working as long as 3DS systems and games exist.

2. What is the difference between StreetPass and SpotPass?

SpotPass uses online communication to receive content from the internet, while StreetPass uses local wireless functionality to exchange data with other 3DS systems nearby. SpotPass features will no longer be available due to the online service shutdown, but StreetPass remains unaffected.

3. How far does StreetPass work?

The range of StreetPass is approximately 90 feet (27 meters). You need to be relatively close to other 3DS users for an exchange to occur.

4. Can you StreetPass while playing a DS game?

No. StreetPass functionality is disabled when a Nintendo DS game is active. The 3DS system needs to be in Sleep Mode and not actively running a DS game for StreetPass to function.

5. How many times can you StreetPass the same person?

You can encounter another user an unlimited amount of times, but there’s a 4-8 hour cooldown before you can meet the same person again.

6. Do I need to have a specific game running for StreetPass to work?

No, StreetPass works in Sleep Mode regardless of the game being played previously. However, you need to ensure StreetPass is activated for each individual game you want to receive specific content from.

7. What games use StreetPass?

Many 3DS games utilize StreetPass, including, but not limited to: Mario Kart 7, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Super Smash Bros., Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, New Super Mario Bros. 2, Fire Emblem: Awakening, and nintendogs + cats.

8. What happens to StreetPass Mii Plaza after the eShop closure?

The core functionality of StreetPass Mii Plaza will remain working. However, features that rely on online communication (like receiving new puzzle pieces in Puzzle Swap) will be unavailable. The mini games themselves will continue to work.

9. How does StreetPass work in Sleep Mode?

Your 3DS actively scans for other systems when in Sleep Mode. If another 3DS system is within range, the two systems will exchange data automatically as long as both systems have wireless enabled and StreetPass turned on.

10. Is StreetPass affected by the 3DS online service shutdown?

No. StreetPass is not affected by the online services shutdown because it uses local wireless communication, not online servers.

11. Can you StreetPass yourself?

Yes, you can StreetPass yourself by using two different 3DS systems. You will need to wait the standard 4-8 hours cooldown before doing it again.

12. Why isn’t my StreetPass working?

Ensure that wireless communication is enabled, StreetPass is activated for the specific games you want to use it with, your blocked-user list is clear, and you are in range of other 3DS systems with StreetPass enabled.

13. How much did the StreetPass DLC cost?

The downloadable DLC for StreetPass Mii Plaza was available for purchase via the eShop until March 27, 2023. Individually, games were priced at £4.49 each, with the bundle costing £7.19. There was also a discount to £6.29 for players who owned one of the previous games.

14. What does the StreetPass VIP room do?

The VIP Room in Mii Plaza allows you to transfer your favorite Miis to a special area. Miis in the VIP room will not be automatically deleted from your plaza over time. You need to choose to delete them.

15. How do I communicate with other players via StreetPass?

Communication is primarily done through messages within StreetPass-enabled games. For instance, in games like Animal Crossing, you can send messages via travelers who visit other players’ islands. All players need to have StreetPass activated for the software they are using.

StreetPass remains a truly unique feature that enhances the Nintendo 3DS experience even today. By understanding its capabilities and troubleshooting any issues, you can make the most of this innovative and engaging method of connecting with other players in the real world. So dust off your 3DS, take it on your travels, and continue to enjoy the magic of StreetPass!

What can you do with StreetPass?