How many people own a 3DS?
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As of September 30, 2022, the Nintendo 3DS family of systems has sold a total of 75.94 million units, with games for the systems selling 388.89 million units, indicating a significant number of people own a 3DS. The 3DS has been a successful handheld console with a dedicated fanbase, despite being discontinued in 2020, and its sales and usage continue to be a topic of interest among gamers and industry observers.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
- Is the Nintendo 3DS still selling?: Although the Nintendo 3DS was discontinued in 2020, it still maintains a dedicated fanbase, and hard copies of 3DS games are available at most game stores, with digital versions available while the eShop is still open.
- Did the 3DS sell more than the DS?: No, the 3DS sold about half of its predecessor, with 75 million units sold compared to the DS‘s much higher sales figures.
- Will there be a 4DS?: There is no official announcement from Nintendo about a 4DS, and the latest information available does not mention any plans for such a console.
Sales and Discontinuation
- How many 3DS are there?: There are a total of 251 different 3DS members of the Nintendo 3DS family, including 145 console variants and 106 faceplates.
- Is the 3DS outdated?: Yes, the 3DS family hardware was officially discontinued on September 16, 2020, and the Nintendo eShop officially shut down on March 27, 2023.
- Why was 3DS cancelled?: The 3DS was cancelled due to slow sales, which were hurt by a high asking price and a lacklustre list of initial games, as well as the fact that the key feature of 3D had to be tried in person.
Online Services and Support
- Are they shutting down 3DS online?: Yes, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software in early April 2024.
- Can a 3DS play DS games?: Yes, most Nintendo DS games can be played on the Nintendo 3DS, with exceptions including games that use the GBA Slot.
- Is it OK to update 3DS?: It is safe to update the 3DS to the latest firmware if the console is running Luma 10.2.1 or higher.
Pricing and Comparison
- How much did a 3DS cost?: The Nintendo 3DS handheld game console starts around $100, although it originally cost $250 at its launch in 2011.
- What is the biggest 3DS model?: The Nintendo 3DS XL is the largest model, with 90 percent larger screens than the 3DS.
- Is 3DS bigger than DS?: No, the Nintendo 3DS is actually about 10% smaller than its predecessor, the Nintendo DS Lite.
Performance and Reception
- What 3DS is the most powerful?: The New 3DS XL is considered the best handheld in the DS line and Nintendo‘s best handheld overall, with improved performance, fast loading, and enhanced 3D capabilities.
- Did they remove YouTube from the 3DS?: The YouTube app is no longer available in the Nintendo eShop, but owners of certain 3DS models can still watch YouTube through the built-in Internet browser.
- Is Nintendo losing money?: Nintendo reported a fall in profit and revenue in its fiscal year, driven by a drop in sales of its flagship Switch console, with revenue meeting its own forecast but representing a 5.5% year-on-year decline.