Nintendo 3DS system software

Nintendo 3DS system software is a set of updatable firmware versions and software frontend on the Nintendo 3DS video game console. Updates, which are downloaded via the system's Internet connection allow Nintendo to add and remove features and software. All updates also include all changes from previous updates.

The Free Software Foundation has protested Nintendo's ability to remotely collect user created content such as photos and videos.

System Menu

The System Menu is software pre-installed on every 3DS which allows the launching and managing of games from official Nintendo certified game cards, 3DS applications, or DSiWare titles. It runs a GUI similar to the Wii's "Wii Menu" and DSi's "DSi Menu". The menu has space to display 60 applications, though the space will increase to 120 when space starts to run out. On the 3D screen, the menu displays information such as wireless signal strength, step count, date, time, and battery life. The 3DS runs in permission modes similar to the Wii and DSi, where running in backwards compatibility mode turns off extra hardware and down-clocks the CPU. Using the home button, the user can bring up the system menu (except for backwards compatibility which will give the user the option to completely soft reset and return to the menu or continue the game) while in game (or in a 3DS application), similar to the "Home Menu" on the Wii. From the home screen, the user can check and manage notes, a list of friends, change the screen brightness, check notifications and, if updated to the latest version, browse the internet- all without closing the current application. At the home screen, the user can also take photos with the 3D cameras by pressing the L or R buttons. To open another application, the current one must first be closed. Like the DSi, game cards can also be hot-swapped while in the menu.

Nintendo 3DS System Update releases

Release Date	System Menu Version	Region	Description of update
JP: TBA EU: TBA NA: TBA AUS: TBA	TBA		Ability to access Nintendo eShop account from other internet enabled devices including computers and smartphones. This system update will allow users to take pictures of QR codes with the 3DS from the other device’s screen to redeem purchased content. This update will add the application "Nintendo Network" to the 3DS Ability to update physical Nintendo 3DS Games via Nintendo Shop (DLC feature) A "Game Preview" Mode for the Nintendo 3DS system Nintendo Shop. Enhances the speed of the handheld. Increases the system security with automatic security updates. Nintendo Zone will be automatically added to European 3DS owners.
JP: December 21, 2011 EU:December 22, 2011 NA: December 21, 2011 AUS: December 21, 2011	3.0.0-6 (Online)		A minor update which improves StreetPass Mii Plaza application. A minor improvement to overall system performance.
JP: December 7, 2011 EU: December 7, 2011 NA: December 6, 2011 AUS: December 7, 2011	3.0.0-5 (Online)		Update to Nintendo 3DS Camera: 3D Video Recording 3D Stop Motion/Time Lapse Update to StreetPass Mii Plaza: SpotPass function Includes Find Mii II / Streetpass Quest II Accomplishments Music Player Slideshow for finished Puzzle Swap panels New puzzle swap panels Improves StreetPass function Update to Nintendo eShop: Ability to download demos Ability to download in-game purchases Ability to download downloadable content while in Sleep Mode Ability to purchase add on downloadable content for games Improved convenience, such as the function to save credit card information and purchase content by adding only the amount of funds required to purchase content Security and convenience: Blocks many flash cartridges Improved Parental Controls to include a parental consent mechanism in accordance with the child online privacy protection laws of some countries. This new feature will require parents of children under a certain age to provide consent before their child can use those Nintendo 3DS features that allow children to share personal information online. Improves system security Improves online play Nintendo 3DS software transfer Adds QR Code function in HOME Menu’s camera mode allowing for linking to URLs and the Nintendo eShop Nintendo Zone (Not in EU yet)
JP: November 3, 2011 EU: November 18, 2011 NA: November 13, 2011 AUS: November 24, 2011	2.2.0-X[a] (Game Card)		Allows players to join in online games that friends are playing using the Friends List Improves system security Blocks some flash cartridges. 2.2.0-X update is only included on select game cards. Update is included on, and required by, the following game(s): Super Mario 3D Land Mario Kart 7 (Game and 3DS Download Play)
JP: July 26, 2011 EU: July 25, 2011 NA: July 26, 2011 AUS: July 26, 2011	2.1.0-4 (Online)		System stability improvements and other adjustments. Blocks some flash cartridges.
JP: June 16, 2011 EU: June 15, 2011 NA: June 15, 2011 AUS: June 16, 2011	2.1.0-3 (Online) 2.1.0-X[a] (Game Card)		Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments Ridge Racer 3D bug fix Automatic updates when a wireless internet connection is available. 2.1.0-X update is only included on select game cards.
JP: June 7, 2011 EU: June 7, 2011 NA: June 6, 2011 AUS: June 7, 2011	2.0.0-2 (Online)		Nintendo 3DS eShop Nintendo DSi software transfer Nintendo 3DS Internet Browser Nintendo 3DS camera update Removal of 3D demonstration video Improved system stability and overall performance Addition of hotkeys for most touch-screen system buttons SpotPass functionality in Sleep Mode The menu that appears when the power button is pressed briefly has had the "Sleep Mode" button removed and the "Software closed." message that appears when the power button is pressed during a game has been moved to the touch screen. A bug is introduced in the game Ridge Racer 3D. Blocks some flash cartridges.
JP: March 2, 2011 EU: March 25, 2011 NA: March 27, 2011 AUS: March 31, 2011	1.1.0-1 (Online) 1.1.0-0[a] (Game Card)		Improved system stability; many bugs fixed Some of the ability to receive data has been extended Improved network connectivity A 3D demonstration video 1.1.0-0 update is only included on select game cards. Update is included on, and required by, the following game(s): The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D Pilotwings Resort (Select regions only) 1.1.0-0 lacks 3D demonstration video included in 1.1.0-1 online update
JP: February 26, 2011 EU: March 25, 2011 NA: March 27, 2011 AUS: March 31, 2011	1.0.0-0 (Default)		Initial release on 3DS

^ a This update came included on select game cards and maintains the same last number as the previously installed firmware version (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc) Only updates issued online increment the last number.

Nintendo 3DS Demo Releases

This is a list of the Demo games for Nintendo 3DS.

Date Released	Region	Download	Game
2012-00-00 2012		N	The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
2012-00-00 2012		N	Steel Diver
2012-00-00 2012		N	Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition
2012-00-00 2012		N	Pilotwings Resort
2011-00-00 October, 2011		N	Super Mario 3D Land
2011-00-00 December, 2011		N	Mario Kart 7
2012-01-00 December 7, 2011		Y	Monster Hunter Tri G
2011-12-26 December 26, 2011		Y	Theatrhythm Final Fantasy
2011-12-26 December 26, 2011		Y	Rhythm Thief & the Emperor’s Treasure
2011-12-26 December 26, 2011		Y	Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D
2011-12-26 December 26, 2011		Y	Resident Evil: Revelations
2011-12-26 January 19 , 2012		Y	Resident Evil: Revelations
2012-01-00 January 19, 2012		Y	Cooking Mama 4
2012-02-00 January 26, 2012		Y	Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games
2012-01-00 February 09, 2012		Y	Crush 3D
2012-02-00 February 16, 2012		Y	Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D
2012-01-00 February 23, 2012		Y	Nintendogs + Cats
2012-01-00 March 01, 2012		Y	Crush 3D
2012-01-00 March 01, 2012		Y	Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games
2012-01-00 March 08, 2012		Y	Dead or Alive: Dimensions
2012-01-00 March 15, 2012		Y	Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure
2012-01-00 March 22, 2012		Y	Pyramids
2012-01-00 March 2012		Y	Mutant Mudds
2012-02-00 2012		Y	Rayman Origins
2012-02-00 2012		Y	Monster Hunter Tri

Nintendo 3DS channel releases and updates

This is a list of the updates and releases of Nintendo 3DS Channels.

Date Released	Region	Download	Channel updated and description of update
2011-07-13 July 13, 2011		Y	Nintendo Video application released.
2011-07-21 July 21, 2011		Y
2011-07-14 July 14, 2011		Y	Netflix Channel released.
2011-12-6 and 7 December 6 and 7, 2011		N	Nintendo Zone addition
2011-12-15 December 15, 2011		Y	Eurosport Channel released.
2011-12-22 December 22, 2011		Y	Swapnote/Nintendo Letter Box released.
2011-12-22 Middle 2012		N	Nintendo Network automatically installed.
2011-12-22 Middle 2012		N	Nintendo Zone automatically installed.

See also

Other gaming platforms from Nintendo:

• Nintendo DSi system software
• Wii system software
• Wii U

Other gaming platforms from this generation:

• PlayStation Vita system software

Gaming platforms from the seventh generation:

• PlayStation 3 system software
• PlayStation Portable system software
• Xbox 360 system software

External links

Official changes in 3DS system software (Nintendo Australia)