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 current version of the system software, 9.2.0-20, was made available on October 30, 2014.
Home Menu
The Home Menu is a graphical shell similar to the Nintendo DSi Menu and Wii U Menu for Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 2DS systems. It is used to launch software stored on Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS Game Cards, applications installed on a SD card and DSiWare titles installed in the system's internal memory. Application icons are set in a grid navigable with the touchscreen or D-pad, and may be re-arranged via drag-and-drop. The amount of icons per column can also be changed, from 1 icon up to 6. The menu can display up to 120 application tiles. On the upper screen, a special 3D animated logo is displayed for each individual app, as well as system information such as wireless signal strength, date and time, and battery life, while on the bottom screen, application icons are displayed. It is also possible to change the screen's brightness while in the menu.[1] Using the Home button, users can suspend the current software that is running and bring up the Home Menu, allowing the user to launch certain multitasking applications, such as the Internet Browser and Miiverse.
Similarly to the Nintendo DSi, the menu has upgradeable firmware. Game cards can also be hot-swapped while in the menu. The power button prompts the user to either put the console into sleep mode, or shut it down.
On April 25, 2012, a system update brought the introduction of a folder system.[2] Up to 60 folders can be created. Applications can be dragged on top of a folder in order to move it, and from then on, more apps can be added to the folder using the same procedure, up to 60 apps per folder. A title for the folder is automatically created in order of creation (from "1" to "60"), but the name can also be edited by the user. Only the first character of the title will be displayed on the folder's icon. When apps inside folders receive StreetPass or SpotPass notifications, a notification icon will appear on top of the folder[2]
On June 20, 2013, a system update brought the introduction of the Save Data Backup feature.[3] This feature allows the user to back up save data from downloadable Nintendo 3DS software and most Virtual Console games. Creating a backup of save data allows users to delete software from the SD card without losing save data. The backup created will then be automatically restored when the user re-downloads software from the Nintendo eShop. A total of 30 save data backups can be stored at a time. It is not possible to back up save data from retail versions of Nintendo 3DS software, DSiWare, and Game Boy Advance software.[4]
Nintendo 3DS Camera
Nintendo 3DS Camera is a built-in photo and video recorder with an integrated media gallery and photo editing functionality. The app uses the system's two front facing cameras to take 3D photos, and the user-facing camera to take regular 2D photos. All photographs are taken at a resolution of 640 x 480 px (VGA), or 0.3 megapixels. In addition to manual recording controls, timers can also be set to take a photo three or ten seconds after pressing the Take button, or by means of voice commands such as saying "OK!" when wishing to take a photo.[5]
There are various options and filters available when taking photos or recording video. In addition to the Normal mode, there is a Low-Light option, which is useful when taking photos and recording video in dark lighting conditions. Other options include manual controls such as the color type (normal, black and white, sepia, negative or solarize), sharpness, contrast and brightness. Real-time photo filters are also available including Sparkle, which adds moving stars to the photo, Dream, which adds a dream-like bright light to the photo, Pinhole, which lightens the center of the screen and darkens the edges and Mystery, which adds a random finish to the photo. There is also a special mode called Merge, which takes a photo of the user facing the inner camera and merges the photo from someone facing the outer cameras.[5]
On December 7, 2011, a system update added the ability to record 3D video along three special recording options. Interval Shot allows sequences of images to be recorded in short-timed intervals to create time-lapse photography; Frame Pick edits still images together to create stop motion animation; and Montage let's the user pause and resume recording seamlessly.[6] However, all recording modes only allow a single video to be up to ten minutes long.[7]
Nintendo 3DS Sound
Nintendo 3DS Sound is a built-in music player and sound recorder. Supported audio codecs include MP3 audio (with .mp3 filename extensions) and AAC audio (with .mp4, .m4a, and .3gp filename extensions). Audio files can be played from an SD card, with visualizations displayed on the upper screen. Music can be played while the console is in Sleep Mode, using the system's headphone jack. When using headphones with an included mic and button, the button can toggle play/pause and skip to the next and previous track. A set of sound manipulation options are available, as well as several audio filters. Ten-second voice recordings can be also be recorded, edited with audio filters, and manipulated through modulation and playback speed. Users may save and modify up to 18 of these in the console's memory and up to 180 on an SD card.[8] These can then be used throughout other applications such as Swapnote.[citation needed]
There is a StreetPass function built-into the app. When the user StreetPass's someone who also has StreetPass enabled, both users exchange song data such as the song's name, artist, album, release year, and how many times it has been played. There is also a compatibility chart between the users involved. Depending the amount of matching songs from both users a score will be displayed, ranging from 0% to 100%, with the latter being the most compatible.[8]
The Nintendo 3DS is capable of suspending an application and run one of six multitasking applications. Once a game or application is running, the user can press the Home button to suspend it and temporarily open the Home Menu. It is then possible to open another specially designed multitasking application built into the system without closing the currently suspended software. Attempting to open a game or application while another is already running will result in a warning prompt.[1] These multitasking applications include:
Game Notes, which allows users to write and save notes, with screenshots from both screens of the current suspended software present to aid the user.
Friend List, a list of registered friends, with information such as their current status as well as current/favorite application; up to 100 friends can be registered by exchanging friend codes.
Notifications, whilst receiving notifications the top LED light will flash either blue or green, depending if it is a SpotPass or StreetPass notification, respectively.
Miiverse, a social networking service dedicated to games and other applications; comments and software screenshots can be posted on dedicated software communities.
Camera, a lightweight version of Nintendo 3DS Camera with most features omitted, accessed by holding the L and R buttons; QR codes can be read by the camera.
The Miiverse and Internet Browser cannot be loaded while certain software are suspended, due to that software's high usage of the 3DS's resources. However, this is not the case with the New Nintendo 3DS.
Firmware
The Nintendo 3DS firmware can run in four different modes. NATIVE_FIRM is the native running firmware for Nintendo 3DS software (including the Home Menu). SAFE_MODE_FIRM is used for safe mode applications, such as the System Settings and System Updater. TWL_FIRM is the Nintendo DSi's native firmware and it is used for Nintendo DS/DSi backward compatibility. Finally, AGB_FIRM is the Game Boy Advance's native firmware and it is used to run Game Boy Advance Virtual Console games.[9]
Nomenclature
The nomenclature of a firmware version, as it's shown on the 3DS System Settings, is divided into three parts: the first three digits represent the firmware version without eShop features (which is the one stored on retail cartridges); the number after the dash represents improvements related to the eShop and can only be obtained via online update; and finally, the letter at the end represents the region of the console. The possible letters are for the Americas (U), Europe and Australia (E), Japan (J), South Korea (K) and Taiwan (T), which are the five regions with exclusive firmwares for each one.
System Update releases
Obsolete
Current
Version 9
Table of versions: Nintendo 3DS OS Version 9
Version
Release date
Changes in System Software
9.2.0-20
October 30, 2014; 10 years ago (2014-10-30)
System stability improvements and other adjustments
Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience
9.1.0-20
October 10, 2014; 10 years ago (2014-10-10)
Japanese only firmware which is a slight update from 9.0.0-20
Themes were not unlocked in the Japanese version of 9.0.0.-20 but are in this new firmware.
Issues present with firmware
The problem with StreetPass Relay is still in this firmware.
Users can now use themes to customize the design and sounds of the HOME Menu
Five themes are pre-installed and additional themes can be purchased from the Theme Shop
Themes can be changed by using settings located within the HOME Menu Settings
A feature has been added that allows users to capture screenshots of their HOME Menu
The Title Information page on Nintendo eShop has been updated to provide easier access to any available videos, demos, user reviews, and other information
System stability improvements and other adjustments
Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience
Issues present with firmware
A problem with StreetPass Relay has become present where people no longer get 6 multiple random hits from Nintendo Zone locations in US and Europe. Canada having a hard time receiving some updates and software for update 9.0.0
Added e-mail support to Parental Controls, allowing parents that have forgotten their PIN to send themselves an e-mail with instructions on unlocking Parental Controls.
System stability improvements and other adjustments
Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience
Pressing the L and R Buttons simultaneously will now start the Nintendo 3DS Camera from the HOME Menu
Improved system stability and usability
Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience
1 Credit card information stored on the Nintendo eShop will be deleted after this update is performed or after linking a new Nintendo Network ID
2 SpotPass must be enabled to use this feature
StreetPass data can now be exchanged with any compatible Nintendo Zone access point in range. The user receives StreetPass data from the previous Nintendo 3DS user to exchange StreetPass data with the access point. At the same time, the user’s StreetPass data is stored for the next Nintendo 3DS user to receive. (Note that this service is only available in select countries )
System stability improvements and other adjustments
Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user's experience.
The option to update StreetPass Mii Plaza is now available from the Streetpass Mii Plaza menu.
Updating StreetPass Mii Plaza will provide new features, such as the ability to change your Mii character's expression and the ability to purchase new StreetPass Mii Plaza games.[a]
Improved system stability and usability
Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience.
Added an option to update StreetPass Mii Plaza. An update is currently available that will add a shop where the user can purchase new games for StreetPass Mii Plaza. This update also allows the user to set a facial expression for their Mii to use when greeting other users' Mii characters.
Save data backup feature
Save data of compatible downloadable software can be backed up and restored.
System stability improvements and other adjustments
Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user's experience.
Version
Release date
Changes in System Software
^[a] The ability to update within StreetPass Mii Plaza and purchase paid content is only available to users in regions where the full version of the Nintendo eShop is available.
Fix for possible problems when launching certain applications after a system update
Fixed an error that prevented some users from launching the System Settings, Nintendo eShop or Game Notes after an error message was displayed during the system update process.
It is now possible to perform Sleep Mode downloads of purchased titles even while Nintendo eShop is running. Further adjustments have been made to enhance the user's experience.
Support for Save Data Transfer Tool
The Sava Data Transfer Tool will be available for download from Nintendo eShop.
System stability improvements and other adjustments
Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user's experience.
Addition of a feature to create folders. Up to 60 folders can be created on the HOME Menu for better organisation of your software icons.
Nintendo Zone (EUROPE ONLY)
Nintendo Zone (subject to availability in your country) is now accessible free of charge through thousands of supported public Wi-Fi access points across Europe. The Nintendo Zone viewer appears on the HOME Menu when you are in range of a supported Wi-Fi access point for the first time.
Support for update data
Addition of the possibility to download update data for software that you own. For example, Mario Kart 7 update data will be available in mid May to resolve shortcut exploits in online multiplayer races.
System stability improvements and other adjustments
Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user's experience.
Version
Release date
Changes in System Software
Version 3
Table of versions: Nintendo 3DS OS Version 3
Version
Release date
Changes in System Software
3.1.0-6
JP/EUJuly 28, 2012; 12 years ago (2012-07-28) USJuly 19, 2012; 12 years ago (2012-07-19)
Addition of a sequel to Find Mii, new panels for Puzzle Swap, and other new features.
New features and usability improvements for Nintendo eShop
Addition of several new features, such as support for performing downloads while the system is in Sleep Mode and the ability to save credit card information
New feature for the Friend list
For supported titles, users will be able to join the games of friends who are playing online directly from the friend list. (New only for users updating from system version 2.1.0-4E or lower)
System Transfer between two Nintendo 3DS systems
Addition of System Transfer function to perform transfers between two Nintendo 3DS systems. Note that all existing data will be transferred from the old system and existing data on the new system will be overwritten.
System stability improvements and other adjustments
Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user's experience.
An issue that could cause the screen to freeze under certain circumstances when using Ridge Racer 3D on a Nintendo 3DS system with system software version 2.0.0-2E installed has been fixed.
System stability improvements and other adjustments
Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user's experience.
Nintendo eShop (subject to availability depending on the user's home country) offers a variety of free and purchasable software which can be downloaded directly to the Nintendo 3DS system. You can also view videos, screenshots and background information for Nintendo 3DS software, including those purchasable at retail locations.
The Internet Browser was added to the system's firmware and is available in the upper right corner of the HOME Menu (in previous versions, there was only a placeholder mentioning its status as planned for a future revision).
SpotPass content can be received automatically and free of charge from thousands of supported public Wi-Fi access points across the world. Additionally, it is now possible to receive future system updates automatically.
Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL owners will now be able to transfer settings, previously purchased Nintendo DSiWare and other data to (but not from) a Nintendo 3DS system they own. Please note that software save data and Nintendo DSi Points cannot be transferred. In addition, certain Nintendo DSiWare (e.g. pre-installed Nintendo DSiWare) cannot be transferred. Some data will be deleted with the transfer. Please download the Nintendo 3DS Transfer Tool from the Nintendo DSi Shop and check the instruction manual before performing a system transfer.
System stability improvements and other adjustments
Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user's experience.
Please note that the 3D video that was offered for a limited time only and included in system 1.1.0-1E will be removed from your Nintendo 3DS system with this system update.
