Nintendo 3DS Surprises Fans with New Update

The Nintendo 3DS received a surprise system update earlier this week, despite Nintendo officially ending support for the console several years ago. The 3DS had one of the longest lifespans of Nintendo's iconic handhelds, debuting in 2011 and continuing to see hardware sales until 2020. While often unexpected, post-launch console updates have frequently looked to make minor adjustments to many systems even after being sunsetted.

Sony's PlayStation 3 has also continued to receive firmware updates to this day, with its most recent 4.90 update coming in February. However, many updates related to the 3DS in recent months have come at the expense of fans who continue using the console, with Nintendo officially closing both the 3DS and Wii U eShop earlier this year. Nevertheless, a new minor fix has been released for the 3DS, pushing some small changes to the handheld.

The newest minor fix pushed out for the 3DS, system update 11.17.0-50J, has been shared on Nintendo's Japanese customer support Twitter account. The update does not introduce any groundbreaking changes to the Nintendo console, only pushing minor fixes simply referred to as "improving system stability and convenience." Minor updates like this have often graced consoles of the past, pushing minor quality-of-life fixes and often quietly patching out bugs and exploits with a console's operating system. 3DS hardware sales were officially discontinued in 2020, though Nintendo Network services remain open.

While the previous minor update may not have given fans a reason to pick up their 3DS consoles again, there's no denying that the handheld system was home to several beloved features. The Virtual Console game library, for instance, was a popular draw for gamers looking to revisit classic titles from Nintendo's past. Meanwhile, the StreetPass feature was a unique and engaging way for players to interact with one another, allowing users to exchange data with other 3DS owners they encountered on the go.

Although the 3DS has since been superseded by newer hardware such as the Nintendo Switch, the console's legacy lives on through its impressive library of games. Many of the system's most popular titles, such as Etrian Odyssey and Monster Hunter Generations, have been re-released on the Switch with updated graphics and new features. Additionally, fans have been clamoring for more 3DS titles to be added to the Nintendo Switch Online program, following the recent addition of classic Game Boy games.

Ultimately, the 3DS serves as a testament to Nintendo's unwavering commitment to innovation and creativity. While the system may no longer be at the forefront of the gaming landscape, its contributions to the medium will continue to be felt for years to come.