The Steam Deck is widely known for its remarkable emulation capabilities, with users most recently managing to enable gyro controls for Wii U emulation. It's not entirely surprising when you consider that the Steam Deck is effectively a portable PC, but it's still impressive nonetheless.
Now, one Reddit user has taken things to the next level by creating what is essentially a 3DS on steroids. In a video posted on the Steam Deck subreddit, user u/rising_tony demonstrates how they have loosely modded the Steam Deck by clipping on an additional screen to allow for fully authentic 3DS emulation.
As you can see in the video demonstration of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, the emulation allows for touch screen support on the lower screen as well as full gyro support for when you want to look around or aim with your catapult. Perhaps most impressively, however, the addition of a second screen doesn't look horrible; it looks pretty nice, in fact! We'd definitely love to try this out.
Of course, the only thing missing is the 3D effect itself, and we'd wager this would be near enough impossible for a fan to achieve; but we're more than willing to be proven wrong! Of course, Nintendo itself dropped support for 3D effects in some of its later games, so we don't think this would prove much of an issue for people looking to emulate 3DS games on the Steam Deck.
What do you reckon of this 3DS / Steam Deck hybrid? Have you managed to perform any similar emulation feats that you'd like to share? Tell us in the comments below!
[source reddit.com]
Comments 90
Finally, I can have the 2DS XXXXL edition
I mean, can this be connected to a big display? If I wanted 3DS games portable, I would just use a 3DS.
Why mention the lack of a 3D effect if both the 2DS and New 2DS XL existed?
@EarthboundBenjy but it’s an emulator, so, presumably, they can play any 3DS game available on that.
Saddly the emulator used for 3DS (Citra is the name) still is way bellow the original hardware. They will advance, but lots needs to be done specially when you look against the new 3DS models
Who would've thought it'd be surprisingly easy to mod your Steam Deck as well?
I'd rather just take out my 3ds.
Well, that thing is hardly portable, but cool idea nonetheless.
(Article about emulation on Nintendo Life)
Comment section:

This system can't even touch the 3ds console and his amazing stereoscopic 3d effect.
In my eyes, 3ds is a unique and one of a kind handheld until nintendo makes a new 3D one!
Or how to make an ugly console even uglier....
I've been on the cusp of this with a drawing tablet and my main monitor. He's got me on the gyro though! Good job, guy.
Be awesome if it could work with a 3d TV!
Given that the 3DS is still pretty easy to buy, even new, and the software too, I just don't get this?
Seems to be exciting for someone that never bought a 3DS, never intends to buy a 3DS, but can play all the games they missed for free. Not a fan of that personally. Credit for the gyro though - that's nice work.
Also, the Steamdeck is so ugly! People from the future will look back at it and laugh. A lot!
Incidentally, I don't think it's mad for Nintendo to sell a second screen accessory for the Switch - or at least for the next iteration/console in the Switch family. DS/3DS/Wii U emulation offers a vast catalogue of games they could reuse.
Been playing some Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD on mine. Got tired of waiting for Nintendo.
Got mine last week. It's really impressive how good TWWHD + TPHD (games that Nintendo just refuses to port to the Switch) run on that thing
@nocdaes The Steam Deck won't win any beauty awards sure, but it's far more comfortable than the Switch. And hey at least it's not as ugly as the original DS.
Was he struggling to find a 3ds to play?
Can’t say I’m against emulators given the way Nintendo handles its retro games access.
Well my 3DS can do the same with like 5% of the steam deck electric bill.
@Exerion76 Kid Icarus Uprising has been specifically game designed to fit with the 3DS resistive touchscreen. I doubt you can play the game in high difficulty on a deck.
Can Steam Deck output to a TV??? Cuz I've been absolutely dreaming of a way to play 3/DS games on a TV for many years.
@MetalMan comfortable that's laughable with the Deck you'll might want try harder here. The Deck can't Dock so more NintenDoomed talking again.
@Chocobo_Shepherd There are unofficial docks specifically designed for Steam Deck, but it's also possible to use a standard usb c dock, although there are a confusing array and searching online for which one is best yields conflicting information. I've been waiting patiently for Valve to release their official dock, which has been delayed and still doesn't have a release date as yet.
While I haven't tested a dock, I do have the Viewsonic X1000 ust projector, which is marketed as being compatible as a Switch display without the use of a dock. I used the usb c cable supplied with the projector with my Steam Deck and it works with that too, although the port doesn't provide enough power to charge the Steam Deck while it's played. The screen on the deck is automatically deactivated while an exterior screen is in use (although this can be overridden) and I found it a great experience, paired with a Dualshock 4, but almost any bluetooth controller could be paired, even Switch controllers.
3D televisions were a thing some years ago, so who knows?
@SwitchForce Out of curiosity, have you ever actually held a Steam Deck with your own hands? Because it IS comfortable to hold
@SwitchForce The Steam Deck is far more ergonomic than the Switch. I've owned a Steam Deck since June and have another one on the way for my son, it'll be here any day now.
Credible opinions on hardware are only reliable when coming from people who have actually owned and used the device they're sharing opinions on, otherwise it's just obvious fanboy nonsense.
@SwitchForce I can't remember the last time I used my Switch docked. I think it has been 4 years?
Sigh, it must just be me...but all I see when I read the word emulation is piracy. People chalk up game preservation or whatever as the reasoning, but geez...just buy a 3ds, buy the games. It was widely available for like a decade. Support the developers, emulation like this just robs them of what they are due, and hurts chances of future projects from them.
@nin10doom Who's to say that people who emulate the games didn't already purchase them?
@glaemay You can with the touch pad on the deck, works pretty well actually.
“Of course, the only thing missing is the 3D effect itself, and we'd wager this would be near enough impossible for a fan to achieve; but we're more than willing to be proven wrong!“
So they’ve emulated a giant 2DS then…..
@nin10doom You know that you can emulate games without pirating, right? I for example dumped my own copies of TWWHD and TPHD from my own Wii U. And that means I supported Nintendo by buying a Wii U, TWWHD and TPHD years ago
And yes I ofc know that many people use emulator to play pirated games but not everybody who plays a game on an emulator also pirated that game
This isn't even a 3DS XXL, this is the 4XL
Where is the comment with ‘This is PiRacY!!!
@SwitchForce I notice you get overly defensive in favor of the switch at the slightest comments that aren't even remotely negative.
@MetalMan 's comment for example just said the steam deck was more comfortable than the switch then you feel the need to defend your switch and label him as "nintendoom" community which is pretty pathetic of you, especially considering that what you responded to was purely subjective.
@Vil This LOL
Jealousy. Jealousy, everywhere. Yes, unsurprisingly, another company is doing things better than Nintendo. Don’t get mad at the users; you chose where to spend your money!
NINJA APPROVED
@SwitchForce You can totally and easily attach a Steamdeck to any HDMI device. Literal plug and play.
@mariomaster96 I can totally see that reasoning. It's really the people who never purchased a 3DS, Wiiu or whatever, never bought any of those games during the years they were available...but then use game preservation or Nintendo's "bad retro policy" as a reason to play those games for free on an emulator...that's what I have issues with.
@Chunkboi79 I can see that reasoning for sure. (See above)
@nin10doom Well, go tell them. I’m sure they’ll stop!
@Guile Hey, I like my 2DS XL a lot. It doesn't have the 3D effect but it is neat.
@WhiteUmbrella Availability.
My main issue with the Steam Deck is I can't get one because it isn't available in my country, at all. Not even preorders existed here.
Also, can't pay above USD$1,500 for what scalpers ask for getting it imported into my country.
I don't think it will be ever officially released here, either. For example, the Steam Controller was already discontinued, but it never released in my country. Even when it was officially discounted to USD$5, resellers asked no less than USD$100 here.
@abdias I'm not sure what you are talking about. There's basically no commercial game that Cita can't run, given you got a powerful enough PC.
You can even upscale them to 720p, 1080p and 4K.
These articles do seem to cause community frustration.
I love my Steam Deck. I still love my 3DS.
I bought most games I want for my 3DS now and I’d rather play on the original hardware. But Nintendo don’t want to sell me the games anymore so my only options would be emulation or paying someone random on the second hand market.
That looks terrible honestly. Emulation will never replace original hardware. Even NES emulation still has input lag.
Now... If you could only fix the nasty stuttering issue that Citra seems to cause in every 3ds game running on the Steam Deck...
Or y'know, use a 3DS that does this out of the box (with cfw, if that's your thing) and enjoy a longer battery life, 3D, and a better form factor.
But it does lack that bad boy charge of feeling like you're hurting the big N.
Looks really great on a multi use modern system, you wont be able to get resolution higher than 200ish p on original hardware. I hope that they’ll eventually bring 3ds emulation to the switch or its successor after gc
@MetalMan True, and comfort is more important too. Well, that's true too... the original DS was hideous. Here's hoping the next Steamdeck manages to improve the same way the DS did!
@SwitchForce YES, you can play Steam Deck on TV, PC Monitor, etc..., You don´t need a dock. You play on tv while charging...(usb-c hub).
Steam Store has 95% all Switch + PS5 + Xbox games together....(and cheaper prices)
Here, my PS5 and my Xbox are sleeping....I prefer to play on my gamer PCs.
And...Steam Deck.
Nintendo Switch is my "secondary device" today. I play more Nintendo Switch on the bed, before sleeping. My wife is pregnant and she is playing a lot of Nintendo Switch on the bed.
Steam Store is 120.000 games library.
But, you still can play emulators.
When i use Switch on the go..its inside the airplane...i have six power banks...to use on switch and steam deck. In both the battery lasts little for the games I like and the brightness and sound settings I like. I use a logitech headphone and use it very loud.
The difference:
Switch: i can play Smash Bros Ultimate ...Mario Kart 8 while traveling by plane.
Steam Deck: I can play Smash bros Ultimate (emulator), Mario Kart 8 (emulator), Tekken 7 (native, $3,99 on Steam Store - on sale), God of War (native $39 on Steam Store on sale), Soulcalibur (native, $9,99 on Steam Store on sale), Street Fighter V (native $3,99 on Steam Store on sale), Elden Ring (native $34 on Steam Store on sale) Gears 5 (native $14 on Steam Store), Forza Horizon 5 (native $39 on Steam Store)....etc...etc...etc while traveling by plane.
@nin10doom I already own them. would like to play the game how I choose. Thanks for your concerns
@Olmectron Citra runs nothing on New 3DS mode and struggles a lot with wifi conectivity. Accuracy is citra's goal, even so, we can't consider citra accurate as of now.
Also, despite being open source, lots of builds are locked behind paid communities or on really obscure discord servers, so I keep my point: 3DS on PC still is way bellow original hardware.
Yeah but my dream 3DS setup is on Switch:
Gamepad in handheld mode in my hands, on the couch, acting as the touch/bottom screen. The TV in front of me is acting as the top screen.
The dock has a peripheral plugged in by USB where I can insert my 3DS game carts (like the GameCube’s Gameboy player) but also acts as the wireless communication hub between the switch in my hand and the TV to show both top and bottom screen properly.
Not entirely sure how 3DS “emulation” would work if trying to play strictly in handheld like this but that’s my dream “at-home/docked” setup: handheld switch showing bottom screen and TV showing top screen.
Oooh, this looks like something I might have to try with my Steam Deck!
@bonjong23 Input lag can be eliminated with a simple setting in Retroarch This gives the player frame-perfect inputs, which you just can't do on original hardware!
Without 3d, imo defeats the point. That's the whole reason for it. All 3d games that had 3d looked beautiful.
You might as well be emulating a glorified DS game.
Emulate this with 3d effect intact on a steam deck hooked up to a 3d tv, thennnn I will be impressed. With refined scaling of course so it doesn't look like ***** blown up.
@Travisemo007 So, 2DS was an error?
@EarthboundBenjy yes it can 😁👍💪
@peppaz You're free to do what you want with the game within the confines of Nintendo's permission, which I'm pretty sure doesn't include playing the game through unofficial means on non Nintendo hardware. If you're confused, maybe shoot them an email and see what their stance is. Just because you purchased a Mario on the original nes doesn't entitle you to the wii eShop download or the Switch Online version or any other ... the same goes for 3DS and any other game platform or developer. They give you certain rights when you purchase it that is entirely up to them, not you.
No I'm actually free to do whatever I want regarding things I purchase lmao
@ModdedInkling Why calling it the ultimate 3DS emulator when it's actually the ultimate 2DS emulator?
@peppaz I can see your point of view. Go in peace fellow Nintendo fan.
✌️✌️✌️ my brother in gaming
@Travisemo007 You know that Nintendo themselves released tons of 3DS models without the 3D effect, right? As well as tons of games that didn't support 3D either, right?
@Chunkboi79 who’s to say they did purchase them? You have to be living in a cave if you actually though pirated Switch games are not a thing. It’s not even for retro games for “game preservation” nonsense but for actual new day 1 game releases notably Metroid Dread, XB3, etc
It’s not hard to find the forums/threads of people showing off their pirated Switch games.
That's so insane.
@glaemay Electricity bill becomes a factor in gaming. Are you from Europe?
Lots of people downplaying the importance of 3D on the 3DS. I know Nintendo did the same, probably due to tabloid tales of the effect on kids eyes, but for me the 3D effect was the whole point of the 3DS. Games were low res, nowhere near as good graphics as the vita but it was in 3D, so it was better. First time I saw that 3D I thought it was some kind of impossible voodoo.
For the most part, not interested. But those analog sticks would be really nice for playing the 3DS Monster Hunter games. I thought those games were amazing, the most technically impressive games on the system (not counting the handful that where New 3DS exclusive). But the 3DS's controls weren't great for action games.
@RootsGenoa
Because the console family is collectively known as the "3DS"
I have EVERY DS, GBA & Nintendo 64 game on my Deck. It's great at emulating PS3 and Switch too.
I think while the 3DS eshop remains open I will continue to purchase games I missed from there. After that date though it’s a free for all as far as I am concerned.
In any case Steam Deck emulation feels much nicer for consoles without particular functionality like motion controls or dual screens.
Wow this looks pretty darnn good!
@Tountoes yes I do. They did that for ppl who could careless about the feature. Tho imo the 3D is what makes the system special. Without it, it's just a normal game.
@Olmectron hahahaha. More like protection for kids lol but sure if you want to call it that sure. If 3D wasn't important, they would've bumped up the resolution on the non 3d models. As it's honestly just okkk...without it.
To be fair tho. A 2ds imo isn't a 3ds. Even if it plays 3ds games.
It's not relevant to my original statement. The 2ds is its own breed.
@Travisemo007 I meant more along the lines of the 2DS XL. It's basically a 3DS XL with a more sturdy design, less prone to error triggers (L & R) but without 3D. Also more ergonomic.
It felt like the best console in the 3DS family, only missing the flagship feature. I actually prefer playing on a 2DS XL more than any 3DS version. Yeah, it's missing 3D, but I can play more comfortably for hours.
@Moistnado same mk7 is one of my fav games ever and the 3d, first person w gyro indeed does feel like some black magic
@nin10doom
"If you're confused, maybe shoot them an email and see what their stance is."
Their stance, what's legal, and what's ethical are three completely different things.
@shaneoh That is quite true. I didn't think that through, but yes you are correct.
@nin10doom
people were wringing their hands over "home taping" too, and for good reason! all those hollywood execs and record producers who lost their salaries to people copying movies and LPs 😊
(relax. just like "home taping," not everyone using emulation is a dirty rotten scoundrel. 👍)
are there, like, IP lawyers posing as 11 year olds and trolling on every emulation related article's comment section now? I never knew so many gamers were so icked out by emulation until i started following nintendolife.
maybe they have all bought stock in nintendo? maybe their dad is a cop? i just dont get it.
its a computer. it does things. no one dies.
@-wc- Lol, that's a good comparison. Well said!😂
@nin10doom
cheers 😊👍 i like your attitude.
@BongoBongo
that's how i feel. if the games arent being made available commercially, then there is no morality question. companies can protect themselves from piracy somewhat just by making their stuff easy to get legitimately, especially if they can make it affordable or cross platform.
its a slim minority i reckon that would rather fuss around with emulation than just have the stuff legit. see: pricing and availability of used games. see: popularity and sales of ports and remakes of rare games. (suiko 2 remaster incoming! 🤟😆)
OTOH i feel no obligation to resellers and how i get access to content that isnt otherwise commercially available is my business.
@Don
Yeah, its like i mentioned in the other topic how it feels really odd how hesitant Nintendo can be when it comes to rebuying their older games.
@iLikeUrAttitude
yeah it can feel like no matter how many different takes there are for something on the internet it will often be distilled down to its extremes and criticism can be attributed to the idea that someone has some kind of preconceived hatred.
for example, ive often criticised the NSO legacy content for not having the option to buy the games but if it was out of some hatred for nintendo then why would i want to buy their legacy content?
not the best example but yeah i agree with your general notion that them criticizing something subjective doesnt mean "nintendoomed"
@Olmectron I still wouldn't consider it a 3ds. Lol
@Arawn93 So showing off emulation of a game means someone pirated it? Huh, news to me.
@Travisemo007 Alright. The company that created and sold it actually calls it a member of the "Nintendo 3DS Family" so, there's that.
https://play.nintendo.com/news-tips/tips-tricks/how-to-set-up-nintendo-3ds/
@Olmectron that is their opinion lol. Technically to me it's not since nothing played on a 2ds is in 3d or can even do 3d. It Is a 2ds. Its in the name lol.
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