Nintendo 3DS Releases New System Update

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Now that the Nintendo Switch continues to cement its status as the gaming giant’s best-selling home console, it can be easily assumed that the company is done with the Nintendo 3DS. It has been in many ways for a while now, after all, having been in the process of sunsetting its services since the 3DS was discontinued in 2020. However, it turns out Nintendo’s got at least one more surprise for its last dedicated handheld console, in the form of a new system update.

Even though the system is officially retired, Nintendo has continued to drop random updates for the 3DS on occasion. The latest example of this took place this week, with a new firmware update now available that brings the handheld’s system up to version 11.16.0-48. In typical Nintendo fashion, though, what the update actually changes is rather vague, as the official patch notes merely state “further improvements to overall system stability” along with “other minor adjustments” meant to improve the user experience.

Luckily, a dataminer known as OatmealDome has dove into the new 3DS update more deeply and was able to pinpoint the areas of the system that have been tweaked. Specifically, they revealed that updates have been made to the 3DS eShop and web browser, as well as to parts of the core system functionality.

Official patch notes state the only change is for "stability". Maybe Nintendo just wanted to see the 3DS off by adding another "stability" note to this page.https://t.co/33ZIwgh4tv pic.twitter.com/VkBScx5Nf5
— OatmealDome (@OatmealDome) August 30, 2022

The 3DS isn’t the only discontinued Nintendo console to receive an update this week, as the Wii U also received one at the same time. Similarly to the 3DS’ update, the official patch notes vaguely notes stability and usability improvements, but according to OatmealDome, these improvements focus on the console’s main menu and user settings menu.

Unfortunately for these consoles’ users, these updates coincide with the next step in the 3DS and Wii U eShops’ shutdown. Nintendo has now disabled the ability to use credit from prepaid eShop cards to make purchases, following the removal of credit and debit card support earlier this year. So basically it’s no longer possible to buy new games directly off the eShop on these consoles, and it’s likely the new system updates are to ensure the change doesn’t cause any system-related issues.

There’s still quite some time left before the 3DS and Wii U eShops are gone for good, as they aren’t slated to be shut down completely until March 2023. But after that, it’s unknown what will become of the many games exclusive to the storefront, especially given Nintendo’s seeming disinterest in game preservation. It also remains to be seen how much longer the company will support the consoles with system updates like the ones released this week.