Nintendo fans are trying to revive one of the 3DS’s greatest features

Nintendo’s 3DS is soon to face the end of support with the shutdown of its servers, but one group of fans hopes to keep one of its most endearing features going.

The Nintendo 3DS broke new ground with its innovative 3D functions when it was released, and still remains a beloved console to many. During the high of its popularity users could take the handheld to events like concerts or conventions and get hundreds or even thousands of hits on one of its most beloved features – StreetPass.

StreetPass functioned by using Near Field Communication (NFC) to locate other 3DS consoles nearby and handshake with them, allowing the owners of both consoles to benefit. Depending on the game, this could result in extra items, or unlock unique features. Even many of the built-in 3DS games such as StreetPass Quest relied on regular StreetPass hits to reach their full potential. With the declining popularity of the 3DS, it is getting hard to get those hits.

StreetPass global events

An online group of dedicated Nintendo 3DS fans known online as StreetPassLove has expressed their intent to keep the 3DS alive by using community events. They have plans for a presentation of their ‘Street Pass Live’ event at PAX East, where they will attempt a speedrun of a StreetPass game using Mii characters taken from audience members.

Most significantly though, are plans for a global StreetPass community event. April 12-14 has been designated as ‘StreetPass Weekend 2024’ on StreetPassLove’s Twitter/X account. All 3DS owners are encouraged to take their consoles to public spaces such as airports, parks, shopping malls, and game stores. Certain events are also being highlighted as good places to take the 3DS that weekend, such as the Pokemon VGC Regionals, London Games Festival, and Supanova 2024.

Though the servers for the 3DS will be going offline on April 8, 2024, the spirit of the 3DS might carry on longer with help from the fan community.