Inside StreetPass San Diego: How Nintendo 3DS Fandom Built America’s Largest Community Event

StreetPass San Diego has rapidly become a flagship example of grassroots Nintendo 3DS community-building in the United States.

Having originated with just a handful of dedicated fans in April 2011, the group now draws more than 150 participants to its monthly gatherings, held in the strikingly modern San Diego Central Library.

As StreetPass groups continue thriving across cities like Chicago and New York, San Diego’s chapter stands out as a hub for Nintendo 3DS enthusiasts, with vibrant events that showcase the enduring appeal of Nintendo’s handheld systems. For those unfamiliar, StreetPass is a distinctive feature embedded in every Nintendo 3DS and 2DS handheld, allowing users to wirelessly exchange Mii avatars and select game data simply by passing near one another.

This functionality has fueled a worldwide fan movement, evidenced by the dozens of active StreetPass Facebook pages for major U.S.

cities and thousands of fans planning regular meetups both in person and online. David, an administrator and founding member of StreetPass San Diego, recounted the group’s rapid growth: “Our first ‘miitup’ had just eight attendees, but by the very next meeting, 25 people showed up.

That number has only kept increasing.

Today, we typically welcome over 150 participants every month.” Events are marked by tournament play, such as free-entry Super Smash Bros.

competitions, themed giveaways—including official Smash Bros.

merchandise—and a strong sense of camaraderie among attendees. At a typical gathering, the library’s event space is filled with a flurry of gaming activity: Mario Party 10 and Mario Kart 8 races, Monster Hunter hunts, and Pokémon battles bring together players of all ages and backgrounds.

New StreetPass titles receive warm welcomes, with participants collaborating to make the most of unique features—like teaming up in Ultimate Angler to catch rare fish together.

One attendee casually managed four Nintendo handhelds at once, confidently declaring, “Of course I’m a gamer,” when asked about her enthusiasm. A Nintendo retail representative named Ray, sporting a Legend of Zelda shirt, shared insights with attendees: “Honestly, a lot of feedback about amiibo is mixed right now, since some people are frustrated with availability.

But the concept is still new.

I hope everyone eventually gets what they want.” Ray, despite his official ties, emphasized his commitment to both the fandom and his local group, noting that “StreetPass San Diego is probably the best Nintendo community in the country.” The celebratory atmosphere includes rounds of Nintendo-themed raffles supported by sponsors like Capcom, Square Enix, local GameStop stores, and community contributions.

David noted that connecting with Nintendo of America for official sponsorship is rare—contrasting with robust support seen in Europe—but the group’s continued success is a testament to the enthusiasm of its members and volunteers. Events frequently culminate in friendly competitions, generous prizes, cake, and a closing raffle that keeps participants engaged right until the end.

Even those who leave without a prize cite the enduring friendships and opportunities to connect with fellow Nintendo fans as the primary reason for returning month after month.

As the community movement around StreetPass groups grows, San Diego’s chapter stands as a leading example of how shared passion for Nintendo and the 3DS brings gamers together, bridging gaps across age, background, and experience. As Nintendo transitions its focus to the Nintendo Switch, the legacy of StreetPass communities like StreetPass San Diego remains a powerful illustration of how hardware features and fan-driven events fuel lasting connections.

Whether it’s a child attending with their family, a seasoned gamer vying for tournament victory, or anyone eager for a piece of cake and camaraderie, StreetPass groups prove that Nintendo’s magic extends far beyond the screen.

StreetPass San Diego Nintendo Nintendo 3DS Super Smash Bros. Monster Hunter Mario Kart 8 Capcom Square Enix GameStop Prima K'nex San Diego Public Library David Ray Genesis