A groundbreaking modification by hardware enthusiast KOUZEX has brought Nintendo Switch-style functionality to the Nintendo 3DS, showcasing the enduring creativity within the Nintendo modding community.
As first detailed by Hackaday, KOUZEX has meticulously crafted a custom dock that allows the dual-screen 3DS handheld to output video to a TV via HDMI and supports wireless controllers, offering an innovative twist reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch docking experience. Originally released in 2011, the Nintendo 3DS is hailed for its unique dual-screen design and expansive game library, eventually selling over 75 million units worldwide.
However, native external display support was never part of its feature set.
That limitation inspired KOUZEX to develop a solution that not only broadens the 3DS hardware’s capabilities but also rejuvenates interest in the classic platform. The modding process itself is sophisticated.
Central to the project is the installation of a USB-C capture board within the 3DS, enabling the console to output its signal to external devices.
To translate this signal for modern televisions, a Raspberry Pi board is utilized to convert the data into HDMI output.
The complexity does not end there—wireless controller compatibility, including support for the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, is facilitated through the inclusion of an internal modchip and a dedicated receiver board. Recreating the iconic Switch docking experience, KOUZEX designed a 3D-printed dock that closely mirrors the look and functionality of Nintendo’s own hardware.
This custom-built dock manages to deliver a seamless and authentic docking process, further bridging the gap between the two generations of Nintendo hardware. KOUZEX shared via Hackaday that the project demanded extensive technical knowledge and specialized components, highlighting its accessibility challenges for casual fans.
As he described, executing such a mod requires “a substantial amount of unique technology and hands-on effort,” making it far from a simple weekend project. Though the modification is highly specialized and unlikely to become widespread, the achievement stands as a testament to the ingenuity and passion prevalent within the Nintendo modding scene.
For tech-savvy enthusiasts and collectors, innovations like this not only spotlight the enduring appeal of legacy hardware but also open new avenues for enjoying classic gaming experiences on modern displays and controllers. For more updates on Nintendo 3DS hardware mods, Nintendo Switch developments, and innovations in handheld gaming, stay tuned to our ongoing coverage.
As first detailed by Hackaday, KOUZEX has meticulously crafted a custom dock that allows the dual-screen 3DS handheld to output video to a TV via HDMI and supports wireless controllers, offering an innovative twist reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch docking experience. Originally released in 2011, the Nintendo 3DS is hailed for its unique dual-screen design and expansive game library, eventually selling over 75 million units worldwide.
However, native external display support was never part of its feature set.
That limitation inspired KOUZEX to develop a solution that not only broadens the 3DS hardware’s capabilities but also rejuvenates interest in the classic platform. The modding process itself is sophisticated.
Central to the project is the installation of a USB-C capture board within the 3DS, enabling the console to output its signal to external devices.
To translate this signal for modern televisions, a Raspberry Pi board is utilized to convert the data into HDMI output.
The complexity does not end there—wireless controller compatibility, including support for the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, is facilitated through the inclusion of an internal modchip and a dedicated receiver board. Recreating the iconic Switch docking experience, KOUZEX designed a 3D-printed dock that closely mirrors the look and functionality of Nintendo’s own hardware.
This custom-built dock manages to deliver a seamless and authentic docking process, further bridging the gap between the two generations of Nintendo hardware. KOUZEX shared via Hackaday that the project demanded extensive technical knowledge and specialized components, highlighting its accessibility challenges for casual fans.
As he described, executing such a mod requires “a substantial amount of unique technology and hands-on effort,” making it far from a simple weekend project. Though the modification is highly specialized and unlikely to become widespread, the achievement stands as a testament to the ingenuity and passion prevalent within the Nintendo modding scene.
For tech-savvy enthusiasts and collectors, innovations like this not only spotlight the enduring appeal of legacy hardware but also open new avenues for enjoying classic gaming experiences on modern displays and controllers. For more updates on Nintendo 3DS hardware mods, Nintendo Switch developments, and innovations in handheld gaming, stay tuned to our ongoing coverage.
