Why Nintendo 3DS StreetPass Remains Beloved Amid Switch’s Ongoing Success

As the Nintendo Switch enters another milestone year in 2023, it continues to capture headlines with blockbuster releases like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Fire Emblem Engage, Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, and Pikmin 4.

Across the industry, anticipation builds as players look forward to new exclusives, while Nintendo keeps a tight lid on further surprises potentially poised to grace the eShop and forthcoming Nintendo Direct presentations. Yet, beneath this wave of excitement for the Nintendo Switch, a dedicated segment of the gaming community remains fervently attached to a beloved predecessor: the Nintendo 3DS.

Known for its innovative dual-screen design and enduring software library, the Nintendo 3DS fostered a unique social feature that is still fondly remembered—StreetPass. Although the days of seeing a sea of 3DS consoles at public gatherings seem to have passed, fans like Nintendo Life video producer Zion are determined to keep StreetPass alive.

In a call to action shared with the community, Zion encourages fellow enthusiasts to carry their 3DS systems in sleep mode with wireless connectivity enabled during their everyday travels—whether shopping, attending events, visiting parks, or embarking on vacations.

By doing so, users can continue to experience the unmistakable thrill of receiving new StreetPass notifications, a signature element once signaled by the iconic green light. "With so many gamers now primarily using the Switch for both home and portable play, StreetPass encounters have become rare," Zion explained in a recent feature.

"But by carrying our 3DS consoles as we go about our routines, we can help each other relive those memorable moments and discover where StreetPass hits are still possible in 2023." The Nintendo 3DS, first launched in 2011, generated over 75 million unit sales worldwide before being officially discontinued in 2020.

StreetPass, one of its hallmark features, enabled users to exchange game data, avatars, and other content simply by passing nearby fellow 3DS owners.

It became a staple at conventions and community meet-ups, even sparking dedicated events around the globe. While the Nintendo Switch has advanced portable gaming with its hybrid home-console architecture since its 2017 debut—inspiring hit titles and topping 125 million units sold—many veterans argue that no native successor to StreetPass has yet emerged on the platform.

For these passionate 3DS enthusiasts, the mission in 2023 and beyond is simple: keep the spirit of StreetPass vibrant by connecting with others and sharing discoveries about the best locations for StreetPass activity. As Nintendo continues to evolve its hardware strategy, the enduring affection for community-driven features like StreetPass highlights the ways in which player connection and nostalgia remain integral to the company’s legacy.

For those still clinging to their cherished 3DS systems and seeking those dopamine-fueled green light notifications, this grassroots revival offers a poignant reminder of the magic that sets Nintendo apart in the gaming world.

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