The Nintendo 3DS systems line represents Nintendo’s most ambitious handheld era, combining innovation with long-term versatility. First released in 2011, the 3DS family introduced glasses-free 3D gaming, dual screens, motion controls, and built-in cameras, setting it apart from every other handheld on the market at the time. Over its lifespan, Nintendo released multiple hardware revisions, expanding the lineup while keeping backward compatibility with Nintendo DS games.
The Nintendo 3DS system lineup includes the Nintendo 3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS, New Nintendo 3DS, New 3DS XL, and New Nintendo 2DS XL, each offering different screen sizes, performance improvements, and design tweaks. Today, original Nintendo 3DS systems are highly collectible, especially limited editions, New-series models, and complete-in-box units, making them a popular focus for both retro collectors and modern Nintendo fans.