Do you remember February 26, 2011, the day common sense for handheld consoles shifted just a little? On that day when the Nintendo 3DS hit store shelves, I picked up the unit with a hint of skepticism, wondering, ”Can you really see things in 3D with the naked eye?” However, the moment I turned it on and slowly slid up the 3D depth slider, a sense of depth suddenly appeared on the screen. The experience of the world expanding inward just by looking at the device, without wearing any special glasses, felt as if another space existed inside the small box. True to its name, that ”3D” certainly opened a new door.

While its appearance followed the folding design of the previous generation, its internals had steadily evolved. While maintaining the dual-screen configuration, the bottom screen allowed for touch operations, enabling intuitive input. On top of that, motion and gyro sensors were added, realizing a system where simply tilting or moving the console was reflected within the game. The ability to sense movement and angles with the unit alone, without relying on special peripherals, further heightened the freedom of the handheld. Additionally, its multifunctionality—equipped with two cameras capable of taking 3D photos and videos—gave it a presence that transcended the framework of a mere ”game console.”

Innovative for its time was the ”Themes” feature for the HOME menu. The idea of personalizing everything down to the background and music by changing themes overlapped with the era when smartphone culture began to spread, appearing very modern. Being able to experience a different atmosphere every time you opened the console is a small change, but it carries great significance for a device touched daily. Furthermore, the pre-installed software was substantial; with ”AR Games,” you could experience making characters appear in real space using the included AR cards, and with ”Nintendo 3DS Sound,” you could play with recorded audio. Being able to try out diverse functions from the day you bought it was an element that made the joy of ownership feel very strong.

Particularly memorable was the existence of ”StreetPass Mii Plaza.” The system where you could meet the Mii of a stranger just by carrying the console around, leading to new ways to play, was a joy unique to a handheld. At large event venues, an astonishing number of Miis would gather, completing a bustling plaza in a short time. That feeling of walking through the city while anticipating ”How many people will I pass by today?” was an experience different from ordinary gameplay. The system itself, where chance encounters turned into play, built a culture of its own.

The Nintendo 3DS also supported internet communication, allowing users to purchase software on the Nintendo eShop or enjoy online battles with players around the world. Of particular note was ”SpotPass.” The system was extremely convenient, as it received data even while the console was in sleep mode, so new information or additional data would have arrived by the time you noticed. The sensation of being naturally connected to the world just by carrying it around was a giant step in expanding the possibilities of handheld consoles.

The charm of the Nintendo 3DS was not just about achieving 3D visuals. Touching, tilting, carrying, passing by, and connecting—the design philosophy of converting all these daily actions into play is what made this hardware special. Precisely because technology and playfulness were packed into a pocket-sized device, it continues to remain in many people’s memories. Every time I recall the moment I was startled by that sense of depth, I feel once again that the possibilities of gaming are still expanding.