Summary
One inventiveNintendo 3DSgamer has created a unique charging dock for the Nintendo handheld that also doubles as a way to farm StreetPass interactions. While Nintendo officially ended support for the beloved line of handheld consoles in 2020, the 3DS left an indelible mark on many gamers for its innovative features and games. The handheld platform would see multiple console revisions throughout its lifespan alongsidebeloved games likeAnimal Crossing: New LeafandMario Kart 7. Now, one gamer still using their 3DS has come up with a creative way to charge their devices.
Among the many features packed into theNintendo 3DSon launch was the StreetPass function, allowing 3DS players to connect with others. The unique function would register any time another player with StreetPass turned on was nearby, providing unique interactions with games likeMii PlazaandSuper Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS. StreetPass was so popular among many of the console’s fans that some have even tried to keep it alive to this day, three years after Nintendo discontinued the 3DS. Now, one fan has found a new way to use the feature.
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In a post to the Gaming subreddit, Reddit user Asunder_santa showed off a custom charging dock they created for the 3DS. The multi-port dock allows up to 4 3DS consoles to charge using the dock at the same time off the same power supply with no additional cords. The user also alludes to the dock functioning as a “StreetPass farm” with the 3DS consoles able to quicklyconnect with one another for StreetPass interactions. The creator would also reveal in the comments that the charger was constructed with custom contacts using bare copper wire.
The comments for the unique charging dock see several users lamenting the uniqueness of StreetPass as a concept and Nintendo’s lack of the feature on newer consoles.The Switch would not include a StreetPass equivalentwith many fans feeling that the hybrid handheld and home console had missed a golden opportunity to continue the feature. While StreetPass functionality varied by game, the pre-downloadedMii Plazawould allow players to complete Nintendo-themed puzzles and go on adventures using other players' Mii avatars.
While the 3DS' time in the spotlight has passed, many of Nintendo’s releases show developers have not forgotten the strides the console made. Several popular 3DS games would receive re-releases on the Switch, withLuigi’s Mansion Dark Moonrecently announcedto be receiving a remaster next year. The eShop for the console would also remain open for several years following its discontinuation, with Nintendo officially shuttering the storefront earlier in 2023. While Nintendo’s support for the 3DS has passed, many fans continue to show their own love for the iconic handheld.
