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Hey there, gamers! Are you a proud owner of both a Nintendo Switch and a 3DS? Have you ever found yourself wondering if these two consoles can play together?
Well, wonder no more!
In short, no, the Nintendo Switch and 3DS cannot play together. The Nintendo Switch and 3DS are not compatible with each other as they use different architectures and operating systems and they do not offer cross-platform multiplayer.
However, there are a small number of games that offer cross-progression support, which allows players to start playing a game on one console and continue it on another. But, this is not the same as playing together in real-time with other people.
The Switch and 3DS are separate consoles, and although they cannot play together, players can still enjoy the wide range of games available on both consoles.
In this article, we’ll be diving deep into the capabilities of the Nintendo Switch and 3DS and going into more detail about them playing together.
But before we get started, let’s do a quick overview of these two consoles.
Nintendo Switch and 3DS: An Overview
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid video game console that was released in March 2017. It can be played as a home console connected to a TV or as a portable console using the built-in screen. It’s a powerful piece of hardware that can run high-resolution games and has a wide range of titles available.
On the other hand, the 3DS is a portable console that was released in March 2011. It’s not as powerful as the Switch but it’s still a great console for portable gaming. It has a wide range of titles available, including some exclusive ones.
Now that we have a general idea of what these consoles are, let’s move on to the next topic.
Multiplayer Capabilities of the Nintendo Switch
The Switch has some pretty impressive multiplayer capabilities. It allows for local multiplayer, where you can play with friends and family in the same room using multiple Joy-Con controllers or Pro Controllers.
It also has online multiplayer capabilities, where you can play with people from all over the world. It even gives you the ability to play coop or versus with players on other consoles like the Xbox Series X and S, PS4 & PS5, PC, etc. However, that is only for a few purely online games like Among Us, Fall Guys, Fortnite, Minecraft, etc.
But can these capabilities extend to the 3DS?
Will the Nintendo Switch and 3DS Work Together?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Can the Switch and 3DS play together? The short answer is, unfortunately, no. The Nintendo Switch can not play multiplayer games with the 3DS as they are not compatible with each other.
The Switch uses a different architecture and operating system than the 3DS, so it’s not possible for them to play together.
Is Nintendo Backwards Compatible? (What Games Work On The Switch?)
Now, some of you might be thinking, “But what about backwards compatibility? Can’t the Switch emulate the 3DS and play 3DS games?”
Unfortunately, this is not the case. Backwards compatibility is the ability of a newer console to play games from an older console. The Switch is not backwards compatible with the 3DS, meaning it cannot play 3DS games.
Switch Play and 3DS Play
Although the Switch and 3DS can’t play together, there are a handful of Switch games that offer cross-progression support. This means you can start playing a game on one console and continue playing it on the other.
But, that’s not exactly the same as playing together. It’s more like playing separately but still making progress in the same game.
Hunter Generations Game: On The Switch & 3DS
One game that offers cross-progression support is “Hunter Generations.” This is a game that is available on both the Switch and 3DS.
You can start playing on one console and continue on the other. But, it’s important to note that this is not the same as playing together or having multiplayer capabilities.
Other Switch & 3DS Compatible Games
Unfortunately, “Hunter Generations” is one of the very few games that offer cross-progression support. A few other games include “Minecraft”, but that’s about it.
So, you won’t be able to play any games together on the Switch and 3DS and very few of them will save your progress from playing on one console when you go to play on the other.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s not possible for the Switch and 3DS to play together. The two consoles use different architectures and operating systems, so they’re not compatible with each other.
However, there are a handful of Switch games that offer cross-progression support, which allows you to start playing on one console and continue on the other. But, it’s important to note that this is not the same as playing together.
Unfortunately, this is the limit to what you can do with the Switch and 3DS together. But, don’t let this discourage you from enjoying both consoles separately.
The Switch has a wide range of games and is a great console for home and portable gaming, while the 3DS is a great portable console with a wide range of exclusive titles. So, don’t be afraid to play your Switch and 3DS separately, and have fun with both of them!