The 3DS Is Dying—Here’s How I Saved Mine on the Steam Deck
The 3DS, one of my favorite handheld gaming systems. From the standard fare of Mario and Zelda titles to third party games and beyond. But let’s be honest, this thing is aging. The hinge is weak and won’t stay open at a comfortable angle. The screen leaves much to be desired. And there’s always the chance of a capacitor going bad or a battery that won’t charge depriving us of access to our favorite games. So what’s the solution? Emulation. Emulation is the only way we can guarantee that we’ll be able to play our favorite games going forward. Besides, I’m already carrying my Steam Deck with me everywhere I go. So why would I lug my aging 3DS everywhere, too? And look, there are few devices out there that are more qualified to emulate the 3DS than the Deck. It’s got an amazing screen that can be configured to accommodate the two screens of the 3DS. Plus, it’s got ample input to get you playing your favorite games. My Game ❯ Dudelings on Humble: https://humblebundleinc.sjv.io/9LWQeW ❯ Dudelings: Arcade Sportsball: https://store.steampowered.com/bundle... ❯ Dudelings on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... ❯ Dudelings on Itch.io: https://heavy-element.itch.io/dudelings Affiliate links Services I Recommend: ❯ Proton Drive: https://go.getproton.me/aff_c?offer_i... ❯ Proton Pass: https://go.getproton.me/aff_c?offer_i... ❯ Proton VPN: https://go.getproton.me/aff_c?offer_i... ❯ Proton Mail: https://go.getproton.me/aff_c?offer_i... Best Steam Deck Accessories: ❯ SanDisk 1 TB card: https://amzn.to/3z8mMfH ❯ Steam Deck Dock: https://amzn.to/3PDjgkt ❯ Steam Deck accessories: https://amzn.to/4c2XKkM ❯ DualSense: https://amzn.to/3WR1u1R ❯ Gulikit KK3 Max controller https://amzn.to/4dqRaoC ❯ DualSense Edge: https://amzn.to/4cuzIyd ❯ 8Bitdo Pro 2: https://amzn.to/46R7hcz ❯ Amazon Suggested Products: https://amzn.to/4fAha2h Elsewhere on the Web ❯ My podcast: https://podcast.subscribeto.me ❯ Merchandise: https://shop.heavyelement.io ❯ Email Newsletter: https://heavyelement.com/newsletter ❯ 🐘 Mastodon: https://mastodon.online/@gardiner_bryant ❯ Peertube: https://subscribeto.me/ ❯ Heavy Element: https://heavyelement.com ❯ Mastodon: https://mastodon.online/@gardiner_bryant ❯ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@gardiner_bryant Support the Show ❯ Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/gardiner_bryant ❯ Patreon: / thelinuxgamer ❯ Merch: https://gardinerbryant.com ❯ Humble: https://www.humblebundle.com/store/?p... ❯ / @gardiner_bryant ❯ Amazon affiliate: https://amzn.to/3iYb4gd 00:00 3DS on the Steam Deck 00:58 ROM acquisition 01:58 EmuDECK 03:01 Non-EmuDECK Setup 04:16 Add Lime3DS to Steam Library 04:33 Launch Lime3DS from Steam Library 04:54 Configure Lime3DS 06:13 Configure Controls 07:23 Return to Game Mode 08:33 Conclusion About Gardiner Bryant: A native Maine resident, Gardiner (yes, that's his first name) is an enthusiastic Linux evangelist, a believer in the efficacy and superiority of the Free and Open Source way, and President of Heavy Element. Heavy Element offers web design, media production, and YouTube consulting services to individuals and companies in Maine and beyond. https://heavyelement.com Emulate Nintendo 3DS games on your Steam Deck (2025) Emulate your favorite 3DS games on your Steam Deck (2025) #steamdeck #emulation #3ds