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*
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❯ Dudelings: Arcade Sportsball: https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/41202/Dudelings_Arcade_Sportsball_Deluxe_Edition/?utm_source=yt-every-video
❯ Dudelings on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.heavyelement.dudelings&pcampaignid=yt-every-video
❯ Dudelings on Itch.io: https://heavy-element.itch.io/dudelings

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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