Behind the Scenes: The 3DS That Stole the Switch’s Docking Magic
Subtitle: A lone modder transforms an aging Nintendo 3DS into a modern, dockable powerhouse - controller support and HDMI output included.
In the shadowy corners of the modding world, one tinkerer has achieved what Nintendo never dared: giving the beloved 3DS a new lease on life with a fully functional, Switch-style docking station. This isn’t just a case of nostalgia - it’s a tale of technical wizardry, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of handheld perfection.
The Modder’s Mission
The Nintendo 3DS was never meant to rival the seamless docking experience of the Switch. Yet for [KOUZEX], a hardware enthusiast with a penchant for pushing boundaries, the challenge was irresistible. The goal? To let a 3DS slot into a dock, charge, display its output on a big screen, and work with modern gamepads - all with the elegance of Nintendo’s latest hybrid console.
Reverse Engineering the Future
The journey began with a bold internal upgrade: embedding a USB-C capture card into the 3DS, providing a pathway for video output. This signal, however, wasn’t plug-and-play - so a Raspberry Pi was conscripted to convert the feed into HDMI, making the 3DS TV-ready.
Charging was the easy part: just two side contacts and a dose of 5 volts. But controller support? That’s where things got truly inventive. A custom modchip was installed inside the 3DS to mimic button presses from a Switch Pro Controller. After experimenting with various wireless receiver boards, the right fit was found, bridging the generational gap between handheld and console controls.
From Soldering Iron to 3D Printer
This project wasn’t just a feat of electronics. The dock itself, meticulously designed and 3D-printed, emulates the iconic “slide-in” feel of the Switch. The layout even mirrors the official dock’s USB-C and HDMI ports, achieving a professional look and function that belies its homebrew origins.
For those less inclined to tear into their 3DS, [KOUZEX] notes that a simple charging dock can be made with just a 3D print and a few wires. But for the bold, this build is proof that with enough skill and patience, the classics can be reborn for a new era.
