I was wondering where can I download the free Nintendo 3DS development kit? Or can I at all? Does it even exist?
Nintendo has a developer portal. Register as a Nintendo Developer and you’ll have access to their stuff, if it exists.
Thank you. I was just busy doing that. It’s free, right?
Opening an account is free, yes.
Thank you.
Not to be “That Guy”, but the Nintendo Switch is currently set to become the best selling console of all time.
Why develop for an old piece of hardware with a sharply declining market when there’s a beefier (meaning easier to develop for) console with a larger market?
That’s not quite true. I mean the switch is doing well, but it has a long way to go until and if it reaches the 3ds’ 66+ million units sold.
True, but 66 million units does not mean you have 66 million buyers.
For one, about half of those numbers are people with multiple systems.
Also, just because you own a system doesn’t mean you use it.
And most importantly, at this point by the time a game was complete (unless you’ve got 3ds development streamlined) by the time you are ready for market the 3ds will be just about dead.
Seeing how nintendo just announced a New 2DS XL, I don’t see that happening too soon.
I could be wrong.
But if I were a betting man, I’d put my money down on the Switch.
Oh, one other thing.
The Switch currently has less than 200 titles.
The 3ds has over 1,000 and the DS has 1,800.
I’d rather compete with 200 games than 2,800.
Yeah, don’t worry, I sort of agree actually. I think our main disagreement is that I don’t think the 3ds line is quite dead yet, but we’re generally on the main page. As a developer I’m more excited and it would make more sense to make something for the switch.
1 Like
There are many possible reasons. Some examples:
Develop now for the system that has the large installed base. Port to the new platform when it has got bigger.
Soft launch in the smaller market. Improve the game. Launch a more polished game on the larger platform.
Do it because you want to. Indies can make independent choices.
Remember Zelda Breath of the Wild which launched alongside the Switch wasn’t exclusive for it. If Nintendo wasn’t willing to bet on the success of the Switch by making it an exclusive title then I’d be hesitant to do it as an indie.
Additionally it’s harder to gain access to the SDK for the Switch than for the 3DS.