How Many AR Games Are Pre-Installed on Nintendo 3DS?

The Nintendo 3DS pioneered handheld augmented reality gaming with built-in software utilizing AR cards. This article explores the specific number and types of AR games pre-installed on the system, detailing the main applications and mini-games included at launch and through updates.

The Core AR Applications

When examining the pre-installed software on a standard Nintendo 3DS family system, there are primarily two distinct augmented reality applications. The first is simply titled “AR Games,” and the second is a separate title known as “Face Raiders.” While both utilize the system’s outer cameras to blend digital objects with the real world, they function as separate icons on the home menu.

Mini-Games Within the AR Games App

The “AR Games” application serves as a hub for several specific mini-games that require the use of included AR Cards. At launch, this application contained three primary experiences. Target Shooting allowed players to shoot at appearing targets on the cards, while Archery challenged users to hit moving targets with precision. The third game, House of Cards, let players build virtual structures on top of the physical cards.

Updates and Additional Content

Over the lifespan of the console, Nintendo released system updates that expanded the library within the AR Games application. These updates introduced new modes such as Fishing, where players could catch virtual fish in real-world environments, and Star Traveler, a space-themed shooting gallery. There was also a collection mode that allowed users to view 3D models of Nintendo characters placed on the cards. Consequently, while there are two main AR applications, the total count of playable mini-game types exceeds five depending on the system update version.

Face Raiders Experience

Face Raiders stands apart from the card-based mini-games as a full shooter experience. Instead of using AR Cards, this game uses the faces of people in the room as enemies. Players shoot at floating heads while moving around their physical environment. Because it is a standalone pre-installed title distinct from the AR Games hub, it is counted separately when categorizing the types of augmented reality software included with the hardware.

Summary of Pre-Installed Types

In total, a fully updated Nintendo 3DS comes with two main AR applications. The AR Games app contains multiple mini-game types including Target Shooting, Archery, House of Cards, Fishing, and Star Traveler. Face Raiders operates as a unique, separate AR game. Together, these provide a diverse introduction to augmented reality technology without requiring additional software purchases.