Modder brings high-end PC gaming to Nintendo 3DS handhelds via GeForce NOW app

TL;DR: Kasumi, an unofficial GeForce NOW client for modded New Nintendo 3DS, New 3DS XL, and New 2DS XL systems, streams PC games using the handheld’s video decoder. It supports streams up to 30 FPS at 960 × 540, with customizable controls and connection optimizations; a stable internet connection and proximity to GeForce NOW servers are needed.
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The mid-generation New Nintendo 3DS refresh that upgraded the processor, expanded memory, and added microSD support has become a haven for homebrew development in recent years. It was Nintendo’s last full handheld console before it transitioned to the Switch’s handheld-and-console hybrid.

In addition to the recent and impressive efforts from homebrew developers bringing classic GTA games like Grand Theft Auto 3 and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City to the handheld, there’s a new app that brings the latest PC games with ray-tracing and DLSS to the New 3DS, New 3DS XL, and New 2DS XL called Kasumi.

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Created by p0mpurin and availablegs PC gaming to the handheldstant access to PC games across Steam, Epic, Xbox, and other clients, running on GeForce RTX-powered cloud hardware that leverages the full suite of RTX technologies like DLSS, Frame Generation, Reflex, and even G-Sync

• Read more: GTA 3, Vice City, and Liberty City Stories are coming to the New Nintendo 3DS

This is possible on the New Nintendo 3DS, New 3DS XL, and New 2DS XL because of revised hardware, including an actual video decoder. According to Kasumi’s creator, the hardware video decoder handles the stream, capped at 30 FPS at 960 x 540 pixels. Of course, it also requires an internet connection and proximity to GeForce NOW servers to ensure a stable connection.

What internet speed and connection conditions does GeForce NOW need for stable streaming through Kasumi?

How much input lag can players expect when using GeForce NOW on a 3DS over Wi-Fi?

Which GeForce NOW subscription tiers and session limits apply when using Kasumi?

Which GeForce RTX features, such as DLSS and Reflex, are available during Kasumi streaming sessions?

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Kasumi optimizes GeForce NOW for the 3DS to ensure smooth frame pacing and a steady connection, plus the ability to customize the button layout and mapping per game and zoom in the top screen’s 800-pixel mode for readability. The current beta release also updates automatically, with release and patch notes available on the 3DS handheld. With over 75 million Nintendo 3DS handhelds out there, this is an impressive way to add cloud gaming support to the handheld.