21 NOVEMBER, 2024
3DS PRODUCT DESIGN
ANALYSIS
Researching
the Design
RESEARCH AND DESIGN
The design of the Nintendo 3DS was the result of a
THE CREATION
collaborative effort within Nintendo, particularly the
team led by industrial designer Kenichiro Ashida.
Ashida had previously worked on the Nintendo DS, and
his experience helped shape the design ethos of the
3DS.
RESEARCH AND DESIGN
THE CREATION
The design team focused on combining portability
with advanced technology, creating a compact, dual-
screen console that incorporated stereoscopic 3D
without the need for special glasses. This feature was
revolutionary at the time and reflected Nintendo's
commitment to innovation and user-friendly design.
RESEARCH AND DESIGN
THE CREATION
The 3DS was inspired by the ideals of innovation and accessibility,
aligning with Nintendo's broader mission to create technology
that appeals to a wide audience. Its foldable clamshell design,
first seen in the Nintendo DS, was retained for practicality and
portability, making the console easy to carry and protect. The
design team’s goal was to create a device that felt futuristic yet
familiar, leveraging both nostalgia for previous handhelds and
excitement for new technology.
RESEARCH AND DESIGN
THE TARGET AUDIENCE
Core Gamers Casual Gamers
Attendees play video games on Nintendo Co. 3DS In this photo provided by Nintendo of America,
handheld game players in the Capcom Co. booth Sophia S. from Compton, California, plays the
at the Tokyo Game Show 2015 at Makuhari Messe Style Savvy: Fashion Forward game on the New
in Chiba, Japan, on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015. Galaxy Style New Nintendo 3DS system.
RESEARCH AND DESIGN
LIFESTYLING
The Nintendo 3DS was designed with a
clear target audience in mind: casual The dual screens, with one touch-
and core gamers spanning multiple enabled, made it ideal for gameplay
generations. The design is colorful and that combined traditional controls with
approachable, making it appealing to interactive features. The portability
children and families, while its and durable clamshell design
advanced features target more emphasized convenience for on-the-go
dedicated gamers. play, reflecting the lifestyle of busy,
mobile consumers.
RESEARCH AND DESIGN
FIRST TIME GAMERS ADVANCED ADULT GAMERS
The imagined consumer for the 3DS is diverse, Customization options, such as the availability of
ranging from young children experiencing their the 3DS in different colors expanded its appeal to
first gaming device to nostalgic adults specific demographic and psychographic groups.
reconnecting with beloved Nintendo characters. Special editions like the Zelda or Pokémon-themed
The console's design and functionality catered to consoles spoke directly to hardcore fans of those
families, children, and gamers who valued both franchises, adding an element of collectability to
accessibility and depth. the 3DS.
CHILDREN ADULTS
RESEARCH AND DESIGN
KEY FEATURES
INNER CAMERA
SPEAKERS
CIRCLE PAD
D-PAD
FACE
BUTTONS
POWER
HEADPHONE BUTTON
JACK
Cultural Analysis
of the Design
CULTURAL ANALYSIS
THE CULTURE
The design of the Nintendo 3DS communicates a range of cultural
meanings that emphasize fun, innovation, and nostalgia. Its bright
colors and clamshell design evoke memories of earlier handhelds like the
Game Boy Advance SP and Nintendo DS, appealing to a sense of continuity
in Nintendo’s portable gaming legacy. At the same time, the integration of
stereoscopic 3D technology suggests forward-thinking and cutting-edge
innovation, reflecting the cultural value placed on technological progress.
CULTURAL ANALYSIS
SPECIFIC DESIGN ELEMENTS AND CULTURAL
MEANINGS
Stereoscopic 3D
Display
The most prominent feature of the 3DS is its
glasses-free 3D screen, which represents a
cultural fascination with immersive
experiences. The 3D capability reflects
values of exploration and adventure, allowing
players to feel as though they are stepping
into the game world. This feature also ties
into broader trends in entertainment, such as
the rise of 3D movies and VR technology
during the 2010s.
CULTURAL ANALYSIS
SPECIFIC DESIGN ELEMENTS AND CULTURAL
MEANINGS
Dual Screens with
Touchscreen Function
The combination of a traditional screen and a
touchscreen reflects a balance between
innovation and familiarity. The touchscreen
allows for interactive gameplay, making the
console accessible to younger audiences and
those new to gaming. Meanwhile, the top
screen’s traditional format ensures that core
gamers feel at home.
CULTURAL ANALYSIS
SPECIFIC DESIGN ELEMENTS AND CULTURAL
MEANINGS
Portability &
Clamshell Design
The compact, foldable design conveys
practicality and adaptability, appealing to
gamers with mobile lifestyles. The protective
clamshell also resonates with cultural values
around durability and ease of use, especially
for families with young children.
CULTURAL ANALYSIS
SPECIFIC DESIGN ELEMENTS AND CULTURAL
MEANINGS
Customizability &
Special Editions
The release of limited-edition designs, such
as the Legend of Zelda 3DS or Animal
Crossing themes, reflects a cultural emphasis
on individuality and fandom. These designs
allow consumers to express their personal
identities while showcasing their passion for
specific franchises, adding emotional and
cultural value to the product.
Bibliography
Nintendo. "Nintendo 3DS Official Stuart, Keith. "How Nintendo's 3DS McFerran, Damien. "Nintendo 3DS: A
Overview." Nintendo.com, Became a Phenomenon." The Guardian, Look Back." Nintendo Life,
https://www.nintendo.com. https://www.theguardian.com. https://www.nintendolife.com.
Takahashi, Dean. "The Story Behind
the Nintendo 3DS." VentureBeat,
https://venturebeat.com.
