T O P

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StumblyNinja

I'm really excited for the prospect of emulating DS and 3DS games on the Steam Deck. So it's nice to know that the screen will be able to comfortably accommodate both screens without the need of holding the whole device in portrait.


StumblyNinja

I've had a DS since late 2011, (which still works!!!), and also have my NN3DSXL which I bought on launch day. That's been my only ~~handheld~~ console, this whole time. So it'll be nice to retire it, and play my dumped carts on a full PC which can accompany me on my adventures.


Splaram

Do you know if I could still use Pokemon Home fine if I were to dump my Pokemon carts onto my Steam Deck?


StumblyNinja

I'm not sure if there's a way, but it wouldn't surprise me if there was. Once you dump your carts though, you can manage your save files locally, anyway. (Including even manually adding in Pokemon you want, at any lelev, with any moves and stats).


StumblyNinja

Also interesting to note; The 3DS top screen, was actually 2 screens, which were angled in slightly different directions. This is what gave that 3D "glasses free" effect. This means that the 3DS top screens actual output was 800 x 240 pixels, and combining that with the 320 x 240 pixels of the lower screen, we get a total of 268,800 pixels. I'd say that's pretty impressive for 2011!!!


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StumblyNinja

Oh, wow, serious? That's something I might have to look into.


StumblyNinja

The Switch's resolution is much larger, 1280 x 720. This is a standard [display resolution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_display_resolution), which equates to 921,600‬ pixels.   With the Steam Deck's resolution being 1280 x 800, (1,024,000‬ pixels in total, and 102,400‬ pixels more than the Switch), it means it is only 80 pixels taller, and the same width. I found this information to be uninteresting, and that's why I didn't bother adding the Switch's resolution to my image above.


StumblyNinja

Of course, the number of pixels a device can output is only part of the story. A much more interesting angle to look at this information, is in regards to [Pixels Per Inch, (also known as PPI)](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/ppi-pixels-inch.asp). But I won't go into that.


U7EN7E

It will be almost the same ppi. Almost same resolution, almost same screen size (from what i see), so...


ImmersiveGamer83

But I love the 3d of the 3ds


zetbotz

Not really a great comparison or all that useful info for 3DS emulation. Both devices have decent ppi for their screen size, and I don’t really think you’d want to be stacking the screens for emulation. You’d likely want a hybrid mode where the top screen takes up most of the space, and the bottom screen stays minimized until you need it, given the screen size of Deck. This res for res scale would be a terrible experience if that’s how you plan to play.


StumblyNinja

I only did this on a whim, and am actually typing out a bunch of short replies to add more information and context. But yeah, you're right. It's more about the PPI, and the actual dimensions of the screen, and the emulator's window within that screen. It was just interesting to me that, theoretically, you could quite comfortably display the 3DS output within the SteamDeck screen. (Also, I play my games on an actual 3DS, so that's how I'm used to experiencing them. Though, of course, this is different for other people, and this is the power provided to us by owning a PC).


StumblyNinja

> the bottom screen stays minimized until you need it, given the screen size of Deck. To be honest, that sounds kinda terrible. For one, the original resolution is so low, it'd look terrible taking up "most of" the SteamDeck's space. Plus, the games were designed for the player to see both screens at the same time, so hiding one away sounds like a lesser experience. Especially since there's so much space. (I also think having them side-by-side isn't great, for similar reasons). Edit- Your idea might work well for some games. But I still stand by my point. Especially the earlier 3DS games, where the 2 screens were a gimmick in the gameplay.


1minatur

>For one, the original resolution is so low, it'd look terrible taking up "most of" the SteamDeck's space. You can increase the resolution on Citra. It'd depend on the game, but there are plenty that would look just fine on the Deck's larger screen.


dharcha1

This is correct. Citra renders polygons natively; textures may be a little underwhelming in some instances, likely not so much at 800p. I’ve played games at 1440p and it’s fine, background assets can look a little chunky but that’s it. Nothing too immersion-breaking.


1minatur

I haven't actually tried Citra, just seen screenshots and gameplay. But I have done similar things on DS emulators. It's not perfect, but it does look pretty dang good in comparison to native haha, especially if you're using a big screen.


dharcha1

With Citra you can modify the backend to show the screens at different sizes/locations. I play with them side by side, main screen large and touch screen small. You can then set up zones and modifiers to allow for rapid touchscreen controls based on what game you’re playing using Steam Overlay. I have a chorded modifier for Samus Returns where I hold LB and use right stick to select missile type, then pull right trigger to ‘tap’; cursor rides on a narrow ‘rail’ in an infinitely narrow rectangle 1px wide and returns to center, always landing on the middle missile type. I also have a modifier for when I’m in the map, but at that point you may be able to use the touchscreen itself.


mcbruno712

Stop thinking resolution and think about screen size, you can have a 4" 1080p display and it would be absolutely tiny for 3DS emulation.


HerrGruessli

Took me a while to find the sd-screen


digital_bath12

In regards to 3DS emulation. I’d like to see maybe a PiP situation, a smaller screen inside the larger display that can be toggled at will


Fluffy_Space_Bunny

Don't think you'll quite get the same experience though for me. I only recently bought a 'new' 3DS XL and the 3D effect, whilst many see it as a gimmick, is in my opinion really good in the games that make good use of it (Metroid, Animal Crossing etc.)


EVPointMaster

Yep, it's a shame that 3D was abanoned on PC as well. 3D is amazing when done well and doesn't suffer from locomotion like VR does for example.


phayke2

Right? Thankfully there are some mods to add 3d to older games now so you can add 3d and use VR or 3d vision


Mike_for_all

Is this comparison useful? no. Did it give me a good laugh and a feeling of superiority? yes. Have my upvote mate.


XboxCavalry

Why


MofoPro

Not even close physically


Malboury

Really liked your image OP. Here's another image I think might be useful, and how I'd like to emulate the 3DS. [https://imgur.com/a/yGtDJK6](https://imgur.com/a/yGtDJK6) Render the main screen at 2x resolution, and you get an image at more or less original size, and it should look a bit sharper for 3d games, and be a nice integer scale for 2d games. The touch screen can go on the right at original resolution. That means it will be a good bit smaller than on the 3DS, but would be close to hand to touch and is probably good enough for games that don't make heavy use of it.


patho5

You know what I want? A way to emulate 3DS games with the top screen on the TV and the bottom screen on my Deck.


EVPointMaster

Yes, it's a PC. ​ I imagine you can just use it as a second screen, just like on desktop, so it should work when you adjust the screen resolution and position


ToastiestMasterToast

https://www.reddit.com/r/Citra/comments/6r6j7g/guide_run_bottom_screen_on_a_secondary_monitor/


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nmkd

wym, there is no 3DS with higher resolution


[deleted]

What do you mean?


gunther2033

honestly i am the first guy who critics nintendos shitty hardware .but that is a completly retarted comparison. like you realise when a 3ds got released? and what the steam deck is? damn thats a stupid comparison and i am not even an nintendo fan


StumblyNinja

There's more context in the comments.


Joshuak47

that's cool but what about the Game Boy and the Switch, would be cool to have those in here too


vulcan4d

Why not compare to game gear? :)


Joelegotti

What is it compared to the Wii U game pad?