With the closure of the Nintendo 3DS store and the discontinuation of online support, the console has become even more attractive for tech enthusiasts to experiment with. One such experiment that caught the eye was running Windows 95 on the Nintendo 3DS-something quite "cursed" yet creative, proving the console's hidden potential.
The "Cursed" Experiment: Running Windows 95 on the Nintendo 3DS
Using version DOSBox that has been customizedporting to the Nintendo 3DS, YouTuber MetraByte began the process of installing Windows 95 on the console. A big challenge in this process was having to type various commands on the 3DS's small screen using a stylus, which was clearly not Nintendo's original design for the console. Still, MetraByte proceeded patiently, navigating through the complex installation steps.
After Windows 95 was successfully installed, the Nintendo 3DS faced a considerable technical challenge. With memory default Windows 95 was only 16 MB, running basic applications like MS Paint was very slow. Even though the New Nintendo 3DS model had 256 MB of total RAM, Windows 95 on the DOSBox can only use a maximum of 32 MB before blue screen which caused the system to become unstable. This experiment showed the technical limitations of the device and became a unique attraction for the tech community.
MetraByte even tries to run music software like AbletonThe 3DS was a bit of an experiment, though predictably the console couldn't handle it. The limited RAM and low processor on the Nintendo 3DS made this simply part of an interesting experiment without any significant results, but it still added an eccentric feel to the project.
Nintendo Attitudes and Their Influence on the Tech Community
Nintendo is known for its strict stance against emulation and hacking, which is evident from their move against emulators Switch like Yuzu and Ryujinx. They protect their assets and devices fiercely, but experiments like Windows 95 on 3DS seem to be out of their focus, especially since the appeal of these experiments lies in the nostalgia and creativity of the community. Instead, fans see experiments like this as a form of appreciation for an obsolete device.
Alternatives to Windows 95 Experience on Portable Devices
For those of you who want to enjoy the Windows 95 experience on a portable device without having to modify your Nintendo 3DS, there is a more practical alternative. One option is Ayaneo Flip DSThis is a handheld device with the ability to run the Windows operating system. With a device like this, you can experience running older operating systems like Windows 95 or even heavier software without having to sacrifice performance or deal with memory limitations like on the Nintendo 3DS.
Experiment running Windows 95 on Nintendo 3DS This proves that consoles that have been deemed obsolete still have appeal in the eyes of the gamer community and tech enthusiasts. Despite the limitations of the device, this experiment shows how creativity and nostalgia can encourage us to explore the hidden potential of older devices. The Nintendo 3DS may no longer be officially supported, but its memory lives on thanks to the creativity of loyal fans.
Source: PC Gamer
