
This software features several Augmented Reality games that use the 3DS camera and some AR cards bundled with the system. The 3DS family received eight unique Kirby games (counting Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn but discounting 3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure), the most of any Nintendo system, with several older titles also being made available through the Virtual Console. The Nintendo eShop features many exclusive digital-only games, full retail games, and classic games through the Virtual Console service, available to purchase and download to the 3DS. Many compatible 3DS games feature online gameplay through the Nintendo Network. The system is backwards-compatible with most Nintendo DS and DSi games.

The console has a "Home" button, with a similar function to that of the Wii, and a digital control slider, like the Control Stick of home consoles, while retaining the "traditional" controls of the Nintendo DS series. A similar system was previously used in the Nintendo DSi for games such as Face Training and WarioWare: Snapped!. Incorporated into the Nintendo 3DS is preloaded software called "Face Raiders" which has the player tilting the Nintendo 3DS to shoot faces that they took using the Nintendo 3DS Camera.

The gyroscope is used as a form of motion control in games where the player tilts the Nintendo 3DS, such as Star Fox 64 3D. A similar system was previously used in the game Personal Trainer: Walking, and the Pokéwalker. Up to ten Play Coins can be earned per day, and up to 300 can be accumulated in total. For every 100 steps, the player accumulates a Play Coin, which can be spent to unlock bonus features in a variety of compatible 3DS games. The number of steps taken on a given day is displayed on the system's HOME Menu. The accelerometer is used when the system is closed to registers steps as the player is moving. The system also features an accelerometer and a gyroscope. The 3D effect can be observed without the need of special glasses or headgear through the use of a parallax barrier in front of the backlight. It also has a slider, which is used to raise or lower the strength of the 3D graphics. The exterior has two cameras, capable of taking three-dimensional photographs.

Similarly to the Nintendo DSi, the Nintendo 3DS features a camera inside the system, albeit above the top screen. 4.4.1 List of Kirby series Nintendo 3DS Themes.

3 Other games featuring Kirby characters.
