Nintendo 3DS firmware update goes live, new features ahoy

At last its live and there are previously unannounced features within it

Nintendo is now pushing the latest Nintendo 3DS firmware update live worldwide. The update is now downloading on systems all over the world however it’s going a little slow—stick with it though.

Nintendo has gone and surprised us by adding a ton of new features and trinkets to the StreetPass Mii Plaza. Nintendo has now added the following features and updates to the StreetPass functios:

– There are now achievements for StreetPassing and you’ll no doubt get a few after you update. Some examples include "Completed a Puzzle Swap Panel", "Plaza Population Reached, 10, 50, 100", achievements for reaching milestones in the number of StreetPasses and even meeting people from other countries.

– You need to have all the hats from the first Quest to unlock the second.

– StreetPass Map is now included and will mark on the map where you pass people from other regions. Does not appear to be enabled in Australia as of yet.

– There’s now a sound player in the Mii Plaza, you’ll need to unlock the sounds in the game.

– Nintendo Zone app added to the Home screen on American console, not on Aussie ones.

– "Redeem Download Code" added to the eShop, but looks the same so far.

These are just some of the improvements and updates noticed so far. If you spot anything new, let us know in the comments!

Press release from Nintendo Australia

7th December 2011 – Lights, Camera, Action… Nintendo 3DS™ owners will be able to capture 3D video, embark on new StreetPass™ Quests and transfer content from console to console as part of the latest Nintendo 3DS System Update, which takes place today.

The Nintendo 3DS System Update gives Nintendo 3DS owners access to a range of new features and enhancements. This includes 3D video capture, which will allow you to record up to 10 minutes of 3D video in the palm of your hands, so you can shoot your own mini blockbuster or simply capture your special family moments, all in stunning 3D. The Nintendo 3DS video function also features some special filming options for the more creative enthusiast! Just some of the interesting options include: the Interval Shot feature, which allows you to record image after image in short timed intervals, producing a piece of time lapse footage. You could, for instance, demonstrate an icicle melting or a flower blooming.

There’s also the Frame Pick feature, which can be used to take many still images and join them together to create stop motion footage, in the same way an animation is created!

New features will become available in the StreetPass Mii Plaza, including new panels to swap and collect for Puzzle Swap. You will also have the option to embark on a new StreetPass Quest, with new tools to help beat your enemies, in addition to new hats to discover and collect.

Nintendo 3DS owners will be able to transfer content between their Nintendo 3DS systems*. Software purchased from the Nintendo eShop, Nintendo eShop account funds, and save data including photographs and audio can now all be easily transferred between your Nintendo 3DS consoles.

The Nintendo eShop will also receive an upgrade. Users will have the option to play demo versions of select Nintendo 3DS releases**, enabling players to try a game before making a purchase decision. There is also the option to conduct downloads whilst the system is in Sleep Mode, allowing multiple downloads to conveniently occur the next time users are not actively using their Nintendo 3DS.

For more information on this System Update and your Nintendo 3DS, including recent announcements visit: www.nintendo.com.au