The Nintendo 3DS has become a sweeping sensation across the world as a handheld gaming console.
You can’t doubt its global impact. In the document “Consolidated Sales Transition by Region,” Nintendo reports that as of Dec. 31 2013, 14.36 million of 3DS’ were shipped to North America alone.
One of the draws is that this system features something unique in terms of multiplayer gaming – the StreetPass feature. This allows people to play games with each other in a way that doesn’t require you to be in the same room as someone, or even play at the same time. Simply by walking past someone else with a 3DS, you can pick up a copy of their virtual character (their ‘Mii’) which is imported into your system and helps you play various mini-games. Yet, for having so many owners across the world, many 3DS players don’t know how to use it, or even the fact that it exists.
What sets the StreetPass feature apart from other implementations of multiplayer gaming is the fact that it is played on your own time. You can play these games at your own leisure in short bursts, with no pressure to hurry or make a move. Without another player waiting for you to finish a turn, you can simply play for a few minutes on a break at work or in-between classes.
While the wireless slider on the right side of the 3DS is switched to ‘on,’ it means that players can interact with the 3DS systems of other passers-by without needing to do anything except walk on by. The players’ Mii characters serve as their avatars and enter other people’s games. You can even customize a greeting whenever someone sees your Mii character. The more Mii characters you collect, the stronger your team roster and the further you are able to get in each gaming session.
StreetPassing works while the 3DS is in standby mode, meaning that as long as the system is turned on and closed it will collect StreetPasses. The low battery usage and portability means that you can take your 3DS to largely populated areas like city centers or conventions and start collecting StreetPasses just by walking around all day and passing on the street, as the name suggests.
Each 3DS owner starts out with two StreetPass games – “Puzzle Swap” and “Find Mii.” The first involves collecting puzzle pieces one at a time by running into other players and creating finished pictures that you can view in 3D. The pieces you collect are available as choices for others who receive your Mii. The second uses your Mii friends to fight monsters, travel through a dungeon and collect items along the way to save you from your caged confinement.
In addition to the two default StreetPass Mii Plaza games, you can purchase four more DLC (downloadable content) games. Either by paying $5 per game or $15 for the whole lot, you can collect the games “Mii Force,” “Flower Town,” “Warrior’s Way” and “Monster Manor.”
“Mii Force” is a classic shoot-‘em-up type game where you have to pilot a space ship and shoot approaching enemies. Your aircraft gains different power-ups based and abilities based off of the color outfit of the people you StreetPass. “Flower Town” allows others to help you cultivate flowers and grow new breeds. “Warrior’s Way” allows you to channel your inner conqueror and decimate neighboring countries in order to grow your own empire. “Monster Manor” combines a roleplaying game system with a “Tetris” aesthetic, making the player place blocks to choose their path and fight ghouls and ghosts along the way.
You can collect up to 10 Mii’s at a time. After playing games with them or simply dismissing the team, you start with a blank slate and you can start StreetPassing again. Of course, there are incentives to do it too. If you play well enough, you can collect tickets to win accessories for your Mii character. Then it turns into a contest of who’s wearing the craziest hat. If you can’t meet up with other players in your area, certain businesses like Starbucks or McDonald’s offer “Nintendo Zones.” These are locations that temporarily store the Mii information of 3DS owners who have visited recently, and pass them on the next player to walk by.
It may sound silly at first, but once you start, it’s easy to get hooked. So join the ranks, and help others out by carrying your 3DS with you!