3Beans is a low-level Nintendo 3DS emulator that runs the system operating system in a way intended to mirror real hardware. It can start the Home Menu and launch some games, though the maker describes it as an early project with plenty of issues. Graphics can use software or hardware GPU rendering, while the CPUs are still fully interpreted. Setup requires boot9.bin, boot11.bin, and nand.bin dumped from a physical 3DS with homebrew access. Games must be encrypted cartridge dumps, but the emulator can also boot without a cartridge or load one from the File menu. An optional sd.img can be any FAT-formatted image and serves as an SD card. Controls are available to view and change in Settings. The repository lists a GPL-3.0 license. Although Android and iOS are among the listed platforms, the maker provides builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The maker welcomes testing, issue reports, and feedback, while stating that pull requests will not be reviewed or accepted.
Who it is for
3Beans suits users interested in early-stage 3DS emulation who can provide the required files from a homebrew-enabled physical console. It is also suited to people willing to test and report issues rather than contribute pull requests.
What is good
- Offers software and hardware GPU rendering.
- Can boot without a cartridge.
- Optional FAT-formatted image can serve as an SD card.
- Controls can be viewed and changed in Settings.
What to know first
- Requires three files dumped from a physical 3DS.
- Games must be encrypted cartridge dumps.
- The maker says the project has plenty of issues.
- Downloads are listed for Windows, macOS, and Linux only.
Verdict
3Beans provides a low-level approach to 3DS emulation and already boots the Home Menu and some games. Its early state and required console-dumped files are important considerations before getting started.
3Beans plans and pricing
All plansCompared on Nintendo DS emulators
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- System software support
- Yes
