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How Does the Nintendo 3DS Project 3D Images?

Why you don't need glasses to see 3D images on the 3DS

By Nadia Oxford Nadia Oxford Writer William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute Nadia Oxford is a former Lifewire writer with 10+ years' experience. Her articles have appeared in Pocket Games Magazine, Play Magazine, Game Pro, IGN and others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on March 21, 2020 Tweet Share Email Dids / Pexels Tweet Share Email Consoles & PCs Xbox Buyer's Guide One of the most marketable features of the Nintendo 3DS game console is its ability to display 3D images without the aid of less-than-fashionable headgear. So, how exactly does the Nintendo 3DS project images without making you wear a pair of retro red-and-cyan 3D glasses?

How 3D Works

We see 3D in real life because the placement of our eyes combines two 2D images into one 3D image. If two 2D images are taken at different angles—the average distance between our eyes—and we view them side by side while cross-eyed, the image appears to pop out at us. The trick is getting our eyes to perceive the pop-out effect without going cross-eyed. This is accomplished in several ways. The most iconic way is via red-and-cyan anaglyph glasses, which work with red-and-cyan movie projector filters. The red lens only emits cyan light, while the cyan one is for the red light. In this way, the eye only sees the light source meant for it, and the cross-eyed 3D effect is achieved without confusion or eyestrain.

Why You Don' t Need Glasses to See 3D on the 3DS

The top screen of the Nintendo 3DS utilizes a filter called a parallax barrier. One of the images necessary for seeing 3D is projected to the right and the other image to the left. The images occupy alternating vertical columns of pixels and are filtered through the parallax barrier. The barrier acts as a vent to project the images and ensure they hit your eyes at the necessary angles to produce the desired 3D effect. For the Nintendo 3DS to project its 3D illusion satisfactorily, you need to be one to two feet away from the top screen and looking directly at it. If you look too far to the side, the effect won't work properly. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Nintendo 2DS FAQ - Everything You Need to Know Nintendo 3DS vs. 2DS Can I Play Nintendo 3DS Games on the Wii U? How to Get More StreetPasses on Your Nintendo 3DS Setting Up Nintendo 3DS Parental Controls Can I Play Nintendo DS Games on the 3DS? How to Disable 3D Images on the Nintendo 3DS How to Insert and Paint 3D Models in Paint 3D How to Transfer Data From a Nintendo 3DS SD Card Nintendo 3DS vs. the DSi: A Comparison How to Turn a 2D Drawing Into 3D Art in Paint 3D The Nintendo 3DS Is Region Locked 5 Ways to Create 3D Art Using the Paint 3D Toolbar Do I Need to Know How to Draw for 3D Modeling? How to Add a Friend Code on Your Nintendo 3DS How Much Does the Nintendo 3DS Cost? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies