A Nintendo 3DS cartridge can hold a varying amount of data, ranging from 128 MB to 8 GB. This capacity allows for a wide range of game sizes, from smaller titles to more expansive ones.
The storage medium for 3DS cartridges is Flash ROM, a type of non-volatile memory that retains data without power, making it ideal for portable gaming. The capacity needed for a particular game depends on its complexity, assets (like graphics and audio), and the amount of content it offers.
To put the 3DS cartridge capacity into perspective, here's a comparison with other Nintendo game cards:
Console Game Card | Capacity Range |
---|---|
Nintendo DS | 8 MB – 512 MB |
Nintendo 3DS | 128 MB – 8 GB |
Nintendo Switch | 1 GB – 32 GB |
As seen, the 3DS significantly increased the potential game size compared to its predecessor, the DS, though it offers less maximum capacity than its successor, the Switch. This capacity range enabled the 3DS to host graphically richer and more complex games than previous handheld systems.