• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Gameranx

Gameranx

Video Game News, Lists & Guides

  • News
  • Features
  • Platforms
    • Xbox Series X
    • PS5
    • Nintendo
  • Videos
  • Upcoming Games
  • Guides
  • News
  • Features
  • Platforms
    • Xbox Series X
    • PS5
    • Nintendo
  • Videos
  • Upcoming Games
  • Guides

Rumor: 3DS Firmware Update to Unlock More Processing Power

November 10, 2011 by Josh Harmon

Nintendo is allegedly planning to give developers access to some of the system’s second core, which is currently reserved for the OS.

If rumors originating from French news site Gamekyo are to be believed, Nintendo may have found a way to unlock additional processing power from the 3DS, allowing for better optimized games.

The handheld features a dual core processor, but games are currently only allowed access to a single core, with the other being reserved for the 3DS's operating system. According to this latest report, Nintendo will update the system to allow developers to access a quarter of the second core's processing power, paving the way for more ambitious projects.

Furthermore, the rumor indicates that Nintendo has also discovered a way to reduce the CPU overhead required to display stereoscopic imagery, meaning that even more power will be freed up by the new firmware.

Such a move wouldn't be unprecendented in the handheld market, nor would it be entirely unexpected. Back in 2007, Sony pushed a update to the PSP that upped the clock speed on the processor by more than 25%. In the next few months, the 3DS will face stiff competition from the more powerful PlayStation Vita, so it's reasonable that Nintendo would be looking for ways to close that technological gap.

Share this post:

FacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterest

Recent Videos

10 Games That LOST THEIR MAGIC

10 Games That LOST THEIR MAGIC

10 Games That Go 0 TO 100 in A SECOND

10 Games That Go 0 TO 100 in A SECOND

BATTLEFIELD 6 FINALLY LISTENS, NEW GHOST RECON CONFIRMED & MORE

BATTLEFIELD 6 FINALLY LISTENS, NEW GHOST RECON CONFIRMED & MORE

20 Game Levels That Are LEGENDARY For A Reason

20 Game Levels That Are LEGENDARY For A Reason

This NEW Fallout Game Looks INSANE

This NEW Fallout Game Looks INSANE

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers - Before You Buy

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers - Before You Buy

Top 10 NEW Games of AUGUST 2025

Top 10 NEW Games of AUGUST 2025

20 Best ZOMBIE Games You Shouldn't Miss

20 Best ZOMBIE Games You Shouldn't Miss

10 Games That DESERVED Better

10 Games That DESERVED Better

Category: Updates

Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Deltarune Chapter 3 Walkthrough: Secrets, Bosses & Choices Guide
  • The Rise of Cozy Games: Why Chill Gaming Is the New Hardcore
  • Sony Is Suing Tencent Over A Horizon Video Game Clone
  • Tales of the Shire Team Reveal Inspirations Behind “Cozy Title”
  • Former Rockstar Dev Says Fans Might Favor 30 FPS For GTA 6

Copyright © 2025 · Gameranx · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Mai Theme