A new firmware update is now out for Nintendo’s 3DS line of handhelds, bringing the firmware version number up to 9.6.0.24, and it seems to be a pretty thorough update, adding a couple of useful features, while also activating Amiibo functionality on the older Nintendo 3DS and 2DS models (Amiibo functionality is enabled out of the box in the New Nintendo 3DS line).
The new firmware update adds the ability for users to change certain home screen layouts and just switch back to them from the Home Settings menu, so you don’t have to re-arrange icons and themes each time you want to revert to a layout you liked before, and it also makes changes to the navigation of the Theme Shop.
The full list of changes is:
Changes to HOME Menu:
- A Home Menu Layout setting has been added to HOME Menu Settings. Users can save and load up to 8 layouts of the HOME Menu with different theme and software icon arrangements
Changes to Theme Shop:
- Additional categories have been added under “View More” for easier navigation of the Theme Shop
Improvements to system stability and usability:
- Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience
Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL, and Nintendo 2DS Systems Only:
Changes to HOME Menu Settings
- amiibo Settings has been added to HOME Menu Settings. amiibo Settings allows users to register an amiibo owner and nickname, delete data written to an amiibo by supported software, or reset an amiibo
As far as Amiibo functionality on the older models goes, remember, even though the software is now enabled on your system, the hardware is still not there- a special accessory that lets your system read and interact with Amiibos is first needed, which Nintendo has not released yet (but plans to later this year). So don’t get too excited about that, yet.