This console is rumored to replace the N3DS/XL series a few months after the launch of Sun/Moon, themselves rumored to be the last major games for the platform.
Cost-cutting later versions have happened to most Nintendo (and other brands') products, either just simplifying the internal design or removing more premium features.
For this reason, and to discourage piracy or other highly illegal activities such as save backups, the 3DS Mini will feature these innovations, which could not be provided as a software update to existing 3DS consoles:
* A slightly modified operating system will allow for software using these features to not crash.
Cost-cutting later versions have happened to most Nintendo (and other brands') products, either just simplifying the internal design or removing more premium features.
For this reason, and to discourage piracy or other highly illegal activities such as save backups, the 3DS Mini will feature these innovations, which could not be provided as a software update to existing 3DS consoles:
- An updated bootrom with new encryption keys;
- A redesigned GPU architecture* without gspwn;
- A second 1 GB nand chip (for storing extdata, photos, and voice memes) in replacement of a removable SD card;
- No cameras*;
- No networking* in any form.
* A slightly modified operating system will allow for software using these features to not crash.
