Hardware Random questions i have about the Nintendo 3DS.

[AliceCE]

- Can the ram be upgraded in any way?
- In addition to the above, Could the 3ds actually run better with faster and larger ram? (even if just homebrew, this applies to literally anything on the 3DS.)
- What would happen if a 3DS's screen was replaced with a DSI's? (Even if the cable isn't compatible, what would happen if it could connect anyways? would the image be messed up and warped? If it would be, how so?)

 

[Shadow#1]

- Can the ram be upgraded in any way?
- In addition to the above, Could the 3ds actually run better with faster and larger ram? (even if just homebrew, this applies to literally anything on the 3DS.)
- What would happen if a 3DS's screen was replaced with a DSI's? (Even if the cable isn't compatible, what would happen if it could connect anyways? would the image be messed up and warped? If it would be, how so?)

No can't be done
No can't be done
No can't be done

 

[AliceCE]

Insert loud vocal assertion of disappointment here

 

[yaum]

Insert loud vocal assertion of disappointment here

Yup, this is the case for a lot of consoles around here... Playstations, switch, DS/3DS...
There are some exceptions like for GameBoy (backlight), GameGear (LCD screen upgrade), but those are very specific mods with a step change. There is no such thing for 3DS

 

[AliceCE]

I see...

 

[IC_]

- In addition to the above, Could the 3ds actually run better with faster and larger ram? (even if just homebrew, this applies to literally anything on the 3DS.)

I'm pretty sure the new 3DS models have more memory than the old models, when I was writing some simple homebrew programs for the 3DS I could allocate a lot more memory on my new 3DS than on my old 2DS.

 

[Shadow#1]

I'm pretty sure the new 3DS models have more memory than the old models, when I was writing some simple homebrew programs for the 3DS I could allocate a lot more memory on my new 3DS than on my old 2DS.

Yep

 

[KleinesSinchen]

I'm pretty sure the new 3DS models have more memory than the old models, when I was writing some simple homebrew programs for the 3DS I could allocate a lot more memory on my new 3DS than on my old 2DS.

More details on 3DBrew
https://www.3dbrew.org/wiki/Memory_layout#Physical_Memory

The new series has overall better hardware specs. Homebrew like emulators profits from the better CPU.

 

[AliceCE]

Yes, i know, i own a new3ds
i was just wondering if it was able to be upgraded due to the fact that Nintendo was able to upgrade it themselves

 

[Shadow#1]

Yes, i know, i own a new3ds
i was just wondering if it was able to be upgraded due to the fact that Nintendo was able to upgrade it themselves

No can't be done

 

[AliceCE]

anrgy

 

[yaum]

@MakeMake : have a look at this, which is describing the inner parts of the (sorry) old 3DS, and you'll quickly understand the difficulties you're going to face.

• Full teardown of 3DS

https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/nintendo-3ds-pictures.htm​

• Parts references (you'll find most references for FCRAM)

https://www.3dbrew.org/w/index.php?title=Hardware&mobileaction=toggle_view_desktop​

excerpts from the above sites

Ram location: in order to even have a look at it, you'll have to remove the card reader.

Flash memory location

Each of these components will have to be soldered if you want to replace them. They're using BGA package, which means you'll have to use this method to solder it:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solder_ball

And last but nor least, the OS within the 3DS will most probably not be able to use a different component, or use a higher volume of RAM available. That's why we're saying it's not feasible, at least not without a huge amount of effort and hardware available (and bringing near to nil benefit)