NATIVE_FIRM is the native firmware running the kernel for Nintendo 3DS software (including the Home Menu).

[5] On the upper screen, a special 3D animated logo is displayed for each individual app, as well as system information such as wireless signal strength, date and time, and battery life, while on the bottom screen, application icons are displayed.

[7] On June 20, 2013, a system update brought the introduction of the Saved Data Backup feature.

[8] This feature allows the user to back up save data from downloadable Nintendo 3DS software and most Virtual Console games.

The backup created will then be automatically restored when the user re-downloads software from the Nintendo eShop.

Some badges act as shortcuts to access specific pre-installed applications, such as StreetPass Mii Plaza.

In addition to the "Normal" mode, there is a "Low-Light" option, which is useful when taking photos and recording video in dark lighting conditions.

Other options include manual controls such as the color type (normal, black and white, sepia, negative or solarize), sharpness, contrast and brightness.

"Interval Shot" allows sequences of images to be recorded in short-timed intervals to create time-lapse photography; "Frame Pick" edits still images together to create stop motion animation; and "Montage" lets the user pause and resume recording seamlessly.

Even if there's enough free space on the SD Card, it can hold a maximum combined total of 3,000 photos and videos.

A security bug in Nintendo 3DS Sound allowed a buffer overflow and, eventually, arbitrary code execution.

It is then possible to open another specially designed multitasking application built into the system without closing the currently suspended software.

The Nintendo Network administration team has moderators on staff to remove inappropriate content from its services, such as Miiverse.

Using the console's background connectivity in sleep mode, a Nintendo 3DS can automatically discover other Nintendo 3DS systems within range, establish a connection, and exchange content for mutually played games, all transparently and without requiring any user input.

For example, in Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition, if the user passes by someone with the same software, they will initiate a battle to collect trophies from each other.

SpotPass also makes uses of certified hotspots with partners such as AT&T in North America and The Cloud in the United Kingdom.

[29] An application similar to an e-book reader is being considered to use this functionality to "automatically acquire magazine and newspaper articles".

[33] StreetPass Relay points were later updated in North America and Europe to allow up to six users to be stored for exchange instead of one.

In this application, the player's Mii can be customized with hats earned from mini games, along with a short customizable message and other information.

[35] Meeting the same Mii characters multiple times adds extra functionality, such as personalized messages and the ability to rate them.

[36] Nintendo Zone Viewer was a built-in application that detects and makes use of certified SpotPass hotspots.

After the player leaves the hotspot the app remains on their Nintendo 3DS system, although no content can be accessed.

[43] Version 4.0.0-7, released on April 24, 2012, added folders to the HOME menu and the ability for game developers to deliver patches (updates).

[44][45] Version 5.0.0-11, released on March 25, 2013, adds the ability to download titles while the system is sleeping.

[53] Version 11.16.0-49 was released on September 12, 2022,[1] which fixed a typo for Nintendo's support phone number.

The possible letters are for China (C), Europe and Australia (E), Japan (J), South Korea (K), Taiwan (T), and the Americas (U) which are the six regions with exclusive firmware releases for each.