Nintendo 3DS Software Update Gives Older Systems Access to the Amiibo Menu, New Themes & More

The next time you fire up your 3DS, don't forget to update it. On Tuesday, Nintendo released new software that features a few updates and a new Amiibo menu for the 3DS and 2DS. The main function of the Amiibo menu will be to register your newly purchased figurines. It also gives players the option to nickname them for all of Nintendo Online to see.

Now here's the kicker. If you have a newer 3DS, then this aspect of the update isn't for you. Those who purchased a 3DS XL will already have the menu preloaded on it.

This update is only for older 3DS systems. Sadly, if you do have an older 3DS, you technically won't even be able to use the Amiibo menu as the older systems don't have the ability to inorporate them into games. The hardware is outdated. Nintendo will soon release a separate device entirely in order for these players to use Amiibos for Super Smash Brothers,Mario Party and Mario Kart.

While the update may seem useless for the moment, the menu may just be a solid plan to keep the Amiibo fresh in everyone's mind. It probably isn't a coincidence that a new line of Amiibos featuring Charizard and Bowser are set to come out during the spring. Nintendo hopes to add a few million more to the already 5.7 million figurines sold.

Of course if you live in the UK you could get the Charizard Amiibo today.

#charizard #amiibo available at Amazon UK NOW. https://t.co/KnxbaBsFnG

— amiibo UK (@amiiboUK) March 19, 2015

Patch 9.6.0-24U is more than just an Amiibo Menu though. Naturally it does what every other software update does and that is to improve your console's gameplay. The update also gives 3DS owners the chance to change the layout of your 3DS. Players can now load up to 8 different layouts and have separate themes for each software icon on the menu screen. To find these new layouts just look under "View More."