3DNES is a console emulator that delivers on its namesake: bringing two-dimensional NES games to 3D! Try it out for yourself.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was easily one of the most successful video game consoles in the history of the console industry when we talk about hardware sales, video games and its impact on the industry as a whole.
Any gamer who grew up in the 80s and 90s easily remembers the impact of the console on their childhood with legendary titles such as Super Mario Bros, Metal Gear, Kid Icarus, Duck Hunt, Castlevania, etc.
While there are plenty of ways to play the retro console from the comfort of your desktop, there is a new way to enjoy your childhood memories, now in glorious 3D!
Yes, you heard that right. 3DNES is a new emulator for Windows PCs that allows you play NES games as if they have 3D graphics. It makes for a striking effect. Super Mario really comes to life when you add a third dimension. Now of course, before you get too excited: 3DNES only obviously makes graphics 3D. The games play the same way they did in the 80s.
If you don’t believe us, follow the simple series of steps below and be ready to enjoy your classic childhood games from a whole new perspective.
Also read: Play SNES Games On Windows
How To Setup 3DNES
You just need the free 3D NES emulator. Go to the developers website, scroll down a bit and download 3DNES [Official Website] on your Windows desktop. As with every other emulator, it will be up to you to acquire the ROM for your favorite NES games, this is where Google is your friend.
Disclaimer: Windows Clan does not support any illegal activity including game emulation using illegally procured ROMs. This guide is for your education only. Please proceed at your own risk.
Once you have downloaded the archive file for 3DNES, extract the contents to any location you wish, but keep it an easily accessible location such as your desktop.
When you open the folder of 3DNes_32bit, you will find a .exe (executable) file. Simply run this and configure your settings as you wish.
When you run the EXE file, make sure you configure the Graphics AND Input tabs to your liking.
When you have done so, Click on the Play! button. You will now see a blank screen.
There will be an arrow at the bottom center of the screen, clicking on it will prompt a menu bar. When you do so, click on Open.
If you have a ROM file, you have to make sure it is not in an archive that the file is in its native .nes format, to do so, if your file is in .rar or .zip format, right click on the file and find the option of “Extract Here” this varies in location between apps like Winrar and 7Zip, etc.
You need the NES file to play the game, other emulators mostly run on the Zip file.
You will now navigate the game to the .nes file, it is recommended you put the file on a local hard drive otherwise you have to manually find the directory as I had to.
Once you locate your .nes file, click on Open, and your game will now run in living 3D!
If you wish to tinker with the settings, simply click on the arrow at the bottom center once more and you will have an assortment of options to tinker with.
If you wish to rotate the camera, you have to open the menu bar from below and move the environment with left click. You can also zoom in and out by opening the menu bar and scrolling up or down on your mouse’s scroll wheel.
Also read: Emulate SEGA Games On Windows 10
Keep in mind, that there are NO special 3D ROMs for this. You don’t need any special tool or software to convert the ROM’s into 3D! 3DNES will do that for you.
If you are a fan of retro emulation, you owe it to yourself to play these games in a whole new perspective. Castlevania on the NES and Super Mario Bros. look absolutely stunning through this emulator!
If you are a fan of retro games, let us know your top picks in the comments section for games you wish to revisit in 3D with the help of this absolutely robust NES emulator.