Arc Raiders fan plays game on a Nintendo handheld – but not the one you think

Arc Raiders fan plays game on a Nintendo handheld – but not the one you think Michael Beckwith Published June 2, 2026 5:45pm Updated June 2, 2026 5:46pm Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook Comment now Comments We’re more perplexed by the why than the how (Embark)

Rather than create an unofficial Switch 2 version of Arc Raiders, one fan has used their technical know-how to run it on a far less powerful Nintendo device.

Thanks to the increased power of the Nintendo Switch 2, there’s little reason for third party releases to skip it, like they did with the Switch 1. Especially when even the likes of Cyberpunk 2077 runs well on it.

Even so, there remain plenty of popular games that aren’t available on Nintendo hardware, such as extraction shooter Arc Raiders, which was a certified hit at launch and successful enough to get the CEO of developer Embark Studios a promotion within parent company Nexon.

In lieu of a dedicated Switch 2 port, one fan has concocted a way to play the game on Nintendo hardware. Rather than the Switch 2, though, they’ve chosen a much older Nintendo console: the 3DS.

No, we don’t get it either, but it’s bafflingly amusing all the same. Redditor YeezysKanye2020 has shared images (but sadly no video) of themselves playing Arc Raiders on a New Nintendo 3DS XL, one of the handheld’s later revisions.

As a reminder, this 3DS model comes with an additional C-stick (albeit a very small one) on the right hand side, that the original didn’t have, making it better suited for camera control.

Expert, exclusive gaming analysis

Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning.

The New Nintendo 3DS moniker seems ironic nowadays, as it first launched over 10 years ago in 2014. The original 3DS first appeared in 2011.

Stay out of Stella tonight byu/YeezysKanye2020 inArcRaiders

You wouldn’t think a game released in 2025 would work particularly well on 12-year-old hardware but, in response to a doubtful comment, YeezysKanye2020 explains that the frame rate is fine and it’s the controls that are the bigger issue.

Technically speaking, YeezysKanye2020 is cheating since the game isn’t running natively on the 3DS. It’s instead being streamed with the use of a PC app called Moonlight, which is why they’re able to play the game using the new Steam Controller instead.

Trending Now

1. 

   Katie Price flies out to see husband Lee Andrews as he makes Instagram change

   Channel: Showbiz Showbiz 7 hours ago By Danni Scott
2. Rosamund Pike berates audience member for texting during finale of West End show
3. Mr Tumble, 55, seen with co-star girlfriend Samantha Dorrance, 34, for first time at hotel
4. Actress 'feels like the biggest fool' after Diddy sex tape is leaked

It should also come as no surprise that all this is only possible because the 3DS itself has been modified, so it’s not as if you can replicate this without messing with the handheld’s internals.

Despite being discontinued in 2020, the 3DS has remained a niche favourite among hobbyists, so much so that even after Nintendo shut down the online servers, a small community succeeded in staying online in certain games for over 200 days.

Embark Studios has never commented on officially bringing Arc Raiders to Switch 2, but it’s unlikely there are any technological barriers preventing it. The bigger problem, from their perspective, is whether the demographics make sense.

Nevertheless, Microsoft and Activision are releasing their next Call Of Duty game for Switch 2, alongside the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S… although it remains to be seen how well it’ll run.

How well do you expect Call Of Duty to run on Switch 2? (Activision)

Email [email protected], leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter.

To submit Inbox letters and Reader’s Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here.

For more stories like this, check our Gaming page.

Arrow MORE: Forza Horizon 6 rival Clutch is by many of the same devs and the writer of Skins

Arrow MORE: New cheaper Lego Pokémon sets let you battle and train with digital smart bricks

Arrow MORE: Star Fox hands-on preview – Nintendo’s Star Wars barrel rolls again

Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source GameCentral

Sign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.

Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign Up

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy