Nintendo has launched a new firmware update for the Nintendo 3DS, its twin-screened handheld first released in 2011.

This is the first firmware update released for the handheld since 2021, and it brings the 3DS firmware up to Version 11.16.0-48U. According to Nintendo’s official patch notes, the update primarily includes “improvements to overall system stability”.

Ver. 11.16.0-48U (August 29th, 2022)

• Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience.

Currently, this is the only official information about the update that is available. However, some folks such as well-known dataminer OatmealDome have also speculated that this may be related to the recent shutdown of adding funds on the 3DS eShop, given the timing of the update’s release.

We’ll report back if we hear more in the future. Stay tuned.