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Freedom251 › Blog › cloud gaming

Kasumi Brings GeForce NOW Cloud Gaming to New Nintendo 3DS Models

By Freedom251 Team · · 4 min read

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Kasumi is an unofficial homebrew app that lets supported New Nintendo 3DS-family systems stream games from GeForce NOW. The game runs on NVIDIA’s cloud servers—not on the handheld—so you do not need a gaming PC, but you do need compatible hardware, custom firmware, a GeForce NOW account and a reliable Wi-Fi connection. The project describes Kasumi as a public beta in active development.

What Kasumi does—and what it does not do

Kasumi connects to a user’s GeForce NOW library and streams a selected game to the handheld. NVIDIA’s servers run the game; the 3DS displays and decodes the video, plays the audio and sends the player’s controls back over the network. It is therefore a cloud-streaming client, not a port that installs or runs PC games locally.

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Linked Steam, Epic, Ubisoft and other store accounts are associated through GeForce NOW. Kasumi provides the handheld interface: the project lists a game library with box art, button remapping, optional gyro aiming, touch controls, a remote keyboard and touchpad, zoom zones for small text, queue estimates, connection checks, automatic reconnection and updates from GitHub. These are capabilities described by the project, not independently verified performance findings. Kasumi’s project README calls it “a native, unofficial GeForce NOW client with a calm, OLED-black design.”

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Which 3DS models are compatible?

The project lists these supported models:

  • New Nintendo 3DS
  • New Nintendo 3DS XL
  • New Nintendo 2DS XL

Kasumi’s maintainer says the original Nintendo 3DS and 2DS lack the hardware video decoder the client uses. A real console is required; the project says emulators are unsupported. Check the exact model name on the console or listing—“New” is a compatibility requirement, not just a cosmetic distinction. The project documentation provides the current compatibility list.

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  • Faster processing power than Nintendo 3DS and Face tracking 3D.
  • The New Nintendo 3DS XL system plays all Nintendo DS games. Nintendo DS games will not appear in 3D.
  • Item is Refurbished and has a 90-day Guarantee.
  • C Stick for enhanced controls; Built-in amiibo compatibility and NFC support.

What you need before installing

  • A compatible New 3DS-family console with custom firmware. The README specifically names Luma3DS.
  • A GeForce NOW account.
  • A good 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal. Streaming quality and responsiveness also depend on the route to NVIDIA’s servers.
  • An SD card for the app and its local data.
  • FBI for installing the CIA package, or Homebrew Launcher for launching the 3DSX version.

The project says a PC is not needed. That removes the need to own and maintain a gaming computer for this setup, but it does not remove the need for internet access or a GeForce NOW account. Subscription availability and terms can vary by region and change over time; check GeForce NOW directly for current details.

How to install Kasumi

The project documents two installation routes. Use the route that matches the package you download from its releases.

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New Nintendo 3DS White
  • This is Japanese console and only compatible with Japanese softwares. Instructions and system language are all Japanese and cannot changed to English. Please search "Regional lockout of 3DS"
  • Improved stereoscopic 3D than previous devices
  • No power cord included
  • 4" screens and analog 3D stick and C-Stick, extended battery life, better Wi-Fi support , 3D Camera included
  • new ZR and ZL shoulder buttons
  1. Download the Kasumi release package from the project’s GitHub releases.
  2. For the CIA route, install Kasumi.cia with FBI. The README also describes FBI’s QR remote-install flow.
  3. For the 3DSX route, copy Kasumi.3dsx into the 3DS homebrew folder and launch it through Homebrew Launcher.
  4. Follow Kasumi’s on-screen sign-in instructions to connect your GeForce NOW account.

The README says the client includes an updater and verifies downloads against release checksums. If installation fails, first confirm that the console is a supported New model, that custom firmware and the relevant installer or launcher are working, and that the file matches the installation route you chose.

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How sign-in and session data work

Kasumi uses an NVIDIA device-code sign-in flow: the app directs you to a page to open on a phone or computer. The README says you do not type your NVIDIA password into the 3DS. Game-store accounts are linked within GeForce NOW rather than entered into Kasumi.

Rank #3

The project says Kasumi stores a session file on the SD card. It does not contain the password, but it may let someone use the GeForce NOW account until the session expires. Do not share the file. The README also identifies services the app contacts for sign-in, library and session functions, updates, and optional diagnostic reporting; consult that documentation if you want to review the listed connections before using the app.

Expected streaming quality and its limits

Kasumi’s FAQ says the 3DS screen and decoder are built for 30 FPS video. It gives the following bitrate guidance; these are the project’s recommendations, not guaranteed results:

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  • Features: 3D Depth Slider, Wi-Fi Capability, Nintendo 3DS Sound, Mii Maker, 3D Camera, Front & Rear Camera, Touch Screen
  • Includes: AC Power Adapter, Stylus
  • Wired Connectivity: Wireless
  • Model Compatibility: Nintendo 3DS
Project preset Maintainer’s bitrate guidance Suggested use in the FAQ
Adaptive About 1.3 Mbps Adaptive streaming
Sharp About 1.8–2 Mbps Strong Wi-Fi
Steady About 1 Mbps Weaker Wi-Fi or a hotspot

The maintainer reports around 60–80 ms network round-trip latency in testing, with one or two frames of buffering. These are project-reported figures, not an independent benchmark; your results depend particularly on local Wi-Fi quality and distance to the selected NVIDIA server. The FAQ suggests that adventure games, RPGs and many action games may be a better fit than competitive shooters.

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If the stream is choppy

  • Try a lower bitrate or the project’s Weak/hotspot mode.
  • Use Auto server selection to choose a low-ping GeForce NOW server, as the FAQ recommends.
  • Check that the console has a strong 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal; a bitrate setting cannot eliminate delay caused by a weak connection or a distant server.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Kasumi versus streaming from your own PC

The project’s FAQ distinguishes Kasumi from Moonlight by where the game runs. Kasumi streams from GeForce NOW’s cloud servers, so it does not require your own gaming PC to be running at home. Moonlight streams from the user’s own gaming PC. Neither approach is universally better: cloud play depends on internet access and the distance to NVIDIA’s servers, while PC streaming depends on having and maintaining a capable home PC as well as a suitable connection to it.

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  • The New Nintendo 3DS XL system plays all Nintendo DS games; Nintendo DS games will not appear in 3D
  • AC Adapter sold separately; New Nintendo 3DS XL uses the same AC adapter as Nintendo DSi, Nintendo 3DS and 2DS
  • 3D Mode recommended for Ages 7 plus

Beta status, support and licensing

Kasumi is unofficial and is not affiliated with NVIDIA or Nintendo. The maintainer describes it as a public beta that remains in active development, so expect rough edges; the project asks users to report bugs. Its project page identifies the license as GPL-3.0. See the README for current requirements and feature notes, and the releases page for available builds.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Nintendo New 3DS XL, Black Premium Bundle (Renewed)
Nintendo New 3DS XL, Black Premium Bundle (Renewed)
Faster processing power than Nintendo 3DS and Face tracking 3D.; Item is Refurbished and has a 90-day Guarantee.
$499.99
Bestseller No. 2
New Nintendo 3DS White
New Nintendo 3DS White
Improved stereoscopic 3D than previous devices; No power cord included; new ZR and ZL shoulder buttons
$300.00
Bestseller No. 3
Nintendo New 3DS XL Console- Galaxy Style (Renewed) [video game]
Nintendo New 3DS XL Console- Galaxy Style (Renewed) [video game]
Item is Refurbished and has a 90 day Guarantee
Bestseller No. 4
Nintendo 3DS - Flame Red (Renewed)
Nintendo 3DS - Flame Red (Renewed)
Includes: AC Power Adapter, Stylus; Wired Connectivity: Wireless; Model Compatibility: Nintendo 3DS
$224.99
Bestseller No. 5
Nintendo New Galaxy Style New Nintendo 3DS XL Console
Nintendo New Galaxy Style New Nintendo 3DS XL Console
3D Mode recommended for Ages 7 plus
$409.50

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

cloud gamingGeForce NOWhomebrewKasumiNintendo 3DS

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