Kasumi homebrew app brings GeForce Now to the 3DS

GeForce Now can run on practically any modern device with an internet browser at this stage. This week though, we have become aware of something quite novel, a homebrew GeForce Now app for the Nintendo 3DS of all things.

A developer known as p0mpurin has released Kasumi, a custom GeForce Now client built specifically for the New 3DS, New 3DS XL and New 2DS XL. The app relies on the hardware video decoder found in these later models, which is why original 3DS and 2DS units are not supported. Custom firmware such as Luma3DS is also required, so you can't do this on a New 3DS at stock settings.

Kasumi streams gameplay from Nvidia’s cloud service at 30FPS, using a low bitrate profile designed around the handheld’s limitations. According to the developer’s notes on GitHub (via TweakTown), network latency typically sits between 60 and 80ms over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, with a small buffer added to keep playback stable. The touchscreen is used to cover inputs the 3DS lacks, while the Circle Pad and C-Stick handle movement and camera control.

It might not be the best way to use GeForce Now, but seeing your Steam games running on a 3DS would certainly be interesting, and it would give you a new use-case for the ageing handheld.

KitGuru says: Kasumi is one of the more unusual examples of custom 3DS apps. Have you tried loading up custom firmware and homebrew apps on a 3DS before? 

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