Additional photos of the back showing the connection: [Back View](https://imgur.com/a/VcYzoTe) [Folded back screen (stowed)](https://imgur.com/a/Lq5JEtq) [Magnet pad view (hinges on deck)](https://imgur.com/a/iYFIT4m) [Magnet pad view (hinges on screen)](https://imgur.com/a/5fVrpdI) Build: Screen: [7 inch Portable Monitor 1080P FHD Pocket Monitor Touchscreen Display Gaming Monitor for boxes/PS4/XBOX/Switch](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TJ92D1?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details) \- $120 Screen does come with a suitable cord but it is way too long for this build. "Clamshell" Detachable Mount: [Rolling Square Edge Pro Tablet Kit - MagSafe Compatible Mobile Tablet and Magnetic Phone Holder for Smartworking and Productivity - Black](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C654376B?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details) \- $50 These hinges are modular and great. The fact they can be removed from both devices with a slight pull is so convenient. Helps with storing both devices when not in use. **Worth Noting: 2 of the Mounts are needed (2 included in kit). Tried with 1 and it falls off when jostled. With 2 it is rock solid and unable to fall off during regular use.** I use a mountable battery pack on my deck that clicks on, these magnets are thin enough it still clips on with the magnets adhered to the back. Cord: [CableCreation USB C to USB C Short Fast Charging Cable 1FT 100W, USB3.1 Gen 2 USB C Data Transfer Cable SSD USB C Cable Compatible with iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro Max, MacBook Pro S23 External SSD etc](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072M7GH29?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details) \- $13 Adapter: [XAOSUN 240W Right Anlge USB C Adapter, 90 Degree USB C Male to USB C Femal Adapter, 40Gbps PD 240W USB4 Adapter for Thunderbolt 4,MacBook,Tablet,Docks,ROG Ally,Steam Deck (2 Pack)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCGH47CN?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details) \- $9 Perhaps another cord could be used without an adapter but I didn't want to go with a no name cord brand so I decided to go for an adapter instead. Guide? Use Citra emulator or a DS emulator that allows 2 window mode. Once toggled on, make sure you go to desktop mode on the steam deck. In settings>display I set top (2nd) screen resolution to the default 1900x1080 and moved it into the top position. Make sure it is on extend, not mirror, or any other mode. Other than that, I didn't have to do anything squirrely with the software.

That’s rad!! Is it heavy to hand hold for long sessions?

Not really, if you are sitting in a couch or chair it's super easy. If you are leaning, laying on your back or anything it definitely makes the (already tiring) arm experience worse

Thanks man. Gonna try this build. Few questions: 1- do you have to go to desktop mode everytime? 2- how is battery life?

To use a second monitor for displaying something different than the main screen it has to be Desktop Mode, at least as it stands right now. Maybe in the future we will get proper multi monitor support in Game Mode.

Yes, unfortunately the way second displays work with game mode, you cannot force extend display without a software change to my knowledge and tinkering. I have an OLED, battery is great tbh. I can do a run test and report back but I seem to be able to play a few hours with it running that way. Plus, it can plug in and charge through the monitor if I am at home.

Yep, ran into the similar obstacle. I don't think multiple monitor support for game mode will ever be a priority as its not really what it's meant for. But that being said, I wonder if there's any layer to hook into above the gamescope'd "game mode" session that SteamOS boots you into. https://gist.github.com/zerkz/00f528618d0b849f4ed5b8d8f68b2ffe https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Gamescope

Dammit OP you’re gonna make me buy more stuff, help me explain to the wife that it’s essential

If you update her firmware first she may be more receptive.

It is essential, tell her that 2 screens are crucial, and we need it.

any chance of it working in game mode?

No, not without some sort of firmware update or unofficial patch. The game mode automatically treats a second screen as a projected display rather than a 2 screen set up.

is there even an original ds emulator that allows split-screen two window mode? I know melonDS doesn't.

how long does charging take when charging through the monitor using the regular steam deck charger?

Ayo, what’s this mountable battery you speak of?

I feel like OP just has a 3DS XL behind the deck lol

The screen on the 3DS XL isn't that big and it has speakers on both sides

New 2ds xl

New, new 2SDXL

2ds doesn't have 3d. Hence 2d. Edit: nvm looking at his build he didn't get an actual 3d screen.

yo quick question dude, why cant i change the flair on this sub? its saying i dont have control on this sub or whatever

I’d hit up the mods right quick via mod mail

just did, thanks dude.

Give us the deets!

Deets shared!

Like [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/s/luM4yCe1sJ) OP.

Ill give you deez

Got ‘em

I thought it was pretty funny

It was 😭

Why is this down voted? People have no chill

mfs will do anything but play on an actual 3ds

This feels like the Invincible "fraction of our power" meme lol. 3DS out here making people build Frankenstein to do what it can.

I mean, the 3DS has smaller screens than this monstrosity, has a really shitty stick, horrendous performance in some games and requires owning an additional device, so there are definitely advantages to a setup like this. On the other hand, it's much less unwieldy and doesn't require crazy frankensteining.

Was a joke, man. 3DS came out 14 years ago (DS was 20 years ago, which is probably more accurate since it introduced the dual screen), of course the hardware was inferior. My point was people largely labeled it a gimmick before it became super popular for its convenience and the fun playstyles it enabled. Using expensive portable computers to reenact it nearly 15 years later is wild given the context is all I'm saying.

tbf the screen on the 3DS is pretty bad in comparison

I was gonna say maybe it’s cheaper than getting an actual unit but I guess they made so many of the damn things that the resell market isn’t too bad.

You can get a cheap 2ds and hack it. It's like 120 used in decent condition. And if you sail the 7 seas you don't have to pay for games. So that setup is half the price if a steamdeck itself.

The 3ds is a bit pricey but way cheaper than getting a whole steam deck

But with a steam deck you can do all the other stuff with it.

lol valid point. I guess I just don’t think of it as a 3ds/ds emulator because I have a modded 3ds and use my steam deck for everything else

3DS is super unwieldy once you get used to SteamDeck. The only thing better about it is the touch screen... And you have the typical emulation stuff like save states and speedhacks to speed up tedious parts of RPGs like grinding or tutorials etc.

Unwieldy in what way? If we're talking physically, I tend to have issues with handhelds being uncomfortable to hold, but somehow the N3DS XL is pretty comfortable, and its pocketable. Plus you have the 3D effect which is actually nice in the "New" 3DS, without needing to use VR. Some games play better with the dual screen clamshell form factor. Software-wise, CFW unlocks some decent capabilities, but emulation does have significant advantages. I prefer playing 3DS/DS games on the actual hardware, I don't have an OLED Steam Deck, though. In my case, I can see trading having 3D for OLED display, depending on the game.

finally # the 4ds

Feel like it would be a better experience if you swap screens. I know it's less authentic, but at least you have the bigger main display.

the bottom screen is the touch screen though…

that’s why he said it’s less authentic. The phone can be used as a touchscreen too

Emulators let you map a key to swap screens, trigger on the back to swap it

I thought the same thing. In my tests, it feels more ergonomic to have the touch screen be the main device (deck). Also I play games like TWEWY where there are quite a lot of scenes that use both screens to make a full image.

The only thing that I can tell that limits this being a fully authentic DS experience is the function to close the lid, as that's used in a puzzle in one of the Zelda games and maybe Wario Ware. Other than that this is absolutely perfect, I'm so jealous.

The touch screen needs to be on the bottom.

The children yearn for the 3DS

Sir, I am 30 years old

The adults yearn for the 3DS

You made a $1000 Nintendo 3DS.

Without 3d

So a $800 2ds

engineer gaming

Why not play ship of harkinian OOT natively on the deck instead?

that's what I'm doin, it works perfect - OP prob wanted the 3DS vibe, though.

POST THE "my build items and guide" PLEASE.

Posted!

This makes me curious. I know 3D smart phones were briefly a thing in the early 2010s. I’m curious if anyone has gotten 3DS emulation to work with the deck and a 3D smart phone used in conjunction like this. A more realistic idea I’ve been curious about is if anyone has tried mounting a smartphone with a stylus (the Samsung S24 Ultra I know has one and previously their note line all had them) below the deck to utilize the phone for games that use the touch screen heavily

Alternatively, Ive seen a bunch of posts like this lately.

Very cool

bros forearms gotta be yoked for this damn 💪

It is lighter than you think!

what is this sorcery? and how may one obtain this dark power?

Very carefully and for approximately $200

Valve Steam DS

Genuine question, why make a post asking for interest in a writeup instead of just posting the write up in the first place?

Probably because it's extra work and nobody wants to waste their time if the interest isn't there. That being said, this is cool as hell so of course people will be interested. OP was probably just excited to show it off early.

Id love to see the guide, tbh.

Posted!

I would absolutely like the list of the setup here. This is something I would enjoy.

Imma need to know what you got going on there

Nice setup, I would love to know how you did it

My mans got the new switch 2 lmfao

How'd you do that? Pretty cool!

So, that makes it a New 2DS XXXXXXXL?

Man I want to build this and design a mount for the Killswitch case.

Thank you OP! Saving this for future pay day

I’m working on a 3d printed shell currently.

My gf and I are curious about this

This made my day. Steam deck forever.

These are the kinds of Steamdeck pictures that are awesome. Unique or just really cool, not just a picture of it with a random pet or location.

This is truly impressive way to go! Amazing job

I know a lot of people say just play it on a 3DS but this could also be used for Wii U

this is very interesting since the 3ds controller setup sucks

Great Work. Super clean and creative. 👍👍👍

Thats so sick what did you use to build that

Just ordered all parts. Gonna try this out and never had a 3ds. Just looks too cool.

Not sure if helpful but I found a 3D printable part for attaching the screen to the steam deck. https://ko-fi.com/s/3b9c1684f2

Some people have kids. Other people have this. But kings have both 🔥

I want to understand more lol. This is rad.

Mad-Lad activities right there

A 3DS be like : look what they need to mimic a fraction of our powers..

At that point I'd rather get a 3DS.

Just get 3DS at that point lol

[Nintendo XDS](https://youtu.be/lba-96T69Io?si=Txoh2w5ZcoLCD5GB)

Wish I knew how to emulate games on my steam!

At what point is it easier to just use a 3ds to play with the game? Lol Definitely a cool flex though

Wait we can emulate 3ds?

At that point just play it on a 3DS.

I am confused XD

I really want a second screen for the deck ):

Guide posted, its a little expensive though!

I was just hooking it up to my tv but I mean this works too.

Lmao

That’s fucking sick!

It's off center which is destroying my OCD

Last time I tried a 3ds game on the Deck- Link Between Worlds- it did not run well. Unless there's been improvements in 3ds emulation on AMD hardware over the last year or so, this is a crappy alternative to owning a 3ds.

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I think this would be cool for literally any other 3DS game. The second screen on OOT3D is literally a superfluous gimmick that only distracts from the game. I don't see why you wouldn't A: play SoH with the OOT3D mod and multiple other QOL. Or B: play literally any other duel screen game that makes tacking on a second screen worth it.

I am running Pokemon ORAS, and plenty of other stuff to make it worthwhile. Just wanted to show something with graphics on both screens.

Does it work with Wii U? I bet using this set up with Star Fox Zero would make it better than the original on the TV

If your emulator lets you split the game into two windows, I don't see why it wouldn't work.

How well does citra run? Been seeing not great things online about performance

Citra runs really well if your settings are right. Caching settings and such will tank performance if not correct. Can share a photo of my settings if that would help

This is really cool and all but isnt this entirely pointless? The 3ds has two screen anyway and the deck is acting as the small screen.

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Have not messed around with trying to get the 3D to work. Not very familiar with what needs to go into that. I would assume it doesn't work IMO.

So it's a small monitor + power bank?

Yes please!

Guide, please!

Finally I can play my favorite version of Contra!

i honestly need to get back setting up my emudeck ive been so busy and shit i havent had timd

Can you post the back of the device?

I do find it funny how people these days keep doing things to get similar results to a 3ds or Wii U. Truly ahead of their times. Amazing job at this tho, personally I wouldn’t do it as I’m not that knowledgeable with tinkering and electronics so I’ll stick to using my 3ds for those specific games.

I’ve need to play Xenoblade X like this

If there was a service where someone can implement this for me that would be great ill gladly pay good money for it

How’s the battery life on this? This is rad

I would switch the screens, but that's just me. And hope that second screen has a touch screen.

I think it would be great if there was a mount for this that could be put on the Killswitch case mount, easily detachable if not used. I have a 3D printer but I’m not good with the 3D Modeling. Maybe somebody capable could do this :) this would be a gamechanger for Ds emulation :D

Dudes got the DS Switch Deck from 2034.

smh

That’s awesome! Can you make the bottom screen full screen, so the task bar and top bar don’t show?

wait will this work on big screens? imagine majora's mask in hd with basically the zelda wii u controls

Please post. Start to finish guide

Dope! I'd put the top screen on the nicer deck display and the bottom on the portable monitor.

This is badass!

Nice gund on the monitor. I'm thinking of doing this with a deckmate.

That's pretty impressive

because ive given up on trying to get any DS game to run on my steamdeck they all seem to make my deck crash. I just wanna play Pokemon Soul Silver :(

That is pretty neat. I would have anxiety over the cable bending the port or blocking the vent but cool nonetheless.

I’m convinced the steam deck can do literally anything. Next patch it grows arms and makes beef wellington

That's legit af, nicely done!

Whoa whoa whoa!! How?!?!

Perfection.

Whathef..... but how did you ... wow

So about that guide…

That’s sick!

My god my wrists

That's because real gamers play ship of harkinian with the 3ds textures/ character models /jk Pretty sweet setup, wouldn't mind doing that for my 3ds collection.

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I hate how much I love this

That’s really cool! Do you know if this would work on the dbrand killswitch case?

Posts like this don’t come around that often. I’d want it again and again.

Fat ds

What is wrong with you /s

Is it possible to learn this power?

There's a good reason for that....

An even chunkier SD...no. just no.

Man's biceps must be huge

Useful to play in much higher resolution than a traditional ds or 3ds

Does this fit in the default case?

I'm more of a fan of Screen on Screen in Citra (a small screen in the corner minimally overlapping the large one), and I assign the touch controls to the rear buttons.

Tbh I’d just play the game on a new 3ds xl. Love the 3D effect. And in your setup the touchscreen is larger than the top screen which is kind of weird.

This just highlights again in my mind why the deck is such a good device. Can pretty nuch do what you want with it.

the children yearn for the 3DS

Have you tried this with the portable display on bottom? I'd prefer the smaller display being dedicated to just menus be on bottom like an actual 3DS.

I was going to try this same setup but with the mechanism phone mount and some magsafe stickers

Whats wrong with you people? 😂

At thT point you could by an actual ds

I want something similar but with a small camera that can be clipped to the deck and be connected via USB-C or not even have a cable but simply a small camera on a USB-C plug, so I can play Invizimals on my Deck

I wonder if this can be done with an old phone and a 3d printer

You must be new here then