In a fascinating blend of nostalgia and modern technology, TechTuber MetraByte has successfully managed to run Windows 95 on the Nintendo 3DS. This ambitious project, however, was not without its hurdles. The modder faced significant challenges, particularly with slow boot times, which stemmed from the limitations of DOSBox’s reliance on the system memory and the complexities of x86 emulation on the handheld device.
What you need to know
- MetraByte’s endeavor highlights the possibility of running Windows 95 on the Nintendo 3DS, although the experience is far from seamless.
- Initial attempts to launch simple applications, such as Paint, were met with frustration, ultimately leading him to abandon his plans to create music on the device.
- The experiment underscores the enduring appeal of older operating systems, as users continue to gravitate toward versions like Windows 95 for their nostalgic value.
Microsoft’s Windows operating system has long enjoyed a diverse user base, with many users expressing a preference for older iterations like Windows 95 and Windows 10. These versions are often favored for their user-friendly interfaces and aesthetic charm. However, with Windows 10 set to reach its end of support on October 14, 2025, a wave of mixed emotions has surfaced among users who are reluctant to transition away from their familiar environments.
Meanwhile, Windows 11 has been steadily gaining market share, suggesting that some users are opting for the latest operating system to ensure continued support and security updates. The future remains uncertain as to whether all users will migrate to Windows 11 or explore alternatives such as Linux or macOS.
In a nostalgic twist, MetraByte utilized DOSBox—a tool originally designed for running classic MS-DOS games—to facilitate the booting of Windows 95 on the Nintendo 3DS. Despite his success, the journey was fraught with difficulties. Each installation attempt took around 30 minutes, culminating in a final successful installation that stretched over two hours. This process was marred by the all-too-familiar Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) and a series of driver errors, presenting a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in retro computing.
As MetraByte navigated the command-line interface using a touchscreen and stylus, he encountered further setbacks when attempting to run applications like the 3D Maze screensaver and Paint. The operating system’s sluggish performance, particularly in loading color palettes within Paint, can be attributed to the limitations of the DOSBox environment on the 3DS. Ultimately, the combination of poor performance and recurring BSoD errors led him to abandon his musical aspirations, highlighting the impracticalities of this nostalgic experiment.
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