3DS Firmware Update Is Out, Adds Achievement Like Accomplishments

Hardware maker Nintendo has finally launched the new firmware upgrade for the 3DS handheld, which was once delayed, adding a host of new features to the platform and the new features include Accomplishments, which might be an equivalent for the Trophies of the PlayStation 3 and the Achievements of the Xbox 360.

The 3DS firmware update includes support for downloadable content, the ability to move data to another console a player owns and the ability to capture three dimensional video.

However, the biggest change for Nintendo 3DS players might be the newly introduced Accomplishments that are added to the Mii Plaza.

Nintendo has not offered any information on this feature and at the moment all the added Accomplishments have a zero point value, which probably means that players will not be able to use them yet.

Nintendo has long been criticized for the fact that it lacked a points system similar to the Achievements delivered by Microsoft and the Accomplishments seem to be one possible answer.

It’s not clear whether all titles launched on the Nintendo 3DS will get them or whether just some titles will use the new feature to encourage players to game more.

The fact that the StreetPass powered Mii Plaza currently gets the Accomplishments might mean that Nintendo is also seeking to encourage players to become more social and interact more with fellow gamers.

Nintendo will probably detail official plans linked to the new feature soon and might even retroactively add the Accomplishments to titles like Mario Kart 7 and Super Mario 3D Land, which have recently performed very well on the 3DS handheld.

The device has managed to sell well during the last few months, as Nintendo has offered more support both in terms of titles launched and new features, and is widely expected to sell more than 4 million units during its first year on the market.