This functionality allows multiple Nintendo 3DS systems to engage in multiplayer gaming using only one game cartridge. A single player possesses the full game, while others can connect and play with them using a temporarily downloaded version of the game’s multiplayer component. This feature expands accessibility to multiplayer experiences for 3DS owners. For example, with a single copy of Mario Kart 7, up to eight players can participate in races together, even if only one player owns the physical game cartridge.
The benefit of this feature lies in its cost-effectiveness and convenience. It eliminates the need for every player to purchase a separate copy of a game for local multiplayer. This promotes social gaming experiences and allows players to readily enjoy multiplayer content with friends and family. Historically, this feature has been a staple of Nintendo handheld consoles, fostering communal gameplay and enhancing the overall value proposition of their gaming systems.