Classic NES Games Just Got A 3D Upgrade, And It Changes Everything
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While everyone’s still hyped about the recent Switch 2 release, something you might not know you needed has been brewing in the background.
For fans of old-school Nintendo games, it might be even more exciting than the latest console, as the classic 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) favorites are coming back to life – in 3D!
Image credit: YouTube - Vinny - 3dSen VR: NES 3D VR Emulation
Created by developer Tran Vu Truc, some of you may also remember it by its original title, “3DNes.” 3dSen has now been a passion project spanning an entire decade.
After starting in 2015, ten years later, they finally released version 1.0, offering standard and VR-based versions, and it’s absolutely worth the wait!
The 3D rendering is likely what you likely hoped a Virtual Boy would look like back in the day. The amount of effort that has gone into the project is insane, as described by the creator, who notes that it involved “countless late nights, mysterious bugs, painful rewrites, and yes, constant back pain.”
Enjoy Your Favorite NES Classics In 3D
The 3dSen PC version is an NES emulator that converts the classic NES titles into “fully playable 3D voxel dioramas”. This isn’t fake 3D or just layered graphics, either. You get true 3D environments that completely transform how the games look and feel.
Beyond the opportunity to play the classic NES games in 3D, there are plenty of additional features. You can now use quick save and load anywhere without waiting for checkpoints, and there are also rollback and fast-forward options. So, if you screw up, you get a second chance.
For the 3D functionality, you can even customize the camera controls to zoom and rotate the angle. There’s real-time lighting and shadows, animated skyboxes, and even the ability to export your favorite game moments as 3D models.
Image credit: YouTube - Vinny - 3dSen VR: NES 3D VR Emulation
The emulator runs on Windows, Linux, and Intel Macs with full cross-platform support. It even works on Steam Deck with some tweaks, making it perfect for portable retro gaming!
It’s worth noting that this is purely an emulator, so you need to use your own game ROMs. They’ve intentionally (wisely) avoided any potential Nintendo legal issues by not including any games.
You’re able to download this version now on Steam (or Itch.) But, before you buy it, you might want to check this out…
Take Things To The Next Level With VR
Even more exciting is 3dSen VR, which lets you play in Virtual Reality. You can also pick this up on Steam or download from Itch.
You can explore “deep RPGs, intense shooters, beat ’em ups, puzzlers, and more—magically reborn in immersive 3D space.” With this version, you also get the standard “flat-screen” edition, letting you switch between classic and VR modes seamlessly.
You can use motion controllers, and it also supports Mixed Reality with Meta Quest, letting you turn your real-world environment into backdrops for retro gaming action.
Which NES Games Are Supported?
Currently, there are over 100 supported games (with the list constantly growing), featuring hand-tuned support for both iconic classics and modern homebrew titles. You can view the ever-growing full list of games here.
It includes many of the top Nintendo classics, such as Super Mario Bros., Zelda, Final Fantasy, Castlevania, and many more.
Racing and driving game fans will also recognize familiar favorites like Road Fighter, Spy Hunter, City Connection, and Jackal.
Unfortunately, drifting games weren’t hugely popular back then (believe it or not!). However, if you’re like us, there are still plenty of other options that will also get you excited.
You Can Also Create Your Own 3D Profiles
If you’re dying to play a game in 3D that isn’t officially supported yet, there’s way to do that. 3dSen Maker (only available on Itch) is a specialized tool that lets you create custom 3D profiles for any game.
With this version, the main emulator comes with pre-made 3D conversions for popular games. But, 3dSen Maker lets you build those conversions yourself for those that haven’t been done yet.
It comes with reference profiles for games like Super Mario Bros and Zelda to help you understand how the process works.
Get It Now While It’s On Sale
Right now, you can grab 3dSen PC for just $8.99 (normally $14.99) and 3dSen VR for $14.99 (normally $24.99) as part of the Steam Summer Sale.
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Bill is a writer and photographer who has been part of the Drifted team since 2015. His work extends to various print and online publications, including Wangan Warriors.
As part of the King of Nations team, he traveled extensively for several years, capturing top-tier international drift events worldwide. His hands-on experience, including rebuilding his own Nissan Silvia S15 drift car, gives him unique insights into drift car building and global drift culture.
When not behind the lens or keyboard, Bill can be found browsing classifieds for his next JDM project or shredding virtual tires on popular simulators like Assetto Corsa, CarX, and Forza.
You can learn more about Bill’s story here or follow his socials on X (formerly Twitter), Flickr, Facebook, and Instagram.
