Nintendo Purple 3DS (Color Variants & Buying Guide)

The Midnight Purple 3DS is a specialized hardware edition of the original Nintendo 3DS handheld, and you should choose this version if you want the most iconic and visually deep color ever produced for the platform. Released as a premium shade early in the console's lifecycle, it remains a top choice for collectors who value its unique shifting violet finish and metallic luster.

What Is the Midnight Purple 3DS?

The Midnight Purple 3DS is a specific color variant of the original Nintendo 3DS (CTR-001) that features a rich, dark violet metallic finish. You are choosing a model that stands out from the standard Aqua Blue or Cosmo Black because it utilizes a multi-layered paint process to achieve a deep "midnight" effect.

When you hold a purple 3ds, you will notice that the color wraps around the entire outer shell, while the interior features a matching metallic purple bezel around the buttons and d-pad. This was one of the first major color additions to the 3DS lineup, positioned as a more sophisticated and "premium" option for older gamers. Because it was only available for the original 3DS model and not the "XL" or "New" versions, it has become a unique piece of Nintendo hardware history.

How Rare Is the Midnight Purple 3DS Today?

The Midnight Purple 3DS is considered moderately rare because it was produced during a specific window before Nintendo shifted its focus to the 3DS XL and the 2DS. While you can still find them on the used market, finding one in "mint" condition with the original box and charging cradle is a challenge for high-intent buyers.

You should be aware that because the original 3DS had a "glossy" finish, the Midnight Purple models are prone to surface scratches and fingerprints. If you are looking for an investment-grade console, you must scrutinize the outer shell for any fading or "shell peeling," which can happen if the console was stored in high-humidity environments.

Is There a Nintendo 4DS or a Purple Version of It?

The Nintendo 4DS is currently a fictional concept or a community rumor, as Nintendo has never officially released or announced a console with that name. If you are searching for a "purple 4DS," you are likely seeing fan-made renders or mockups of a successor to the 3DS or the Switch.

Nintendo’s actual successor to the 3DS line was the Nintendo Switch, which does offer "Neon Purple" Joy-Cons. However, for those seeking a true dual-screen handheld in a deep violet shade, the Midnight Purple 3DS remains the final and most advanced "official" option in that specific color family.

What Should Buyers Look for When Buying a Purple 3DS?

Buying a 3ds purple edition requires you to check specific hardware points to ensure you aren't getting a refurbished unit with "aftermarket" shells. Authentic Midnight Purple consoles have a very specific metallic grain in the paint that is difficult for third-party manufacturers to replicate perfectly.

• The Shell Grain: Genuine Nintendo shells have a fine, consistent metallic flake.
• Screen Tint: Check both the top and bottom screens for yellowing, which is a common aging issue with original 3DS units.
• Hinge Strength: The original 3DS hinge should have a distinct "click" and stay in place; if it feels loose or "floppy," the console has been heavily used.
• Serial Number: Ensure the serial number on the back of the console matches the one in the system settings to confirm the motherboard hasn't been swapped.
• Battery Health: Original 3DS batteries can "swell" over time. Ensure the back plate of the purple console is flat and not bulging.

Why Is the Midnight Purple Color So Popular for Nintendo Fans?

The midnight purple color is popular because it provides a sense of mystery and "mature" styling that Nintendo rarely uses for its hardware. Unlike the bright, primary colors often found on the 2DS, Midnight Purple looks like a piece of high-end consumer electronics.

It follows a trend of "Indigo" and "Grape" colors that Nintendo has used since the GameBoy Color and GameCube eras. However, the 3DS version is much darker and more metallic. For you as a collector, owning this console is about more than just playing games; it’s about owning the most aesthetically "complete" version of the 3DS hardware. The way the light hits the metallic purple shell makes it look like a jewel, which is why it remains the most requested color on the secondary market.

How Is Midnight Purple Defined as a Color?

Midnight Purple is a deep, complex violet shade that sits at the intersection of dark purple and metallic black. To understand the technical roots of this color, you can explore the Midnight Purple Color definition, which explains how low-frequency light waves and specific pigment densities create that "near-black" effect. On the 3DS, this is achieved through a multi-coat paint process that gives the handheld its signature depth.

What Does Color Psychology Say About the Purple 3DS?

The choice of a purple console is often linked to creativity and individuality. By looking into Color Psychology, you can see how this shade promotes a sense of "quiet power" and mystery. It is a color that appeals to those who want to stand out from the crowd but still maintain a sophisticated, grounded aesthetic, which is exactly why the purple 3ds was so successful with adult gamers.

Why Is Midnight Purple Considered a Pillar Style Choice?

Midnight Purple is considered a pillar color because it has remained a favorite among tech and car enthusiasts for over thirty years. According to the Midnight Purple framework, a pillar color is one that remains commercially and stylistically relevant across decades. In the world of Nintendo, this specific 3DS model is the "pillar" of the handheld's color lineup, serving as the definitive special-edition shade that everyone remembers.