What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Kasumi is an unofficial homebrew client that lets a New Nintendo 3DS-family console stream games from GeForce NOW without a gaming PC at home. The games run on NVIDIA’s servers; the handheld displays and decodes the stream and sends your controls back. Kasumi is documented as a public beta in active development, so its feature and performance descriptions are the project maintainer’s, not independent test results.
What Kasumi does—and what it does not do
Kasumi loads a user’s GeForce NOW library and streams a selected game to a compatible New 3DS-family console. Any linked Steam, Epic, Ubisoft, or other supported store accounts are associated through GeForce NOW. The 3DS is the display, video decoder, audio output, and controller; it does not run the PC game locally. The project says a PC is not required.
The maintainer describes Kasumi as “a native, unofficial GeForce NOW client with a calm, OLED-black design.” The app is not affiliated with NVIDIA or Nintendo.
Which 3DS models are compatible?
The project lists the New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL, and New Nintendo 2DS XL. It says the original 3DS and original 2DS lack the hardware video decoder Kasumi uses. Kasumi also requires a real console; the maintainer says emulators are unsupported.
#1 Best Overall
- This is Japanese console and only compatible with Japanese softwares. Instructions and system language are all Japanese and cannot changed to English. Please search "Regional lockout of 3DS"
- Improved stereoscopic 3D than previous devices
- No power cord included
- 4" screens and analog 3D stick and C-Stick, extended battery life, better Wi-Fi support , 3D Camera included
- new ZR and ZL shoulder buttons
What you need before installing
- A supported New Nintendo 3DS-family console with custom firmware. The README specifically names Luma3DS.
- A GeForce NOW account.
- A reliable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection. Streaming quality depends on the local wireless link as well as the route to NVIDIA’s servers.
- The console’s SD card, which is used for the application and local session data.
How to install Kasumi
The project documents two installation options. Follow its current README and release instructions for the files and any version-specific details.
- Install the CIA: Use FBI to install
Kasumi.cia. The README also describes FBI’s QR remote-install flow. - Launch the 3DSX: Copy
Kasumi.3dsxto the 3DS homebrew folder, then launch it through Homebrew Launcher.
The project says Kasumi includes an updater and checks downloaded updates against release checksums.
Rank #2
![Nintendo New Nintendo 3DS Super Mario Black Edition - Nintendo 3DS (Renewed) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51co+eHO0-L._SL160_.jpg)
- AC Adapter sold separately.
Sign-in, game libraries, and session security
Kasumi uses an NVIDIA device-code sign-in flow. You open the device-code page on a phone or computer and complete sign-in there; according to the project, you do not enter your NVIDIA password into Kasumi. Game-store accounts are linked within GeForce NOW, rather than inside the 3DS app.
The project says Kasumi stores a session file on the SD card. It does not contain the password, but it can allow someone to use the GeForce NOW account until the session expires. Do not share the file. The README also describes services the app contacts for sign-in, library and session functions, updates, and optional diagnostic reporting.
Rank #3
![Nintendo New 3DS XL Console- Galaxy Style (Renewed) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51xGZ9RDtlL._SL160_.jpg)
- Item is Refurbished and has a 90 day Guarantee
Features documented by the project
The README lists a game library with box art, custom button mapping, optional gyro aiming, touch controls, a remote keyboard and touchpad, zoom zones for small text, queue estimates, connection checks, automatic reconnection, and updates through GitHub. These are maintainer-documented features; availability and behavior may change while the beta is in development.
Expected frame rate, bitrate, and latency
The project FAQ says the 3DS display and decoder are suited to 30 FPS video. Its bitrate figures are guidance from the maintainer, not guaranteed requirements or independent measurements.
Rank #4
- Features: 3D Depth Slider, Wi-Fi Capability, Nintendo 3DS Sound, Mii Maker, 3D Camera, Front & Rear Camera, Touch Screen
- Includes: AC Power Adapter, Stylus
- Wired Connectivity: Wireless
- Model Compatibility: Nintendo 3DS
| Project setting | Maintainer’s bitrate guidance | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive | About 1.3 Mbps | Project-published guidance; actual stream quality depends on the connection. |
| Sharp | About 1.8–2 Mbps | Recommended by the project for strong Wi-Fi. |
| Steady | About 1 Mbps | Suggested by the project for weaker Wi-Fi or a hotspot. |
The FAQ reports around 60–80 ms network round-trip latency in the maintainer’s testing, plus one or two frames of buffering. This is not an independent benchmark, and the result will vary with Wi-Fi quality and distance to the selected GeForce NOW server. The maintainer suggests that this latency may work better for adventure, RPG, and many action games than for competitive shooters.
- If the picture or connection is choppy, the project suggests lowering the bitrate or using Weak/hotspot mode.
- For server selection, the FAQ recommends Auto to select a low-ping GeForce NOW server.
Kasumi versus Moonlight
Kasumi and Moonlight both stream games to another device, but they rely on different machines to run the game. Neither is universally better; the practical choice depends on whether you want NVIDIA’s cloud service or your own gaming PC to host the session.
Best Value
- Item Package Dimension- 8.49999999133L x 6.099999993778W x 2.399999997552H inches
- Item Package Weight - 0.9499999992033387 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Product Type - VIDEO GAME CONSOLE
| Option | Where the game runs | PC requirement | Main connection dependency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kasumi with GeForce NOW | NVIDIA’s cloud servers | No home gaming PC is needed, according to the project. | Internet access, local Wi-Fi quality, and distance to the GeForce NOW server. |
| Moonlight | The user’s gaming PC at home, according to the Kasumi FAQ | A capable home gaming PC must be available to host the stream. | The connection between the client and the home PC, including internet access when connecting remotely. |
Beta status, support, and licensing
The maintainer labels Kasumi a public beta and says it remains in active development, with rough edges possible. The project invites bug reports. It is unofficial, unaffiliated with NVIDIA and Nintendo, and the project page identifies its license as GPL-3.0.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
