This listing is for a capture card installation service for the 2DS.
No international buyers. Sorry for taking up search results. I can't disable individual listings. It's either all or none.
What's Included:
• The installation
• 1 × 3DS XL Capture Board from Optimize.ath.cx
• 1 × USB cable
• Shipping to you
This listing does not include your shipping to me.
The process is simple.
0. You purchase the service.
1. I message you the address to ship it to.
2. You package it and ship it the address.
3. I receive your console and install the capture card.
4. I ship it back out to you via USPS Ground Advantage.
Turnaround time varies, but it will be shipped back to you within 30 business days from purchase as long as I receive your 2DS before then.
What is it?
The capture card is a hardware modification that lets you capture digital video and audio from your 2DS via USB. Anything that shows up on the 2DS's screens will show up in the viewer software. If you set the audio to stereo in the 2DS's settings, you can also capture audio in stereo even when not using headphones.
If you want to learn more about them, look for reviews about Katsukity's old capture cards (original 3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS). The "New" 3DS/2DS/XL capture cards are slightly different. The main fault with Katsukity's capture cards are the USB port. That won't be a problem with my installation. If a review mentions that, don't worry about it.
Changes From the Original:
The original offering from Katsukity had a much thicker PCB and required a custom back plate that only came in black. It used a mini USB port that came out of the side, making it both uncomfortable and easy to disconnect when playing. It also lacked a few bit rate options in the software. The latest version of the software also dropped support for it.
This one uses a 3DS XL capture board from Optimize.ath.cx with a flex PCB to adapt it to the 2DS. It is much thinner and smaller than the original 2DS capture card, so it can fit inside the 2DS. Now, since it's fully internal, the feel isn't changed, and it's compatible with nearly every accessory for the 2DS. Since it's using a 3DS XL capture board that they (Optimize.ath.cx) still produce, the latest version of the software is compatible and will continue to be in the future.
You can see where the capture card is in the transparent black 2DS image. That spot will get warm over long periods of use and is normal.
You can charge and capture the 2DS at the same time via the same USB cable. The USB port can still be used to charge the 2DS.
USB-C or micro USB:
You have a choice of micro USB or USB C. The USB C port is carved out by hand, so please don't expect perfection. The 2DS has a lot of variants with unique colors. If you ever want to return it back to normal, pick micro USB. Otherwise, the only way to restore the external look will be to buy another edition of the same kind.
USB PD is supported if you pick USB C. That means you can use C-to-C cables as well as USB-C-only chargers like those meant for laptops. Keep in mind that the 2DS will not charge any faster or transfer data faster regardless of whether it's micro USB or USB C.
Software:
The viewer software for this capture card is only available for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11. You need some technical ability to use it to its fullest extent.
The instructions will include how to get the best possible image quality out of the software, but remember that the resolution is 400x240 for the top screen and 320x240 for the bottom screen. The capture card does not increase this, so when you full screen it, you will see chunky pixels. There is also a pixel perfect DS crop mode for using it when playing a DS game in pixel perfect mode. You can also separate each screen to have their own window.
There are several bit rate options if you need them. The lowest is RGB565 with no audio and FPS capped at 30, and the highest is RGB888 with audio. Some computers aren't able to handle RGB888 with audio. This can be for a variety of reasons (too many/incompatible USB devices, USB controller not being good enough, bad USB cable). Be aware that if your PC is one of those, you may need to sacrifice some quality. You can lower the color depth, disable audio, cap the FPS to 30, or use combination of those 3 options. The capture card can use up to 480Mbps, and go as low as just under 80Mbps.
Using Multiple Capture Cards:
Depending on how good your USB controller* is, you may be able to use multiple 3DS capture cards from either Optimize (Katsukity) or Loopy simultaneously. I've found success in using multiple by lowering the bit rate on the Optimize viewer software and by using USB ports directly on my PC instead of a hub. This is not guaranteed for you, though, and the only way to know is to try. The other ways I've seen are using a separate PC for each capture card and an HDMI capture card for each PC OR an HDMI multi-viewer with one HDMI capture card.
*not a game controller, but what handles your USB ports
You will be messaged with the setup instructions once it ships, including the product key.
If you want your console "region freed," let me know after purchase. It will not cost any extra.