Retro emulator "3dSen VR" makes 2D classics playable in 3D and virtual reality
With the "3dSen VR" emulator, retro fans can experience beloved 2D NES classics in full 3D dioramas for the first time – also in virtual reality.
If you have the right ROMs, you can now experience your old NES classics in 3D or virtual reality.
(Image: Geod Studio)
After more than ten years of one-man development, the NES emulator “3dSen VR” is officially available in version 1.0. The software translates classic 8-bit games into interactive 3D dioramas that can be experienced both on the monitor and in virtual reality.
3D dioramas provide a new look at classics
Developer Tran Vu Truc, founder of Geod Studio, announced the end of the Early Access phase on Steam on June 19, 2025. The final version supports over 100 NES games, including titles such as “Super Mario Bros.”, “Metroid”, “Mega Man”, “Castlevania” and “The Legend of Zelda”.
The 3D conversion is based on hand-crafted profiles that create three-dimensional game worlds from the original 2D sprites. According to Truc, this allows the gameplay to be preserved true to the original, while the presentation becomes fully spatial. In addition to the official profiles, users can also create and share their own 3D layouts using a tool called “3dSenMaker”.
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The software runs in VR mode via SteamVR with all common VR glasses such as Meta Quest 3, Pico 4 Ultra or Pimax Crystal Light. Anyone using a Quest headset can start the emulator in a mixed reality environment. In addition to conventional controller control, “3dSen” also supports light guns for shooters such as “Duck Hunt” and motion control with VR controllers for games such as “PunchOut”.
The emulator offers various camera settings, including zoom and rotation options, and players can save and rewind at any time. To better capture the charm of the original game experience, “3dSen” is also designed to mimic minimal input delays corresponding to the original consoles.
Distribution via Steam, but without ROMs
“3dSen VR” is available on Steam with a 40 percent discount until June 26. The standard price is 24 euros. As it is illegal to pass on or sell game ROMs, none are included with the software. Nintendo in particular is known for its tough approach to infringements of its copyrights.
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In 2018, the gaming giant sued the ROM providers LoveRETRO and LoveROMS and officially received compensation of 12 million US dollars. However, the distribution and possession of emulators is generally legal, as the software alone does not infringe trademark rights. We explain in detail how to legally digitize your own game modules in the linked article.
(joe)
