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, a "profile" is a specialized data file (with a extension) that contains the instructions for the emulator to transform a specific 2D NES ROM into a 3D environment. Required Components for a 3dSen Profile
A complete and "proper" profile package—especially when sharing in communities like the 3dSen Maker itch.io forum —typically includes the following content:
: This is the core profile containing the voxelized 3D shapes, positions, and parameters for the game's graphics. Naming Convention : The profile file have the exact same name as your ROM (e.g., SuperMarioBros.nes paired with SuperMarioBros.3dn ) for the emulator to pair them automatically. Lua Scripts
: Advanced profiles use Lua scripts to customize shape parameters, create special effects, or handle complex layering that basic voxelization cannot solve. Profile Image (Screenshot)
: In the 3dSen UI, a screenshot is used as the profile's visual thumbnail. You can set this by hitting the
button during gameplay and right-clicking the resulting image. Custom Skyboxes (Optional) 3dsen profiles
: Users often include specific background images or "skyboxes" to enhance the 3D diorama effect. Documentation & Gameplay Video : If you are uploading to the Profile Repository
, proper etiquette requires a description of the profile, a download link, and a short gameplay video demonstrating the 3D effects. Where to Find & Manage Profiles Built-in Profiles
: 3dSen comes with over 100 handcrafted profiles for classics like Super Mario Bros The Legend of Zelda 3dSen Maker
: This is the specialized version of the emulator used to create and edit these profiles manually. Community Repositories
: You can find fan-made profiles for homebrew games or less common titles on the 3dSen Maker itch.io forums or the 3dSen Steam Community Are you looking to create your own profile from scratch, or are you trying to fix a profile for a specific game? , a "profile" is a specialized data file
Not all 3D blocks are cubes. 3DSen profiles allow for:
Your profile must map specific NES tiles to specific 3D geometric shapes. Without this, a character’s round head might look like a brick.
Creating a custom profile from scratch sounds daunting, but the 3DSen interface (available on PC via Steam or standalone) has an intuitive "Edit" mode. Here is a step-by-step workflow.
Step 1: Load the ROM Launch 3DSen and load your game. Do not play yet. Pause the emulation immediately.
Step 2: Enter Profile Editing Mode Click the "Edit" icon (usually a gear or pencil). You will see the screen split: The left side shows the original 2D tile data; the right side shows the live 3D preview. or battery saving.
Step 3: Tile Selection Click on a tile in the left pane (e.g., a brick block). It will highlight in the 3D view. Now, use the sliders labeled "Depth" and "Height."
Step 4: Grouping This is the secret to pro profiles. If you select "Coin" and set its depth to +10, you must then select all 256 instances of that coin across the level. The profile saves this rule: All Tile ID #0x47 = 3D Coin at Depth 10. This is done via the "Apply to all identical tiles" button.
Step 5: Saving the Profile
Go to File > Save Profile As. Name it precisely after the ROM (e.g., Super_Mario_Bros_USA.json). Store it in the /profiles/ directory of your 3DSen installation.
Best for: Low-end hardware, laptops, or battery saving.