169Format

169Format is a filename extension commonly associated with images generated by the Nintendo 3DS. These images are typically photographs taken using the 3DS's dual cameras, which allow for the capture of stereoscopic 3D images. The 169Format file stores information for both the left and right eye views, enabling the 3DS to display them in a way that creates a sense of depth when viewed through the glasses-free 3D screen.

When these files are transferred to other devices or platforms, they often appear as standard image files, though their true stereoscopic nature may not be immediately apparent without specialized software or viewing methods. Software designed to interpret 169Format files can separate the left and right eye images, allowing them to be viewed on 2D displays or even converted into other 3D formats.

The origin of the ".169" extension is not explicitly documented by Nintendo, but it is widely understood within the community to refer to the 3D capabilities of the Nintendo 3DS. While not a widely adopted standard outside of the Nintendo ecosystem, the 169Format played a role in popularizing stereoscopic photography and imaging on a consumer handheld device. The Nintendo 3DS itself has been discontinued, leading to a decrease in the creation of new 169Format files.