Nintendo's 3DS lets you connect with other players around the world, but first, you'll need to exchange Friend Codes. Although these were a huge pain on the Wii, Nintendo streamlined the process for its new handheld.

To get you started, we created this helpful guide.

OK, let's begin with the basics.

Friend Code? What's a Friend Code?

A Friend Code is a 12-digit number exclusive to each 3DS system.

How do I find mine?

Turn on your 3DS, then tap the Friend List icon (orange smiley face) located at the top of the Home Menu. From there, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Friend Card.

Friend Card? You lost me again. What's that?

Think of the Friend Card as your 3DS profile. This is what your friends will see when they add you to their friend lists. It contains your name, your Mii, favorite game and finally, your Friend Code, located on the bottom left corner of the card.

How do I create a friends list?

Simple. From the Friend List menu, tap "Register Friend" on the top right corner of the screen. Here, you have two options: Local and Intenet.

Local lets you add friends offline within range of your 3DS' Wi-Fi signal. You don't need to enter Friend Codes. Just scan the area, then tap the Friend Card of the person you want to add. If you both tap each other's cards, you'll exchange information.

Internet, meanwhile, is a whole other matter. With this option, you'll need the person's Friend Code. This means they'll need to give it to you in some fashion. Then, tap the numerical pad to enter it.

Wait, there's more. To make this work, you must also give this person your Friend Code as well.

That's it. Now you have cool 3DS friends. Even better, you'll know when they're online and what games they're playing, providing you're both connected to the Internet.

Last, but certainly not least, you can add up to 100 friends to your 3DS.

On that note, have fun. Perhaps we'll see you online.