Setup Guides - Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo 3DS & New Nintendo 3DS Family Setup Guide
This guide covers all models in the 3DS family, including the original Nintendo 3DS, 3DS XL, and 2DS as well as the upgraded New Nintendo 3DS, New 3DS XL, and New 2DS XL. Follow the instructions below to get your handheld console powered on, configured, and ready to play.
1. Charging and Powering On
All models use a Nintendo AC adapter. When charging, the orange light turns on and shuts off when full. When powered on, the green light will glow. The red light means low battery, and flashing red means it's nearly dead.
2. Initial Setup
Press the power button and follow the on-screen prompts to choose your language, set date/time, connect to Wi-Fi, and configure parental controls.
3. Game Compatibility
- All models play Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS cartridges.
- 3DS games are region-locked and must match your console’s region.
- DS games are region-free and will work worldwide.
- New 3DS-exclusive games (listed below) require a New 3DS, New 3DS XL, or New 2DS XL system.
4. SD and microSD Card Setup
Game data, photos, and downloads are stored on an SD or microSD card depending on your model:
▶ For Nintendo 3DS, 3DS XL, and 2DS
- Uses standard-size SD cards up to 2 GB
- Supports SDHC cards from 4 GB to 32 GB
- MiniSD and microSD cards can work with an adapter
- SDXC cards are not compatible
▶ For New Nintendo 3DS, New 3DS XL, and New 2DS XL
- Uses microSD cards up to 2 GB
- Supports microSDHC cards from 4 GB to 32 GB
- microSDXC cards are not compatible
- New 3DS / 3DS XL: microSD slot is under the backplate (requires a small Phillips screwdriver)
- New 2DS XL: microSD slot is accessible under the cartridge flap
Note: While many third-party cards work fine, Nintendo only guarantees compatibility with the included cards.
5. Inserting and Cleaning Game Cartridges
- Cartridges can be inserted before or after powering on.
- If a game isn’t reading, gently clean the contacts using a cotton swab or soft toothbrush dampened with rubbing alcohol.
- For corrosion, gently scrape with a plastic toothpick.
6. Touchscreen Calibration
If the touchscreen isn't responding accurately:
- Go to System Settings → Other Settings → Touch Screen
- Follow the on-screen calibration instructions
7. New Nintendo 3DS Exclusive Games
The following titles only work on New Nintendo 3DS, New 3DS XL, or New 2DS XL models. They will not function on original 3DS, 3DS XL, or 2DS systems:
- Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
- Fire Emblem Warriors
- Runbow Pocket (New 3DS version)
- Wind-up Knight 2 (New 3DS version)
- The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
- Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition
- BlockForm
- Pixel Hunter
- Futuridium EP Deluxe
- Lifespeed
- IronFall: Invasion
- SNES Virtual Console titles (e.g. EarthBound, Super Mario World)
📘 Quick Start Guides & User Manuals
New Nintendo 3DS / 3DS XL Quick Start Guide
Download New 3DS / New 3DS XL Quick Start Guide
Nintendo 3DS Quick Start Guide
Download 3DS Quick Start Guide
Nintendo 3DS XL Quick Start Guide
Download 3DS XL Quick Start Guide