The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →On a modded Nintendo 3DS, “download games” can mean two different things: downloading homebrew applications, or redownloading commercial games you already bought. Use Universal-Updater for homebrew; use Nintendo eShop’s redownload list for eligible past purchases. Nintendo ended new 3DS eShop purchases on March 27, 2023, and modding does not make new commercial games available for free.
Choose the right download route
| What you want | Supported route |
|---|---|
| A homebrew application | Use Universal-Updater, a homebrew app for finding, downloading, installing, and updating other homebrew. See the Universal-Updater project. |
| A digital game or DLC you bought previously | Use the console’s Nintendo eShop redownload list, if the purchase is available in your account/system history. Nintendo says redownloads remain available for the foreseeable future. Follow Nintendo’s redownload instructions. |
| A new commercial digital 3DS game | Nintendo ended purchases through the 3DS eShop on March 27, 2023. The official sources cited here do not establish a new digital purchase or download route for these titles. Read Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation FAQ. |
How to redownload a game you already bought
Nintendo’s instructions apply to previously purchased software and DLC associated with your account or system history; they are not a way to claim a title you never purchased. On the 3DS:
- Open Nintendo eShop.
- Select Settings / Other.
- Choose Redownloadable Software.
- Find the title and select Redownload.
- Choose Download Now or Download Later.
Nintendo says deleted eShop purchases can be redownloaded at no cost. If the console was formatted, relink the Nintendo Network ID associated with the purchase. Ensure the SD card has enough free space before starting; Nintendo does not give one universal capacity recommendation, so check your model and the space your files require.
How to download homebrew apps
Universal-Updater is a 3DS homebrew application that helps find, download, install, and update other homebrew. Its default catalog is Universal-DB, and the project lists features including search, screenshots, release notes, and app updates. The project page provides 3DSX and CIA downloads.
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#1 Best Overall
For installation and model-specific setup, use the current instructions on the Universal-Updater project page and the 3DS Hacks Guide. Follow the guidance for your exact console and setup rather than assuming that one installation method fits every 3DS.
What changed—and what did not
Nintendo ended new software and DLC purchases in the 3DS eShop at 5:00 PM Pacific Time on March 27, 2023. Free downloads such as demos and download codes also became unavailable through the closed purchase system. Nintendo said previously purchased games and DLC, along with existing software updates, could still be redownloaded for the foreseeable future. That wording describes an ongoing service, not a guarantee of permanent access.
Rank #2
- Cards include security feature for protection of copyrighted data
- This is NOT a micro SD card
- SD cards are fully compatible with all SD-compliant devices
- Speed performance rating: Class 4 (based on SD 2.0 Specification)
- Writeable label for easy identification and organization
Online play and other functionality using online communication for 3DS software ended on April 8, 2024, according to Nintendo’s support FAQ. This was a separate change from eShop purchases and redownloads: the end of online communication does not itself mean every previously purchased game or update was removed.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If you want a game that is not in your redownload list
Universal-Updater distributes homebrew, not Nintendo’s commercial game library. The official sources cited here do not provide a way to download newly acquired commercial 3DS games after eShop sales ended. This is a distinction about the supported options established by those sources, not a legal determination for every jurisdiction. A physical game card is a separate possibility, but availability depends on retailers and is not a download method.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Shot speeds up to 90MB/s, transfer speeds up to 100MB/s (Up to 100MB/s read speed. Write speed up to 90MB/s. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes. X = 150KB/sec.)
- Perfect for shooting 4K UHD video and sequential burst mode photography (Full HD (1920x1080) and 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) video support may vary based upon host device, file attributes and other factors. See HD page on SanDisk site.)
- UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30) (UHS Speed Class 3 designates a performance option designed to support 4K UHD video recording with enabled UHS host devices. UHS Video Speed Class 30 (V30), sustained video capture rate of 30MB/s, designates a performance option designed to support real-time video recording with UHS enabled host devices. See the SD Association’s official website.)
- Built for and tested in harsh conditions: Temperature-proof, waterproof, shockproof, and X-ray-proof (Card only. See product packaging or official SanDisk website for more information regarding proof.)
Rank #4
- SDSDUNR-064G-GN3IN Overseas Retail
Rank #3
- 32GB SD SDHC Flash Memory Card FOR NINTENDO 3DS N3DS 2DS XL DS DSI & Wii Media Kit. (Not compatible with New 3DS)
- Also compatible with Nikon SLR Coolpix Digital Camera, Kodak Easyshare, Canon Powershot, Canon EOS
- Speed performance rating: Class 10
- Bonus SD/TF USB Card Reader to facilitate easy transfer between devices
- High quality and reliability backed by a 5-year limited manufacturer warranty
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