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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →To move downloaded games and system data to another Nintendo 3DS-family console, use Nintendo’s System Transfer process. Copying files from an SD card alone does not transfer them to, or authorize them on, a different console. Nintendo’s North American instructions offer PC-based and wireless transfer paths; choose the one that matches your console models, card capacity and available equipment.
Before you start: check the consoles and prerequisites
Identify the exact source and target models, and note the source card’s type and capacity. Nintendo’s US transfer guide has model-specific branches, so follow the instructions for your precise pairing rather than assuming that steps for a New Nintendo 3DS also apply to an original 3DS, 3DS XL or 2DS.
Nintendo’s North American guidance requires both systems to be available, connected to the internet, updated to the latest system software, and set to the same region. The target system must not already have a Nintendo Network ID linked to it. Nintendo says cross-region system transfers are unsupported in its [system transfer overview]; regional support instructions may differ.
Choose a transfer method
| Method | What happens to downloaded content | What you need | Time and capacity considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC-based transfer | Copy the SD-card data to the target card as directed for the applicable model pairing. | A computer with an SD-card slot or reader; a microSD adapter if needed. Some New 3DS models require a size #0 crosshead screwdriver to access the card. | The target card needs enough room for the source data. Follow Nintendo’s model-specific guide for the order of the system-transfer and card-copy steps. |
| Full wireless transfer | Moves current content between consoles over local wireless communication. | Both systems, with power available throughout the process. | The target microSD card must have enough space. Nintendo warns that the transfer can take more than four hours depending on the amount of data. |
| Low-capacity wireless transfer | Transfers system data but leaves downloaded games and applications off the target initially; Nintendo’s guide describes redownloading content afterward and restoring saves. | Both systems, with power available throughout the process. | Useful when the target cannot hold all the source downloads. Follow Nintendo’s instructions for the selected option and the exact system pairing. |
These are not interchangeable file-copy techniques: the wireless methods use the consoles’ System Transfer flow, while PC copying is a card operation used where Nintendo’s model-specific instructions call for it. See Nintendo’s [transfer instructions] before choosing.
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Run the System Transfer
For standard Nintendo 3DS, 3DS XL and 2DS systems, Nintendo’s instructions use System Settings on both consoles. Menu wording and available choices can vary by model, so use the matching Nintendo support branch if your systems differ.
- On each system, open System Settings → Other Settings → System Transfer.
- On the source, choose the option to send data; on the target, choose the option to receive it. Follow the on-screen prompts on both systems.
- Select the transfer method offered for your console pairing and storage situation. Keep both systems powered and follow the screen instructions until the process finishes.
- If the selected method calls for copying SD-card data with a computer, do that card step as directed in the next section.
Nintendo’s [System Transfer guide] is the authority for the exact sequence and choices shown for your hardware. Nintendo says another system transfer cannot be attempted for seven days after one is completed.
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- 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
If Nintendo’s method requires a PC card copy
Use this only as the card-copy step in Nintendo’s instructions, not as a replacement for System Transfer. Nintendo’s [SD and microSD card instructions] explain supported copying procedures and equipment.
- Have a computer with an SD-card slot or reader. For a microSD card, use an adapter if the computer’s reader requires one.
- For certain New Nintendo 3DS systems, have a size #0 crosshead screwdriver to remove the card cover and access the microSD card.
- Check that the target card has sufficient capacity before copying.
- Copy the required folders as a whole; do not pick individual files from inside the Nintendo 3DS folder.
- Leave the original card untouched until you have verified the copied data and completed the console’s transfer process.
Nintendo warns: “Do not swap between multiple SD Cards, or swap your SD Card between multiple systems.” Follow the card guidance for your specific model instead of treating a card swap as a console transfer.
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- 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
Which saves move with the data?
The storage location depends on how you play the game. Nintendo says downloaded-game save data is stored on the SD card, while save data for a Game Card version is stored on the cartridge itself. Copying a console SD card is therefore not a way to move a cartridge save; keep the Game Card if you need that save.
For downloadable software, use Nintendo’s System Transfer procedure rather than trying to move a single title between consoles by copying its files. If you choose the low-capacity wireless option, Nintendo’s guide describes redownloading the omitted games and applications after the transfer and restoring saves as instructed.
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Can you redownload 3DS games afterward?
Nintendo ended sales of Nintendo 3DS software and DLC through the eShop on March 27, 2023, according to its [eShop support notice]. Do not assume that every title will be available to redownload for every account; check the relevant title and account situation before relying on redownloads as your recovery plan.
Quick Recap
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- 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.)
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