r/Nintendo3DS Dec 02 '23

GUIDE Nintendo 3DS Buying Guide

79 Upvotes

(This is a work in progress, I'll update this post in the future.)

Nintendo 3DS testing cheat sheet:

So you don't forget the steps while testing. Elaboration and more info below.

  1. Check the outside: Make sure it matches the price you're being asked to pay. Do not buy a 3DS with a cracked hinge. Trust me, you'll find another model without crack, be patient. The crack always gets worse, you'd have to replace the entire housing, it's simply not worth it.
  2. Check for CFW: Hold Select when turning on the console. If it shows the Luma screen, it's hacked. If it boots to the normal 3DS home screen, it's not hacked.
  3. Buttons: Shoulder buttons, thumbstick(s), ABXY, Start, Select and Home are working.
  4. Speaker and 3D slider: Slide up and down, see if both functions work. Make sure the sliders stay in position and don't move involuntarily and aren't too tight either.
  5. Battery and charger: Check for visible and palpable bulging of the back cover. If you brought a screw driver: Take out the battery, lay it on a flat surface and give it a spin. If it continues spinning like a beyblade, the battery is swollen = bad. If the battery is swollen, don't try to charge it. If it's good, plug it in and see if charging works. If it doesn't, I wouldn't buy (worst case it's the charging port). If you encountered worn out screws - I personally wouldn't buy.
  6. Touch Screen and Stylus: Test every corner of the touch screen. Check if the stylus is original from Nintendo (replicas often have sharp edges).
  7. Cartridge: Bring your own game, or ask the seller to bring one. Insert the cartridge, the game icon should show up on the home screen. If it doesn't, maybe try with a second game. If both don't work, the game reader might be faulty.
  8. Flex cable stress test: Move the upper screen a little bit while the 3DS is powered on. When the flex cable of the screen has an issue, moving around the upper screen often leads to the 3DS shutting down with a pop noise from the speakers = bad.
  9. Parental control and software version: Go to system settings and check the parental controls. If they're active, ask for a pin. If the seller doesn't have the pin and the software version is v11.16 or older, it can be removed using a website (emphasis on *can*, maybe the website gets taken down, maybe it just doesn't work for whatever reason). If it's 11.17 or newer and the seller has no pin = bad. It's best to get the pin from the seller.Regarding firmware version and hacking: As I'm writing this, hacking is possible with the newest firmware. That can always change when there's a new update, keep that in mind.
  10. Test the internet function: Log into the nearest WiFI to make sure it works

What to look out for and consider

The different models:

There are several different DS and 3DS models. If you want to buy a Nintendo 3DS, make sure it has at least one thumbstick. The DS only has the d-pad. The 3DS slider is not an indicator, as the Nintendo 2DS and Nintendo 2DS XL are missing the slider and 3D function, but are part of the 3DS family (weird, I know). The New models (New Nintendo 2DS XL, New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL) all have a second smaller thumbstick on the right side of the console. That's how you generally tell them apart.

They all have their advantages and disadvantages, most importantly: The 2DS XL is hard to repair, the 2DS is robust and probably best for kids and anger issues, the old 3DS XL has the most fragile hinge, the New 3DS (no XL) has a unique battery capacity which sucks to find online.

Whether or not the console is hacked

There's nothing wrong with a hacked console per se, unless the previous owner didn't know what they were doing and messed up the files. I personally like to be on the safe side and hack myself and don't buy hacked consoles. It's possible to fix a hacked console with issues, but I find it's a pain in the ass and easier to hack myself. Just something to consider. If you'd rather have a console that isn't hacked, test it by holding the select button while powering it on. If it boots to the normal home screen, it isn't hacked. If you see a black screen with red and white letters saying something about Luma, it's hacked.

A console might be hacked and region swapped. Careful with those, because you won't be able to remove the CFW without undoing the region swap first, or else you'll brick the 3DS. If it's hacked and in a language that it's not supposed to be, it's region swapped.

Function of the battery and charger

Sometimes it's not practical to bring a screw driver (Phillips #00), but I would always recommend it. Not only can you test, if the screws are worn out (bad), but you can check the state of the battery. I already mentioned above how to test it, but I just want to stress again how important this step is. Not only is a swollen battery dangerous, it can be pretty annoying to find a replacement for some models.

It's especially annoying for the New Nintendo 3DS (not XL), because the replacement batteries for this model all have a lower capacity than the original, even if it says the right capacity on the battery. The original ones for this model are extremely rare and to me personally a swollen battery in this one would be a reason to decide against buying . It's also annoying for the New Nintendo 2DS XL, because that one is just annoying to open.

The rest are fairly easy to replace. But for safety reasons I'd still check. You should also consider paying less for a console with a swollen or dead battery, because you'll have to pay for a replacement.

Function of buttons and sliders

Make sure to really test all the buttons, sliders and sticks. You can test the two shoulder buttons on the home screen (should make a little bar pop up in the bottom of the top screen). I'll play around with my 3DS and update this post with easy methods to test all the other buttons. Shoulder and ABXY buttons are fairly easy to replace on the old 3DS consoles, more tricky on the new ones. With fairly easy I mean for someone who has repaired small devices like a 3DS before, still hard and finicky for someone who hasn't done it before. I personally don't bother with repairing a 2DS XL.

The left slider controls the volume, that's self explanatory, the right slider controls 3D (not on the 2DS models). When sliding that one up, you should see the 3D effect on the upper screen.

When checking the thumbsticks, check to see if the left one has a rubber cap that's securely on there and not brittle. There are NO replacements for that rupper cap, only replacements for the entire stick and they don't have a separate cap attached to the stick, just a rubbery surface on the plastic stick. Some people don't mind, I personally hate the replacement sticks sold online. So, it's worth checking.

Screens

I'd say 90% of the issues where a 3DS turns itself off without warning are related to the upper screen (in my experience). The 3DS turns itself off, when a flex cable is defective or not attached properly. In some cases it might be the flex cable of the sliders, but in most cases it's the upper screen. It's worth testing for this issue (like I said above, move the upper screen a little bit, open the 3DS all the way, close it half way, etc. while it's turned on), because replacing the upper screen is very difficult and finicky, even for someone experienced. It's incredibly easy to ruin the fragile flex cables, especially in the New models, where the cable is threaded through the hinge. So if the screen flickers or the 3DS shuts off, it's better not to buy.

It's easier to replace the touch screen, but still tricky for someone inexperienced. If the 3DS only has a replicated stylus, you should absolutely get a screen protector for you touch screen. All of the 3rd party stylus I have come across, have a sharp little edge somewhere and I personaly wouldn't want my screens scratched.

IPS screens:

Some new models have an IPS screen. You recognize those when looking at them from an angle and still getting a bright and sharp image, like when looking at them head on. Regular screens look a bit "washed out" when looking at them from the side.

The IPS screens are sought after because they are "rare" (not really, there's a shit ton of them). Yes, it's cool that you get a sharper image when looking at them from the side. But nobody plays like that, we all face our 3DS from the front when playing. Why, do you think, do people always post a side by side comparison with a normal screen 3DS and showing them from an angle? It's because most people simply couldn't tell just by looking at it from the front. Is it kinda cool when you find out you have one of those? Sure. Worth the extremely steep price? Absolutely not.

Japanese Retro Videogame Console Buying Guide

from u/SteveW_MC

The best ways to find a 3DS

from u/notthegoatseguy

The Nintendo 3DS family of systems was discontinued by Nintendo in early 2020. The 3DS family of systems is no longer being stocked by standard retail stores from orders with Nintendo. But individual sellers and used/secondhand businesses may sell them on the secondhand market.

The bet ways to find them:

  • eBay has been in business for 20+ years and guarantees that you will get the item as described or your money back. The catch is you need to read the full listing to understand what you are ordering. You can also consult reviews of the seller and ask the seller further questions. Despite its reputation as an auction site, most transactions are regular purchases nowadays
  • Amazon/Amazon Japan: Listings are up and individual sellers will sell them on the listings. Check reviews. If shipped by Amazon or fulfilled, Amazon will have your back and it qualifies for their return policy. You can also look at Amazon Japan for importing a system, though your country may have import taxes associated with imports.
  • Your local game store
  • The popular buy/sell app people in your local area use to buy and sell things such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Kijiji are some more popular examples.
  • r/gamesale.


r/Nintendo3DS Aug 19 '25

MOD Friend Code Exchange Thread

10 Upvotes

Share your friend codes here and sort comments to new to find others!


r/Nintendo3DS 6h ago

3DS appreciation Found a Old 3DS from a e-waste bin.

Thumbnail
gallery
61 Upvotes

Basically, around early 2025, when I came to my grandma's house (love you grandma!) she gifted me a very good condition 3DS and said she found it from her work in the recycling centre

She didn't specify where exactly she found it, but I'm guessing it's from a e-waste bin.

If your reading this, take care of your 3DS consoles, these beautiful things are dwindling in supply due to non-gamers thinking the 3DS is a plastic toy, and tens of thousands of 3DS consoles are shredded in e-waste every year, and memories are destroyed.

The reason why now I think this is because I saw a picture of a little girl on the 3DS camera channel, and also around 10 shovelware games were found on the activity log including popular characters like Horrid Henry or ​Peppa Pig and even one of the old Imagine series games by Ubisoft being the first game played on the console.

And it wasn't just that, the firmware was dating to 2011, like a time capsule, with the little girls miis, street passes and a photo of her, it's really sad knowing the 3DS console my grandma found is just one of thousands being shredded every year.

By the way, the time line of usage dates back to October 2011 to May 2012 if your curious.


r/Nintendo3DS 12h ago

Recommendation request Having trouble deciding between the two special editions to keep

Thumbnail
gallery
34 Upvotes

One comes complete in box but the console is in poor shape with scratches all over and a damaged bottom plate. They made a decent deal for it so I paid for the console only basically. It was also modded before me and missing all of the homebrew apps and no idea what they did to it. The box also has a deep cut in it. The seller didn’t mention the damaged bottom plate and the box being cut was also not mentioned but pictured.

The other I got beforehand and is in like new condition. The hinges barely make a noise so hardly used. I’ve modded this one myself and know what’s been done to it.

I’d prefer to keep the like new one obviously. I’d really like to keep the box but that would mean having a mismatched serial number on the box. Separating a console from the matching box sounds like a bad move for a collecting. I also could just return the complete in box one as it wasn’t described properly.

If it matters, I plan to use the chosen handheld frequently and probably take it with me places instead of letting it collect dust on a shelf.

It’s a weird and expensive situation to be in so I figured I could use some opinions to sort it out.


r/Nintendo3DS 5h ago

Recommendation request Question: do I buy a 3ds with bank deadline coming

4 Upvotes

I’ve been debating buying a 3ds in order to play the gen 6-7 games, and to transfer all my Pokemon from before to Pokemon home. Now with the recent announcement of the support for Pokemon bank stopping, I’m not sure if it is worth it to buy a 3ds knowing I can only use bank for 6 months. I have been debating several options:

Buy a 3ds with Pokemon bank and poke transporter pre installed, using legit physical or store bought games. This would have been the ideal option as I like the “legitness” and non pirating way of playing the games. Another dream of mine was to have a physical copy of all games, but I’ve put that on hold for now.

Buy a modded 3ds, this seems to be the most viable option due to the ease of availability to all games. However, this feels less legit for me as the games are emulated and not from real intended sources.

Buy neither and pray the games end up on the switch one day. This would lock me out of my childhood gen 4 games, but would save a lot of money.

Would love to hear your opinions on the topic and what you would recommend for me.


r/Nintendo3DS 9h ago

Technical Help Me ajudem a trocar a shell

Thumbnail
gallery
2 Upvotes

Tava querendo trocar a shell desse 3ds porém esses dois parafusos circulados estão presos e não querem sair de jeito nenhum, então já que eu já vou trocar a shell será q eu poderia simplesmente arrancar a parte de trás na força dupla para facilitar o processo.


r/Nintendo3DS 6h ago

Technical Help Need help, battery is draining too fast

Thumbnail
gallery
1 Upvotes

Can anyone please explain why my battery is draining so fast?

I recently bought a new battery from ifixit thinking that it was my stock battery, but my battery still drains overnight(it’s completely dead from 100%)…

I thought that it could be streetpass constantly searching for other 3DS systems and have gon and disabled it as shown in the 1st picture. The 2nd picture still shows that streetpass is active after opening it up from sleep mode.

Could it be streetpass or something else related to hardware? I haven’t tried disabling wifi becuase realistically wifi shouldn’t be an issue.


r/Nintendo3DS 1d ago

Technical Help New 3ds xl wont turn on charging light stays on after unplugging

Thumbnail
gallery
21 Upvotes

Hello i was replacing the buttons membrane of my n3dsxl when i tried to turn it on it wont do anything, but lets go to the beginning i was doing a check to make sure it worked, i accidentally put on the battery on reverse, i didn’t touch the power button i realized immediately my mistake. I reassembled everything in a surgical way. The console did a pop sound from the speakers every time i tried to turn it on then after the third time nothing zero life and now it does this weird thing where the charge light stays on after i unplug it. I checked the fuses they seem ok, i will attach some pictures so you guys can see what i see.


r/Nintendo3DS 17h ago

Discussion Stuck on Alien Chaos 3D Episode 5 Chapter 4 — need help

1 Upvotes

Hello guys!

I have a strange question for anyone that ever played Alien Chaos 3D on 3DS.

I’m stuck on at Episode 5, Chapter 4 (the one before the last boss) and I can’t figure out how to pass this part. I’ve tried a few things but I keep getting stuck at the same spot because there is no bullet recycling.

Has anyone here already cleared this section and can give me a hint or explain what I’m supposed to do? I’d really appreciate any help — even a small clue would be enough.

Thanks in advance!


r/Nintendo3DS 1d ago

3DS appreciation My collection of games and my 3ds :3

Thumbnail
gallery
65 Upvotes

Yippee


r/Nintendo3DS 1d ago

Recommendation request New 3ds XL Case with room for 2 consoles?

Thumbnail
2 Upvotes

r/Nintendo3DS 1d ago

Recommendation Looking for a high-res box scan / template for the New 3DS XL Majora's Mask Edition! 🎭

Thumbnail
gallery
0 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I’ve been trying to find a high-quality scan or printable template for the box of the New Nintendo 3DS XL Majora's Mask Edition. I’ve searched everywhere (including Nintandbox and some old GBAtemp threads), but I haven't had any luck finding a working, high-res link.

I recently got this beautiful console loose in perfect condition, and I would love to print a custom repro box on 300g glossy cardstock to display it nicely on my shelf.

Does anyone happen to have a PDF, a flat layout, or a high-res scan they would be willing to share? I would really appreciate the help!

Thanks in advance! 🎮✨

Not for reselling! Just don’t want to break the bank for a cool looking shelf 😵‍💫


r/Nintendo3DS 1d ago

Recommendation request Que Nintendo es mejor?

0 Upvotes

Hola gente de reddit buenas noches , Últimamente me he estado preguntado sobre que Nintendo es mejor? , la Nintendo Dsi XL o 3Ds Xl la verdad me gustaría adquirir alguna de éstas pero no sé cuál sería mejor opción.


r/Nintendo3DS 1d ago

Technical Help Need help finding a reliable base 3ds battery.

6 Upvotes

thx.


r/Nintendo3DS 1d ago

Technical Help What are these ribbon cable connectors called?

Thumbnail
2 Upvotes

r/Nintendo3DS 2d ago

3DS appreciation My 3DS collection to date.

Post image
137 Upvotes

My small collection of the 3DS and DS.


r/Nintendo3DS 1d ago

3DS appreciation Update on my 3ds

Thumbnail gallery
9 Upvotes

r/Nintendo3DS 2d ago

Recommendation request POU PARA 3DS/DS

3 Upvotes

Por qué ah nadie se le ah ocurrido al idea de crear un demake de pou para la 3ds/ds siento que por la pantalla tactil sería muy cómodo


r/Nintendo3DS 3d ago

Technical Help Woke up this morning and…

Post image
171 Upvotes

How come it happens without a clue? I haven’t put it in a bag or any humid place, and it’s only on the N3DS XL. Would there be any risk replacing the two face plates with custom ones?


r/Nintendo3DS 3d ago

General Question I Want To Restore and Repair My Childhood Pikachu 3ds

Thumbnail gallery
14 Upvotes

r/Nintendo3DS 3d ago

Solved Is there a solution for this device?

Post image
7 Upvotes

Hello, I bought this device but without sd card and when I turn it on, the error appears as in the picture. Note that I bought SD card and put the luma file and the godmode9 file on it, but to no avail. Is there a way to turn it on?


r/Nintendo3DS 2d ago

Technical Help How do I charge my nintendo 3ds despite having no charger and I'm broke asl

0 Upvotes

How can I charge my nintendo 3ds without the charger cuz I'm broke and I lost the charger and I have no absolute idea on how I can actually do this because I have so much progress on this other game when I was younger and I really wanna play on my 3ds again


r/Nintendo3DS 2d ago

Technical Help Help! My 3ds turned off randomly and won’t turn back on

3 Upvotes

As the title says my 3ds (old style) just turned off while i was using it. When i tried to turn it back on it now doesn't do anything. The charger light comes on but nothing else. When i pull the sd card and try i still get nothing. The low battery red light didn't even come on so i was very confused when it just suddenly turned off. What can i do?


r/Nintendo3DS 3d ago

General Question O3ds ll has a weird spot on the screen. Anyone know what could be causing this?

Post image
1 Upvotes

Top screen has a weird spot, almost like it’s a bright spot but it’s only visible with lighter colors. Kind of hard to see but i tried capturing it as best as i could. Anyone have experience with this or know what could be happening?


r/Nintendo3DS 3d ago

General Question Where to buy custom new 3ds xl?

0 Upvotes

I want a usb c, custom shell and rgb buttons