The right card depends on which 3DS model you own. Original Nintendo 3DS, 3DS XL, and 2DS systems take a full-size SD card; New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL, and New Nintendo 2DS XL systems take microSD. For either family, choose the matching SDHC format with a capacity of 4–32 GB. Nintendo does not consider SDXC or microSDXC cards compatible.
Check your 3DS model before choosing a card
The card slot determines both the physical card size and the format to buy. Nintendo’s compatibility guidance lists these card types and capacities:
| Console models | Card that fits | Supported card types and capacities |
|---|---|---|
| Original Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL, Nintendo 2DS | Full-size SD | SD up to 2 GB; SDHC from 4 GB through 32 GB |
| New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL, New Nintendo 2DS XL | microSD | microSD up to 2 GB; microSDHC from 4 GB through 32 GB |
A microSD card can be used in an original-family system only with a full-size SD adapter. The New models use microSD directly.
What capacity and card standard should you buy?
For most buyers looking for more storage, the simple choice is a 32 GB SDHC card for an original 3DS-family console, or a 32 GB microSDHC card for a New 3DS-family console. Nintendo’s stated supported range for SDHC and microSDHC ends at 32 GB. Standard SD or microSD cards up to 2 GB are also within its compatibility guidance, but offer less capacity.
#1 Best Overall
A 64 GB or larger card is generally SDXC or microSDXC. Nintendo says those formats are not considered compatible, so do not treat one as a normal plug-in storage upgrade. Check the card packaging for the SDHC or microSDHC label and capacity before buying.
Is there a best brand or speed class?
Nintendo does not guarantee that every third-party card will work. Its compatibility information identifies supported card types, not a blanket guarantee for every retail product. The available support material also does not establish a speed-class winner, measurable gameplay benefit from a faster card, or a current brand ranking by price or value.
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
Nintendo UK lists tested New Nintendo 3DS-family examples including 16 GB and 32 GB SanDisk Extreme-family cards and an 8 GB Toshiba card. The page warns that specifications may change and performance is not guaranteed, so these are historical examples rather than a current endorsement or assurance that a particular listing will work. See Nintendo UK’s SD card information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to move data to a larger card
If you are replacing a card, Nintendo’s migration guidance says to use a computer and copy every folder from the old card to the replacement. Its examples include 16 GB and 32 GB replacement cards. Follow the full instructions in Nintendo’s data-transfer guidance.
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
- Turn off the console and remove the existing card.
- Use a computer with a card slot or card reader to access the old card.
- Copy every folder from the old card to the computer; do not omit folders.
- Put the replacement card in the computer and copy the folders onto it.
- Insert the replacement card in the console and check that the data is accessible.
Buying checklist
- Confirm whether the console is an original 3DS/3DS XL/2DS or a New 3DS/New 3DS XL/New 2DS XL.
- Choose full-size SDHC for original models or microSDHC for New models.
- Stay at or below 32 GB; do not buy an SDXC or microSDXC card expecting ordinary compatibility.
- If using microSD with an original model, make sure you have a full-size SD adapter.
- For a replacement card, have access to a computer and card reader for copying all folders.
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