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You can still connect a Nintendo 3DS to a wireless network: open System Settings → Internet Settings → Connection Settings, set up a connection, then save and test it. But joining Wi-Fi does not restore online multiplayer or other 3DS software features that Nintendo discontinued on April 8, 2024.
Connect your Nintendo 3DS to Wi-Fi
- On the HOME Menu, open System Settings.
- Select Internet Settings, then Connection Settings.
- Choose an available connection slot and select the option to set up a new connection.
- Choose a detected access point, or enter the network details manually. Enter the Wi-Fi password when prompted.
- Save the settings and run the connection test. If it fails, confirm another device can access the Internet on that network, check the password, and move the 3DS closer to the access point.
Nintendo’s 3DS operations manual specifies 802.11b/g wireless capability and says a wireless access point, such as a router, may be needed. The manual does not establish compatibility for every current router or security configuration, so a detected network is not guaranteed to work.
What Wi-Fi setup does—and does not—restore
Nintendo ended online play and other online-communication functionality for Nintendo 3DS software, including New Nintendo 3DS-exclusive software, at 5 p.m. PDT on April 8, 2024. The shutdown covers functions such as online cooperative play, Internet rankings, and data distribution. Offline modes remain usable. See Nintendo’s announcement of the service discontinuation.
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Nintendo listed Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter as exceptions to that shutdown at the time of its announcement, while warning that their online services could also end in the future. Their exception should not be read as a guarantee of indefinite availability.
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Downloads, StreetPass, and SpotPass
Redownloading purchases and updates
Nintendo says previously purchased software and downloadable content can still be redownloaded, and software updates can still be received, for the foreseeable future. This does not mean the eShop remains open for new purchases: new purchases and downloads of free content, including demos, ended on March 27, 2023, at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Nintendo also set March 11, 2024 as the date when eShop funds could no longer be combined between a Nintendo Network ID and Nintendo Account. Details are in Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation notice.
Local communication versus online communication
StreetPass uses local communication between nearby 3DS-family systems and remains available. SpotPass relies on online communication, and its features are no longer available under Nintendo’s service notice.
Rank #2
- 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 – This compact USB Wi-Fi adapter provides long-range and lag-free connections wherever you are. Upgrade your PCs or laptops to 802.11ac standards which are three times faster than wireless N speeds.
- 𝐒𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐚𝐠 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 – Get Wi-Fi speeds up to 200 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and up to 433 Mbps on the 5 GHz band for upgraded web surfing, gaming, and streaming. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟐.𝟒 𝐆𝐇𝐳 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟓 𝐆𝐇𝐳 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 – Dual-bands provide flexible connectivity, giving your devices access to the latest routers for faster speeds and extended range. Wireless Security - WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
- 𝟓𝐝𝐁𝐢 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐆𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚 – The high gain antenna of the Archer T2U Plus greatly enhances the reception and transmission of WiFi signal strengths.
- 𝐀𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚: Rotate the multi-directional antenna to face your router to improve your experience and performance
Troubleshoot the problem you are actually seeing
The 3DS cannot find or join your network
- Check that the access point is broadcasting a compatible wireless network.
- Re-enter the password and test Internet access on another device using the same network.
- Move the console closer to the access point, then run the connection test again.
These checks can help identify an ordinary Wi-Fi problem, but there is no single fix established for every connection error.
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A hotspot that requires browser-based sign-in, acceptance of terms, or entry of a password through a web page will not provide Internet access to the 3DS. Nintendo documents this limitation in its guidance for error codes 003-4100 through 003-4199. Try a network that does not require captive-portal setup.
Rank #3
- AC1300 Dual Band Wi-Fi Adapter for PC, Desktop and Laptop. Archer T3U provides 2.4G/5G strong high speed connection throughout your house.
- Archer T3U also provides MU-MIMO, which delivers Beamforming connection for lag-free Wi-Fi experience.
- Usb 3.0 provides 10x faster speed than USB 2.0, along with mini and portable size that allows the user to carry the device everywhere.
- World's 1 provider of consumer Wi-Fi for 7 consecutive years - according to IDC Q2 2018 report
- Supports Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP/ Mac OS X 10.9-10.14
The game shows error 002-0110
Nintendo says error 002-0110 means the online service for the game or application is no longer available. It indicates a discontinued service, not necessarily a problem with your Wi-Fi; resetting the connection cannot bring that service back. See Nintendo’s error-code guidance.
An eShop purchase or free download is unavailable
New purchases and free-content downloads, including demos, ended on March 27, 2023. Previously purchased content redownloads and software updates remain available for the foreseeable future according to Nintendo’s current support statement.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
