Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe right card depends on which 3DS model you own: original 3DS, 3DS XL, and 2DS systems use SD or SDHC cards up to 32 GB, while New 3DS, New 3DS XL, and New 2DS XL systems use microSD or microSDHC cards up to 32 GB. Nintendo says SDXC and microSDXC cards are not considered compatible. For formatting, Nintendo recommends the SD Association’s SD Memory Card Formatter; its guidance does not explicitly specify FAT32.
What SD card works with a Nintendo 3DS?
Check the console model before buying a card. Original Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL, and Nintendo 2DS systems have an SD card slot. New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL, and New Nintendo 2DS XL systems take microSD cards directly. Nintendo’s compatible card classes and capacities are:
| Console models | Card type | Supported capacity | Adapter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo 3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS | SD or SDHC | SD: up to 2 GB; SDHC: 4–32 GB | miniSD or microSD can be used with an SD adapter |
| New Nintendo 3DS, New 3DS XL, New 2DS XL | microSD or microSDHC | microSD: up to 2 GB; microSDHC: 4–32 GB | Insert a microSD card directly |
These are Nintendo’s listed compatibility categories; Nintendo cautions that it cannot guarantee every third-party card will work. See Nintendo’s SD and microSD compatibility guidance.
Does the 3DS support SDXC?
No. Nintendo states that “SDXC and microSDXC cards are not considered compatible.” Choose an SDHC or microSDHC card no larger than 32 GB rather than an SDXC or microSDXC card. The card’s physical size must also match the console: SD for the original models or microSD for New models.
#1 Best Overall
Can I use a microSD card in a 3DS?
Yes, but it depends on the model. The original 3DS, 3DS XL, and 2DS can use microSD only when it is inserted into an SD adapter. New 3DS, New 3DS XL, and New 2DS XL systems accept microSD directly and do not need an adapter. In either case, the card must fall within Nintendo’s supported capacity and card-class limits above.
Should my 3DS SD card be FAT32?
Nintendo’s retrieved 3DS guidance does not explicitly name FAT32 or another required file-system label. It recommends using the SD Association SD Memory Card Formatter to format the card. Nintendo’s US support instructions say to select Overwrite format. Follow Nintendo’s formatting recommendation rather than treating FAT32 as an explicitly stated Nintendo requirement; formatting erases card contents, so copy anything you need first.
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
How do I replace or format a 3DS card without losing data?
The card can hold photos, music, downloaded software other than DSiWare, and data used by some software; saved data varies by software. Before formatting or replacing a card, preserve its contents. Nintendo’s operations manual describes copying the complete “Nintendo 3DS” folder to a replacement card using a computer and card reader/writer.
- Turn the system off before removing or inserting a card during ordinary handling.
- Connect the card to a computer using a compatible slot or reader/writer, then copy the complete “Nintendo 3DS” folder to the computer.
- Format the replacement card using the SD Association formatter as Nintendo recommends. For the US instructions, choose Overwrite format.
- Copy the complete “Nintendo 3DS” folder onto the replacement card, then insert it into the console. Use an SD adapter when the original 3DS family requires one.
For details on card use and data transfer, consult Nintendo’s 3DS operations manual and Nintendo’s instructions for transferring data between SD or microSD cards.
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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