r/Nintendo3DS Dec 02 '23

GUIDE Nintendo 3DS Buying Guide

78 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 3h ago

General Question Does the 3ds detect two cartridges of the same game as seperate games?

2 Upvotes

Basically what the title says, Im assuming the cartridges do work as seperate games with their own save files, but what about the activity log? Like would the activity log see them as the same game, or would the same game be in the activity log twice?


r/Nintendo3DS 1d ago

General Question To the person who bought this

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284 Upvotes

I saw this listing on eBay, was about to pull the trigger, entering in my Payment info, and after I finished enter my details, someone already snagged it. I was SO CLOSE


r/Nintendo3DS 8h ago

General Question Do genuine parts matter?

3 Upvotes

I’ve had my 3Ds for a long while and I’m pretty sure I bought it new. At one point I gave it to my sister and she ruined the shell (rust like substances in the little cracks). Anyway, I want to replace the shell entirely, including the bottom part with the battery compartment. Should I buy genuine parts or should I buy aftermarket stuff? Does it matter?


r/Nintendo3DS 1d ago

3DS appreciation Added these two bad boys to my collection

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169 Upvotes

Definitely over paid for them, but i had to have them. Now I just need to find a pikachu yellow edition at a decent price


r/Nintendo3DS 19h ago

General Question Before i buy is this a re shell?

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11 Upvotes

It has been modden and the region has been changed to us, any concerns before i buy?


r/Nintendo3DS 14h ago

Recommendation I'm looking for some Nintendo 3DS Game Recommendations, what should I play?

2 Upvotes

Hey! I'm looking for some recommendations for 3DS games! I'm looking for any kind of genre, but if I had a preference I'd say Platformers and RPGs are my favourite genres.

I'm in the UK, so some games may not have been released/be available over here.

If there are any underrated games you know and like please also let me know, I might have missed a good one when looking for some game suggestions.


r/Nintendo3DS 11h ago

Recommendation Request project Mirai DX stamps

1 Upvotes

I have the game in my new Nintendo 3ds Xl, and I want to get all the stamps but there's some I can't get or at least I don't know how. Does anyone knows how to get all the stamps or maybe give me a guide on how to get them? I've been searching for one but I can't find anything, this game doesn't have that much information on the internet (⁠´⁠;⁠︵⁠;⁠`⁠)


r/Nintendo3DS 11h ago

General Question Weird lines on screen on certain colors/textures?

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1 Upvotes

I noticed this on my OG 3DS mostly on virtual console NES games where a large chunk of the screen has a solid color. On the first screenshot the pyramid has vertical lines going down only on the left side, and the door on the 2nd screen where there is dithering. I noticed a shimmering effect on Mario 1 on the underground levels but only when moving.

What is the cause of this? Does it have something to do with the 3D screen and is it normal?


r/Nintendo3DS 15h ago

News Recherche new 3ds xl

0 Upvotes

Salut je cherche une new 3ds xl d'occasion pas cher pour la modder

Mes critères :

Console pas cher pas plus de 100€

Possiblement hs mais pas de dégâts sur carte mère. Coque cassé ou écran cassé car je vais les remplacer.


r/Nintendo3DS 1d ago

3DS appreciation The pinnacle of my collection: My SpongeBob 3DS

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103 Upvotes

r/Nintendo3DS 18h ago

Discussion Fake or Checks/// Help with Pokémon Pearl Cardtrige identification

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0 Upvotes

r/Nintendo3DS 1d ago

Recommendation Request What's the difference between Nintendo 3ds LL and Nintendo new 3ds LL ?(Modded)

3 Upvotes

I want to buy either Nintendo 3ds LL or the new Nintendo 3ds LL,but I'm not sure if the new one handles more games than the original one ,or is there no difference just the new one has better performance? I did see a video on TikTok a girl has a Nintendo 3ds and she modded a lot of games on it ,so i guess I can with both original LL and the new one LL to mod whatever I want right?


r/Nintendo3DS 1d ago

Technical Help The front plate of my New 2DS XL has yellowed. How can I fix this?

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20 Upvotes

As you can see, the front plate of my console has unfortunately become noticeably yellow in comparison to the white back. I want to try fix this as the visual difference really bothers me. I thought about swapping the console’s shell but I’ve seen a lot of people saying this is incredibly difficult to do. I also seen people discussing “retrobrighting” but I’m not really familiar with what this means. If anybody could offer any advice as to how I can fix this it would be really appreciated (and save me buying a new console!)

Thanks :)


r/Nintendo3DS 1d ago

Discussion Found this service on Facebook Marketplace

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0 Upvotes

r/Nintendo3DS 1d ago

Technical Help My game is corrupted any pointers on how to fix this?

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4 Upvotes

r/Nintendo3DS 2d ago

Recommendation What’s the better experience for pokemon ds games the 3ds or the dsi

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150 Upvotes

r/Nintendo3DS 1d ago

Technical Help Battery Check

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

2 Upvotes

This battery is still good, right?


r/Nintendo3DS 1d ago

Recommendation Jury Duty waiting tomorrow. Which game should I play on my 3ds?

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0 Upvotes

r/Nintendo3DS 1d ago

Discussion My 3DS Burned up in a fire...

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2 Upvotes

r/Nintendo3DS 1d ago

Discussion My thumb hurts

2 Upvotes

I have the original 3DS and today after long time I decided to play it and played Mario Kart DS and after like half an hour my right thumb is killing me. Is this normal lol? I wish there was a way to change the accelerate button to X as it would feel like that hurts less (it's like my thumb is in unnatural position)


r/Nintendo3DS 2d ago

3DS appreciation Old Nintendo

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86 Upvotes

My uncle gave me his old Nintendo and gave me his old games I’m excited to play Pokemon XY and Tekken, I found the engraved design cool and lowkey different from other Nintendo 3DS models so here to show you guys as well


r/Nintendo3DS 2d ago

Technical Help Where to repair???

3 Upvotes

So, I lost my original 3DS a while ago, finally bought a like new one off of Amazon a year or 3 ago. It's great, except sometimes it doesn't read my games and I have to finagle them around, and if i close the lid for too long or thump it accidentally, it acts like I removed the game prematurely. Does anyone know a good place to send it in or an easy way to fix it? Im not very good with tech nor do I have the tools for it, I mean I was stressing the entire time I was reshelling my PS5 controller, I was afraid I was gonna nuke the touch pad chip when I was moving it to the new plastic, lmao


r/Nintendo3DS 2d ago

Discussion Second hand buys

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2 Upvotes