Simple Nintendo 3DS to 3DS XL Transfer Guide and FAQ
We get asked here on a daily basis about the Nintendo 3DS to Nintendo 3DS XL transfer process. However you shouldn’t worry, it’s really simple.
Nintendo is usually known for having complicated processes for simple things, even more so when they’re online but no this one is just a few steps and there’s only a couple of things you need to know to get it done.
We’ll step you through the process first and then wrap up our most commonly asked questions after that.
The Process
Things You’ll Need
- Your Original Nintendo 3DS
- New Nintendo 3DS XL
- Computer with SD card slot
- Internet Connection
If you feel the need to copy your SD card to a computer first for backup you can, but only if you’re a paranoid parrot.
Three Easy Steps
1. On each system tap into the System Settings, tap Other Settings and then go to page three and tap System Transfer. You’ll need an internet connection for this to get started.
2. Once the process has completed (which could take a while depending on what you got on your 3DS) then you’ll be prompted to insert your old SD 2GB card from your Nintendo 3DS in your 3DS XL. But wait see point three;
3. Depending on what SD card you have in your 3DS there’s two options now.
- If you have the standard 2GB card in your 3DS you won’t want to put that into your XL. The XL comes with a 4GB one so you’ll want to copy the contents of the card to your computer and then onto the 4GB card and then stick that into the XL.
- If you already have upgraded your 2GB SD card you can just stick that into the XL, no need for a computer.
That’s it, you’re done! But we know you have some more questions.
You too can be this happy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need an internet connection?
The transfer process only needs an internet connection to start. This is used to transfer the licenses for your software. Once that part is done it’s all done locally and you don’t need the internet.
How Long Does This Take?
Depends on how much is actually stored on your Nintendo 3DS. Since it doesn’t transfer the SD card this size doesn’t matter.
Does this copy everything?
It copies everything on the Nintendo 3DS system except for;
- Saved Credit Card Details (erased on both)
- Photos, Videos and Sound Clips (they are on the SD card)
What about my Ambassador Games?
Yes
What about my Friend Code, is it reset?
Nope, same friend code and list of friends.
What about DLC?
Yes that too.
What happens to the old system?
It’s formatted as if it was fresh out the box. Give it to your little sister or brother or trade it in!
Can I transfer back to the old system?
You could but you would need to wait 7 days to be able to do it again and you can only do transfers 5 times.
Transfer Chart
Nintendo has put together this nice chart showing you what gets transferred and what doesn’t.
Click to Enlarge
Transfer Video
Nintendo’s put together a video as well if you’d like a visual way of seeing the transfer.
Thank you for understanding
0_o
Do you need to do a system update on the 3DS XL in order to do the transfer?
On the XL or the original system?
On the XL. Is it true it only comes with firmware version 3 instead of 4.0.10?
Probably a bit late, but yes you do need to do a system update on the XL.
My hare-brained scheme is to take both my 3DS’ to the store, trade the boxed one in, but get my regular one’s data transferred over. That way, I walk out with my old 3DS (to play RE/other circle pad stuff) plus the XL.
I’m interested to hear more about the DS/GBA games on the bigger screen – yours is the only real in-depth look at this!
The shop I’m going to said I can do it on the day (trade in deal) however the problem is they don’t have WiFi.
Can I connect both systems to my iPhone’s Personal Hotspot? Do you know if this will work?
It would, but the connection may not be strong enough. You also may have to do a system update on the 3DS XL.
Hmm potentially a stupid question, but if i want to copy the contents of my 2GB card to mt 4GB card, do i need to delete the pre-installed data on the 4GB card first?
I don’t think there is anything on the 4GB card.. I didn’t even look.
I’d wouldn’t worry, just copy over and replace anything that is on there.
Thanks Vook 🙂
I just copied and merged. will see how it goes. Just waiting for new 3DS to finish its initial charge. Not sure how necessary charging fully before first use is these days
Can I just transfer data through an sd card. I want to trade in my 3ds to get 100 dollars of the xl, but I don’t want to lose my data. Is there another way to transfer data like through an sd card?
You can’t just swap SD cards. Need to do the full transfer because it has to transfer your licenses for the games.
The EB I went to let me take both 3DSes home, do the transfer, then bring the old 3DS and refunded me the extra trade in credit. That’s ht best way IMO.
I wanted to do the same thing, and so copied the content of the 2gb card on to my computer to allow me to merge it with the 4gb card when I got it. I am however now finding that although the information seems to be copying over, the games etc are not on the new system when I put it on. Any suggestions?