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.

1. 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.
2. 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.

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;

1. Saved Credit Card Details (erased on both)
2. 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.

Transfer Video

Nintendo’s put together a video as well if you’d like a visual way of seeing the transfer.