Recommended Free Tools
Not as new digital purchases. Nintendo closed Nintendo 3DS eShop purchases at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on March 27, 2023. If you bought a game or DLC before the closure, Nintendo currently says you can still redownload it, and download existing software updates, for the foreseeable future. Physical Nintendo 3DS Game Cards remain another way to play compatible games.
What you can and can’t get on a 3DS now
| Content or activity | Available now? | What that means |
|---|---|---|
| Buy a new digital game or DLC | No | Nintendo ended eShop purchases, including purchases made inside affected software, on March 27, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation Q&A |
| Redownload a game or DLC you previously bought | Yes, for the foreseeable future | Nintendo says previous purchases can still be redownloaded. This is its current stated policy, not a guarantee of permanent availability. Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation Q&A |
| Download an existing software update | Yes, for the foreseeable future | Nintendo says software updates remain available. The end of online play did not itself end update downloads. Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation Q&A |
| Download a demo or free-to-start software for the first time | No | Free-content downloads ended with eShop purchases on March 27, 2023. Nintendo says a small number of free themes remain available in Theme Shop. Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation Q&A |
| Play a compatible physical 3DS Game Card | Yes | The console supports Nintendo 3DS Game Cards. Compatibility is not the same as a guarantee that a particular game is currently in stock at a retailer. Nintendo 3DS operations manual |
| Play online or use other online-communication functions | No | Nintendo ended these functions for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software on April 8, 2024. This is separate from its stated redownload and update availability. Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation Q&A |
How to redownload a game you already own
- Open Nintendo eShop on the 3DS.
- Select Settings / Other.
- Scroll to Redownloadable Software.
- Find the title and select Redownload beside it.
- Select Download, then choose Download Now or Download Later.
These are Nintendo’s current support steps. If the system was formatted, you may need the Nintendo Network ID that was previously associated with it to access those purchases. See Nintendo’s redownload instructions.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nintendo 3DS - Flame Red (Renewed) | $224.78 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Nintendo 3DS Handheld System - Aqua Blue (Renewed) | $219.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Nintendo 3DS - Cosmo Black (Renewed) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41tNSwjTXUL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Nintendo 3DS - Cosmo Black (Renewed) [video game] | $217.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Nintendo 3DS Handheld System - Cosmo Black (Renewed) | $219.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![Nintendo 3DS XL Handheld System - Black/Blue (Renewed) [Nintendo DS]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/316whGNkIZL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Nintendo 3DS XL Handheld System - Black/Blue (Renewed) [Nintendo DS] | $280.00 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Why free downloads and codes don’t provide a workaround
The shutdown covered more than paid game purchases. New downloads of free content—including demos and free-to-start software—also ended on March 27, 2023. Nintendo ended redemption of Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShop download codes on April 3, 2023. A small number of free themes remain downloadable through Theme Shop, but that exception does not reopen game or DLC sales. Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation Q&A
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePurchases made inside affected software were included in the closure. Nintendo’s examples include StreetPass Mii Plaza, Theme Shop, Nintendo Badge Arcade, and Pokémon Bank. That means an in-game or service storefront is not a separate route for buying new content.
#1 Best Overall
- Features: 3D Depth Slider, Wi-Fi Capability, Nintendo 3DS Sound, Mii Maker, 3D Camera, Front & Rear Camera, Touch Screen
- Includes: AC Power Adapter, Stylus
- Wired Connectivity: Wireless
- Model Compatibility: Nintendo 3DS
Old eShop funds can’t be added or used as before
Nintendo’s North American support information lists several separate deadlines for adding or combining funds. Credit-card fund additions ended May 23, 2022; Nintendo eShop Card fund additions ended August 29, 2022. Combining a Nintendo Network ID balance with a Nintendo Account balance ended March 11, 2024. Nintendo says any unmerged 3DS eShop balance can no longer be used or combined. These dates and wallet details refer to North American support policy. Nintendo Support: Nintendo Network ID and Nintendo Account balances
Physical 3DS games are a separate option
A compatible Nintendo 3DS Game Card can be inserted into the console and launched without buying it through the eShop. Nintendo’s manual describes the card slot and use of Game Cards. It also warns that software from a different region may not function, so check region compatibility before buying. Nintendo 3DS operations manual
Whether a particular title is available, and its price or condition, depends on the seller; Nintendo’s documentation does not establish current retailer stock.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Buying games and playing online are different questions
The eShop purchase closure happened on March 27, 2023. Online play and other functions that rely on online communication ended later, on April 8, 2024. Nintendo’s current statement keeps redownloads of prior purchases and existing software updates available for the foreseeable future, so the online-play shutdown should not be read as an announcement that those downloads also ended. Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation Q&A
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The resulting product includes all relevant accessories, comes
- 3D Entertainment Without Glasses- Nintendo 3DS games have incredible graphics, and you can turn down the 3D effect to any level, or turn it off completely at any time with the build-in 3D depth slider to play games in crisp, clear 2D
- Two Screens- A widescreen display on the top screen shows 800x240 pixel resolution, allocating 400*pixles for each eye to create the 3D effect. The bottom LCD touch screen operates at a resolution of 320*240
- 3D Photos, Plus More- Nintendo 3DS comes built-in with the ability to take photos in 3D. Capture eye popping images of your friends and family, have fun with filters like the Merge lens, or even use the system's AR technology and included AR Cards
Rank #4
- Item Package Dimension- 8.49999999133L x 6.099999993778W x 2.399999997552H inches
- Item Package Weight - 0.9499999992033387 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Product Type - VIDEO GAME CONSOLE
Rank #3
- Nintendo 3DS offers a new way to play, 3D without the need for special glasses. The 3D Depth Slider lets your determine how much 3D you want to see.
- Play 3D games and take 3D pictures with Nintendo 3DS. One inner camera and two outer cameras. Resolutions are 640 x 480 for each camera. Lens are single focus and uses the CMOS capture element.
- Connect to a deeper wireless experience with SpotPass and StreetPass, giving you more exclusive content and connecting you with other Nintendo 3DS users.
- Complete with an adjustable stylus, 6 AR cards, and fun built-in software such as Face Raiders, Nintendo 3DS Sound, and the Mii Maker application.
- Use Parental Controls to restrict 3D mode for children 6 and under.
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.
