The Tool Desk
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What size SD card does a Nintendo 3DS support?
Nintendo’s original 3DS manual specifies SD memory cards up to 2 GB and SDHC memory cards from 4 GB through 32 GB. The manual does not establish support for larger cards, so do not treat 64 GB or higher-capacity cards as officially supported on the basis of this specification. See Nintendo’s 3DS Instruction Manual.
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Check the slot before choosing a card
- Original 3DS-family models: The manual describes a standard SD slot and the SD/SDHC capacity range above. A microSD card can be used in that slot only with an SD adapter.
- New Nintendo 3DS-family models: Follow the model-specific microSD slot and transfer instructions. An original 3DS SD card does not fit the New model’s microSD slot, as stated in the New Nintendo 3DS Instruction Manual.
For an original model, insert or remove a microSD card and its SD adapter together. Nintendo warns that pulling out the small card while leaving the adapter in the console can cause malfunction or data loss. Turn the system off before removing the card unless an in-game instruction says otherwise.
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Nintendo’s card-to-card method uses a computer with an SD card slot or a commercially available card reader/writer. Copy everything from the source card to a blank destination card, keeping the copied files and folders at the destination card’s top level. Nintendo’s transfer instructions specifically say to copy the entire Nintendo 3DS folder as a folder.
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- Brand: Sandisk
- Back up any files you need from the destination card before using it; the recommended destination for the copy is empty.
- Turn off the console and remove the source card. Use a computer’s card slot or a card reader/writer to open it.
- Copy all files and folders from the source card, including the complete
Nintendo 3DSfolder. - Insert the blank destination card into the computer and copy the contents to its top-level directory, not inside an extra enclosing folder.
- Safely eject the card, put it in the console, and check that the system can access the transferred software and data.
The Nintendo 3DS folder stores downloaded software and save data. Do not rename it, move it, delete it, or alter files inside it. Nintendo’s directions for the card copy are on its 3DS-to-New-3DS-family transfer page; its microSD computer-management guidance also cautions against changing folder contents. Using a computer to manage a card is not a substitute for this full card-to-card copy when migrating to a new card.
How do I move data between 3DS consoles?
The correct procedure depends on the source and destination models. When moving from an original 3DS-family console to a New 3DS-family console, the original SD card cannot be inserted in the New model’s microSD slot. Nintendo provides system-transfer options, including local wireless transfer and computer copying; its guides advise choosing according to the amount of data and the free space on the destination card.
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- 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
Choose a method by data volume and available space
- Computer copy: Use a computer and card reader when copying the complete card’s contents to a compatible destination card. Nintendo describes computer copying as a relatively quick option for larger data amounts.
- Local wireless transfer: Nintendo’s guide estimates about two hours to transfer a full 4 GB card’s worth of data over local wireless. This is an estimate, not a guaranteed duration; actual time can vary.
- Destination card too small: If the target card does not have enough free space for the full transfer, clear unneeded data or choose the lower-capacity transfer path described by Nintendo. That path requires downloading software again afterward.
For New 3DS to New 3DS transfers, Nintendo says the source microSD card’s data becomes usable only on the destination system after the system transfer. After completing the transfer, move the source card to the new console; otherwise, some software save data may not be usable. Consult Nintendo’s Easy transfer guide and the New Nintendo 3DS manual for model-specific details.
How do I format an SD card for a 3DS?
The Nintendo manuals and support pages cited here do not specify a required file system or provide a card-formatting procedure. They therefore do not establish a Nintendo-approved format, computer utility, or workaround for cards larger than the stated capacity. For the most conservative approach, use a card type and capacity listed for your model, back up anything you need before changing a card, and follow Nintendo’s full-copy directions when migrating data. Avoid presenting a particular format or large-card workaround as Nintendo’s recommendation without a model-specific source.
Quick Recap
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- 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.)
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- SDSDUNR-064G-GN3IN Overseas Retail
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- 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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