The right SD card depends on which Nintendo 3DS model you own: original 3DS, 3DS XL, and 2DS systems take SD cards, while New 3DS, New 3DS XL, and New 2DS XL systems take microSD cards. For either family, Nintendo lists cards up to 32 GB as compatible and does not consider SDXC or microSDXC compatible. For formatting, Nintendo recommends the SD Association’s SD Memory Card Formatter; its guidance does not explicitly specify FAT32.
What SD card works with a Nintendo 3DS?
Check the console model before buying a card. The original Nintendo 3DS, 3DS XL, and 2DS have an SD card slot. New Nintendo 3DS, New 3DS XL, and New 2DS XL systems use a microSD card instead. Nintendo lists SD or microSD cards up to 2 GB and SDHC or microSDHC cards from 4 GB through 32 GB as compatible. Nintendo’s compatibility guidance cautions that it cannot guarantee every third-party card will work.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Console | Card type and capacity | Adapter |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo 3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS | SD up to 2 GB; SDHC 4–32 GB | MiniSD or microSD can be used with an SD adapter |
| New Nintendo 3DS, New 3DS XL, New 2DS XL | microSD up to 2 GB; microSDHC 4–32 GB | MicroSD goes directly into the console |
Does the 3DS support SDXC?
No. Nintendo says SDXC and microSDXC cards are not considered compatible. Choose an SDHC or microSDHC card no larger than 32 GB for the relevant console family rather than relying on an SDXC card to work.
Can I use a microSD card in a 3DS?
Yes, on an original 3DS, 3DS XL, or 2DS, but it needs an SD adapter because those consoles have a full-size SD slot. New 3DS, New 3DS XL, and New 2DS XL models take microSD cards directly, without an adapter. Match the card’s physical size and capacity class to the console.
#1 Best Overall
- Brand: Sandisk
Should my 3DS SD card be FAT32?
Nintendo’s retrieved 3DS guidance does not explicitly name FAT32 or another file-system label. It defines the supported card types and capacities, then recommends using the SD Association’s SD Memory Card Formatter. Nintendo’s US support instructions say to select “Overwrite format.” Use this recommended formatting route rather than treating FAT32 as a file-system requirement stated by Nintendo.
How to replace or format a 3DS card without losing data
The card can hold downloaded software other than DSiWare, photos, music, and data used by some software; what is saved varies by software. Back up the card before formatting or replacing it.
Rank #2
- 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
- Turn off the console. Nintendo’s operations manual advises powering the system off before ordinary card insertion or removal.
- Copy the card contents to a computer. For a replacement card, Nintendo’s manual describes copying the complete “Nintendo 3DS” folder using a computer and card reader/writer. Keep the folder structure intact.
- Format the replacement card with the SD Association formatter. Follow Nintendo’s formatting guidance; the US support page specifies “Overwrite format.”
- Copy the saved contents to the formatted replacement card. Preserve the complete “Nintendo 3DS” folder, then insert the card in the console.
Consult the Nintendo 3DS operations manual for card handling and transfer details. A computer without a suitable card slot may require a card reader/writer.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.)
Rank #4
- SDSDUNR-064G-GN3IN Overseas Retail
Rank #3
- 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
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.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
