Upgrade Storage for the New Nintendo 3DS XL 2015

Written By: Maysa Rizk
  • Comments: 3
Upgrade Storage for the New Nintendo 3DS XL 2015

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

7

Time Required

5 - 10 minutes

Introduction

If your NEW Nintendo 3DS XL (Model: RED-001) is limiting your gaming experience due to the restricted factory storage, this guide will help you in upgrading the internal storage.

The original storage of the 3DS XL is a 4GB Micro SD card, and the ability to store games and photos causes the memory to fill rather quickly. This feature allows users to minimize the times they need to replace the game cartridges every time they wish to play a certain game.

Before using this guide, first verify that a Micro SDHC card is used as a replacement. If any other type of micro SD card is used, the 3DS XL will not recognize the upgrade. Also verify that your SDHC card does not exceed 32GB of storage.

The first crucial step is to power off the 3DS XL. Failure to do this could lead to damage to both you and the device.

Take note that in Step 5, the screws cannot be fully removed. A clicking noise will be heard when the screw has been loosened enough for disassembly. Lastly, when inserting the new SDHC verify that the label is facing you. Caution: If any resistance is felt when inserting the new card, do not force the card into the slot.

The repair will be a success when the upgraded storage is seen in the settings of the device.

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    • Make sure your device is powered off before advancing to the next step. Failure to do this could result in electrical shock or damage to the device.

    • Power off the device by locating the circular power button and pressing Power Off on the screen.

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    • Turn the Nintendo 3DS around, so that you are looking at the back of the device.

    • Remove the stylus from the device.

    • Failure to remove the stylus can result in damage to the stylus and internal damage to the device.

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    • Remove the game cartridge by pulling it out of its slot.

    • Failure to remove the game cartridge may result in permanent damage to the game.

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    • Loosen the two screws using a Phillips #0 screwdriver.

    • The screws will not completely come out of the backplate. When a clicking sound is heard, the screws will be loose.

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    • Wedge the opening pick in the cutout to separate the back plate from the device.

    the stylus also works, and is recommended by Nintendo

    Jacob -

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    • Remove the factory-placed micro SD card from the designated slot by pressing down onto the card.

    • The spring will then pop the card upwards.

    • Slide the card out to fully remove it from the 3DS.

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    • A micro SDHC Memory Card must be used when upgrading the 3DS XL memory from standard 4gb. The maximum upgradable memory is 32gb.

    • Align the new micro SDHC card with the card slot.

    • Verify that the label/ front side of the micro SDHC card is facing towards you when performing these steps.

    • Press downwards on the card until you hear a click. This will verify that the card is properly inserted.

    • After reassembly, check the settings to verify that the storage has been upgraded.

    The 32GB limit is because that is supposed to be the max storage that is allowed on a FAT32 SD card. Using online tools like GUIFormat, you can use any SD card larger than 32GB on the 3DS by formatting the SD card to FAT32. I recommend the max being 128 for optimal speed and storage, but I use a 256GB SD card on my system.

    Edit: The larger the card, the longer the 3DSs boot time will be. This includes turning it on and switching between 3DS/DS mode.

    Kyle Gratton (Mol) -

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

Maysa Rizk

Member since: 30/09/19

286 Reputation

One comment

Note that a card larger than 32GB can work, but it needs to be formatted externally into FAT32, and it will slow down boot time of the console startup and game startup slightly too.

mjesticfalco -