Three-dimensional screen (3DS) games are eight-generation handheld games launched in 2010 by Nintendo.
With a 3DS game console, you can play 3D games without using 3D glasses and other accessories.
The Nintendo 3DS comes in two packages. – the standard 3DS and the 3DS XL.
The standard 3DS package comes with 2GB storage, while the 3DS XL comes with 4GB SDHC storage.
3DS games consume a lot of space, so your 3DS console needs space. Therefore, there’s a need for a secure digital (SD) card.
Now, let’s address the question
Can you download 3DS games on an SD card?
Yes, you can download 3DS games from Nintendo e-Shop onto your SD card.
All you need is sufficient credits and enough space on your SD card – at least 16 to 32GB.
Can you play downloaded 3DS games directly from your SD card? Continue reading to find out.
Can You Play Downloaded 3DS Games Directly From Four SD Card?
The answer is no. 3DS packages may come with an SD card slot, but you cannot play downloaded games directly from it without an R4 card.
R4 is a flashcard that enables your 3DS to have access to its stored programs. It is a cartridge designed to hold MicroSD cards.
The R4 card can fit into the DS card slot on your 3DS, but for it to function, you need a MicroSD.
The recommended R4 card for playing 3DS games is the R4i gold 3DS plus flashcard.
Recent Developments
Recent innovations have made it possible to play 3DS games directly from your SD card.
Your SD card can store a lot of games depending on storage capacity. However, for now, only very few games can play directly from your SD card.
Where can you find Nintendo 3DS games?
Where To Find Nintendo 3DS Games
1. Retail stores around you
You can get a copy or copies of your favorite 3DS games from retail stores. It usually comes in the traditional packaged setup.
2. Nintendo e-Shop
You can download 3DS games available on the Nintendo eShop website.
You can save these digitally downloaded games on your SD card in your 3DS handheld device.
If you already have many saved games on your system, you can easily play them without changing game cards.
How To Download Nintendo 3DS Games Via Nintendo Eshop
On your Nintendo 3DS system, from the Home Menu, select “Add Funds.”
You need to add funds using your Nintendo e-Shop card or your credit card before you can purchase any game.
The system will instruct you to add funds if you do not have sufficient funds in your account. If you want to add funds for later use, you can still follow this process.
You can then add funds using either your Nintendo e-Shop card or your credit card.
If you are using your Nintendo e-Shop card, first read the displayed information. Then, put in the 16- digit activation code.
You can find this code at the back of your e-Shop card when you peel off the silver panel.
On the other hand, if you want to use your credit card, you can use a MasterCard or a VISA card.
All you need to do is select the amount you want to add and follow the instructions. You will get a receipt of purchase at the end of your transaction.
Once completed, you can start downloading your choice games.
Ensure your Nintendo 3DS system has enough power, or is plugged into a power supply. That’s because downloading may take a while.
Handy Tip: If you are downloading large file games, you can put your Nintendo 3DS on sleep mode, so you can go around and do other things.
How To Download Nintendo 3DS XL Games
The Nintendo 3DS XL games are the larger versions of 3DS games.
There are various websites where you can download the Nintendo 3DS XL games. Some of them are nintendo.com, lifewire.com, and portalroms.com. However, we will focus on nintendo.com.
Firstly, you need to create an account on www.nintendo.com. You can do this by matching your Nintendo ID link with your account.
Once linked, you can use your credit card or your Nintendo e-Shop card to purchase your favorite games.
When you have done this, the site automatically transfers your purchased game to your Nintendo family system.
You can now download your game and enjoy it.
Can You Share Data From A 3DS Nintendo To A 3DS XL Nintendo?
Yes, you can. Nintendo has designed a system that allows gamers to share software or data.
To do this, press the menu. Go to settings. Check for system transfer, and go on to select the item you want to share.
You do not need an internet connection to share data.
Things To Note When Downloading Games Via Nintendo E-Shop
You will have to connect your Nintendo 3DS system to the Internet to download games.
You can only play the games on the 3DS system where you downloaded them.
These games have large data files and they will take quite a while to download. Be patient and ensure you connect your 3DS system to a power supply.
These games take a lot of space. If your SD card is short on space, the system will indicate, and the game will not download.
Transferring Saved Games On Your 3DS SD Card To Another 3DS System
Downloading games cost money. You may want to ask if it is possible to get back your saved games if you slot your SD card into a different Nintendo 3DS system.
The answer is no. You can only play saved games on your SD card on the system where you downloaded them.
However, your 3DS system can go wrong, and you don’t want to lose the games saved on the SD card. You will have to purchase another 3DS system and ask Nintendo for help.
They cannot access those games unless you can transfer from your former Nintendo 3DS system to the new one.
You can do this if your former 3DS system has not gone entirely berserk, and you can still access its menu.
If you can access the system settings menu, you should run a system transfer of data into your new system.
This way, you can have access to the games on your SD card on the new 3DS.
If your 3DS system is flawed beyond repair and you can’t access it, you will have to contact Nintendo.
They will be able to send your NIND to your new system, which will give you the right of access to download all your games.
However, you may not be able to retrieve your game data, so you’ll have to start playing them all over again.
Note: If you get a new 3DS system, you will have to send both the old and new ones to Nintendo physically.
They can help transfer the data from the old system to the new one. You do not necessarily have to send the old SD card along. If they can do a system transfer, you can use your SD card anytime.
Some Popular 3DS Games
Miitopia:
For a grand adventure, Miitopia is your game. Filled with relationship drama and cosplay, you can relax and enjoy yourself with friends.
Rhythm Heaven Megamix:
It’s a compilation of the most awesome rhythm-based minigames. It is perfect for newbies.
Shovel Knight:
You become a shovel knight in this game – a small knight with a big quest resting on his shoulders.
Your mission is to conquer the evil enchantress and save your lost love.
Fire Emblem: Awakening:
This game is about soldiers on a battlefield. You get to know their abilities and use these abilities on the battlefield.
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King:
This game is about the journey of a silent protagonist and his friends. Their goal is to defeat Dhoulmagus, a villain who laid a curse on the people of the Trodain kingdom.
Xenoblade Chronicles:
This game is about the two titans who battle each other in a world covered with only water. They fight until only their corpses remain. Eons after, their frozen corpses evolve into homes of many life forms.
Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D:
This stealth game is an action-adventure produced by Konami Entertainment Japan for the PlayStation 2.
Other prominent titles include:
- the Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds,
- Fire Emblem Fates, and
- the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D.
Conclusion
Three-dimensional screen (3DS) games are eight-generation handheld games launched in 2010 by Nintendo.
With a 3DS game console, you can play 3D games without using 3D glasses and other accessories.
Yes, you can download 3DS games from Nintendo e-Shop onto your SD card.
All you need is sufficient credits and enough space on your SD card – at least 16 to 32GB.
3DS packages come with an SD card slot, but you cannot play downloaded games directly from it without an R4 card.
R4 is a flashcard that enables your 3DS to have access to its stored programs. It is a cartridge designed to hold MicroSD cards.
You can download 3DS games from the Nintendo e-Shop. You will have to add funds to your account before you can do so.
Ensure your Nintendo 3DS system has enough power, or is plugged into a power supply as downloading may take a while.
