Getting Started: First-Time Set Up
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of the system that you are having an issue with.
of the system that you are having an issue with.
New User Information
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Using Game Cards
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Using SD Cards
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Power and Battery
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Initial System Settings
Description:
Step by step instructions on setting up the Nintendo 3DS for the first time.
Important Note! An adult should assist with these settings if the system will be used by a child.
What to do:
- Follow the on-screen instructions to ensure that 3D images are being displayed in the best way possible, then tap "Next."
- Enter today's date, then tap "OK".
- Enter the correct time, then tap "OK".
- Use the keyboard to enter a nickname. The name can be up to 10 characters long.
- Important Note! Other Nintendo 3DS users will see your nickname when interacting with them. Do not use your real name or any other type of personal information in the nickname.
- Set your birthday, then tap "OK."
- Select your country and state/province, then tap "OK."
- Review the Nintendo 3DS Service User Agreement, and tap "I Accept" after agreeing to the terms.
- The User Agreement can be accessed from the Settings Menu. If you would like to review the User Agreement at another time, tap "Later."
- Tap "Set Up" to configure the Nintendo 3DS for Internet access. (How to)
- The Internet settings can be accessed from the Settings Menu. If you would like to configure them later tap "Wait Till Later" to skip this step.
- Tap "Set Up" again to configure the Parental Controls. (How to)
- The Parental Controls can be accessed from the Settings Menu. If you would like to configure them later tap "Wait Till Later" to skip this step.
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Making the Most of the Nintendo 3DS Experience
Description:
Following are some tips to help you maximize your enjoyment of the Nintendo 3DS system and the 3D feature.
Information:
- View the screen straight on from directly in front of you. Hold the screen 10 to 14 inches (25-35 centimeters) from your eyes, or 12 to 16 inches (30-40 centimeters) from your eyes if using the Nintendo 3DS XL.
- Adjust the angle of your line of vision by holding the system at different heights. Many players have found a "sweet spot" where viewing 3D images is most comfortable.
Each person is different, so find the distance and angle that are most comfortable for you.
- The Nintendo 3DS system is equipped with a 3D depth slider that lets you select the level of 3D you enjoy the most. The 3D effect can be scaled back or even turned off completely, depending on your preference.
- You should take a 15 minute break every 60 minutes of game play, every 30 minutes if viewing 3D images.
- Some 3D content, such as distributed 3D videos, 3D images, or certain 3D game software, cannot be adjusted with the 3D depth slider. If this content is difficult or uncomfortable to view, try varying the distance between your eyes and the screen, or turn the 3D effect off by moving the 3D depth slider all the way down to the OFF setting.
- Nintendo 3DS is a safe product. Viewing 3D images does not pose any risk to your vision. However, children 6 and under should not use the 3D feature of the Nintendo 3DS system. Please see the Nintendo 3DS Operations Manual for instructions on setting up Parental Controls to restrict use of the 3D feature.
If you need additional informatoin, please call (425) 558-7078. Representatives are available from 6 AM to 7 PM (PST), seven days a week.
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How Does the Nintendo 3DS system's 3D feature work?
Important Note! The 3D feature can be disabled using Parental Controls in the System Settings.
Answer:
- The left and right eyes perceive different images, creating a 3D image.
- The depth of 3D images can be adjusted using the 3D Depth Slider.
- Holding the screen 10 to 14 inches (25-35 cm) from the eyes, 12 to 16 inches
(30-40 cm) if using the Nintendo 3DS XL, produces the best 3D image. - Viewing the system from a vertical or tilted position will not produce a 3D effect.
- See Page 22 of the Operations Manual for additional information on stereoscopic 3D images.
Related Articles:
How to Set Up Parental Controls
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The Notification LED
Information:
The Nintendo 3DS has four different LED Notification lights that signal various system statuses:
- Blue: You have received a notification
- Green: You have received StreetPass data
- Orange: A friend has connected online
- Red: Battery power is low (this light blinks continuously when power is very low)
Related Articles:
Power LED
How to Charge the System Battery
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The 3D LED
Note: The Nintendo 3DS XL does not have a 3D LED.
Information:
- The 3D LED lights up when the system is showing an image that can be viewed in 3D.
- The 3D LED is not lit when the image on the upper screen is not viewable in 3D.
Related Articles:
How Does the Nintendo 3DS system's 3D feature work?The Notification LED
3D Image Troubleshooting
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How to Insert Game Cards
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to insert Nintendo 3DS Game Cards.What to do:
- Hold the Nintendo 3DS game card with the gold contacts facing up.
- Slide the Game Card into the game card Slot until it clicks into place.
Related Articles:
How to Remove Game Cards
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Playing Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi Games on the Nintendo 3DS
Description:
Information on playing Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi games on the Nintendo 3DS.
Information:
- To play Nintendo DS or Nintendo DSi games in their original resolution, hold down START and SELECT when loading the game.
- Nintendo DS and DSi games will not display in 3D.
- The HOME Menu cannot be accessed while playing Nintendo DS or DSi games.
- Nintendo DS or Nintendo DSi games are not compatible with StreetPass or SpotPass.
- For information on a specific game title, refer to the software manual that came packaged with the game.
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How to Play DS and DSi Games in Their Original Resolution
Description:
- Instructions on playing Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi games in their original resolution
What to do:
- Press and hold START and SELECT when loading the game from the HOME Menu.
Related Articles:
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How to Remove Game Cards
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to remove Nintendo 3DS game cards.
Important Note! Never remove the game card while the game is in progress. Only remove the game card when the system is powered off or when the HOME Menu is displayed
What to do:
- Gently push the game card into the game card slot until the card clicks.
- Release the card and it will partially eject.
- Slide the Game Card out of the system.
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How to Insert Game Cards
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How to Insert SD Cards
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to insert an SD card into the Nintendo 3DS
Important Note! In the down position, the SD card write-protection switch will prevent you from saving or erasing data on the card. In the up position, you can save and erase data on the card.
What to do:
- Open the SD card slot cover.
- Ensure that the SD card is facing label-side down and insert it into the SD card slot until it clicks into place.
- Close the SD card slot cover.
Related Articles:
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How to Save Music Files to an SD Card
How to Remove SD Cards
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How to Remove SD Cards
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to remove the SD Card from the Nintendo 3DS
Important Note!
Make sure the system is powered off.
Never remove a MiniSD or MicroSD Card while the adapter is still in the system.
What to do:
- Open the SD Card slot cover.
- Gently push on the SD Card until it clicks.
- Release the card and it will partially eject.
- Slide the SD Card out of the system.
- Close the SD Card slot cover.
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How to Transfer Data to SD Cards
How to Save Music Files to an SD Card
How to Insert SD Cards
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SD Card Compatibility
Description:
Information on the types of SD cards that are compatible with the Nintendo 3DS.
Important Note! While it is possible to use SD standard or SDHC standard based cards, we cannot guarantee that products other than a licensed SD card will work.
Information:
- The Nintendo 3DS is compatible with SD cards up to 2GB in size, and SDHC cards of 4GB and larger.
- MiniSD and MicroSD cards are compatible with the use of an SD Card Adapter.
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How to Save Music Files to an SD Card
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How to Charge the System Battery
Are you using the charging cradle or the AC adapter?
Applies To: The Charging Cradle
What to Do:
- Insert the AC adapter plug into the AC adapter connector on the back of the charging cradle.
- Place the Nintendo 3DS system on top of the charging cradle. The system will click into place.
- Plug the AC adapter into a wall outlet.
- The recharge LED will be lit orange when the system is charging, and will go out when charging is complete.
Applies To: The AC adapter
What to Do:
- Insert the AC adapter plug into the AC adapter connector on the back of the system.
- Plug the AC adapter into a wall outlet.
- The recharge LED will be lit orange when the system is charging, and will go out when charging is complete.
Related Articles:
Charge Doesn't Last Very Long or Unable to RechargePower LED How to Change the System Battery
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Power LED
Information:
The Nintendo 3DS has three different charge LED Notification lights that signal various system power levels:
- Blue: The Nintendo 3DS is charged and has power
- Blue (pulsing): The Nintendo 3DS is in sleep mode
- Orange: The system is charging
- Red (flashing): The system battery power is low
Related Articles:
The 3D LED
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How to Set Up Parental Controls
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to Setup the Parental Controls for the Nintendo 3DS system.
What to do:
- Select the System Settings icon on the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- Select Parental Controls from the System Settings menu and tap "Yes."
- Enter the four-digit PIN, and tap "OK."
- Enter the PIN a second time and tap "OK."
- Select a secret question and tap "OK."
- Enter the answer and tap "OK."
- Tap "Set Restrictions."
- When restrictions are complete, tap "Done" to save the settings.
Related Articles:
How to Change Parental Controls
How to Reset Parental Controls
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How to Change Parental Controls
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to change the Parental Controls for the Nintendo 3DS system.
What to do:
- Select the System Settings icon on the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- Select Parental Controls from the System Settings menu.
- Tap "Change."
- If Parental Controls have not been previously set up, the initial settings will need to be entered. (How to)
- Enter the four-digit PIN, and tap "OK."
- Select "Set Restrictions."
- Select the category to change restrictions.
- When changes are complete, tap "Done" to save the settings.
Related Articles:
Forgot Parental Control PINHow to Reset Parental Controls
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How to Reset Parental Controls
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to reset Nintendo 3DS Parental Controls
What to do:
- Select the System Settings icon from the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- Tap "Parental Controls."
- Tap "Change."
- Input the PIN that was created during the initial set-up and tap "OK."
- Tap "Clear Settings."
- Tap "Delete."
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What Can I Block With Parental Controls?
Information:
Important Note!
- When Parental Controls are enabled, some System Settings, such as Internet Settings, Outer Cameras, System Transfer, and System Update cannot be accessed. You will need to enter the PIN to access these features.
The system's Parental Controls can restrict the following features or settings:
- Software Rating – Restrict the use of Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DSi software based on ESRB ratings. *These restrictions do not apply to Nintendo DS Games.
- Internet Browser – Restrict the use of the Internet browser.
The Internet browser is available through the current system update. Click here for information about peforming the system update.
- Nintendo 3DS Shopping Services – Restrict the use of credit cards, prepaid cards, and online content purchased in the Nintendo eShop.
The Nintendo eShop is available through the current system update. Click here for information about peforming the system update.
- Display of 3D Images – Make all images display in 2D only.
- Sharing Images/Audio/Video – Restrict the wireless transmission of photos, sounds, animations, and data.
- Online Interaction - Restrict the exchange of data between users who are not friends and the ability to participate in online play via the Internet. This restriction does not work with Nintendo DS software.
- StreetPass – Restrict communication with other users of StreetPass. This feature is not available on Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi software.
- Friend Registration – Restrict the registration of friends.
- DS Download Play – Restrict the use of DS Download Play.
- Viewing Distributed Videos – Restrict Nintendo Video application content with an age rating of 13 and over.
- Child Online Privacy Protection – Obtains parental consent for the online collection, use, or disclosure of personal data from children under the age of 13.
Related Articles:
How to Setup Parental Controls
How to Reset Parental Controls
Forgot Parental Control PIN
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How to Connect Your Nintendo 3DS to the Internet
Let's get you connected!
- Important Note:
The Internet browser is available through the current system update. Click here for information about performing the system update.
A broadband Internet connection and wireless router are required. Follow the steps below to get connected.
Trying to connect online with an original Nintendo DS game? Click here!
- Turn on your Nintendo 3DS and access the System Settings by tapping the wrench icon.
- Tap "Internet Settings."
- Tap "Connection Settings."
- Tap "New Connection."
- Tap "Manual Setup."
- Tap "Search for Access Point."
- The Nintendo 3DS will search for any wireless networks within range. Once it is finished searching, it will display the names of all the wireless networks it finds.
- Look for your wireless network. (If you're not sure which is yours, or you don't see any wireless networks, click here.)
- What to do next will depend on the "lock" icon you see next to your network on the Nintendo 3DS. Click the image below that matches the lock icon you see on the screen of your Nintendo 3DS.
- Tap on your network name, then tap "OK" to save the settings.
- Tap "OK" again to begin a connection test.
- Tap on your network name, then use the keyboard that appears on the lower screen to enter your security key and tap "OK" when finished.
(If you don't know your Network Security Key, click here.)
- Tap "OK" to save your settings.
- Tap "OK" again to begin a connection test.
- The connection test was successful - Your Nintendo 3DS is now connected online. Click here to find out what's next!
- The connection test was not successful - If the test was not successful, you will receive an error code. Try our error code lookup where we have detailed information on many common error codes.
Related Articles:
Error Code Lookup
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How Do I Browse the Internet?
The Internet browser is available through the current system update. Click here for information about peforming the system update.
For information about the Internet browser, click here.
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Making the Most of the Nintendo 3DS Experience
Description:
Following are some tips to help you maximize your enjoyment of the Nintendo 3DS system and the 3D feature.
Information:
- View the screen straight on from directly in front of you. Hold the screen 10 to 14 inches (25-35 centimeters) from your eyes, or 12 to 16 inches (30-40 centimeters) from your eyes if using the Nintendo 3DS XL.
- Adjust the angle of your line of vision by holding the system at different heights. Many players have found a "sweet spot" where viewing 3D images is most comfortable.
Each person is different, so find the distance and angle that are most comfortable for you.
- The Nintendo 3DS system is equipped with a 3D depth slider that lets you select the level of 3D you enjoy the most. The 3D effect can be scaled back or even turned off completely, depending on your preference.
- You should take a 15 minute break every 60 minutes of game play, every 30 minutes if viewing 3D images.
- Some 3D content, such as distributed 3D videos, 3D images, or certain 3D game software, cannot be adjusted with the 3D depth slider. If this content is difficult or uncomfortable to view, try varying the distance between your eyes and the screen, or turn the 3D effect off by moving the 3D depth slider all the way down to the OFF setting.
- Nintendo 3DS is a safe product. Viewing 3D images does not pose any risk to your vision. However, children 6 and under should not use the 3D feature of the Nintendo 3DS system. Please see the Nintendo 3DS Operations Manual for instructions on setting up Parental Controls to restrict use of the 3D feature.
If you need additional informatoin, please call (425) 558-7078. Representatives are available from 6 AM to 7 PM (PST), seven days a week.
Related Articles:
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