While the Nintendo 3DS is over a decade old, it’s still a fantastic portable games console. Unfortunately, because of the system’s age, you might find that your Nintendo 3DS is prone to software and hardware issues that are tricky to resolve.
If you’re encountering issues with your Nintendo 3DS (whether it’s the 3DS or the 3DS XL), like no audio, an unresponsive touch screen, or it’s not charging, we’re here to help you out. Here are some common 3DS issues and how to fix them.
1. The Top Screen or Touch Screen Is Dirty
Though the 3DS protects itself naturally thanks to the folding design, both screens are still bound to get dirty. This is especially true if you use your fingers on the touch screen. Thankfully, the screens are easy to clean.
Grab a microfiber cloth and gently wipe the dirt away. For any stubborn grime, lightly dampen the cloth—you don’t want water getting inside your system, so ensure the cloth isn’t dripping. Alternatively, use an antibacterial wipe designed for touch screens.
Do you have dirt in the edges of the touch screen, between the screen and the housing of the 3DS? If so, Nintendo recommends you use a new toothbrush to brush out the particles. Full information is available on Nintendo’s support website.
If you use a screen protector, it’s likely that the dirt is on that rather than the actual screen. You may want to consider replacing the protector or removing it entirely.
2. The Touch Screen Is Unresponsive
If your Nintendo 3DS touch screen is irregularly responding to input, you may need to recalibrate it. To do this, go to System Settings > Other Settings > Touch Screen. Here, touch the center of the circles with the stylus. You can also launch this directly from boot by holding down the Power, L, R, and X buttons.
If you use a screen protector on the touch screen, take it off. While you might want a screen protector on your phone, they are known to reduce the input sensitivity of the 3DS screen. Also, try to use the stylus when possible, rather than your finger, to ensure consistent input.
3. Game Cartridges Can’t Be Read
There’s nothing more frustrating than your 3DS not being able to read a game cartridge. If possible, test the game on another 3DS. If it doesn’t work there, the cartridge is at fault rather than your console. In this case, contact the retailer for a replacement.
Also, unlike the original DS, the 3DS is region locked. This means that you can only play games purchased in the same region as the console.
If none of your games work, your console is faulty. According to TronicsFix, this is often because the pins in the game slot are dirty. To resolve this, place a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. Rub this onto the pins of one of your games. Then, with the console off, insert and remove the cartridge around ten times. This should hopefully clean the pins within the console.
4. The 3DS Doesn’t Charge
If your 3DS isn’t charging and you have a charging cradle, disconnect this and plug your 3DS directly into the wall via the power adapter. If this works, your charging cradle is faulty.
If you only have the power adapter and this isn’t charging your console, try a replacement. Your power adapter could be broken.
Alternatively, if your console only works when plugged in or the battery drains rapidly (it should last around five hours on a full charge), the battery is faulty and needs to be replaced. You can either get a professional to do this or follow Nintendo’s battery replacement guide.
5. Can’t Connect to the Internet
You don’t need to maintain a connection to the internet to use your 3DS. However, it is necessary for when you want to play online, download games, browse the web, and so on. As such, it’s understandably frustrating when you can’t connect to the internet.
First, check Nintendo’s operational status page to see whether the servers are down or undergoing maintenance. If they are, all you can do is wait.
Alternatively, the problem may lie with your internet connection; test another device like a laptop or mobile to find out. If your internet is at fault, check our guide on how to fix an unstable Wi-Fi connection.
6. The Microphone Doesn’t Work
The Nintendo 3DS has a built-in microphone. Some games, like Super Mario 3D Land, make gimmicky use of it, while others utilize it for voice chat.
If you think your 3DS microphone is broken, you can test it via System Settings > Other Settings > Mic Test. Speak and you should see your voice registered on the screen.
If you don’t, it’s likely that your microphone is broken. A simple solution to this is to plug in headphones that include a microphone; the 3DS supports these with no additional configuration required. Check our recommendations for cheap wired earbuds.
7. The Circle Pad Doesn’t Respond Properly
If your circle pad isn’t registering movements correctly, or detects input when there is none, you should calibrate it. To do this, go to System Settings > Other Settings > Circle Pad. Here you can reset the neutral position of the circle pad and calibrate directional registration.
If your circle pad isn’t registering any input, or this calibration tool doesn’t respond accurately to your movements, it’s likely that you will need to get a professional repair for your 3DS.
8. No Sound From the Speakers
If you can’t hear any sound from your Nintendo 3DS, check the physical volume slider is up. Yes, it sounds obvious, but it’s worth double-checking.
Also, remember that your 3DS won’t output from its speakers when you have headphones plugged in. On that note, if you can hear through headphones but not through the 3DS speakers, this suggests a hardware fault with your console that will need professional repair.
Can’t hear anything in a specific game? Check the game’s settings to see if you can control volume manually there.
Nintendo Will Repair Your 3DS… For Now
Every 3DS comes with a 12-month warranty, but it’s unlikely you’ll find a new 3DS available to purchase nowadays. At the time of writing, Nintendo will still repair your 3DS if you send it to its repair center, but be wary that this could change—especially as Nintendo is winding down the 3DS and no longer supporting the eShop in 2022.
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