How to Transfer Content Between Nintendo 3DS Family Systems Using System Transfer
In this article, you'll learn how to transfer data from one Nintendo 3DS family system to another Nintendo 3DS family system.
The following video will give you a helpful overview of the system transfer process.
You can transfer save data for built-in applications, Nintendo eShop funds/account activity etc. from a Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL, Nintendo 2DS, New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL system or New Nintendo 2DS XL.
Note:
Data is transferred all together. You cannot choose individual software or items to transfer.
You cannot transfer data from a New Nintendo 2DS XL, New Nintendo 3DS or New Nintendo XL system to a Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL or Nintendo 2DS system.
You will not be able to perform a system transfer if there is any Nintendo Network ID already linked to the target system.
Following data is transferable:
Nintendo DS software settings: Transfer Internet Settings (Nintendo DS Connections) and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection ID.
Pre-installed Application save data: Transfers data such as the friend list, Nintendo 3DS Camera photos, Nintendo 3DS Sound recordings and Mii Maker Mii characters from the pre-installed applications on the source system.
Nintendo DSiWare: Transfers Nintendo DSiWare (and its save data) stored on the system memory.
Nintendo Network ID (NNID): Transfers your Nintendo Network ID information.
Note: A Nintendo Network ID that was previously linked to the source system can only be linked again to the target system.
Nintendo eShop account activity / funds: Transfers your Nintendo eShop account activity and funds to the target system. This will be merged with that of the target system.
Note: Some account activity may not be transferable. You will be given the chance to review any untransferable data on screen before the transfer.
Usage licences for SD card data: Transfers usage licences for data stored on the SD card (e.g. downloadable software and its save data, add-on content, etc.). This enables you to use the SD card contents in the new system.
These are the following three ways to transfer your data stored on the SD card.
Use this method when the microSD card in the target system does not have enough free space available. All data except Nintendo 3DS download software will be transferred to the microSD card. After performing the transfer, any purchased downloadable software can be redownloaded at no extra cost from Nintendo eShop.
Note:
Wireless transfer (All data)
The transfer may take some time if there is a large amount of data to transfer. We recommend running it overnight.
If there is not enough free space available on the target system's microSD card, you will not be able to perform the transfer. Cancel the transfer and remove any unwanted photos, videos, recordings or software. Alternatively, you can insert a microSD card with more free space available into the target system or use the "Wireless transfer (limited data)" method to transfer data.
If you have used multiple SD cards with the source system, data from other SD cards should be copied to the microSD card using the "Copy via PC" method after the system transfer is complete.
From the HOME Menu on both systems, select "System Settings", then "Other Settings"
Scroll to menu screen "4" and tap "System Transfer", followed by "Transfer from a Nintendo 3DS System"
Read the Terms of Use, and then touch "I Agree"
On the source unit, select "Send from this System", and on the target unit, select "Receive from a Nintendo 3DS System"
Follow the on-screen instructions to carry out the transfer.
Wireless transfer (Limited data)
Use this method when the microSD card in the target system does not have enough free space available. All data except Nintendo 3DS download software will be transferred to the microSD card. After performing the transfer, any purchased downloadable software can be redownloaded at no extra cost from Nintendo eShop.
Save data will be restored once you start the software after redownloading it.
If you have used multiple SD cards with the source system, data from other SD cards should be copied to the microSD card using the "Copy via PC" method after the system transfer is complete.
From the HOME Menu on both systems, select "System Settings", then "Other Settings"
Scroll to menu screen "4" and tap "System Transfer", followed by "Transfer from a Nintendo 3DS System"
Read the Terms of Use, and then touch "I Agree"
On the source unit, select "Send from this System", and on the target unit, select "Receive from a Nintendo 3DS System"
Follow the on-screen instructions to carry out the transfer.
Copy via PC (All data)
With this method, data on an SD card will not be transferred automatically to the microSD card in the target system. Once the system transfer has been completed, use a computer to copy all the data from the SD card to the microSD card. After the data has been copied, insert the microSD card in the target system.
If you have been using a microSD card with an SD card adapter in the source system, there's no need to use a PC to copy the data. Simply insert the microSD card into the target system once the system transfer is complete.
When copying data from an SD card to a microSD card, use the microSD card slot on your PC or a commercially available microSD card reader/writer and copy all the data on the SD card to the microSD card. You should copy the "Nintendo 3DS" folder in its entirety.
From the HOME Menu on both systems, select "System Settings", then "Other Settings"
Scroll to menu screen "4" and tap "System Transfer", followed by "Transfer from a Nintendo 3DS System"
Read the Terms of Use, and then touch "I Agree"
On the source unit, select "Send from this System", and on the target unit, select "Receive from a Nintendo 3DS System"
Follow the on-screen instructions to carry out the transfer.
Note:
Data must be copied to an empty microSD card.
If you have used multiple SD cards with the source system, copy the contents of each SD card to microSD card individually. Downloadable software saved on multiple SD cards cannot be consolidated onto a single microSD card.
Copy the "Nintendo 3DS" folder to the top level of the microSD card. In other words, do not place it within another folder.
Do not attempt to adjust the data, move or delete the files, or change any file names within the "Nintendo 3DS" folder.