Nintendo Support

Power or Charge Issues (System Won't Turn On / Doesn't Hold a Charge) - Nintendo 3DS Family System

The information in this article can help you when:

  • The system doesn't turn on.

  • The system turns on, but then turns off.

  • The system does not remain charged, or the charge doesn't last long.

  • The AC adapter or AC adapter port looks damaged.

Important

  • If your system makes a popping or crackling noise and then powers off, it will need to be inspected. Please contact us for further support.

  • If there is physical damage to the AC adapter or charging cradle, then the damaged item will need to be replaced.

What to do

  1. Verify that a licensed AC adapter and charging cradle is being used. If a charging cradle is not regularly used, then there is no need to check its model number.

    • AC adapter (all Nintendo 3DS family systems): Model Number WAP-002 (AUS).

      • This number is located on the side of the AC adapter that faces away from the outlet when plugged in

    • Charging Cradle: Model Number CTR-007, or SPR-007 for the Nintendo 3DS XL

      • This number is located on the bottom of the charging cradle.

    • If the accessories listed above are not being used, using a licensed accessory may resolve the issue.

  2. Check for physical damage to the AC adapter, charging cradle, and AC adapter port.

    • Physical damage may include frayed or twisted cords, broken connectors, or the AC adapter may not stay in the AC adapter port.

    • The AC adapter port was designed to look slightly bent; this is not an indication of physical damage unless it is preventing the AC adapter from being plugged in.

    • If there is physical damage to the AC adapter or charging cradle, then the damaged item will need to be replaced.

  3. A red (solid or blinking) or no power LED indicates that the system needs to be charged. If you've tried charging your system and are still experiencing this issue, then the AC adapter may need to be reset. To reset your AC adapter, perform the following steps:

    • Unplug the AC adapter from the system and the outlet.

    • Wait 30 seconds.

      • While you are waiting for the AC adapter to reset, ensure that you are using a working outlet, that the AC adapter cord is free from any kinks or knots, and that the cord is not under any objects.

    • Plug the AC adapter back into the system and outlet.

    • Check for a orange charge LED. An orange light indicates that the system is charging. This does not mean that the system will turn on immediately. It may take up to fifteen minutes of charging before the system turns on.

      • It takes 3 ½ hours to fully charge the system (the time will increase if the system is being used while it is charging).

      • Once charged, the system will remain charged for 3-5 hours if playing Nintendo 3DS software, or 5-8 hours if playing Nintendo DS software (battery duration differs depending on the brightness setting of the screen).

Situation Not Resolved

If the Nintendo 3DS Family System will still not charge, or will not hold a charge, or is physically damaged it will need to be inspected. Please include the AC Adapter and charging cradle, if one is being used, with the product.

Please contact us for further support.