Choosing an SD card size for the Nintendo 3DS can significantly impact your gaming experience. With the correct size, you can store a variety of games, apps, and additional content. But how do you determine the optimal SD Card Size for 3DS?
This article aims to offer a comprehensive guide on SD card sizes suitable for 3DS, enabling you to make an informed decision based on your gaming needs. Your gaming habits and the 3DS’s SD card compatibility are crucial in selecting the right SD card.
SD Card Size 3DS
Based on information from Nintendo’s official website, the Nintendo 3DS is compatible with standard SD cards up to 2GB in size and SDHC cards ranging from 4GB to 32GB. It’s essential to note that the system does not recognize other SD card types, including SDXC and microSDXC, without reformatting.
Understanding these compatibility parameters is crucial when selecting an SD card size for your 3DS. If you’re an occasional gamer who only needs to store a few games, an SDHC card with a capacity of 4GB might be sufficient. However, if you’re a hardcore gamer who frequently downloads multiple games, updates, and DLCs, a 32GB SDHC card would be a more suitable choice. This larger capacity provides ample storage space for a variety of games and additional content, ensuring you don’t run out of storage.
Even so, a 32GB SDHC card is generally more cost-effective than smaller sizes. It provides more than enough storage space for most gamers, preventing the frustration of running out of space at crucial gaming moments. Find all the differences between SDHC and SHXC SD cards >>>
Check out 3DS XL SD Card Size (What Capacity Do You Need?)>>>
3 Best SD Cards for 3DS
choosing the right SD card for your Nintendo 3DS can be a game-changer. Here, we delve into three of the best SD cards available on the market, tailored to various gaming needs and budgets. Each has its unique features and advantages designed to enhance your gaming experience.
1. SanDisk Ultra 32GB Class 10 SDHC UHS-I Memory Card
- Great for compact to midrange point and shoot digital cameras and camcorders
- Twice as fast as ordinary SDHC cards, allowing you to take pictures and transfer...
- Exceptional video recording performance with Class 10 rating for Full HD video...
The SanDisk Ultra 32GB Class 10 SDHC UHS-I Memory Card is an excellent choice for serious gamers. Its 32GB storage capacity provides ample space for an extensive collection of games. What sets this card apart is its impressive speed and reliability. With transfer speeds of up to 80MB/s, gamers can count on seamless data retrieval, facilitating smooth gameplay with reduced lag time. SanDisk is a reputable brand known for its durable and reliable storage solutions, so you can rest assured knowing that your games are safe.
2. Kingston Canvas Select 16GB SDHC Class 10 SD Card
- Faster speeds — Class 10 UHS-I speeds up to 100MB/s. *
- Capture in full HD & 4K UHD video (1080P) — the advanced UHS-I interface makes the...
- Multiple capacities — Up to 512GB to store all your memorable photos and videos.
The Kingston Canvas Select 16GB SDHC Class 10 SD Card strikes an ideal balance between affordability and performance. While it offers half the storage capacity of the SanDisk Ultra at 16GB, it still provides enough space for a decent collection of games. The card delivers reliable performance, ensuring your games load efficiently. This card is a perfect option for moderate gamers who need a balance of storage space and affordability, without compromising on performance.
3. PNY Elite Performance 32GB High-Speed SDHC Class 10 UHS-I Memory Card
- Sequential read speed of up to 100MB/s
- Class 10, U1 rating delivers speed and performance for full HD photography and HD...
- V10 video speed rating to capture uninterrupted HD video at 1920x1080 format
For gamers, the PNY Elite Performance 32GB High-Speed SDHC Class 10 UHS-I Memory Card is a viable option (5 SD cards are included). It offers more storage space than the other cards on this list, its 5 SD cards of 32GB are sufficient for storing lots of your favorite games. This card delivers reliable performance, ensuring your games load smoothly. Plus, its affordability makes it an attractive choice for those who are new to gaming or who play less frequently. With the PNY Elite Performance, gamers won’t have to worry about running out of storage space quickly, and can enjoy a seamless gaming experience.
Find the best SD cards for Nintendo 3DS>>>
How Do I Use a 128GB SD Card On My 3DS?
While the Nintendo 3DS officially supports only up to 32GB SDHC cards, it’s possible to use a larger 128GB SDXC card by formatting it to the FAT32 file system.
Here’s how:
- Insert the SDXC card into your computer’s card reader: Use the SD card slot on your computer or an external card reader if your computer doesn’t have one.
- Download a FAT32 format tool: There are several tools available online, such as GUI Format or FAT32 Format.
- Install the FAT32 format tool on your computer: Follow the prompts for the installation process, which should be straightforward and quick.
- Open the format tool and select your SDXC card from the drive list: Make sure you select the correct drive, as formatting will erase all existing data on the card.
- Select FAT32 as the file system: The program interface will have a drop-down menu or a similar option to select FAT32.
- Click “Start” to initiate the formatting process: This could take a few minutes. Remember to back up any essential data beforehand as formatting will erase everything on the card.
- Upon completion, transfer your games and data to the SDXC card: You can now use the 128GB SDXC card with your Nintendo 3DS, offering you a significantly expanded storage capacity.
Remember that although you can use larger cards, Nintendo only officially supports up to 32GB SDHC cards. Use larger cards at your own risk and be sure to back up all data regularly.
What Size SD Card Slot For New 3DS XL?
According to Nintendo’s official guidelines, the New 3DS XL supports SD cards up to 2GB and SDHC cards from 4GB to 32GB. Other card types like SDXC and microSDXC are not natively compatible but can be used after reformatting to FAT32. This allows for larger storage capacities, accommodating the needs of heavy gamers.
How Many 3DS Games Can a 32 GB SD Card Hold?
A 32GB SD card offers substantial storage for a variety of 3DS games. Given that most 3DS games range between 1GB and 2GB, you can expect a 32GB SD card to hold around 16 to 32 games.
For example, popular titles like “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D” and “Super Mario 3D Land,” each taking approximately 0.5GB, would leave plenty of room for additional games.
How Do I Use a SD Card Larger Than 32GB On My 3DS?
Using an SD card larger than 32GB with your 3DS requires a few extra steps, as the 3DS natively supports only up to 32GB SDHC cards. Here’s how to use an SDXC card with a capacity larger than 32GB:
- Insert the SDXC card into your computer’s card reader: If your computer doesn’t have a card reader, use an external one.
- Download a FAT32 format tool: You can find several tools online such as GUI Format or FAT32 Format. Read the article: How to Format Any SD Card to FAT32 on Mac (Ultimate Guide).
- Install the FAT32 format tool on your computer: Follow the installation instructions provided by the tool.
- Open the installed tool and select your SDXC card from the drive list: Ensure you’ve selected the right drive, as all the data on the selected drive will be erased during formatting.
- Choose FAT32 as the file system: Typically, this is an option in a drop-down menu within the tool.
- Click “Start” to begin the formatting process: This process might take a few minutes. Be sure to back up all critical data from the card before starting, as formatting will delete all content.
- After formatting, the SDXC card can be used with the 3DS system: You can now transfer your games and other data onto the card.
It’s important to note that using SD cards larger than the officially supported size might come with risks. Always ensure you’ve backed up your important data.
What SD Card Size 3ds Should You Choose?
Your choice of SD card size for the Nintendo 3DS should largely depend on your gaming habits and the device’s compatibility. The Nintendo 3DS officially supports SD cards up to 2GB and SDHC cards from 4GB to 32GB. However, you can also use larger SDXC cards with a simple reformatting process, although they’re not officially supported. The goal is to maximize your storage capacity to enhance your gaming experience.
It’s crucial to remember that using larger SD cards might come with certain risks, such as compatibility issues and data loss. Therefore, it’s essential to back up your data regularly. Nevertheless, whether you are a light, moderate, or heavy gamer, there’s an SD card size out there that’s perfectly suited to your 3DS gaming needs. With the right SD card, you can enjoy the variety of games and additional content that the Nintendo 3DS has to offer without worrying about running out of space.
Thank you for reading this guide! I hope that it was helpful in teaching you everything you need to know about SD Card Size 3ds:)
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