Recommendations to help get your affairs in order
The announcement that Nintendo will be closing the 3DS and Wii U eShop stores and effectively sunsetting those consoles has caused many of us to fire up our old systems and survey our digital libraries. Both of these consoles represent the first generation of Nintendo hardware where it was possible to build an entirely digital library if you so chose, so the fact that each one's dedicated digital store is being closed to new purchases in "late March 2023" means that the clock is now ticking to make sure everything you wanted to buy is purchased and downloaded to your system — and ideally backed up in some form.
In this guide, we cover the basics for securing your consoles as they enter this end-of-life phase. We'll recommend certain practices and products you might want to consider to help keep your systems in tip-top shape, as well as providing useful information that you may want to act on before the digital stores close in March 2023.
The first thing to be concerned with when it comes to the closure of the 3DS and Wii U eShops is that you've bought and downloaded all the digital games and updates you want while you still can.
Once the 3DS and Wii U eShop stores close in late March 2023, you will be unable to buy and download new games or DLC. This includes redeeming download codes purchased in a physical store — things like Star Fox Guard, for example, which did have a limited physical release but was also sold as a code-in-a-box. Make sure you've redeemed any download codes before the stores close.
Nintendo says you will be able to redownload content you have purchased prior to that March 2023 date "for the foreseeable future", although exactly how long that is remains unclear.
Personally, we recommend using the time between now and March 2023 to get everything downloaded locally.
We've compiled substantial lists of recommended eShop-only titles for each console that you might want to check out — games that are only available on these consoles and which, unless rereleased on another platform, will not be available for purchase after March 2023.
In addition to eShop-only titles, it may be cheaper to buy select retail games in digital form while they're available. Physical games will obviously still be available (primarily on the secondhand market) after the March 2023 digital cut-off, but some are already getting pricey and their value is unlikely to go down in the future.
While Nintendo explicitly states that "On both platforms, users will still be able to: Redownload content they own; Download existing software updates" following the closure of the eShops.
However, we would still recommend downloading any and all updates for your physical collection immediately. It makes sense (to us) to do this at the same time as you're getting your digital affairs in order.
On Wii U, this means inserting your physical discs into the drive and downloading and installing any updates if prompted. Not all games will have received game updates, so don't be alarmed if you're not prompted to update — just ensure that your Wii U is definitely connected to the internet.
On 3DS, it's possible to download updates separately from the 3DS eShop itself, and you can even do this for games you don't own (yet). check out our video below for instructions (or just head to the 3DS eShop and type 'update' in the search bar to get a list of all available updates.
Again, Nintendo says that game updates will be downloadable even after March 2023 and "for the foreseeable future", but we'd rather be safe than sorry.
In order to store all your digital games, updates, and data, you'll obviously need sufficient digital storage space. Below we take a look at options for each console, starting with 3DS.
Extra storage capacity with the 3DS family of consoles is available through the use of SD cards and Micro SD cards plugged into the console to complement its internal memory.
Depending on the 3DS you have (original, XL, 2DS, or any of the 'New' variants), the console will be compatible with different types of card. Any 3DS/2DS system that doesn't carry the 'New' prefix uses standard SD cards; all the 'New' versions use Micro SD (although you can use an adaptor to use Micro SD cards in the older consoles.
Here are the exact details via Nintendo of America's support page:
The Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL, and Nintendo 2DS systems are compatible with SD cards up to 2 GB in size, and SDHC cards of 4 GB and larger up to 32 GB in size. All other SD Card types are not considered compatible. miniSD and microSD cards are compatible with the use of an SD card adapter.
The New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL, and New Nintendo 2DS XL are compatible with microSD cards up to 2 GB in size, and microSDHC cards of 4 GB and larger up to 32 GB in size. All other SD Card types are not considered compatible.
Note the phrasing: "not considered compatible". Personally, we would stick to the stated card types and sizes — experiment with alternatives at your own risk.
(In fact, this is all 'at your own risk' — one of the reasons we are recommending backing up your data is that even recommended and 'compatible' cards can fail, and in the future you'll have no recourse with Nintendo when it comes to replacing lost data, unfortunately. One of the perils of digital purchases!)
Scroll down further to find out how to back up your (micro) SD card 3DS data.
Setting up a current-day external storage solution for Wii U is slightly tricky. You can theoretically use a USB flash drive or standard USB hard drive, but there could be issues with stability. The Wii U utilises USB2.0 and, because of the system's limited power output, Nintendo always recommended a hard drive with its own external power supply to avoid losing power (which could result in lost or corrupted data), but these are increasingly rare on the market.
The solution we suggest if buying new (with a few examples below) is a USB mechanical hard drive, one that is 2TB or less due to Wii U requirements. In addition to the hard drive we recommend a Y-cable adapter, we link to an example below — that means you'll connect the hard drive to two USB ports on the console (which the Wii U supports), and this should help to mitigate issues with the hard drive's power.
We've highlighted suggestions below, but alternatives with the same basic specifications (<2TB, external HDD, USB, with an applicable Y-cable adapter) should provide a reasonable storage solution.
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If you don't have a huge amount of Wii U games and data, are not planning on playing your Wii U too much, and you are just looking for a reliable and relatively inexpensive way to back up your purchases and associated data, it might be worth using a pair of USB flash drives.
This is the solution at least one Nintendo Life staff member has gone with to keep their modest Wii U digital data safe. As noted above, Nintendo doesn't recommend using flash drives due to the way they read/write data. However, they are much cheaper and easier to find than a full hard drive with external power. For around 12€ we were able to purchase a pair of identical Sandisk 32GB USB drives, copy our data onto one of them and then copy that again in order to have a backup of the backup (see below for instructions — data has to be moved/copied between USB devices via the console itself, unfortunately).
Remember, there may be downsides to this. USB flash drives may well fail much quicker than their full-size counterparts if you're playing a game off them. However, if you're not going to be playing the console much and you're after a convenient way to back up your data, it's worth considering this option. Even if one stick fails, you can swap over to the functioning stick — after making another copy for safety — and carry on (depending on how recently you copied your save data to the other backup, of course).
Once you've got everything downloaded, you'll want to consider backing up all that data and protecting against hard drive failure.
To back up your 3DS SD card data, you will need to duplicate it in its entirety and keep the data safe — this could be stored on a PC, for example, or copied to a separate SD card and stored safely. We would recommend doing both and testing the second SD card in your console to ensure it works correctly.
Note that it's not possible to combine data from different SD cards into one — the process (detailed in the link below) requires you to copy the entire 'Nintendo 3DS' folder from one card to another; you can't mix and match data and games. You also won't be able to use a single SD card across multiple systems, as the data is tied to one specific console.
Here are the instructions for copying/transferring data between (micro) SD cards via Nintendo of America's support page:
As noted above, Wii U data can't be copied on a PC thanks to the console formatting any device used to save data. That device can then only be used with your Wii U — your PC won't register the stick if you plug it in.
So, in order to back up your backup, you'll need an additional hard drive plugged into the console itself.
The process is pretty self-explanatory on the console, but here is Nintendo's official guide to transferring Wii U data between two external storage devices:
Now that they're getting on in years, 3DS consoles and Wii U GamePads are at a greater risk of having batteries that either don't hold a full charge or don't function at all. While it's possible to play both while tethered to a power socket, that negates the portability of 3DS and just feels a bit uncomfortable on Wii U.
While we haven't personally had to swap out any batteries just yet — and official options on Nintendo's sites have all but dried up for both 3DS and Wii U, third-party options do exist and are readily available from sites like Amazon, Walmart, and others.
While we haven't tested — and therefore can't endorse — any of these non-Nintendo batteries, there's plenty to choose from with user reviews to offer guidance if required. We'll list some of them below.
3DS lithium-ion battery packs come in different configurations depending on your console — regular (CTR-003), regular New (KTR-003), or XL (SPR-003). Make sure to check which battery type is right for your console.
While replacements are sold out via Nintendo.com, check your local Nintendo store for stock. Otherwise, you'll have to rely on non-official options like the ones found below:
It's a similar story on Wii U — it may be possible to find an official replacement battery (or the also-official higher-capacity variant), but you might have to settle for a third-party alternative. Again, our original batteries are functioning fine just now, so we haven't tried any of these options personally:
Unfortunately, it's a fact that every console and electronic device you own is steadily decaying and will, one day, suffer from a mechanical failure of one type or another. Even if you're fastidious with keeping your kit in sparkling condition, internal dust build-ups, power fluctuations, creepy crawlies, worn-out fans or other components could all contribute individually or cumulatively to affect the inevitable demise of your beloved console. Every console has a lifespan.
That doesn't mean that you can't extend that lifespan, though, and how is the time to stock up with spare parts and supplies if you think your 3DS or Wii U could be in better shape. This could include buying spare styluses, screen protectors, and batteries, or in the case of Wii U, perhaps considering picking up a second GamePad.
Unfortunately, buying a new 3DS system can be difficult and/or expensive, depending on region, with the hardware having been discontinued a number of years ago. Secondhand prices are variable, though in some countries there are still retailers offering refurbished or used stock.
Taking an example of the UK, it seems we're heavily reliant on the secondhand market through the likes of eBay. Even major retailers with 'marketplace' aspects are mostly showing out of stock in the country.
In the US there is also the option to head to auction sites like eBay, but there is also limited stock for used or refurbished units from some stores, often through their third-party vendors. Most options are unavailable, but at the time of writing these listings are in place; they will vary regularly depending on these outlets' supplies:
In April 2022, we spied and personally picked up a lonely, very clean, unboxed New 3DS XL with a charger from GAME for 119.99€. While hardly cheap, compared to online auction prices, that was a good price. They are certainly not going to get cheaper in the future, so if you're interested in picking one up, there's no time like the present.
Similar to 3DS, secondhand prices are variable. A visit to Ebay UK at the time of writing shows prices ranging from around 40GBP for the console sans GamePad, to around 140GBP for a bundle including everything, plus some games. Boxes in good condition will bump the asking price up correspondingly. Ebay US has similar prices, running from around 50USD to 160USD. Remember, these prices are rough guides at the time of writing.
Functioning GamePads on their own look to be in the 50-70GBP / 40-80USD+ range. Finding one that comes with the stylus may be your biggest trouble.
While you may still find big game retailers with secondhand 3DS stock, Wii Us are much harder to come by at your garden-variety GAMEs and GameStops. Not impossible — it's still worth keeping an eye out in-store in particular.
Of course, the main thing you'll want to do to prolong the life of your old consoles as they slide into retro-tirement is making sure they're kept in suitable conditions.
While this should be fairly obvious, all electronic devices will continue to function better in a dust-free environment, out of direct sunlight, and kept at a constant moderate temperature, with no moisture, etc, etc. Don't, for example, store your precious retro consoles in the garage unless it meets the above conditions.
You'll obviously want to take extra care with the touchscreens on these particular consoles, and think about using a screen protector to avoid not only accidental scratches but everyday wear and tear.
In addition to screen protectors, you might also want to spare styluses, too (check you're getting the right ones for your console, as — irritatingly — they're all slightly different sizes).
More specific replacement parts such as fans are also available if you're determined to avoid mechanical issues for as long as possible. Here are a handful of examples:
That's all for this guide and our tips to keep your 3DS and Wii U in top shape as they enter their dotage. We'll be keeping this guide updated over the coming months, so feel free to suggest any tips or products in the comments section and we may well add them above.
Gavin loves a bit of couch co-op, especially when he gets to delegate roles, bark instructions and give much-appreciated performance feedback at the end. He lives in Spain (the plain-y bit where the rain mainly falls) and his love for Banjo-Kazooie borders on the unhealthy.
And the final step would be the hack your 3ds so you aren't affected by the eshop closing down.
My 3DS definitely isn’t retiring. Like Nintendo says all the time: I’m only halfway through the lifecycle with my 3DS 😝
turn your systems on at least once every month or so. in the case of the 3DS charge it up completely before you do.
That does remind me i need to buy new batteries.
You know what I love about all this?
That Nintendo loves us so much
It is so stupid that people in the US, even as of now can buy brand new original batteries from Nintendo for their 3DS systems, but we in EU are stuck with 3rd party solutions that just don't work like they claim.
Again. Even after the eShop closes you can still download the purchased games and updates.
@sanderev Until Nintendo closes the servers too.
And no matter what anybody claims, that could happen any moment starting from that date, and only someone naive would believe that is not going to happen at some point (because to be able to download updates, those old servers need to stay up and that from experience with servers overall is NOT free by any means)
Best advice. Backup all your physical games and eshop games. Modding your console 3ds/Wii u is a MUST
Step 1: Hack your device. Step 2: Continue downloading games as normal. Step 3: ???? Step 4: Profit.
Got my main Wii U HDD a couple of months ago, I'm ready to buy 2 more, one as backup of the other systems and another as backup of the Wii U HDD. Everything but the Wii U data is backed up somehow. Right now, my 3DS and Wii U are getting more play time than my Switch, the only time my Switch got more play time than either console after the closure announcement was at the time of Kirby and the Forgotten Land lanuch.
At first using the HDD was a bit of a pain, it crashed the whole system a couple of times because it wasn't getting enough power, and when it didn't crash it wasn't able to copy high capacity data.
To this day I still don't know what the hey an HDD with a power supply is. Using an adapter works for me, though I may buy a Y-cable from Amazon or Aliexpress or something. With the current setup I have, I can copy/transfer stuff from the Wii U to the HDD without issues, but copying/transfering from the HDD to the Wii U crashes the system when it is accessing the HDD data.
One thing I found out when I initially looked into the problems I was running into is that HDDs have a Sleep Mode and it's enabled by default, but with a button combination it can be disabled, which I've read it's recommended to disable on the Wii U. https://gbatemp.net/threads/how-to-disable-removable-hdds-sleep-mode.369668/
@SteamEngenius with how easy 3ds emulation runs nowdays (even my phone can do it no issues) I would almost argue if emulating it on a Steam Deck or a phone + controller is not a viable option too.
Because those devices are easier to replace in the long run, myself I stopped having my 3ds (and PS Vita) with me on the go due to that.
Just want to note that while it says there's a 32 gig cap on SD cards for 3DS, if you format a larger card to FAT-32 (There are instructions online on how to do this) it will accept much larger cards. I currently have a 64 gig card that used to live in my Switch in my 3DS and it holds a LOT of full-size retail-release games. Probably as much as you'll ever need. I hear it works with 128 if you somehow hit that ceiling.
Honestly I've been ready for this for years now, I pretty much did all of this "finalizing" as I call it when these consoles were clearly hitting the tail end of their support. When I can tell a console is about to be phased out that I liked, I usually go out and try to get a latest revision new while I still can. This was obviously unnecessary with the Wii U as it was only around for short while and my launch Wii U is the same as any other, but with the 3DS I got one of the "New" revisions when they came out and a standard 2DS while I could still get one new for cheap. I was especially happy when I did this with the Vita, as that late hardware skyrocketed in price after they stopped production. Heck that always seems to be the case with these handhelds, and it's always nice to be able to get them new.
But yeah, I pretty much always set these things up with all the games I could want/get installed on them in anticipation of the online store going down eventually. It's like, when I can tell there isn't going to be much of anything in the way of updates or new releases, I might as well just get them setup to where I won't have to think about them anymore and take them offline without worry.
Only thing I think I need to do is back them up.
@Pak-Man I've either got a 128 or 256 gb card (genuinely can't remember!) in my New 3DS XL for what it's worth...
Modding both of these machines is the way to go - the much maligned Wii U really can become an amazing piece of kit once you put Wii U, Wii, GC, SNES, NES, GBA, GBC and GB libraries* on it (the N64 stuff still seems a tiny bit patchy for some games, but only because it seems more complicated to make them work!)
*That you own the originals of, naturally.
Gosh... The peoples here keep encouraging hacking and modding the machines. I will keep stay in original so I will not hack and mod my original video game machines illegally. #stayoriginalforever 🤟
@Anti-Matter Uhhh, piracy is illegal. Absolutely nothing wrong with modding unless you use it for piracy.
Anyway I'd like to say definitely get big drives for both and hack them to back up all your games. Nearly failsafe method of preservation!
@iLikeUrAttitude Right 😂 All this seems like an excuse to drop some Amazon affiliate links 😂😂😂
With the rate games come out and the amount of free time I have being finite, I won't lie to myself and pretend I'll ever go back to the 3DS or Wii U. Busy enough as is with the Switch. The only time I ever play something not contemporary is my Game Boy collection. Have no time for U, sorry
@Anti-Matter modding your console is not illegal. If you have alot of games and want them all backed up then that’s the best way
I look at like this, once it’s gone it’s gone, they’re just games, just material items…..play the new stuff, move on.
People in the comments always acting like everyone in the world doesn't already know you can mod these systems. Maybe it's hard to fathom some people just don't want to go that route because paying a few bucks for some games outweighs the hassle + risk of a brick on an out of print console.
@Coalescence Granted some people don’t want to go that route but it’s basically impossible to brick your console at this point unless you can’t read and follow basic instructions. Just saying.
And with that I’m also going to advocate for hacking your 3DS. I did mine the other day and I cannot believe I waited this long. It really does blow the potential of the console wide open and for longtime Nintendo fans there’s so much you can do.
@Pak-Man yeah, I use a 128 GB card on my 3DS
@KorGonia what is the sd card for?
Here's the best advice you'll get on the subject: HACK YOUR WII U AND/OR 3DS. It couldn't be easier, and their libraries have been backed up online. Yeah, I'm talking about stuff that can easily lead to piracy, but in responsible hands it can simply be just for ensuring you can reinstall any backups of games you ever once installed on these great devices long after the official servers shut down.
Last time I used the Wii U was after I soft hacked it, to play games like Tokyo Mirage handheld. Now the Switch does it all.
3DS I just run My Japanese Coach. But has a backlog of Atlus games I must play.
I'll probably just hack them both in the near future. Always wanted to play Madden on the Wii U, but region locks preventing that. Is it even possible with hacking? Anyone tried NTSC on PAL Wii U?
@Anti-Matter Yeah when it comes to "modding" and running emulators, I much prefer to just stick to "retro" handhelds and consoles that are purpose designed for that sort of thing. When it comes to authentic hardware from companies like Nintendo and Sony I love to keep them original and enjoy them the way they were meant to be played. The whole appeal of these devices is in the software made for them anyways.
Once I actually get a 3DS, I’ll definitely hack it first thing.
The battery situation for Wii U Gamepads is a bit dire, as a lot of what is for sale on sites like Amazon is "new old stock", batteries that have been sitting unused for years in a warehouse somewhere and have already started losing some of their life.
I got one of those "large" ones that supposedly should last around 8 hours, but it didn't. At best, with no rumble and lowest backlight settings, it lasts anywhere between 5 and 6 hours, which is barely more than a brand new original capacity battery.
A lot of those third party ones on Amazon are also chinese ones that may not even be the capacity advertised, as this is often the case with any kind of battery from china. Mine even shipped from China despite the fact that the Amazon storefront didn't mention it at all.
I just bought my final 3DS game last week to complete my personal collection (Story of Seasons) and I've backed everything up to a harddrive using CFW. I've got all the VC/Digital Games I have a passing interest in and I've got all the Updates/DLC. I'm ready for the March 2023 Apocalypse!
I've been meaning to swap my Wii U battery for the larger capacity version. When I do, I'll buy from iFixit. They are reputable and have excellent tutorials.
Just use fat32 formatter on 128GB SD Card , both for WiiU and 3DS ( like I did ) and You are ready and safe to go !!! No particion b sh t etc .
🗨"in the future you'll have no recourse with Nintendo when it comes to replacing lost data, unfortunately. One of the perils of digital purchases!"
And they say Physical is on the way out and that Digital is better 😂😂😂
I've been searching everywhere for a New Nintendo 3DS official battery (KTR-003), but I only find "compatible" products. Has anyone around here managed to find somewhere selling them?
For Wii U, SD cards can be used for saving a picture of your Mii, QR Code patterns for your Mii, and screenshots in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. They cannot be used as a storage device for Wii U software downloads or save data for games.
SD cards can, however, be used in Wii mode to save data for Wii games. This data is managed through the Data Management feature in Wii mode.
SD cards are also used to transfer data from Wii to Wii U.
I love this guide! Only thing I would add to it is to make sure your back ups are redundant, for safety measures. If you use cloud based storage, 3DS games and their updates barely take up any space so I would suggest adding a free, entry-level of cloud based storage to the plan.
Nintendo will probably NEVER offer these types of back up solutions, so ALWAYS make sure to back up your data that you care about, especially with obsoleting hardware!
@daichi42 First hit on an eBay search:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nintendo-KTR-003-1400mAh-5-2Wh-Rechargeable-Battery-for-New-Nintendo-3DS-N3DS-/184018674283?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m2548.l6249&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0
Getting as many INDIES as I can rn!
It would be great if Nintendo released a "definitive" 3DS model 'cause my old console's too battered and I've found more uses for the 3DS recently, it's getting to the point where I avoid using the console to prevent it from breaking more, and that sucks.
@BloodNinja Lol, I can almost swear that this exact same product was marked as sold out yesterday... Thanks for the update!
I’ve been meaning to get a new 3DS battery. My current one is just abysmal.
@daichi42 You're good! There are probably several listings from the same seller. Glad you were able to find one, though!
Rumor has it Gamefreak asked Nintendo not to put a mic in the Nintendo Switch to prevent people from abusing the move chatter...
I would still love both a mic & camera on my Nintendo Switch Pro, even if Gamefreak just has the move Chatter removed or reworked for online play. The decision enforces too many limitations on other games' features.
My hacked 3ds now has all the NES, SNES, GB, GBA, DS N64/3DS Zelda games, all in a row on my home page. Then all the NES, SNES, GB, GBA, DS and 3DS Metroid games alongside them. Very nice.
One more thing to note regarding system transfers in case anyone is considering it is that if you have one of the "New" family of systems, you can't transfer back to one of the non "New" original systems.
Original systems can be transferred to any system including "New" models but won't be able to go back to an original system if they have gone to a "New" system.
I love my 3DS. I bought it on week 2, all the way back in 2011 in Brazil. Then I moved to the UK and had to build my library digitally - due to the stupid region lock. I've been playing Game boy titles a lot in it.
Now, I've got a problem: battery. I have recently replaced it for a new third-party battery, but the console doesn't hold charge for more than 30min. Ié heard it might be the charger port that needs replacing. Did anybody do that already?
Cheers, folks - and long live the 3DS.
@solarwolf07 No. I keep all my games and the machines stay original. I will take care of them and aging naturally. When my games and the machines stop working naturally, I will let them go. I cannot even bring my gaming stuffs to other world when I pass away someday.
@Anti-Matter I see you got a negative comment because someone things differently to you. I agree with you and ask that you keep mentioning it, because as you can see from this article those same people can turn a article about something else into talking about hacking, as usual.
Just want to add something and clear up what seems to be a misconception with installing custom firmware (CFW) to your 3DS amongst some users.
Installing CFW to your console is purely additive, not subtractive. Once the process is done, turning on your console looks exactly the same as it always did. It boots and runs and functions exactly as it always did. Apart from a few new icons for things like FBI and Universal Updater - which you can cram in a folder anyway - nothing is different on the surface. There's no weird hacker's logo plastered on your screen, it doesn't install some custom theme to show the difference. It's the console you know but with added utility if you choose to use it. As somebody who held off on it for fear of ruining my 'pure' console, I understand the fears, but trust me when I say I was pleasantly surprised just how discrete the software is. If I want to run a ROM, I can do it easily. If I want to turn on the console with no CFW shenanigans and just play the game on the current cart, I can do that as normal too. Some people still won't want to do it and that's fine, it's your console and your business, but for people who are on the fence because it might 'ruin' their console with unofficial vandalism, it honestly won't feel that way once you've done it. Especially not when you can now check the current percentage of your battery power, run GBA games flawlessly, back up your save files, and a host of other things that breathe new life into the console. Anybody who has any questions about it just shoot, I'm new to it but I can give you honest answers about what it's like to 'take the plunge'.
@daniruy It could be that the battery isn't very good. I've heard that some third-party batteries are trash for their overall ability to hold charge.
If you're in the UK, you could try phoning Nintendo's technical team and asking to buy an official battery, if you haven't already?
@sanderev You say that... but allow me to remember you that with Wii is no longer the case. You haven't been able to re-download anything for quite some months now, and Nintendo refuses to say anything about it.
Seeing some of the extreme comments against modding consoles for legitimate back up purposes well they obviously never had the likes of wii break through age, with years of paid for VC games lost and no actual Nintendo approved way to get them back and with shops closing down etc it's now harder to fix. Things get old and break down, older consoles disk readers for example can become dodgy if I have another way to play my legitimately owned gamecube games on my elderly system what's wrong with that rather than having to go find a repair or second hand console for 100 currency units min.
@Roibeard64 Exactly. Modern Nintendo doesn't give a toss. If you want to help preserve your purchases and your experiences, you need to find ways to do it yourself. They're not going to help us.
I would recommend 3DS owners purchasing a San Disk Extreme Pro 32GB SD/Micro SD Card. They’re the fastest compatible cards for the 3DS range and are relatively cheap to purchase on Amazon.
@Jumping_Dead Am I talking about the Wii?
@sanderev I guess not. You are not giving any timeframe, you ignore the situation worth the only comparable case we have, and it seems like the wii situation doesn't bother you. In other words: What you say is not exact and you are not adding anything useful by saying that.
For me the WiiU has a way longer lifecycle than the Wii had. Especially post mortem, but even overall considering that the Wii was way longer supported. I regularly play Yoshi's Wooly World, Nintendoland or WindWaker HD with my kids and especially have to say that Tropical Freeze is a game that matures gracefully with age as today, its just a masterpiece for me while at launch it was a bit mmmmh (as I still was salty about it not being a Metroid game but another DK). TF has become my go-to experience whenever I feel really down. Its funny when you have the blues, feeling completely joyless with all the Red Dead Redemptions, Disco Elysiums you name em, but Tropical Freeze somehow builds such an amazingly strong contrast to any negativity, you just can't help but feel better again. Special Mention: Affordable Space Adventures is among the most unique picks you can get for the WiiU as its impossible to recreate this experience in a worthy way.
@AlienX the “New” models released in 2015 (3DS) and 2017 (2DS) were the definitive versions.
Just to let people know, you can get a 64GB SD card to work in the “New” 2DS/3DS systems. While I have never ran out of space with 32GB, this just guarantees space and there’s nothing to worry about with one inside of the system.
I hope Nintendo will reconsider the 3DS at least for another couple of years. With the recent server failures for the Wii and DSi for digital game downloads, I don’t think they’ll change their minds.
Very informative article. I recently upgraded my 3DS storage capacity. Now I need an external HDD for my Wii-U because as is, I can't even install game updates.
The memory capacity was that systems' biggest let-down.
@Rayquaza2510 How does this surprise anyone in time where the majority rather have a subscription model and prefer online media vs physical media. This is no new issue.
Physical is the way, if you want keep playing your games the next 20 years!
@The_BAAD_Man A couple weeks ago I swapped out my 120GB SSD for a spare larger SSD in an enclosure and connected via my USB Y cable to the back (there is absolutely no speed advantage using SSDs on a WiiU, BTW, it’s what I had on hand). You can get a relatively cheap mechanical 1TB or even 500GB, if you can find one, and it’ll be like a breath of fresh air. The copy process feels as slow as dial-up internet, however. Just a heads up.
@masterLEON Thanks! I reckon 1TB should be more than enough. Most of the games I want to download are small in size, haha! Still a decent chunk of time between now and March...but it's a silly scenario to even be in.
I get shutting down the Wii U eshop (even though I don't like the idea), I get it. But I'll never understand closing down the 3DS eshop. There are sooo many games that will be lost, and not available anywhere else. Plus, the install base of people who have 3DS's is huge! Wii U, I get. 3DS just doesn't make sense to me. Just like in 10 years when they shut down the Switch eshop. We'll be having this same discussion.
@ralphdibny I hadn't heard that before, good to know. I migrated from a standard 3DS to a New 3DS XL and kept the standard as a backup. Didn't think about how they wouldn't be interchangeable in reverse, makes sense though!
@Roibeard64 I agree, threw in the towel on my original launch day wii, the optical reader fried itself many many many years ago, (Even when the wii was still relevant) so instead of lamenting having a big brick, I homebrewed it to actually get some use out of the dang thing. It's working quite well, even though I'm rather inexperienced with getting all of the different emulators working.
I am hesitant to brew my main 3DS unit, but I think there will be a time soon that I'm more worried about losing all of my data than somehow messing up the process. I'm all for 'original software purity' or whatever, but on the other hand. Why not love yourself and make things easier. One is not more morally right than the other.
@Eeros glad to be of some help!
I'm not sure how long the system transfer thing will be available anyway after this shut down as I think it uses the online services to transfer the licenses between systems.
Having said that, I did it a DSi to 3DS transfer as recently as a couple of years ago and it's been a long while since the DSi and Wii shops were shut down.
@Eeros I actually do have a spare Wii U and a spare New 2DS XL which I bought with the specific intention of homebrewing. I am just too lazy to actually do the damn things! 😅 So I have an official, NNID linked set and and unofficial to-be homebrewed set.
I got a bit confused about the best way to do the Wii U one too. My basic desire is to be able to play DS games on the TV using the gamepad as a touch screen but also have more customisation options than the official VC emulator offered. I can't really work out what the best way to achieve that is.
I'm still buying all the DS games I want on my official Wii U just to be on the safe side but I'd really like to get it running on my unofficial Wii U so I have the flexibility for future.
@ralphdibny I think you have the right idea there, an official one and one to have fun messing with. I agree it would be awesome to be able to play DS games on the TV with the touch pad! That would be the ideal use for it, I missed out on the Wii U and never knew anyone who had one. Now they're all a bit too out of my price range right now (I know I'll be kicking myself even further down the road for not picking one up now). Maybe this summer I can get lucky at some unwitting garage sale. A guy can dream. :v;
I wish there was a good way to play 3DS games on a TV as well. As with everyone, i've been playing the 3DS a lot more recently and wished it was bigger! The downside would be the graphics I suppose, and the lack of touch screen which is what I think emulators let you down on most. Maybe someday we will have some fancy Retron device to play them on.
I agree I would always rather have an official way to pay and play games, but since they don't make it easy, they shouldn't be surprised when modding becomes even more prevalent. If they no longer support the machines, what people do with them shouldn't be their concern.
@Jumping_Dead No I'm actually 100% exact in my wording. The closing of the eShop does not take away the ability to download purchased games and updates.
Ofcourse that can / will happen somewhere in the future, but for now we don't yet know when. So there is really no way to comment on that.
The Wii/DSi downloads going offline can be because of those old servers going offline. Which wouldn't happen to 3DS and Wii U, since those use the same servers as the Switch. (for now at least) Maybe if Nintendo moves to Azure for their next console (which I hope they will, but that's a different topic) the servers for 3DS / Wii U will go offline completely.
@progx I'm aware, that's what the quotes implied. I'm talking about Nintendo keeping at least one type of 3DS available to buy --new--, to play carts with even if the eshop goes down permanently.
I wrote it that way 'cause I could go either way if they make the o3DS available to buy, or the 2DS, NEW variation, or a completely new model.
Handheld consoles are very personal devices, I don't want to buy used because of that, it has to be new.
@Eeros oh yeah it's awesome on the big TV. Mario Kart DS on the Wii U VC looks amazing on a 55inch OLED (take that with a pinch of salt as I am probably looking through some rose tinted glasses at how pixelly it is 😅). Its amazing for simple games like MK but falls short in full customisation for DS games that had weird configurations like using buttons and touch screen, action on the bottom screen, book orientation etc. It's got options to play those games but they are just not perfect. You can't button map DS games on the VC and while there are a lot of screen options, I'd still just like to resize it myself and put whatever screen I want in whatever place I want it to be.
I bought my second Wii U when they announced the eshop closure for £90 in CEX (it's like a trade in/pawn store for technology in the UK). I traded in some amiibos that I was planning to sell for a similar price on eBay anyway. Unfortunately it's still gathering dust while I decide on the best homebrew method/find time to do the research.
I'm all for options in playing games and at affordable prices for average people like myself. I normally go in for the easiest option which is to buy something that allows me to get/do what I want but I'm not above going the other way if something is either unavailable or has prohibitively high costs associated with it. E.g. I wanted to play Uncharted Golden Abyss on the big screen. I own a PS Vita, a PSTV and the game. Somehow that combination of items didn't allow me to play the game on the TV so I ended up hacking the PSTV and putting the game on there. It was glorious on the big screen! I've also played MGS Portable Ops and Splinter Cell on the hacked PSTV as well because the cable that connects a PSP to the TV always seems to put a big border around 4 sides of the image and it was pretty distracting/too small to see. PSTV had no problems displaying the games properly
@ralphdibny I'll have to try and get my hands on a wii U, even for the DS VC/playability alone. £90 sounds pretty good all things considered, just have to find one at the right price.
I've always been sad that I wasn't able to play the windwaker/twilight princess HD remakes either as both of those games are excellent. Not to mention all the games I have never heard of. Seems dumb that you wouldn't be able to custom map controls or orientations, but its better than nothing I suppose. The feeling of power when you push games to run on hardware that they aren't 100% intended for is amazing lol.
I agree 100% with your sentiments, play the games however you can, by the rules is great and my default method. But if you're expecting me to pay $300 for a game cart you are out of your mind there. Games for games sake. They were meant to be played and enjoyed!
I need to get a new stylus and better battery for my Gamepad, but I'm also in the process of obtaining a Zelda Wind Waker Gamepad, that's going to be really cool!
I totally get those who would like the 'pure', unmodded/hacked experience. I've got a Wii and a 3DS (the lovely SNES one) that are still in their unmodded state, and practically a sackful of games for them...
But I never use them, very much wedded to the modded consoles! The sheer convenience of never having to swap out a disc or cartridge - or, indeed, have to carry all my games around with me when I travel - is such an utter bonus I'll never look back.
@Eeros hopefully you find one for a decent price! I think £90 was more than I wanted to pay but the gamepad was in good condition and I managed to get rid of some stuff I was planning to sell anyway so it was more of an exchange.
I'm not sure how many games I really liked on Wii U. Breath of the Wild was probably my favourite Wii u game. Both HD Zelda remasters are a good shout. Sonic Lost World and Splinter Cell Blacklist were both way better than they had any right to be and are probably my favourite third party games on there. On the Nintendo side, I really enjoyed both Star Fox Zero and Star Fox Guard.
I didn't really like either the 2D or 3D Mario on there unfortunately, Tropical Freeze wasn't as good as DKCR (but I haven't really given it a proper go so it's in my backlog). Game&Wario and Nintendoland are OK but the former isn't really as good as any WarioWare game. It's all ok but none of that was really "amazing" in my opinion. Even MK8 isn't a patch on MKWii imo.
I sort of feel the same but slightly worse about the Switch too unfortunately, mostly it's just repacks of Wii U games that I already owned so I never bought them again. Mario Odyssey was good at least 😅. That Hyrule Warriors was really good too and worth buying because I didn't have the Wii U or 3DS version
I'm hoping Switch 2 will be a return to the glory of the Wii days!
Edit: sorry I don't know why I got so negative there! I do have a real soft spot for the Wii U. I should be thankful for a time when there weren't so many games sucking up my free time! 😅
Edit 2: possibly because I didn't want you to feel like you were missing out tooooo much 😅
Japanese 2DSes are 100 bucks on ebay, so not too bad I guess. You can easily softmod them to play US games.
@iLikeUrAttitude I can't find any reason not to hack a 3DS besides the feeling of having a clean console. You can get other region's models for cheaper. You can play games from other regions. You can backup your save data. You can emulate NES, SNES, GB, GBC, GBA, and every other 2d game system.
@Maximumbeans good idea. Although my device is American... I might try that though
@daniruy It shouldn’t matter, the battery itself should work whether it’s come from a PAL console or US. Might be worth a shot if nothing else works!
Modding my wiiu was the best decision i made with that system, super easy to back up any game to my pc and play them on pc as well
Which is the best battery replacement kit for a New Nintendo 2DS XL?
I backed up 3DS and Wii U years ago to a HD, and i did the same for Switch so far.
@ralphdibny Lol I do feel like i've missed out now!! It's definitely higher up on my acquisitions list. It sounds like a charming console, I'm sad it didn't receive as much attention and glory as the switch, or even the 3DS at the time. Just kind of there in that awkward territory of handheld/console hybrid that Switch knocked out of the park. I'll start picking up games when I see them, which is hardly ever. I'm going to pay attention to your recommendations, I wouldn't have thought Sonic Lost World and Splinter Cell would be mid tier games. But maybe that means I can pick them up for a song.
Honestly I think it would be a lot of fun to play BoTW on wiiu with the game pad? Probably has some interesting gimmick to go along with that.
@Eeros I should clarify that my only gripe with tropical freeze is that it's not as good as the first one, it's still a good game!
I'm already a big fan of Splinter Cell but passed on Blacklist because of the voice actor change. I regretted that decision as soon as I actually got around to play it because it is everything a modern Splinter Cell should be. I really hope they release a new one in that same style that carries on the story.
Sonic Lost World was a kind of combination of Mario Galaxy and Donkey Kong Country Returns which is probably why I enjoyed it at the time. It's not as good as either game but it was still a lot better than it could have been.
Sadly nothing extraordinary for Wii U gamepad support on Breath of the Wild. I booted it up, was presented with a black screen that said something along the lines of "Press – to switch to gamepad view" and promptly switched to playing with the Pro controller. The Gamepad is required for the motion controller shines, some of which had some ingenious out of the box solutions for them and while I didn't use it for aiming for most of the game, I had to switch to it and it's gyro for some of the horseback archery challenges! Brilliant game though, I spent a good few months playing it!
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