What is the Best SD Card for a 3DS XL?
The best SD card for a 3DS XL is the SanDisk 32GB Extreme PRO V30 SD, which offers a 95MB/s read speed, making it the perfect partner for your Nintendo 3DS, while larger SD cards like 64GB or 128GB can also be used if formatted to FAT32. For optimal performance, it’s recommended to use SD cards up to 32GB as specified by Nintendo, but with proper formatting, 64GB or 128GB cards can provide ample storage for your games, photos, and other data.
Understanding SD Card Compatibility
To get the most out of your 3DS XL, it’s essential to choose the right SD card, considering factors like storage capacity, read and write speeds, and compatibility. The Nintendo 3DS XL supports SD cards up to 2GB and SDHC cards from 4GB to 32GB, but with the help of formatting, you can use larger SDXC cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What SD cards and microSD cards are compatible with the 3DS XL?
The 3DS XL is compatible with SD cards up to 2GB and SDHC cards from 4GB to 32GB, and with an adapter, you can also use miniSD and microSD cards.
2. Can I use a 128GB SD card on my 3DS XL?
Yes, you can use a 128GB SD card on your 3DS XL if you format it to FAT32, but be aware that there may be issues with GBA graphics and custom themes.
3. How many blocks is 32GB on 3DS?
A 32GB card has approximately 256,000 blocks, calculated by multiplying the number of megabytes by 8.
4. Is a 32 GB SD card good for a 3DS XL?
Yes, a 32GB SD card is a good choice for a 3DS XL, as it provides ample storage for games, photos, and other data, and is within the recommended SD card size limit.
5. What is the biggest SD card for 3DS XL?
The biggest SD card that can be used in a 3DS XL is 128GB if formatted to FAT32, but the officially supported size is 32GB.
6. How do I format my 64GB card or higher for 3DS XL?
To format a 64GB or larger SD card for your 3DS XL, use a computer to format the card to FAT32 using a tool like guiformat.exe.
7. Can a 3DS XL use a 64GB SD card?
Yes, a 3DS XL can use a 64GB SD card if it’s formatted to FAT32, providing more storage for your games and data.
8. Why won’t my 3DS XL read my SD Card?
The most common reason a 3DS XL won’t read an SD card is incompatibility, so ensure your SD card meets the compatibility requirements.
9. How do I increase storage on my 3DS XL?
You can increase storage on your 3DS XL by replacing the SD card with a larger one or by using a microSD card with an adapter.
10. How many games can 64GB hold on 3DS XL?
A 64GB SD card can hold approximately 128 full retail games, depending on the game sizes, which can range from 685MB to 3.5GB.
11. Does formatting a 3DS XL SD Card delete everything?
Yes, formatting a 3DS XL SD card will delete all data, except for photos and videos, and you’ll need to redownload any installed software.
12. Which SD cards are FAT32?
FAT32 is commonly used in SD cards between 4GB and 32GB, making them compatible with the 3DS XL.
13. Can 3DS XL use 512GB SD card?
No, the 3DS XL cannot use a 512GB SD card, as it only supports microSDHC cards up to 32GB.
14. How many games can a 3DS XL SD card hold?
A 3DS XL SD card can hold up to 300 software titles, 180 sound files, and 3,000 photos.
15. Should I wipe my 3DS XL before selling it?
Yes, it’s recommended to format the system memory and securely remove all personally-identifiable information before selling your 3DS XL to protect your data.