Does 3DS Save Credit Card Info?

The Nintendo 3DS does not directly save credit card information on the system hardware, but it can be saved to the Nintendo eShop account when adding funds or purchasing content before May 23, 2022. Additionally, Nintendo Account members aged 18+ have the option to save credit card information when using the Nintendo Switch eShop, with only one credit card allowed to be stored per Nintendo Account.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

1. Is Credit Card Information Saved on Nintendo 3DS Family Systems?: Credit card information used to add funds to a Nintendo eShop account before May 23, 2022, could be saved to the Nintendo eShop account, but not directly on the system hardware.
2. Does Nintendo Save Credit Card Info?: You have the option to save credit card information when you add funds or purchase content with a credit card in the Nintendo Switch eShop, with only one credit card allowed to be stored per Nintendo Account.
3. Do 3DS Cartridges Save Data?: No, while some Game Cards save SpotPass and StreetPass information to the SD card or system memory, game progress is saved to the Nintendo 3DS Game Card.

Managing Game Cards and SD Cards

4. How Do I Remove a Card from My 3DS?: To remove a Game Card, gently push it into the game card slot until it clicks, release, and then slide the Game Card out of the system.
5. What is Stored on 3DS SD Card?: The SD Card stores pictures, recorded sounds, music, DSiWare, Virtual Console titles, some 3DS game saves, and other content downloaded from the E-Shop.
6. What Files Are on a 3DS SD Card?: The 3DS uses an SD Card for general storage of game data, music, photos, and videos, with everything stored under sdmc/Nintendo 3DS// encrypted by 128-bit AES-CTR with console-unique keyslots.

Data Management and Security

7. Does 3DS Save Data on Cartridge or SD Card?: 3DS games always save game progress on the cartridge, not the SD card.
8. Is It Safe to Remove 3DS SD Card?: It is completely safe to remove the SD card, but doing so while saving data may result in data loss or corruption.
9. What Happens if You Take the SD Card Out of a 3DS?: Removing the SD card will lock and encrypt it with a unique reg code, preventing it from being read by other 3DS systems or computers without decryption.

System Maintenance and Troubleshooting

10. How Do I Wipe My 3DS Before Selling It?: To wipe the 3DS, go to System Settings, Other Settings, and then Format System Memory to erase all data, including the Nintendo Network ID.
11. Does Deleting a 3DS Game Delete Save Data?: Deleting a game or application will also delete associated save data permanently unless a save data backup is created.
12. Can a Hacked 3DS Still Play Cartridges?: Consoles with custom firmware can still play online and run physical cartridges as any other 3DS.

Purchases and Legal

13. Does Nintendo Have a Purchase History?: Yes, purchase history can be viewed from the profile settings under the Shop menu, select Purchase History.
14. Is It Safe to Use My Debit Card on Nintendo eShop?: Using a debit card on the Nintendo eShop is safe, with funds added immediately, but be aware that online purchases carry inherent risks.
15. Does Formatting 3DS Remove Nintendo ID?: Formatting the system will remove the Nintendo Network ID, allowing a different one to be linked or created, and removed accounts can be linked again in the future.