Does Formatting a 3DS Remove Games? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, formatting a Nintendo 3DS will indeed remove games that are stored on the system’s internal memory or SD card. However, the key distinction lies in how you obtained those games and whether you have a Nintendo Network ID (NNID) linked to your console. If you purchased and downloaded digital games from the eShop, you can generally redownload them after formatting, provided you are logged into the same NNID. Physical game cartridges, on the other hand, are unaffected by the formatting process.

Think of it like this: formatting is like cleaning house. It wipes the slate clean, removing the data that tells the system where the games are located. For physical games, the game data remains safely on the cartridge itself. Digital games linked to your NNID are like items stored in a cloud-based storage locker – you’ll need the key (your NNID login) to access them again, but they haven’t disappeared entirely.

Understanding the Nuances of Formatting

The Nintendo 3DS family of systems, including the original 3DS, 3DS XL, and 2DS, offered a diverse gaming experience through both physical cartridges and digital downloads. When you format a 3DS, it essentially performs a factory reset, erasing all the data stored on the system’s internal memory. This process impacts downloaded games, save data, personal settings, and account information. It’s crucial to understand the implications before initiating a format, especially if you intend to sell or give away your device.

What is Actually Removed?

Here’s a breakdown of what gets removed during the formatting process:

• Downloaded Games: Any games you’ve purchased and downloaded from the Nintendo eShop will be deleted from the system’s memory.
• Save Data: Game progress, unlocks, and other save data associated with both downloaded and physical games stored on the system will be erased.
• Personal Information: Your Nintendo Network ID (NNID), account information, friend list, and other personal details are removed.
• System Settings: Custom settings, parental controls, and other personalized configurations are reset to their default values.
• Photos and Videos (on SD Card): While the article implies photos and videos remain, it says only that they are not invalidated as is other SD card data, and therefore could still be removed. It is always best to back up your photos and videos from the SD card to another source, such as a computer, prior to formatting your 3DS.
• Themes: Purchased themes from the Theme Shop will also be deleted.

How to Recover Your Digital Games

If you have a NNID linked to your 3DS, recovering your digital games is a straightforward process. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your NNID: After formatting, relink your NNID to the 3DS.
2. Access the Nintendo eShop: Open the eShop from the HOME Menu.
3. Navigate to “Settings / Other”: Scroll to the left and select this option.
4. Choose “Redownloadable Software”: Select this option to view a list of games you’ve previously purchased.
5. Redownload Your Games: Select “Redownload” next to each game you want to reinstall.

Important Note: The Nintendo eShop for the 3DS has officially closed. While you can no longer purchase new games, you can still redownload previously purchased software for the foreseeable future. However, Nintendo has not announced how long redownloading will be possible, so consider redownloading essential titles soon.

Formatting a Modded 3DS

Formatting a modded 3DS can be a bit more complex. It will remove the modifications and custom firmware, potentially returning the system to its original state. However, depending on how the system was modded, there might be residual files or changes that remain. Research the specific modding process used on your 3DS before formatting, as it might require additional steps to fully remove the modifications.

Before You Format: Essential Preparations

Before you take the plunge and format your 3DS, consider these crucial steps:

• Back Up Your Save Data (If Possible): Some games allow you to back up save data to the SD card or cloud storage (if you have Nintendo Switch Online and the game supports it). This will enable you to restore your progress after formatting. However, most 3DS titles do not support cloud saves.
• Transfer to a New System (If Applicable): If you’re upgrading to a new 3DS or Nintendo Switch, consider performing a system transfer to move your games, save data, and NNID to the new device.
• Note Down Your NNID Credentials: Make sure you remember your NNID username and password. You’ll need them to redownload your games.
• Backup Photos and Videos: As mentioned earlier, copy any photos and videos from your SD card to a computer or other storage device.

Selling or Giving Away Your 3DS

If you’re selling or giving away your 3DS, formatting the system memory is absolutely essential to protect your privacy. This will remove all personal information and prevent the new owner from accessing your account or digital games. After formatting, the 3DS will be like a brand new device, ready for its next user.

FAQs: Deep Dive into 3DS Formatting

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further clarity on the topic of formatting a 3DS:

1. Does formatting a 3DS remove my NNID?

Yes, formatting the system will remove the Nintendo Network ID from the console. However, the NNID itself is not deleted. You can relink it to the same or a different 3DS in the future.

2. Can I recover permanently deleted games on my 3DS if I don’t have an NNID?

If you purchased digital games without linking them to an NNID, recovering them after formatting can be extremely difficult, if not impossible, after the eShop’s closure. Nintendo tied digital game ownership to an NNID for a reason. Contacting Nintendo support might offer some recourse, but it’s not guaranteed.

3. Will a system transfer delete my games on the original 3DS?

Yes, a system transfer will delete all data, including games, from the original 3DS once the transfer is complete. The data will then be available on the target system.

4. Is it safe to format my 3DS if it’s not working properly?

Formatting can sometimes resolve software glitches or performance issues. However, it’s a drastic measure and should be considered a last resort. Be sure to exhaust other troubleshooting options first.

5. Does formatting affect physical game cartridges?

No, formatting only affects data stored on the system’s internal memory or SD card. Physical game cartridges remain unaffected.

6. Can I still play downloaded 3DS games after the eShop closes?

Yes, you can continue to play downloaded games after the eShop closes, provided they are already downloaded on your system. You also can still redownload previously purchased games for the foreseeable future.

7. Does deleting a 3DS game delete save data?

Yes, deleting a game downloaded from the eShop will delete the associated save data as well, unless you have a save data backup (which is rare for 3DS titles).

8. How do I wipe my 3DS before selling it?

To wipe your 3DS, go to System Settings > Other Settings > Format System Memory. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the formatting process.

9. Does a factory reset delete all games?

Yes, a factory reset, which is essentially what formatting is, will delete all games stored on the system’s internal memory.

10. Can I reinstall games on my 3DS?

Yes, you can reinstall games you previously purchased from the Nintendo eShop by accessing the “Redownloadable Software” section.

11. What happens if I format my 3DS and then lose my NNID credentials?

Losing your NNID credentials after formatting can be problematic. You might be unable to redownload your games. Contact Nintendo support immediately for assistance.

12. Does formatting an SD card delete everything?

Yes, formatting an SD card deletes all data stored on it. Be sure to back up any important files before formatting.

13. Is it safe to sell my 3DS after formatting it?

Yes, formatting your 3DS is a necessary step before selling it to protect your personal information.

14. What’s the difference between formatting and deleting a game?

Deleting a game only removes the game itself, while formatting wipes the entire system memory, including all games, save data, and personal information.

15. Can I transfer my 3DS games to my Nintendo Switch?

Unfortunately, you cannot directly transfer 3DS games to your Nintendo Switch. The systems use different architectures and game formats.

Conclusion

Formatting a 3DS is a significant action with potential consequences. While it removes games and other data from the system, understanding how digital game ownership is tied to your Nintendo Network ID allows you to recover your purchases. Always back up your data and make sure you know your NNID credentials before proceeding. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and secure formatting experience.

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