NINTENDO 3DS OPERATIONS MANUAL NINTENDO OF AMERICA INC. P.O. BOX 957, REDMOND, WA 98073-0957 U.S.A. PRINTED IN CHINA MAA-CTR-S-USZ-C1 73238B NEED HELP WITH INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE OR SERVICE? BESOIN D’AIDE POUR L’INSTALLATION, L’ENTRETIEN OU LA RÉPARATION? ¿NECESITAS AYUDA DE INSTALACIÓN, MANTENIMIENTO O SERVICIO? Nintendo Customer Service SUPPORT.NINTENDO.COM or call 1-800-255-3700 Service à la clientèle de Nintendo SUPPORT.NINTENDO.
Here is a look at a few of the exciting features of the Nintendo 3DS system! This product is a precision electronic device that can be damaged by direct physical impact or contact with dust or other foreign material. A protective carrying case (sold separately) may help prevent damage to your Nintendo 3DS™ system. Please carefully read this Operations Manual before setup or use of the Nintendo 3DS system.
Experience 3D images without the need for special eyewear (page 22). The Nintendo 3DS system includes this built-in software: Take 3D photos with the built-in cameras and software (see page 44). Listen to music or record sounds (see page 49). Create Mii™ characters as alter egos for you and your family and friends (see page 52). Only specially designed Nintendo 3DS software titles that support 3D image display will appear in 3D. Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi software do not support 3D display.
SpotPass™ StreetPass™ The SpotPass feature allows the Nintendo 3DS system to automatically communicate with a nearby wireless LAN access point, enabling it to connect to the Internet and transmit a variety of data. The system can also do this while playing a game or in Sleep Mode (power is on, but the system is closed).
Table of Contents Health and Safety Information and Usage Guidelines 8 Suspending or exiting software Instruction manuals for software applications Screen brightness and power-saving mode Taking photos with the Nintendo 3DS camera 28 Nintendo eShop 58 Other Settings 83 29 Downloadable software Requirements for downloading software 58 58 29 AR Games 60 60 61 84 86 90 90 30 AR Cards Playing AR Card games Outer Cameras System Transfer System Update Format System Memory Using Ga
Health and Safety Information Health and Safety Information Health and Safety Information and Usage Guidelines WARNING - EYESTRAIN AND MOTION SICKNESS Playing video games can result in eyestrain after a sustained period of time, and perhaps sooner if using the 3D feature. Playing video games can also result in motion sickness in some players.
Usage Guidelines IMPORTANT BATTERY GUIDELINES 1. Do not disassemble or try to repair the Nintendo 3DS system, components, or accessories. Doing so voids your warranty. 1. Do not remove the battery pack from the Nintendo 3DS system unless it needs to be replaced. 2. Always turn the Nintendo 3DS power off before loading or removing a Game Card. Insert the Game Card completely until it clicks into place, without forcing either the Game Card or the Nintendo 3DS system. 2.
Basic Operations Nintendo 3DS Components 3D Depth Slider Adjusts the depth of the 3D image from zero to maximum (see page 22). 3D LED Inner camera When opening the Nintendo 3DS system, keep your fingers away from the hinge to avoid pinching them. Used by games or other applications that include camera features. NOTE: Avoid getting the camera lens dirty. If it becomes dirty, wipe gently with a soft cloth, being careful not to damage the lens.
Battery cover For inserting SD or SDHC memory cards (see page 24). Remove cover to replace the battery. NOTE: Do not remove the cover unless you need to replace the battery or check battery installation. Cradle connectors Allows connection to the Nintendo 3DS charging cradle (included, see page 16). Wrist strap attachment For attachment of a licensed wrist strap (sold separately). After removing the stylus from the stylus holder, it can be adjusted to your desired length.
Be sure to charge the battery pack before using it for the first time or when it has not been used in the last six months. WARNING Do not use the Nintendo 3DS AC adapter or charging cradle during a lightning storm. There may be a risk of electric shock from lightning. Insert the DC plug from the AC adapter into the AC adapter connector on the back of the Nintendo 3DS charging cradle. Be sure to insert it straight into the connector.
3 Remember that other Nintendo 3DS users will see your nickname when interacting with them, so do not use your real name or otherwise share any personal information in your nickname. Press the POWER Button to turn the system on. The Power LED will light up and after a few seconds the HOME Menu will appear. The first time you turn the Nintendo 3DS on, you will need to select a language and then configure the System Settings. For more information on the Power LED and battery life, see page 21.
Power LED status A keyboard will display when you are required to enter characters. There are two types of keyboards: a standard alphanumeric keyboard and a ten-key keyboard. The power LED lights when the system is on. The color and status of the LED changes depending on the remaining battery charge. Full charge Alphanumeric keyboard Low Predicted word field Tap the character you want to select.
The upper 3D screen allows you to view stereoscopic 3D images. You can adjust the apparent depth of these images with the 3D depth slider. The Nintendo 3DS system uses binocular parallax (the fact that your left and right eyes are located a short distance apart, causing them to see different images) to produce 3D images with a feeling of depth.
UsingMenu Software HOME Using SD Memory Cards Basic Operations The Nintendo 3DS uses SD Memory Cards up to 2GB in size and SDHC Memory Cards of 4GB and larger. The Nintendo 3DS system comes with an SD Memory Card inserted into the SD Card slot. With SD Memory Cards (SD Cards), you will be able to save photos you have taken with the system or play music saved to the SD Card. (The data that can be saved to an SD Card varies depending on the software.
Scrolling, changing the display, and moving icons Software icons Scrolling When free software is received via SpotPass, or when software is downloaded through Nintendo eShop, software icons are added to the HOME Menu. (Up to 300 software titles can be saved to an SD Card.) Shown below is a list of the software icons you may see on the HOME Menu. Tap the Touch Screen and slide the stylus across it to scroll. You can also scroll by tapping or Changing the display or Hold down... ...and slide.
Starting a software application Instruction manuals for software applications To start a software application, tap the icon on the HOME Menu, then tap Open. From the HOME Menu, if you tap the icon for a software application that includes a built-in instruction manual, a button labeled Manual will be displayed at the bottom of the HOME Menu. Tap the button to view the instruction manual for the highlighted software.
Using Game Cards The effect of screen brightness on battery life Keeping screen brightness at high settings will reduce the duration of a single charge of the battery pack, while keeping brightness at lower settings can prolong battery life. IMPORTANT: Setting the screen brighter can greatly increase power consumption and may cause the power LED to change to red. If remaining battery power is already low, setting the screen brighter during game play may cause the system to turn off.
Using Downloaded Software Exiting or pausing a game Press HOME to display the HOME Menu. Save the game, then tap Close on the HOME Menu. NOTE: Software downloaded from Nintendo eShop is licensed to you, not sold. For more information, see the Nintendo 3DS Service User Agreement by going to Other Information in System Settings (see page 77). • Tap Resume to resume your paused game. • When you exit a Nintendo DS or Nintendo DSi title, first save your game, then press HOME and tap OK.
Game Notes About SD Card capacity If you begin to run out of room on an SD Card, first try deleting undesired photos, sound files, or software using the Data Management feature in System Settings (see page 82). If you still need more room, you can purchase a higher-capacity SD Card and move all of the files onto the new SD Card. Use a PC that has an SD Card slot or a commercially available SD Card reader/writer to transfer files.
Friend List Play and communicate with other people registered as your friends via the Internet, no matter how far away they are. Registering friends To register a friend locally Tap in the top bar of the HOME Menu to open your friend list. The first time you open the friend list, follow the on-screen instructions to create your own friend card. From the friend list, you can see if your registered friends are online (whether they are connected to the Internet).
Editing your friend card / Viewing friend cards Display of your friends' online (Internet connection) status Select your friend card from the friend list to edit your details or view friend cards belonging to other people. Your friend card will be identified by a icon. Viewing friend cards Choose your friend card to edit your favorite software, message, or other information. Choose the friend card you would like to view. Details will be displayed on the upper screen.
Notifications This software allows you to receive notifications from Nintendo, from StreetPass, and from other types of software. To view notifications Tap the notification you want to view in your notification list. Tap in the top bar of the HOME Menu to start Notifications and display a list of your notifications. Even when using Nintendo 3DS software, you can pause the game and view Notifications.
Internet Browser View Internet web pages using simple controls with the stylus. Using the Internet browser Tap and slide the stylus on the lower screen to scroll the page. Tap a link on the bottom screen to open the destination page. Tap in the top bar of the HOME Menu to start the Internet browser. The first time you open the Internet browser, you will need to follow the on-screen setup instructions.
Nintendo 3DS Camera Taking photos Tap or on the lower screen to take a photo. You can also press , a photo. NOTE: If you press down on the +Control Pad, you can turn the leveler feature on and off. Nintendo 3DS Camera can be started from the Nintendo 3DS HOME Menu. This software allows you to take and view 2D and 3D photos. 3D indicator Image for right eye This icon will display if you are taking a photo with the outer cameras.
Remaining number of photos you can save How many photos can you save? The remaining number of photos you can save is displayed on the upper screen. This is the approximate number of photos you can save in the current save location (System Memory or an SD Card), but it’s only an estimate. Change camera mode Tap the tool lever icon ( ), and then tap the camera-mode icon ( ) to display the camera-mode selection screen. Then tap the camera mode you would like to use.
Nintendo 3DS Sound Viewing photos Tap View Photos to see the photos you’ve taken. A series of smaller thumbnail images will be displayed on the Touch Screen. The red outline in the thumbnail selection indicates which image is displayed on the 3D Screen. Tap a thumbnail image on the Touch Screen to display it on the 3D Screen. 3D indicator This icon will display if you are viewing a 3D photo. Begin slide show Saved on SD Card For more detailed information, tap Manual on the HOME Menu.
Recording and playing with sounds Playing music from an SD Card You can record a maximum of 10 seconds of sound in one sound file using the microphone. You can save up to 18 sound files in System Memory and up to 180 sound files on an SD Card. Begin by inserting an SD Card that contains music files that are compatible with the Nintendo 3DS. See the section below for information on compatible music formats. 1 Tap to select a file, then tap Record. 1 Select a folder and tap Open.
Mii Maker 2 Tap the face parts and body type to edit the Mii character. Next/previous page Create from photo Mii Maker can be started from the Nintendo 3DS HOME Menu. This software allows you to build faces from various parts to create virtual alter egos for yourself, your family members, and your friends. Take a photo of your face and use the photo to create your Mii. Adjust parts: For more detailed information, tap Manual on the HOME Menu.
Editing or erasing a Mii Warning about Mii profiles If you send a Mii character to another Nintendo 3DS system, the Mii character’s name and profile will be sent with it. Therefore, take care not to use offensive words or any personally identifiable information in the nickname or profile of your Mii. Someone who receives your Mii can edit it or send it on to others, and you cannot remotely delete Mii characters sent to other people using your Nintendo 3DS system.
StreetPass Mii Plaza StreetPass Mii Plaza StreetPass Mii Plaza can be started from the Nintendo 3DS HOME Menu. StreetPass Mii Plaza is a place where many Mii characters can connect with one another through StreetPass and other types of communication. You can also enjoy some simple games with Mii characters gathered through StreetPass. In the StreetPass Mii Plaza, you can view Mii characters received through StreetPass or enjoy some simple games with the gathered Mii characters.
Nintendo eShop Nintendo 3DS Prepaid Cards and Nintendo 3DS Prepaid Card activation numbers You can connect to Nintendo eShop through the Internet and download Nintendo 3DS Download Software and Nintendo DSiWare™, as well as classic Virtual Console™ software. NOTE: A broadband wireless network connection is required to connect to the Internet. For more detailed information, tap See page 69 for more information on setting Manual on the HOME Menu. up a connection.
AR Games You can start AR Games from the HOME Menu. These games use AR Cards that are included with your Nintendo 3DS system. Using the outer cameras, the system can read the AR Cards and make magic happen! AR Cards display game stages or characters that can be recognized by the cameras. Playing AR Card games Place the “?” AR Card on a flat, well-lit surface and keep it within the view of your system’s outer cameras at the correct distance and angle, as described below.
Face Raiders Playing Face Raiders You can start Face Raiders from the HOME Menu. Face Raiders puts your face and your friends’ faces in the game! You will need to take at least one face photo to play. See page 44 for more information on taking photos. 1 . Take a photo of a face and begin the game. • When taking a face photo, a guide will be displayed. Line up the face with the guide on the upper screen. When the face is recognized, the game will begin. (For tips on facial recognition, see page 99.
Activity Log Software Library Tap a software icon to display information about that software on the upper screen. The Activity Log can be started from the Nintendo 3DS HOME Menu. This software allows you to keep track of the number of steps you have taken when you take the Nintendo 3DS with you. It also records your play time on software titles. Turning pages To turn pages, slide the stylus to the left or right, or tap / . NOTE: Steps are counted when the system is on and closed.
Download Play With only a single copy of a Download Play-compatible software title, you can play multiplayer games with other Nintendo 3DS systems, and send and receive demos of some software titles through local wireless game play. (This feature is not supported through Internet online play.) Using Software Download Play is compatible with Nintendo DSi XL™, Nintendo DSi™, Nintendo DS™ Lite, and Nintendo DS™ systems.
System Configuration System Settings Parental Controls Restrict a user’s ability to download games and use certain features, such as the display of 3D images (page 78). Data Management Manage downloaded software, StreetPass data, and blocked-user settings (page 82). Other Settings Profile Set your user name and birthday (page 83). Date & Time Set the date and time (page 83). Touch Screen Calibrate the Touch Screen (page 83).
Internet connection requirements Configure your Internet settings To connect your Nintendo 3DS system to the Internet, you will need an Internet connection that supports wireless communication. If you haven’t already set up a wireless network, you may also need a computer to configure a wireless access point such as a wireless router (sold separately). After configuring the devices necessary for connecting to the Internet, tap Internet Settings in the System Settings menu.
Setup using Search for Access Point If you know the name of your wireless network (also known as an access point), and aren’t using WPS or AOSS to configure your system, follow these steps: About the icons and This icon shows whether or not you will need to enter a key to use that access point. The access point requires a key. If you are using the guided setup Tutorial and selected No/I don’t know, proceed to step 2. 1 The access point does not require a key. Tap Search for Access Point.
Setup using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) Setup using AOSS™ Setup is easy if you use a wireless router that includes the WPS feature. Read the instruction manual for your router for additional information on using the WPS feature. Setup is easy if you use a wireless router that includes the AOSS feature. This is found on many routers sold under the Buffalo™ brand name. Read the instruction manual for your router for additional information about using AOSS.
SpotPass Settings Other Information Tap this option to change SpotPass settings for automatically receiving software or sending system information. Tap this option to agree to or review the Nintendo 3DS Service User Agreement, or to confirm the MAC address for the Nintendo 3DS system. (The MAC address is a unique number assigned to all devices that connect to the Internet.) • If you set Automatically Receive Software to Receive, you will receive software distributed through SpotPass.
Parental Controls Parental Controls can limit the download and use of certain content on the Nintendo 3DS system. Parental Controls can also limit the use of certain features of the Nintendo 3DS system such as the display of 3D images. NOTE: When Parental Controls are enabled, some System Settings, such as Internet Settings, Outer Cameras, System Transfer, and System Update cannot be accessed. You will need to enter the PIN to access these features.
Suspending, changing, or removing restrictions If you forget your PIN or secret question answer Suspending restrictions You can temporarily remove or change restrictions by selecting the feature and then entering your PIN. Changing or removing restrictions 1 Tap Parental Controls under System Settings. 1 2 You can either tap Forgot PIN after selecting Parental Controls from System Settings, or tap I Forgot on the PIN entry screen.
Data Management Other Settings Tap Other Settings in System Settings to change your user information, calibrate various Nintendo 3DS components, or perform other system functions. You can check, erase, or move downloaded software or StreetPass software, or manage blocked-user settings. To do so, tap Data Management in System Settings and then tap the item you want to manage. Nintendo 3DS Data Management Check or erase Nintendo 3DS Download Software and Virtual Console software.
Manual calibration Outer Cameras You can manually calibrate the vertical alignment of the outer cameras. Please do this if you are not able to use auto-calibration. If your Nintendo 3DS system receives an impact or is left in a place where it is exposed to high temperatures, 3D images viewed or taken by the outer cameras may become misaligned. If you feel like the 3D images are out of alignment, use the following procedure to calibrate the cameras.
System Transfer Precautions when transferring Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Settings IMPORTANT: Once you have transferred your software or data to the Nintendo 3DS system, they cannot be returned back to the original system. • This will overwrite the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Settings under Nintendo DS Connections on your Nintendo 3DS system. • The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection ID will be deleted from your Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL system.
Before performing a transfer Before using this feature, download the free Nintendo 3DS Transfer Tool from Nintendo DSi Shop to your Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL system. On the Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL system: 4 Tap Transfer to Nintendo 3DS. Read the warnings about transferring data and then tap Next. • A broadband wireless network connection to the Internet is required.
Consumer Information System Update IMPORTANT: The Nintendo 3DS System specifications and the Nintendo 3DS Service are constantly evolving and we may update or change the Nintendo 3DS System or the Nintendo 3DS Service in whole or in part, without notice to you. Such updates may be required for you to play new Nintendo 3DS games, enjoy new features, or continue to access the Nintendo 3DS Service.
Replacing the Battery Pack Battery packs become worn with repeated charge/discharge cycles, and the amount of time they can be used when fully charged will decrease gradually over time. If you feel the usage time has dropped off noticeably replace the battery pack. • Do not use any battery other than the Nintendo 3DS rechargeable battery pack, Model No. CTR-003. A replacement battery may be ordered through Nintendo’s website at store.nintendo.
Troubleshooting Before seeking assistance, please review the following problems and solutions. You can also visit support.nintendo.com for assistance and additional troubleshooting and repair options, or call 1-800-255-3700. The system won’t turn on or there is no picture or sound. • Make sure the battery pack is charged (see page 16). • Check to see if the power LED lights up when you press the POWER Button, as shown below.
The system registers control input when you aren’t operating the controls, or the controls don’t seem to operate correctly. The screen image does not match my movement, or moves when I’m not moving the system (for software that requires the system to be moved during game play). • The Nintendo 3DS system’s built-in motion sensor may need to be recalibrated. This can be caused by sudden drastic temperature changes or by a strong impact to the system.
The microphone doesn’t seem to work or recognize sounds (including headset microphones). • Make sure the software you are using includes microphone features. • Confirm that the microphone is operating correctly by performing a microphone test in System Settings (see page 83). • Some voices may be difficult for the system to recognize. Try having a different person speak the same word or phrase to verify if this is the problem. The cameras don’t recognize my face.
I can’t view photos saved to an SD Card. The system is not counting step numbers accurately. • • If your system is open, it cannot count steps. Steps are only counted when both the power is on and the system is closed. • If you carry your Nintendo 3DS system in a bag that is not closely connected to your body, or you dangle it by a strap or case as you walk, it cannot accurately count your steps.
Warranty and Service Information Regulations for Equipment Use in U.S.A. and Canada You may need only simple instructions to correct a problem with your product. Try our website at support.nintendo.com or call our Consumer Assistance Hotline at 1-800-255-3700, rather than going to your retailer. Hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Pacific Time, Monday - Sunday (times subject to change).
Nintendo 3DS System Privacy Policy Aggregate Information. We also may collect and aggregate certain information about our users’ game play, age, gender, search terms, clickstreams, and purchases for the purposes of advertising and improving the Nintendo 3DS System features, applications, games, and content. “Aggregate Information” is Non-PII that is combined with the Non-PII of other users.
NINTENDO ZONE DISABLING AND REMOVING INFORMATION STORED ON YOUR NINTENDO 3DS SYSTEM We may collect and use your PII and Non-PII to notify you when you are close to a Nintendo Zone. If you choose to access a Nintendo Zone, we may use your PII and Non-PII, for example, to facilitate your access to applications and content. In addition, third parties may collect PII that you provide to them and Non-PII through the Nintendo Zone.
Nintendo 3DS Code of Conduct This Nintendo 3DS Code of Conduct outlines the rules that you must follow to participate in the Nintendo 3DS Service. These rules are designed to keep the Nintendo 3DS Service a friendly and safe environment. The Nintendo 3DS Code of Conduct may be found at http://support.nintendo.com and may be revised by us at anytime. If you do not have Internet access, please contact Nintendo Consumer Service by (i) sending a letter to Nintendo of America Inc.
Specifications Nintendo 3DS battery pack Consumer Information LCD screens (Screen size/pixel count) Upper Screen: Widescreen LCD display, enabling 3D view without the need for special glasses. Capable of displaying approximately 16.77 million colors. 3.53-inch display (76.80 mm horizontal x 46.08 mm vertical) with 800x240 pixel resolution (400 pixels are allocated for each eye to enable 3D viewing). Lower Screen: LCD Touch Screen. Capable of displaying approximately 16.77 million colors.
