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-C3 73238C 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.
The official seal is your assurance that this product is licensed or manufactured by Nintendo. Always look for this seal when buying video game systems, accessories, games and related products. 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.
Experience 3D images without the need for special eyewear (page 22). The Nintendo 3DS system includes this built-in software: Take 3D photos or record 3D videos with the built-in cameras and software (see page 46). Listen to music or record sounds (see page 49). Create Mii™ characters as alter egos for you and your family and friends (see page 50). Only specially designed Nintendo 3DS software titles that support 3D image display will appear in 3D.
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). The StreetPass feature allows the Nintendo 3DS system to automatically search for and communicate with other Nintendo 3DS systems and to exchange information with them as you walk by.
Table of Contents Health and Safety Information and Usage Guidelines 8 Health and Safety Information Usage Guidelines Basic Operations Nintendo 3DS Components 12 12 28 29 29 Using Game Cards 32 30 30 31 Using the Touch Screen and Stylus 15 Using Downloaded Software 34 Using the stylus Calibrating the Touch Screen 15 15 Game Notes 36 Charging the Battery Pack 16 Friend List 37 Battery charging procedure using the charging cradle 38 17 Registering friends Editing your friend card / Viewi
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 Lights with a steady green light when the image on the upper screen (the 3D screen) can be displayed in 3D (see page 22). Touch-sensitive screen. This screen should only be operated with a Nintendo licensed stylus (see page 15). Inner camera When opening or closing the Nintendo 3DS system, keep your fingers away from the hinge to avoid pinching them.
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. IMPORTANT: The Nintendo 3DS AC adapter, Model No. WAP-002(USA), is for use only with the Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DSi, and Nintendo DSi XL™ portable video game systems. It is not compatible with any other Nintendo system.
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.
Using the keyboard Power LED status 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. Predicted word feature ON/OFF Steady blue light Delete last character Switch the next character between upper and lower case.
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. Image for left eye 3D image Image for right eye You can use the 3D depth slider to adjust the apparent depth when viewing 3D images.
Using SD Memory Cards 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.) Software that you have downloaded, other than DSiWare (see page 52), is saved to the SD Card. NOTE: Downloaded software that has been saved on several cards cannot be re-saved onto a single card.
UsingMenu Software HOME The HOME Menu will display after you turn the system on. From here you can start Nintendo 3DS software applications. To start a software title, tap its icon on the HOME Menu. On the HOME Menu, you can see several important status indicators including the time, date, and current day’s step information. Also, if any of your software received new data via SpotPass, will be displayed next to the software icon.
Software icons Starting a software application 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. To start a software application, tap the icon on the HOME Menu, then tap Open.
Instruction manuals for software applications 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. 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.
Using Game Cards Exiting or suspending a game Press HOME to suspend a game and display the HOME Menu. Save the game, then tap Close on the HOME Menu to exit the game. The Nintendo 3DS system can use Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DSi™, and Nintendo DS™ Game Cards. Nintendo 3DS Game Card Nintendo DS Game Card Nintendo DSi Game Card IMPORTANT: If you exit the game without saving, any unsaved data will be lost. • Tap Resume to resume your suspended game.
Using Downloaded Software Downloaded software, other than DSiWare (see page 52), is saved on SD Cards. The icons for downloadable software that has been saved are displayed on the HOME Menu. Starting downloaded software 1 Tap the icon on the HOME Menu. 2 Operate the software as you normally would for Game Card software. NOTE: Software downloaded from Nintendo eShop is licensed to you, not sold.
Tap Game Notes Friend List This software allows you to write and draw notes, even during a Nintendo 3DS software title. You can suspend a game and make a note while viewing the game screen. Play and communicate with other people registered as your friends via the Internet, no matter how far away they are. in the top bar of the HOME Menu to display a list of your notes. Tap • You can save up to 16 notes on the system.
Registering friends Editing your friend card / Viewing friend cards To register a friend locally 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. Tap Local to connect directly to another Nintendo 3DS user nearby and register each other as friends. NOTE: You can register a maximum of 100 friends in the friend list.
Communicating with friends When your friends go online (when they connect to the Internet), the appearance of their friend card changes. The software they are playing is also displayed. Notification LED Online Offline NOTE: For this to happen, they must adjust their settings to allow their online status to be visible. Depending on what software they are playing, you may be able to join their game.
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 suspend it 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 How to take photos or record video Press , ,or to take a photo or record a video, or you can tap or on the lower screen to do the same thing. Nintendo 3DS Camera can be started from the Nintendo 3DS HOME Menu. This software allows you to shoot and view 2D photos and 3D photos and video. For more detailed information, tap Manual on the HOME Menu. When shooting 3D photos or videos, both outer cameras will capture images–one for the left eye and one for the right eye.
Nintendo 3DS Sound Viewing photos and videos Tap View Photos/Video to see the photos or videos 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 or video is displayed on the 3D Screen. Tap a thumbnail image on the lower screen to select the photo or video you want to view. Photos Videos The Nintendo 3DS Sound application can be started from the Nintendo 3DS HOME Menu.
Mii Maker StreetPass Mii Plaza 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. 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 (see page 5).
Nintendo eShop You can connect to Nintendo eShop through the Internet and view information and videos about software, or download software to play on your Nintendo 3DS system. NOTE: A broadband wireless network connection is required to connect to the Internet. For more detailed information, tap See page 59 for more information on setting Manual on the HOME Menu. up a connection. You can start AR Games from the HOME Menu. These games use AR Cards that are included with your Nintendo 3DS system.
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 46 for more information on taking photos. For more detailed information, tap Manual on the HOME Menu. Activity Log 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.
Nintendo Zone Download Play Within a Nintendo Zone location, you can easily connect your Nintendo 3DS system to the Internet and access a variety of services without having to make any special connection settings. For more information on where to find Nintendo Zone locations, visit www.nintendo.com/3ds/hotspot-locator.
System Configuration System Settings From System Settings, you can configure various settings for the Nintendo 3DS system, such as Internet Settings and Parental Controls. You can access System Settings from the HOME Menu. Internet Settings From Internet Settings, you can configure your Nintendo 3DS system to connect to the Internet.
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. 1 Tap Connection Settings.
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 and icons 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 Tap this option to change SpotPass settings for automatically receiving software or sending system information. • If you set Automatically Receive Software to Receive, you will receive software distributed through SpotPass. • If you set Send System Information to Send, information on how you use your system, such as play records and details about your system settings, will be automatically sent to Nintendo. Sent information is used to help Nintendo develop future products.
Parental Controls IMPORTANT: If a child will be the primary user, a parent or guardian should configure the settings. 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.
Suspending, changing, or removing restrictions Suspending restrictions You can temporarily remove or change restrictions by selecting the feature and then entering your PIN. Changing or removing restrictions 1 2 Tap Parental Controls under System Settings. If you forget your PIN or secret question answer 1 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, manage activation of 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. 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.
Transferring from a Nintendo DSi/Nintendo DSi XL system to a Nintendo 3DS system System Transfer Transfer data from a Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL system you already own to your Nintendo 3DS system, or transfer data between two Nintendo 3DS systems.
Transferring between two Nintendo 3DS systems Precautions when transferring Nintendo DSiWare Only Nintendo DSiWare software programs will be transferred to your Nintendo 3DS system. The DSiWare save data will not be transferred. When you transfer DSiWare from your Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL system, both software and save data will be erased from the original system. Do not transfer Nintendo DSiWare unless you are willing to lose the save data associated with that DSiWare.
Performing a transfer DSi 3DS Transferring from a Nintendo DSi/Nintendo DSi XL system to a Nintendo 3DS system Read the warnings about transferring data and then tap Next. 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.
Consumer Information 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. NOTE: Please also review any instruction manuals for the games or accessories you may be using. Make sure you are using the correct AC adapter, Model No. WAP-002(USA). • Check the battery placement to make sure it is installed correctly (see page 82).
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.
3D images can’t be seen or are difficult to see. The SD Card functions don’t seem to work. • Make sure you are not using Nintendo DS or Nintendo DSi software, which do not support 3D image display. • Check to make sure the SD Card is installed correctly (see page 24). • Check the 3D LED. Not all software includes 3D images, and the 3D LED will light up if 3D images can be viewed. • Try checking the operation of the SD Card on a PC that has an SD Card reader.
Video and Computer Game Software Rating Information The system suddenly enters Sleep Mode. Check for and remove the following possible external causes: • A strong external magnetic force, such as from an audio speaker, can cause the system to go into Sleep Mode. • The Nintendo 3DS system may go into Sleep Mode if it is stacked up with other systems in the Nintendo DS product line. Wireless communication doesn’t work or works inconsistently. • Check the signal strength icon.
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 CTR-001 (USA) 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.
