Hey guys, I need some help transferring data and want to make sure I didn't mess up!
Long story short, I recently got a 3DS XL when the new Pokemon games were released. (I have a cartridge, NOT the downloadable version). I popped in my SD card from my old 3DS into the XL, and saw that my games/info didn't transfer. My friend told me it was impossible, so I cut my losses and started playing the game. I finished the game. Is the game now linked with the SD card? Can I still go back, transfer my Nintendo link ID and get my old games/info back? My friend has been playing his version of the pokemon game on my old 3DS (but with a different SD card).
Sorry if this sounds confusing; if you need clarification, just ask and I'll explain in more detail.
Long story short, I recently got a 3DS XL when the new Pokemon games were released. (I have a cartridge, NOT the downloadable version). I popped in my SD card from my old 3DS into the XL, and saw that my games/info didn't transfer. My friend told me it was impossible, so I cut my losses and started playing the game. I finished the game. Is the game now linked with the SD card? Can I still go back, transfer my Nintendo link ID and get my old games/info back? My friend has been playing his version of the pokemon game on my old 3DS (but with a different SD card).
In order to transfer data, you have to do the 3DS transfer. Games and some data are linked to the console and will not work on any other 3DS unless transferred.
Second, cartridge game data is saved on the cartridge itself. Lastly, DLC and purchased extras are like game data, and they also have to be transferred. Updates can simply be downloaded to the new system and are not linked.
Sorry if this sounds confusing; if you need clarification, just ask and I'll explain in more detail.
Thanks in advance!
I'll break it down into a list for you:
The 3DS transfer moves all data on the new console. Do note that any ID and data on the receiving system (i.e. your newer 3DS) might be deleted and overwritten (see instructions in the Nintendo link).
The following needs to be transferred to a newer 3DS model (or 2DS, etc.)
1. Purchased games including digital titles, VC, etc.
2. Purchased extra content including DLC, themes, etc.
3. Nintendo Network ID. This is your account.
The following is not needed for transfer, reasons are included.
1. Update data and patches: Any 3DS can download these, but you need to download them to play the most up-to-date version of the game on your handheld
2. Physical games and save data: Save data for cartridges are stored on the cartridge itself. No transfer is required for physical games.
-Note that DLC and update data are NOT stored on the cartridge, but rather it is stored on the SD card.
It is certainly possible to play, but you had to transfer the games first. Please note that formatting a 3DS outside the transfer process will delete all data and the account, and I am not sure it can be recovered.
Also note when to take out the SD card in the "old" system, because the SD card will be formatted in the old system during the process. When this is about to happen, simply switch out the old card to the new system. This will be in the transfer instructions. I just bring this up because several users messed this step up.
Also note that the instructions for all the old models (3DS, 2DS, 3DS XL) are the same. The new 3DS/XL may be different due to the micro SD card.
Long story short, I recently got a 3DS XL when the new Pokemon games were released. (I have a cartridge, NOT the downloadable version). I popped in my SD card from my old 3DS into the XL, and saw that my games/info didn't transfer. My friend told me it was impossible, so I cut my losses and started playing the game. I finished the game. Is the game now linked with the SD card? Can I still go back, transfer my Nintendo link ID and get my old games/info back? My friend has been playing his version of the pokemon game on my old 3DS (but with a different SD card).
In order to transfer data, you have to do the 3DS transfer. Games and some data are linked to the console and will not work on any other 3DS unless transferred.
Second, cartridge game data is saved on the cartridge itself. Lastly, DLC and purchased extras are like game data, and they also have to be transferred. Updates can simply be downloaded to the new system and are not linked.
Sorry if this sounds confusing; if you need clarification, just ask and I'll explain in more detail.
Thanks in advance!
I'll break it down into a list for you:
The 3DS transfer moves all data on the new console. Do note that any ID and data on the receiving system (i.e. your newer 3DS) might be deleted and overwritten (see instructions in the Nintendo link).
The following needs to be transferred to a newer 3DS model (or 2DS, etc.)
1. Purchased games including digital titles, VC, etc.
2. Purchased extra content including DLC, themes, etc.
3. Nintendo Network ID. This is your account.
The following is not needed for transfer, reasons are included.
1. Update data and patches: Any 3DS can download these, but you need to download them to play the most up-to-date version of the game on your handheld
2. Physical games and save data: Save data for cartridges are stored on the cartridge itself. No transfer is required for physical games.
-Note that DLC and update data are NOT stored on the cartridge, but rather it is stored on the SD card.
It is certainly possible to play, but you had to transfer the games first. Please note that formatting a 3DS outside the transfer process will delete all data and the account, and I am not sure it can be recovered.
Also note when to take out the SD card in the "old" system, because the SD card will be formatted in the old system during the process. When this is about to happen, simply switch out the old card to the new system. This will be in the transfer instructions. I just bring this up because several users messed this step up.
Also note that the instructions for all the old models (3DS, 2DS, 3DS XL) are the same. The new 3DS/XL may be different due to the micro SD card.
Hope this helps
Thanks, that definitely helps a ton! I just want to make sure that I wouldn't lose the data on my new game (cartridge).
I'll go ahead and do the transfer
Glad I could help. I've done several transfers so far. The process is not really difficult.
As I said before, pay close attention to when you need to switch cards. This seems to be the most common mistake. For your reference, the instructions should tell you when to switch the card to the newer 3DS (the "target" system)
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Topic: Question about transferring data from 3DS -> 3DS XL
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