3DS SD Card Format | How to format 3DS SD Card in English? The process of formatting a 3DS SD card can be done in a few simple steps. Here's a guide on how to do it: 1. **Power On the 3DS Console**: Start by turning on your Nintendo 3DS or 3DS XL console. 2. **Access the System Settings**: From the home screen, select the "System Settings" icon, which looks like a wrench and screwdriver. 3. **Navigate to the SD Card Settings**: In the System Settings menu, scroll down and select "Other Settings." 4. **Choose the SD Card Option**: Within Other Settings, you'll see an option labeled "SD Card." Tap on it. 5. **Format the SD Card**: A warning message will appear, informing you that formatting will erase all data on the card. If you're sure you want to proceed, select "Format" or "OK" (the exact wording may vary depending on your console's language). 6. **Wait for Formatting**: The console will now begin formatting the SD card. This process may take a few minutes, so be patient. 7. **Completion Confirmation**: Once the formatting is complete, the console will display a message confirming the successful format. Select "OK" to return to the main menu. 8. **Reinstall Content (Optional)**: If you had any games or data on the SD card, you'll need to reinstall them from your Nintendo eShop purchases or backup. Remember, always back up important data before formatting to avoid losing any saved game progress or downloaded content.

Updated by

Linda 

Written by

Linda 

Updated on April 22, 2024

The 3DS is a portable gaming device from Nintendo that lets you play your favorite games on the go. The 3DS SD card is an SD card that works with the 3DS. Are you planning to upgrade the original micro SD card that came with your 3DS handheld to a larger one, like from 16GB to 32GB or from 32GB to 64GB? In that case, it's crucial to know the file system of your 3DS SD card.

What Format Does 3DS SD Card Use?

So far, Nintendo products, including the New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL, and Nintendo 2DS, only support SD/microSD memory cards up to 2GB, SDHC/microSDHC memory cards up to 32GB that are pre-formatted with the FAT32 file system.

In other words, SDXC and fast-transfer UHS-type memory cards aren't compatible; in order to get a 3DS system to read an SD card larger than 32GB, you have to reformat the 3DS's SD card to FAT32.

The overall requirements of 3DS can be summarized as:

• Memory cards with a capacity of 32GB or less;
• Formatted to the FAT32 file system.

So, if you want to put in a 32GB NTFS or Ext2/3/4 file system SD card to 3DS, reformat it to FAT32 first. To meet your needs more perfectly, you can download tool Partition Master in advance for help.

Since Nintendo consoles require the FAT32 format for SD and SDHC cards, it's crucial to know the pre-formatted status of your memory cards and if they need formatting right away. Memory cards typically come formatted with the following standards:

Do you have a basic understanding of the 3DS SD card file system now? If so, please share this article to help more users in need.

How to Format an SD Card for 3DS

Those microSD cards have been tested to work seamlessly with the Nintendo 3DS

Here are the translations of the languages you provided:
• 1. SanDisk Extreme microSDHC
This is already in English. It refers to a specific type of memory card, the SanDisk Extreme microSDHC, which is a high-performance micro Secure Digital High Capacity (microSDHC) card.

16GB: SDSDQXL-016G-A46A
32GB: SDSDQXL-032G-A46A

Here's the translation in English:
• 2. SanDisk Extreme PLUS microSDHC

16GB: SDSDQX-016G-A46A 32GB: SDSDQX-032G-A46A

Here are the languages translated into English:
• 3. SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDHC

16GB: SDSDQXP-016G-A46A
32GB: SDSDQXP-032G-A46A

• 4. Toshiba microSDHC

8GB: PFM008U-1DCK

• 5. Samsung

No matter if your memory card is 32GB or beyond, you can adjust it to work on your handheld console with the assistance of tools like Partition Master. On one hand, you can convert NTFS to FAT32 to apply SD cards under 32GB with NTFS file system to 3DS. On the other hand, SDXC memory cards ranging from 64GB to 128GB can also become compatible with 3DS if they are formatted to FAT32.

#1. Using Partition Wizard for 3DS SD Card Formatting To format your 3DS SD card using Partition Wizard, follow these steps: 1. **Download and Install**: First, download the Partition Wizard software from its official website. Make sure to choose the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows or Mac). 2. **Launch the Software**: Double-click on the downloaded installer to begin the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions until the software is installed. Then, open Partition Wizard. 3. **Connect the SD Card**: Insert your 3DS SD card into an SD card reader, and connect the reader to your computer's USB port. 4. **Detect the SD Card**: Once connected, Partition Wizard should detect the SD card. Look for it in the list of drives displayed on the left side of the program window. 5. **Select the SD Card**: Click on the SD card entry to select it. Make sure you've chosen the correct drive, as formatting will erase all data. 6. **Create a New Partition**: Click on "Create Partition" or "Format Partition" from the top menu. In the pop-up window, choose the file system as "FAT32" or "exFAT" (depending on your 3DS version and storage needs). Keep the allocation unit size at its default setting. 7. **Apply Changes**: Before formatting, review your selections and click "OK." Then, click on "Apply" or "Execute" in the top left corner to initiate the formatting process. The software will warn you that all data will be erased; confirm your decision. 8. **Wait for Formatting**: The formatting process may take a few minutes, depending on the size of the SD card. Do not interrupt the process. 9. **Eject and Reuse**: Once the formatting is complete, safely eject the SD card from Partition Wizard and remove it from the card reader. Now, you can use the formatted SD card with your 3DS console. Remember, always backup any important data before formatting an SD card, as the process will permanently delete all files.

Insert your 3DS SD card into your computer's card reader. Follow the instructions below to utilize a free partition manager tool, such as tools Partition Master Free Edition, to select and format the SD card with the FAT32 file system. Additionally, create a partition with the cluster size set to 32KB, and mark it as a primary partition. This configuration will be compatible with any Nintendo 3DS console.

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, right-click the partition you plan to format and choose “Format”.

Step 2. In the new window, enter the Partition label, select the FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4 file system, and set the Cluster Size as needed, then click "OK".

Step 3. A warning message will then pop up. Click "Yes" to proceed.

Step 4. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button in the upper-left corner to review the changes, then click "Apply" to begin formatting the partition to FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4.

#2. Format SD Card for 3DS using Disk Management

In relation to the 3DS memory card format, Windows Disk Management is another readily accessible tool. Here's how to format the Nintendo 3DS SD card: 1. Connect your Nintendo 3DS SD card to your computer using an SD card reader. 2. Open "Windows Disk Management" by right-clicking on the "Start" button and selecting "Disk Management" from the context menu. 3. In the Disk Management window, locate your SD card. It should be listed under "Portable Devices" or "Unknown Devices." 4. Right-click on the SD card and choose "Format." 5. A new window will pop up. Ensure that the "File System" is set to "FAT32," as this is the recommended format for the Nintendo 3DS. The allocation unit size can usually be left at its default setting. 6. Check the "Quick Format" option to speed up the formatting process. 7. Click "OK" to start the formatting process. A warning message may appear, reminding you that formatting will delete all data on the card. If you have already backed up your important files, proceed by clicking "OK." 8. Wait for the formatting to complete. This shouldn't take too long, depending on the size of your SD card. 9. Once done, safely eject the SD card from your computer and insert it back into your Nintendo 3DS. Now your 3DS SD card should be formatted and ready to use with your console.

Step 1. Press Windows + X to enter the Windows Disk Management interface. Here, you can see both your hard drive and the removable one.

Step 2. Right-click the SD card and select Format. Choose FAT32 as the file system for your Nintendo 3DS SD Card.

Format Drive in Disk Management

#3. Format 3DS SD Card using File Explorer

You must be familiar with File Explorer, the portal to access files or drives. Check the memory card displayed on the interface and proceed with formatting.

Step 1. Open File Explorer, right-click the 3DS SD card from the pop-up menu, and select Format.

Step 2. Choose FAT32 as your file system.

Format USB to FAT32

#4. Format SD Card for 3DS using Command Prompt

Aside from the aforementioned methods, we also recommend using CMD to manage partitions. To operate via CMD, you need to execute the following commands sequentially:

Step 1. Open the Start Menu, and run Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2. Enter the commands and press Enter.

Translation into English: Diskpart > List disk > Select disk * > List partition > Format fs=fat32 quick > Exit

If you find the above 4 solutions helpful in formatting your 3DS SD card, click the social buttons to share it with others in need.

Video Tutorial: Format 3DS SD Card to FAT32

This video tutorial covers all four methods to format a storage device to FAT32 on Windows computers. If you require a more detailed guide, please refer to this video for assistance:

Format 3DS SD Card to FAT32 Is Easy

On this page, we've gathered and presented four effective ways to successfully format your 3DS SD card to FAT32. Out of these four methods, Partition Master Free and File Explorer are the simplest options for beginners using Windows to format their SD cards.

However, when your SD card gets 64GB or even larger storage capacity, File Explorer, Disk Management, and even CMD can't format it to FAT32 successfully because the maximum volume size limit on Windows operating systems is 32GB. To format a 3DS SD card with 64GB or larger storage size, turn to tools Partition Master for help.

You'll learn that formatting a 3DS SD card is easy with the right formatting tool.

Frequently Asked Questions About Formatting 3DS SD Card

If you have further questions or doubts on formatting 3DS SD card, follow and find answers below:

1. How do you format a 128GB SD card for 3DS? To format a 128GB SD card for use with your Nintendo 3DS, follow these steps: 1. **Backup Data**: Before formatting, make sure to backup any important data on the SD card, as this process will erase everything. 2. **Insert SD Card**: Insert the 128GB SD card into your 3DS console's SD card slot, located on the bottom of the system (between the two screens). 3. **Power On and Access Menu**: Turn on your 3DS, and from the main menu, select the **System Settings** icon (it looks like a gear). 4. **Navigate to Formatting Options**: In the System Settings, scroll down to find the **Data Management** option, then choose **SD Card**. 5. **Format SD Card**: Within the SD Card menu, select **Format SD Card**. A warning message will appear, reminding you that all data will be erased. Confirm your choice to proceed. 6. **Wait for Formatting**: The 3DS will now format the SD card, which may take a few minutes. Do not turn off the console during this process. 7. **Completion**: Once the formatting is complete, your 3DS will display a confirmation message. You can now safely remove the SD card and use it with your 3DS for storing games, updates, and other data. Remember, after formatting, you'll need to download or transfer any necessary data back to the SD card before using it with your 3DS.

- Connect the 3DS SD card to a Windows PC using an SD card adapter. - Launch the tool Partition Master and right-click on the SD card. - Select "Format" and set the file system as FAT32 or any other desired format. - Check "Perform a quick format," then click "OK," and finally, click "Execute Task."

2. Does formatting the 3DS format SD Card?

For now, Nintendo 3DS doesn't come with a built-in format option. To use your SD card on Nintendo 3DS, you'll need to format the card beforehand. You can refer to the 4 methods recommended above for formatting solutions.

3. How do I get my 3DS to recognize my SD Card?

To make Nintendo 3DS recognize your SD card, you need to first ensure that your SD card has a file system format supported by the 3DS – FAT32 (for cards 32GB or smaller) or exFAT (for cards 64GB or larger).

If so, try the tips outlined here to get your 3DS to recognize your SD card:

Here are the translations for the given languages: 1. Turn off the 3DS, open the SD card case, and insert the SD card. 2. Close the SD card case and power on the 3DS system. 3. Go to the settings menu, and check the SD card in the storage settings.

< strong > 4. Does 3DS support exFAT? < /strong >

When using an SD card with a capacity of 32GB or larger, you can format it to exFAT. The 3DS will then be able to read the exFAT-formatted SD card. If your SD card is smaller than 32GB, it's recommended to format it as FAT32 for better compatibility with the 3DS system.