This page is best viewed with a web browser.
If you have queries that are not answered by this document, please post them in our Ask a Question thread instead (must be a member of Pinoy Nintendo Facebook group to view).
The Operations Manual is also an excellent source of information. Please check the Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL, Nintendo 2DS, or the New Nintendo 3DS XL manuals if you haven't read them yet.
1. Where can I buy brand-new 3DS systems, games, & accessories in the Philippines?
You can purchase brand-new systems, games, and accessories from retail stores such as DataBlitz or Game One PH / i.TECH.
Game One PH (formerly known as Game One Gadget Store) and i.TECH are sister companies.
For a list of retail store branches, contacts, and their location, kindly check our Game Retailer Branches & Contacts article.
2. Why DataBlitz or Game One PH / i.TECH?
They sell brand-new authentic systems, games, and accessories for the lowest value with warranty.
You can also check other retailers such as Toy Kingdom and Toys "R" Us but items sold there are generally more expensive.
3. There are no retail stores near the place I live. What now?
Game One PH / i.TECH can ship items nationwide. Kindly coordinate with them if you have any inquiries.
Game One PH / i.TECHThough a little bit more costly, Play-Asia's online store ships orders too.
- Website: http://gameone.ph
- Contacts: (02)234-1412 / +639228950320
- Email: inquiry@gameone.ph
- Contact Hours: Monday to Sunday from 10AM to 7PM
4. How much does a brand-new [insert 3DS system/game/accessory] cost?
For pricing and availability concerns, we highly recommend that you ask the retailers directly. Their prices are subject to change and available stocks may vary per branch.
You can ask them through their Facebook pages or call them via phone. Here's our Game Retailer Branches and Contacts list for your reference.
Prices are the same across all branches.
5. I want to save money, where can I buy second-hand systems and games?
Please check our Pinoy Nintendo Marketplace subgroup if you prefer second-hand or pre-owned items. You can buy, sell, or trade systems, games, and accessories with fellow members in the aforementioned subgroup.
Pinoy Nintendo is not liable for any transactions made within the Pinoy Nintendo Marketplace subgroup. It is the member's sole responsibility to exercise proper judgment when choosing who to deal with. You can use our Feedback Tracker for reference.
6. How much does a second-hand [insert 3DS system/game/accessory] cost?
Kindly use the Pinoy Nintendo Marketplace subgroup's Search feature to look for existing posts and offers.
7. What's the difference among the 3DS models? Which is the best?
Each models have their own advantages and disadvantages. It all comes down to your personal preferences and budget. All models can play Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS games. New Nintendo 3DS-exclusive games are only compatible with the Regular New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL.
The regular 3DS is the most portable model. Its speakers are louder and it costs less than the 3DS XL. Its clamshell design makes it prone to flex ribbon and LCD-related problems that can happen later on its life (eg: System makes a crackling or popping sound, then powers off). Recommended if you prioritize portability.
The 3DS XL on the other hand is a little more bulky because of its larger screen and has a slightly longer battery life compared to the regular 3DS. Though its screen is larger, the resolution remains the same. Only the pixel size grew. This is the reason why a small number of people find the 3DS XL's display to be a little "pixelated". The 3DS XL's right hinge is prone to cracks. Its Circle Pad or Analog Stick is also more feeble than the regular 3DS so it breaks more easily especially when playing games that heavily rely on the Circle Pad for movement.
The 2DS is just a regular 3DS (has the same screen size) without the 3D features, clamshell design, and built-in stereo speakers. It has a built-in mono speaker but you can experience the benefits of stereo when you use headphones. It has the same screen size as the regular 3DS. Being the cheapest among all the models, the 2DS is recommended for budget-conscious individuals. It is also recommended for children since it has no 3D features.
The New 3DS XL is the newest addition to the 3DS handheld family. It has the same screen size as the old 3DS XL but it received a significant number of additional features which include:
The Regular New 3DS' screens are 1.2 times larger than the Regular 3DS (3.88" Top Screen & 3.33" Touch Screen versus 3.53" Top Screen & 3.02" Touch Screen). It also has interchangeable cover plates. The previously mentioned improvements seen in the New 3DS XL are also present on this system. The only Regular New 3DS available right now are the Animal Crossing Happy Home Designer New 3DS Bundle, the Pokemon Red and Blue 20th Anniversary New 3DS Bundle, and Super Mario 3D Land New 3DS Bundle.
- Higher performance through a faster CPU
- A 'nub' analog stick also known as the C-Stick
- Two additional shoulder triggers: ZR and ZL
- 3D-viewing improvements: the front-facing camera now tracks your face in tandem with an infrared sensor and adjusts the on-screen image accordingly
- microSD support
- Built-in NFC
- Slightly longer battery life than the old 3DS XL
- Minor design changes
- The ability to run New 3DS-exclusive games such as Xenoblade Chronicles 3D, The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth, Lifespeed, and Runbow Pocket
- The ability to run Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) Virtual Console games
Still no information if there will be "system-only" standard edition Regular New 3DS units. The availability of other Faceplate designs are also not given.
Since New 3DS-exclusive games won't run on older models, the Regular New 3DS and New 3DS XL are recommended for people who have yet to own a 3DS handheld or those who are looking for an upgrade.
Regarding compatibility:For more information regarding their similarities and key differences, please check IGN's comparison chart.
- Nintendo 3DS games can be played on the Regular 3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS (3D features will not work), Regular New 3DS, and New 3DS XL.
- Nintendo DS games can be played on the Regular 3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS, Regular New 3DS and New 3DS XL.
- New 3DS-exclusive games can only be played on the Regular New 3DS and New 3DS XL.
8. What is the Nintendo Switch? Will it replace the 3DS?
The Switch is Nintendo's latest system, a gaming console you can play both at home and on-the-go. Nintendo views it as a home console with portable features, a hybrid of sorts.
Nintendo has stated multiple times that the Switch and the 3DS can co-exist. After all, the two devices have many differences in terms of elements such as form factor, weight, price, and games. The 3DS can be appealing for parents to purchase as their first gaming system for their children because of those factors. They also said that they will continue to support the 3DS beyond 2019 although some main games have already migrated to the Switch like Pokemon, Fire Emblem, and Etrian Odyssey.
9. My 3DS' upper screen seems wobbly. Is this a defect?
No, this is intended for as long as it is not excessive. According to Nintendo's official support article:
"With Nintendo 3DS systems, it is normal for the system to have some slight give or play to the hinge. As long as the upper screen "clicks" into place, this is within the quality specifications of the system and should not affect game play. Use the system for a few weeks to determine whether this interferes with the enjoyment of game play."
10. Is the 3DS region-locked? What does this mean?
Yes, all 3DS systems are region-locked. This means that you can only play games that are compatible with your unit's region. For example, a Japanese-region game will only run on a Japanese-region 3DS. It will never run on European, US, or Asian systems and vice versa.
In addition, some features such as StreetPass and local & online multiplayer features may not be compatible between games from different regions.
11. Which region should I get?
Go for the US (also known as North American, NA, Asian, ASI, or MDE) region as these are readily available locally. Most local retailers do not sell European or Japanese region 3DS games.
Compatibility:
- US 3DS systems can play US or Asian/MDE 3DS games.
- Asian 3DS systems can play Asian/MDE or US 3DS games.
- MDE 3DS systems can play US or Asian/MDE 3DS games.
- Asian 3DS systems cannot play Japanese 3DS games.
- Japanese/European/Australian 3DS systems cannot play US or Asian/MDE 3DS games.
- Most Nintendo DS games are region-free with the exception of selected region-locked DSi-enhanced titles.
12. What's the difference between the US, Asian, and MDE regions?
They are virtually the same. Asian/MDE games and units are just repackaged US products without Club Nintendo codes. The Club Nintendo program was discontinued on July 1, 2015 so this should not matter anyway.
Asian/MDE and US games will have the same content and features, including DLCs. Their StreetPass and local & online multiplayer features are also compatible with one another.
These are repackaged by Maxsoft Pte. Ltd., the sole and official distributor of Nintendo products in the territories of Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand.
Asian 2DS and 3DS XL units will also have a genuine Nintendo 220v charger included instead of the standard 110v charger for US units. New 3DS and New 3DS XL units do not include any charger in the package. Asian/MDE games are compatible with US units and vice versa, as mentioned in entry #11. For charger concerns, please check entry #15.
The only issue with Asian/MDE units is their Serial Number. If your unit gets stolen or gets permanently wrecked, you have the option to call Nintendo so you can transfer your previous NNID to a new system. Nintendo Support does not recognize Asian/MDE units as part of their region, even though it is.
Asian/MDE units and games will have this label on the box cover:
The only drawback that Asian/MDE units have right now is that Nintendo of America Support does not honor Serial Codes from Asian/MDE units. If something happens with your Asian/MDE unit or Nintendo Network ID account tied to an Asian/MDE unit, then they might not be able to help you out. Oddly enough, their advice is for Asian/MDE owners to contact Active Boeki KK, instead of Maxsoft, for support.
13. How can I determine the region of a system/game?
I. Through the 3DS System Settings
In your system's Home Menu, find and tap System Settings. Once the application loads, your top screen should look like this:
In the example above, Ver. 4.1.0-8 is the current firmware version. The letter E at the end represents the system's region.
- U for US/ASI
- E for Europe
- J for Japan
II. Through the Rating System used.
Examine your 3DS system or 3DS game box and look for the following labels:
- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) for US/ASI
- Pan European Game Information (PEGI) for Europe
- Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO) for Japan
III. Through the game cartridge serial number.
You can use this method as long as the game cartridge sticker is intact. The last 3 letters of the game cart's serial number correspond to its region.
- USA for US/ASI
- MDE for Middle East, also compatible with US/ASI
- EUR for Europe
- AUS for Australia, also compatible with EUR
- JPN for Japan
14. I have a Japanese/European 3DS. Where can I buy games for these regions?
Non-US/ASI region games are scarce. Here are your possible options:Pinoy Nintendo is not liable for any transactions made within the Pinoy Nintendo Marketplace subgroup. It is the member's sole responsibility to exercise proper judgment when choosing who to deal with. You can use our Feedback Tracker for reference.
- Ask Game One PH or Hybbyte Toy Store if they have Japanese 3DS games available.
- Import 3DS games online. Play-Asia sells Japanese and European 3DS games.
- Buy pre-owned games from other people (eg: from the Pinoy Nintendo Marketplace subgroup).
- Purchase digital games from their eShop. Play-Asia also sells Japanese and European eShop Prepaid Cards.
- Sell your Japanese/European-region system or trade it for a US or Asian one.
15. My system came with a 110v charger/ no charger at all. What will I do?
Never plug your 110v charger in standard 220v outlets!
Here are some of your possible options:*These methods are not encouraged in the Operations Manual because Nintendo only recommends the use of genuine Nintendo peripherals. Unfortunately, available options are very limited here in the Philippines as local retailers won't sell brand-new genuine Nintendo 220v chargers separately. In addition, the Nintendo Warranty mentioned in the manual only applies to US and Canadian owners.
- *Use a Step Down Transformer or an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) so you can use your genuine Nintendo 110v charger.
- Purchase a brand new genuine Nintendo 220v charger from Game One PH.
- Buy a second-hand genuine Nintendo 220v charger from other people (eg: from the Pinoy Nintendo Marketplace subgroup).
- *Purchase a Class A 220v charger from retailers. Class A chargers are also prone to the "Sweet Spot Syndrome". This is the situation wherein the 3DS only charges when the cable is twisted in a certain position. In worst case scenarios, the charger will stop working completely.
- *You can also use a USB to 3DS/DSi cable to charge your system via your computer's USB port or through a portable charging device (Power Bank). You can occasionally find these cables from certain Japan Home Centre/Saizen/Daizo stores. Lazada, Toy Kingdom, and Astrovision might sell them as well. Some Pinoy Nintendo Marketplace members may also occasionally sell these.
Play-Asia is also selling them, if you ran out of options.
For more information regarding Power Banks, please check our Recommend a Power Bank thread. (must be a member of Pinoy Nintendo Facebook group to view)
Pinoy Nintendo is not liable for any transactions made within the Pinoy Nintendo Marketplace subgroup. It is the member's sole responsibility to exercise proper judgment when choosing who to deal with. You can use our Feedback Tracker for reference.
16. Is an account needed to access the Nintendo 3DS eShop?
Yes. You will need to create a Nintendo Network ID (NNID) first before you can download applications and software updates from the Nintendo eShop.
17. How do I create a Nintendo Network ID?
Before creating your NNID, you will need to decide what mode of payment will you be using in the future. This is very important as you won't be able to change this normally after your NNID is created.
United States
If you set your regional settings to the United States, then you can use US Nintendo eShop Prepaid Cards, US-based credit cards, and selected local credit and debit cards as your payment methods. To do this, go to your system's Home Menu and look for the System Settings application > tap Other Settings in the bottom screen > Profile > Region Settings. You can choose any state but California (Sample ZIP Code 90001) is recommended as this state charges 0% tax.
Canada
Some local credit and debit cards that are not compatible with the US eShop might work if you set your regional settings to Canada. You can follow the same instructions as above. Unlike in the US, all Canadian provinces will charge you with tax. The lowest tax is set at 5% on Alberta (Sample Postal Code T5A0A7) and Nunavut (Sample Postal Code X0A0H0).
Remember, after creating your NNID, you won't be able to change countries freely. You are required to delete your current NNID first if you wish to switch from US to Canada and vice versa. Switching between US states (eg: Wisconsin to California) or Canadian provinces (eg: Toronto to Alberta) should be okay.
All digital purchases and eShop funds are also tied to your NNID. This means that everything you purchased from the eShop will be deleted forever once your NNID is deleted. Only exception are the pre-installed games that comes with a limited edition systems (eg: Mario Kart 7, Super Mario 3D Land, Mario & Luigi Dream Team, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate). You will still be able to re-download these from the eShop later on.
You can only register the NNID in one 3DS and one WiiU system, if you have one. If you wish to transfer your digital purchases to another 3DS system (eg: from a 2DS to a 3DS XL), you will have to perform a System Transfer. This further explained in entry #18.
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18. Can I share my SD card? Will the same card work in another 3DS?
No, though downloaded content are saved in the SD card, saved data will only work on the 3DS system/NNID from which it was purchased from. You can't "share" digital content with others.
You can use the System Transfer feature to transfer your NNID, along with the purchases tied with it, from your old system to another 3DS. This is not an effective way of "sharing" your digital data because it's more of a "cut-and-paste" procedure than "copy-and-paste". In other words, the source unit will lose all the data as it is transferred to the target system. People usually perform System Transfer so they can use the same data after purchasing a new system.
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19. Can I use my save files when I play my game cartridge on another 3DS?
Physical game cartridges behave differently compared to what was discussed in entry #18. Save files are stored in the cartridge itself, with the exception of Fantasy Life where it is stored in the SD card.
In addition, DLC content is stored in the SD card. While you can use your save file on a different 3DS using your game cartridge, you won't be able to access DLC maps or features unless the 3DS in question had it purchased/downloaded as well.
20. How do I add funds on the Nintendo 3DS eShop?
- You can purchase them from retailers such as DataBlitz or Game One PH/i.TECH. Game One PH's online store is also a viable option.
- You can also buy them from legit online stores such as Play-Asia, MaximusCards, or PC Game Supply.
- Play-Asia also sells Japanese and European eShop Prepaid Cards.
- Some Pinoy Nintendo Marketplace members like Mr. John Aguas from Kaizen Gaming may occasionally sell them as well.
US Nintendo eShop Prepaid Cards will not work if your region is set to Canada. You can also set your state to California (Sample ZIP Code 90001) for 0% tax. See entry #17 for more information.
Where can I buy such cards?Pinoy Nintendo is not liable for any transactions made within the Pinoy Nintendo Marketplace subgroup. It is the member's sole responsibility to exercise proper judgment when choosing who to deal with. You can use our Feedback Tracker for reference.
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Thanks to the 3DS eShop update discovered last September 25, 2016, we now know that selected local-issued credit and debit cards will also work on the US eShop. To view the list of currently known compatible cards, please click this link.
In addition, some local credit and debit cards that are not compatible with the US eShop might work if you set your regional settings to Canada. Set your province to Alberta (Sample Postal Code T5A0A7) or Nunavut (Sample Postal Code X0A0H0) for the lowest tax which is 5%. Kindly review entry #17 for more information.
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21. What other accessories do you recommend?
Please coordinate with the nearest retailer around your area for pricing and availability concerns.
- Buy screen protectors for both your screens. Replacing a screen protector film is easier and cheaper compared to replacing a blurry LCD. You can buy screen protectors from DataBlitz, iTech, or even Toy Kingdom.
- You can use TPU covers, Silicon covers, or Crystal Cases to protect the external part of your 3DS against scratches. Most people would recommend TPU from the 3 options mentioned above since it is more flexible than Crystal Cases and fits more snuggly than Silicon covers (friction from the cover itself and/or debris stuck in between can also cause scratches). You can buy them from DataBlitz or iTech.
- As an additional protection against dust, scratches, and slight impact, you can also use Hard Pouches. You can also buy these from DataBlitz or iTech.
You can also find rare 3DS accessories from Play-Asia.
22. Do I really have to update my system's firmware?
Yes, absolutely! A System Update can:Related articles:
- Fix bugs.
- Provide additional features.
- Patch exploits and block piracy-related items (R4, Gateway 3DS, Sky 3DS, etc).
- Allow you to utilize certain online features such as the Nintendo eShop.
- Apply an unprecedented level of stability.
23. How can I update my system firmware if I keep getting error messages?
The following error message may pop-up while you are downloading the latest system update:The aforementioned error message is normal provided there are no Error Codes presented. Here are some simple steps that you can try. Some of these steps may or may not work for everyone:"An error has occurred.
Unable to update.
The system will now be restarted."
- Please check this article for Error Code 003-2101, 003-2102, or 003-2103.
- Try and try until you d̶i̶e̶ succeed.
- Try updating at a later time.
- Use Google's DNS Settings in your system's Connection Settings (Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8 and Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4)
- Put your 3DS on Sleep Mode and hope for the best.
- Pray.
24. Is there a solution for Error Code 003-210X (2101, 2102, 2103)?
What we know so far:One temporary solution is to use custom proxy settings in your 3DS. Please check this article for additional instructions and information.
- Affected individuals are selected (meaning not everyone) PLDT subscribers.
- Nintendo acknowledged this error and confirmed that it's an issue from PLDT's side.
- PLDT has yet to acknowledge this problem so the possible reasons behind the error are still unknown.
- This problem affects all 3DS family handhelds: the regular 3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS, regular New 3DS and New 3DS XL.
- Only the built-in 3DS browser works.
- All other 3DS online features including, but not limited to, the Nintendo 3DS eShop, System Update, Connection Test, and Online Multiplayer features will only generate the same dreadful error.
- Laptops, smartphones, and other gadgets are unaffected. They exhibit no obvious network-related anomalies even if they are using the same connection.
We also urge you to review Oplan Sagip PLDT, a project that aims to discover and eliminate the root cause of Error Code 003-2101 once and for all.
25. Where can I get my 3DS fixed?
Unfortunately, there are no certified Nintendo Service Centers in our country. Since we are outside North America, the Nintendo Warranty(manufacturer warranty) mentioned by the Operations Manual does not cover us at all. The only assurance we can utilize is the store warranty offered by local retail stores.
If your system is still covered under store warranty, we recommend that you return to the place of purchase and coordinate with them for support.
Only a number of individuals and establishments have the necessary experience to check 3DS systems so if your system is out of warranty, please coordinate with:If you know other trusted 3DS technicians, kindly refer them to us so we can add them to the list.
- i.TECH SM North branch - (02)332-2871
- Mr. Ei-tran Tehserak +639435628774 / Pinoy Nintendo Marketplace (join group first) → thread
- Mr. Robert Abellar Jr. +63918-334-2986 / Exceline Stationary Shoppe & Desktop Publishing, 3F Shoppesville Plus, Greenhills
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26. Where can I buy replacement battery packs?
Sadly, our options for battery replacements are very limited. Local retail stores do not sell genuine Nintendo 3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS, or New 3DS XL battery packs. Here are some of your options:For more information regarding Power Banks, please check our Recommend a Power Bank thread. (must be a member of Pinoy Nintendo Facebook group to view)
- You can buy second-hand battery packs from other people. Try to ask Mr. Ei-tran Tehserak +639435628774 if he has spare second-hand battery packs for your unit.
- You can also try inquiring from Lazy Gamer PH for available stocks.
- Try to coordinate with Game One PH if they still have Nyko products for the regular 3DS (eg: Nyko Power Pak+) in stock. Nyko already stopped manufacturing battery packs for 3DS systems so these products are already rare.
- Order them from online shops such as Mugen. Be ready to spend some extra cash for shipping and tax. One member spent P5,000+ in total for a 6250-mAh Extended Battery for the New Nintendo 3DS XL.
- Some Toy Kingdom branches may occasionally sell Class A generic battery packs for the regular 3DS or old 3DS XL. You can try to contact the branches near you near you to confirm this. As they are not genuine Nintendo battery packs, please use them at your own risk.
- Some Pinoy Nintendo Marketplace members might be selling one as well.
- You can also use Power Banks along with USB to DSi/3DS cables as a temporary answer to extend your play time but this will not solve underlying issues such as bloated battery packs.
Last updated: September 24, 2018
