Backup 3DS Saves (From SD Card)

Here's how to backup Nintendo 3DS, 3DS XL, or 2DS* save games that are already on the system's SD Card.

What is on the SD Card?

For digital 3DS games:

• Save games
• Updates
• DLC
• Miscellaneous data (such as replays)
• The downloaded game itself

For non-digital 3DS games:

• Updates
• DLC

It will not contain save games for DSi games.

What You Will Need

You will need an SD Card reader for your computer. Most recent readers will support any kind of SD Card. When in doubt, look for one that mentions "SDHC" on the packaging because those will read newer SD Cards.

Copying Files From the 3DS's SD Card

A PC (or Mac) can read files from the 3DS's SD Card.

1. Turn off your 3DS
1. Not necessary, but suggested as a precaution
2. On the left-hand side of the 3DS, there is a door labeled 'SD Card.' Open the door using the little notch at the top to put your fingernail in
3. Remove the SD Card from your 3DS by pressing on it
4. Insert the SD Card into your computer's SD Card reader
5. Copy all files on the SD card and paste them somewhere you can remember (such as your desktop)

* I do not currently own a Nintendo 3DS XL or 2DS, but I'm sure that the backup process is the same for those systems because all three use SD Cards.