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What Nintendo Consoles Are Compatible with 3DS Games? Download ArticleExplore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Nintendo 3DS Console: Compatible 2 Nintendo 3DS XL Console: Compatible 3 Nintendo 2DS Console: Compatible 4 Nintendo 2DS XL Console: Compatible 5 Xbox One Console: Partially Compatible 6 Nintendo DS, DSi, and DSi XL Consoles: Incompatible 7 Nintendo Wii U Console: Incompatible 8 Nintendo Switch: Incompatible + Show 5 more... - Show less... Other Sections Questions & Answers Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Bryzz Tortello and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA
Last Updated: April 30, 2024 References
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This article was co-authored by Bryzz Tortello and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Bryzz Tortello is a Phone Repair Specialist and the Owner & CEO of Tortello Repair Services. With over ten years of experience, she specializes in iPhone and iPad ranging from screen and battery replacements to microsoldering and data recovery. Bryzz attended The College of the Canyons. This article has been viewed 36,342 times.
Since the 3DS was discontinued, you’re probably wondering how you can play your old games. Fortunately, Nintendo made 3DS games compatible with other Nintendo consoles, including Nintendo 3DS XL, 2DS, and the 2DS XL. If you don't have one of those consoles handy, you can download the UWP Streamer app onto an Xbox One and use it to stream 3DS games over Wi-Fi. We'll show you how to play your favorite Nintendo 3DS games on other compatible consoles.
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1
Nintendo 3DS Console: Compatible
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The 3DS console gives you the full gaming experience. If you don’t have a console already, consider buying a used device so your games will work as designed. Search for used consoles online or at local gaming stores.[1]XResearch source
Nintendo stopped making the 3DS in 2020, so you likely won't find a new device.
Used 3DS consoles are still readily available, and some have been refurbished by Nintendo. They start as low as $70.
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Nintendo 3DS XL Console: Compatible
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Choose a 3DS for a larger screen and longer battery life. Your games will look great on the 3DS XL because of the larger screen size. Additionally, you’ll be able to play longer without charging your device. If you don’t already have one, look for used consoles online or at gaming stores.
Nintendo discontinued the 3DS XL in 2019, but you can still find used devices.
Prices for used or refurbished devices start as low as $140.
3
Nintendo 2DS Console: Compatible
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The 2DS will play your 3DS games without the 3D graphics. Nintendo made 3DS games compatible with the 2DS, so your games will play great. Look for the 2DS online or in a gaming store if you don’t already have one.[2]XResearch source
Although the console was discontinued in 2020, you may be able to find new devices for sale online. Additionally, used consoles are easy to find. A new console can cost as low as $329, while used devices start around $90.
Keep in mind that your game’s 3D features won’t work on a 2DS because it isn’t capable of that technology.
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Nintendo 2DS XL Console: Compatible
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Pick a 2DS for a larger screen and better battery life, but no 3D graphics. The 2DS XL works the same way as the 2DS, and Nintendo made it compatible with 3DS games. However, you won’t get the 3D graphics like you would on the 3DS. If you’re buying a device, the 2DS is the easiest to find for purchase.
Nintendo also discontinued the 2DS XL in 2020. However, you can find both new and used devices on sale online and in gaming stores as of August 2021. Prices for a new device start at around $350, and a used device could cost as low as $150.
5
Xbox One Console: Partially Compatible
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You can download an app to stream 3DS games through your Xbox. However, you'll need to keep your 3DS console nearby while playing. Download the UWP Streamer app from the Xbox One store. Once it's installed, you can stream your 3DS games through your wireless network so you can play them on your TV.[3]XResearch source
You'll be able to play your games using your Xbox One controller.
Keep your 3DS console next to you so you can push buttons on the touch screen when necessary.
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Nintendo DS, DSi, and DSi XL Consoles: Incompatible
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None of the old DS devices are compatible with 3DS games. Unfortunately, these older consoles only work with the games formatted for them. If you already have one, you'll have to buy old DS games to use it.[4]XResearch source
If you have DS games, you can play them on a 2DS and 3DS console.
If you’re buying a console, go with a 2DS or 3DS if you want to play both DS and 3DS games.[5]XResearch source
7
Nintendo Wii U Console: Incompatible
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Sadly, these devices just aren’t compatible. First, the screens are different, so 3DS games wouldn’t look right. Additionally, the Wii U uses discs, not cartridges. If you have the Wii U, you’ll need to buy games formatted specifically for the Wii U.
If you’re buying a console, the Wii U may not be the best option. It has fewer games available than other consoles, and it’s being phased out.
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Nintendo Switch: Incompatible
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Unfortunately, 3DS games won't play on a Switch. While both devices use cartridges, they’re different sizes.[6]XResearch source Additionally, the Switch doesn’t have the double screen like the Nintendo 3DS, which prevents 3DS games from working on a Switch.[7]XResearch source If you have a Switch, buy games specifically designed for it.
Even virtual 3DS games don’t work on a Switch because of the difference between the screens.
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Question Can you play 3DS on DSi XL? PressTpro Oficial Community Answer The Nintendo DSi and DSi XL are part of the Nintendo DS family, Nintendo 3DS supports Nintendo DS games but the Nintendo DSi does not support it. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
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You can also find online simulators of some 3DS games that you can play if you’re having trouble using your cartridges or virtual games. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
If you play 3DS games on a 2DS, you won’t be able to see the 3D graphics. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
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Co-authored by: Bryzz Tortello Phone Repair Specialist This article was co-authored by Bryzz Tortello and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Bryzz Tortello is a Phone Repair Specialist and the Owner & CEO of Tortello Repair Services. With over ten years of experience, she specializes in iPhone and iPad ranging from screen and battery replacements to microsoldering and data recovery. Bryzz attended The College of the Canyons. This article has been viewed 36,342 times. 8 votes - 50% Co-authors: 6Updated: April 30, 2024 Views: 36,342 Categories: Nintendo Video Game Consoles | Video Games In other languages Portuguese Indonesian Thai Italian Spanish Dutch Japanese French Chinese German Vietnamese
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Bryzz Tortello Phone Repair Specialist 8 votes - 50% Click a star to vote 50% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 6Updated: April 30, 2024 Views: 36,342
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Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Nintendo 3DS Console: Compatible 2 Nintendo 3DS XL Console: Compatible 3 Nintendo 2DS Console: Compatible 4 Nintendo 2DS XL Console: Compatible 5 Xbox One Console: Partially Compatible 6 Nintendo DS, DSi, and DSi XL Consoles: Incompatible 7 Nintendo Wii U Console: Incompatible 8 Nintendo Switch: Incompatible + Show 5 more... - Show less... Other Sections Questions & Answers Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Bryzz Tortello and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA 
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Co-authored by: Bryzz Tortello Phone Repair Specialist This article was co-authored by Bryzz Tortello and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Bryzz Tortello is a Phone Repair Specialist and the Owner & CEO of Tortello Repair Services. With over ten years of experience, she specializes in iPhone and iPad ranging from screen and battery replacements to microsoldering and data recovery. Bryzz attended The College of the Canyons. This article has been viewed 36,342 times. 8 votes - 50% Co-authors: 6 Updated: April 30, 2024 Views: 36,342 Categories: Nintendo Video Game Consoles | Video Games In other languages Portuguese Indonesian Thai Italian Spanish Dutch Japanese French Chinese German Vietnamese 
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The 3DS console gives you the full gaming experience. If you don’t have a console already, consider buying a used device so your games will work as designed. Search for used consoles online or at local gaming stores.[1] 
Choose a 3DS for a larger screen and longer battery life. Your games will look great on the 3DS XL because of the larger screen size. Additionally, you’ll be able to play longer without charging your device. If you don’t already have one, look for used consoles online or at gaming stores. 
The 2DS will play your 3DS games without the 3D graphics. Nintendo made 3DS games compatible with the 2DS, so your games will play great. Look for the 2DS online or in a gaming store if you don’t already have one.[2] 
Pick a 2DS for a larger screen and better battery life, but no 3D graphics. The 2DS XL works the same way as the 2DS, and Nintendo made it compatible with 3DS games. However, you won’t get the 3D graphics like you would on the 3DS. If you’re buying a device, the 2DS is the easiest to find for purchase. 
You can download an app to stream 3DS games through your Xbox. However, you'll need to keep your 3DS console nearby while playing. Download the UWP Streamer app from the Xbox One store. Once it's installed, you can stream your 3DS games through your wireless network so you can play them on your TV.[3] 
None of the old DS devices are compatible with 3DS games. Unfortunately, these older consoles only work with the games formatted for them. If you already have one, you'll have to buy old DS games to use it.[4] 
Sadly, these devices just aren’t compatible. First, the screens are different, so 3DS games wouldn’t look right. Additionally, the Wii U uses discs, not cartridges. If you have the Wii U, you’ll need to buy games formatted specifically for the Wii U. 
Unfortunately, 3DS games won't play on a Switch. While both devices use cartridges, they’re different sizes.[6] Additionally, the Switch doesn’t have the double screen like the Nintendo 3DS, which prevents 3DS games from working on a Switch.[7] If you have a Switch, buy games specifically designed for it. 
PressTpro Oficial Community Answer The Nintendo DSi and DSi XL are part of the Nintendo DS family, Nintendo 3DS supports Nintendo DS games but the Nintendo DSi does not support it. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4 
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