Upgrade Storage for the New Nintendo 3DS XL 2015
Maysa Rizk and 7 other contributors
Last updated on Jun 24, 2026
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Introduction
Go to step 1 ↓If your NEW Nintendo 3DS XL (Model: RED-001) is limiting your gaming experience due to the restricted factory storage, this guide will help you in upgrading the internal storage.
The original storage of the 3DS XL is a 4GB Micro SD card, and the ability to store games and photos causes the memory to fill rather quickly. This feature allows users to minimize the times they need to replace the game cartridges every time they wish to play a certain game.
Before using this guide, first verify that a Micro SDHC card is used as a replacement. If any other type of micro SD card is used, the 3DS XL will not recognize the upgrade. Also verify that your SDHC card does not exceed 32GB of storage.
The first crucial step is to power off the 3DS XL. Failure to do this could lead to damage to both you and the device.
Take note that in Step 5, the screws cannot be fully removed. A clicking noise will be heard when the screw has been loosened enough for disassembly. Lastly, when inserting the new SDHC verify that the label is facing you. Caution: If any resistance is felt when inserting the new card, do not force the card into the slot.
The repair will be a success when the upgraded storage is seen in the settings of the device.
What you need
Tools
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Power off the device by locating the circular power button and pressing Power Off on the screen.
Ask FixBot
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Turn the Nintendo 3DS around, so that you are looking at the back of the device.
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Remove the stylus from the device.
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Wedge the system's stylus or an opening pick in the cutout to separate the back plate from the device.
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Remove the factory-placed micro SD card from the designated slot by pressing down onto the card.
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The spring will then pop the card upwards.
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Slide the card out to fully remove it from the 3DS.
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Align the new micro SDHC card with the card slot.
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Press downwards on the card until you hear a click. This will verify that the card is properly inserted.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
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Team
CSU Fullerton, Team S1-G4, Bruce Fall 2019 Member of CSU Fullerton, Team S1-G4, Bruce Fall 2019
CSUF-BRUCE-F19S1G4
4 Members
12 Guides authored
1 Guide Comment
Note that a card larger than 32GB can work, but it needs to be formatted externally into FAT32, and it will slow down boot time of the console startup and game startup slightly too.
