Nintendo 3DS XL Troubleshooting

If you keep pressing the power switch and nothing is happening.

Ensure the power adapter is fully plugged into the device. Also check to make sure that the appropriate AC adapter is being used in order to charge the device.

There may be a problem with the current battery in the device if it still doesn't work after charging with the right AC adapter. Rechargeable batteries have issues over time and if the device has been through many charging cycles then the overall capacity will decrease. In that case, the battery will need to be replaced. Go to the Nintendo 3DS XL Battery Replacement Page for a step by step guide on battery replacement.

It is a possibility that the power button may be damaged. In order to make sure that the power button is not damaged, press the power button. If functioning correctly, there should be a green or red LED light on the side of the device that turns on. If the power button is not functioning it will need to be replaced.

The upper screen on the device has no picture no matter how many times I press the power button!

The back light can be accidentally turned off in the settings of the device. There is an alarm setting that can cause the back light to turn off after a certain amount of time. Another issue with the settings is that the back light can be turned off completely. Look at the lower screen in order to see if the settings are set correctly.

The Upper LED may need to be replaced if the screen still remains black. The Upper LED can be replaced using the Upper LED Replacement Guide. By using this guide you will be able to reach the section of the device that will enable you to replace the screen.

If you touch the touchscreen, but no contact is registering then it may need to be replaced.

Not calibrating a Nintendo 3DS XL has the potential to doom your game, even before you've started playing. Make sure that your device is calibrated with a stylus. The calibration section of your device is under settings. Not calibrating with a stylus properly will lead to delayed or unwanted actions from your game's characters. That's never fun so make sure to calibrate correctly!

If the screen is dirty the sensitivity will decrease. Take a lint free cloth and wipe off the screen to remove debris. There also might be a problem with your screen protector if you have one. The screen protectors are capable of lowering the sensitivity of the touchscreen, especially when dirty. It might be a good idea to invest in a new screen protector to help your game play.

Debris may be stuck in the sides of the touchscreen. If you find any foreign objects that don't belong on the edges of the touchscreen use a brush to carefully remove the debris. Any time that you make changes or adjust your touchscreen make sure to recalibrate afterwards.

Your beloved touchscreen, scratches and all, might have reached its last Mario level and finally need replacing. Luckily, we have a Nintendo 3DS XL Touchscreen Replacement Guide that will take you through the steps necessary to replace your current touchscreen with a shiny new one.

You have a game in the slot, but the system is not recognizing it.

You got your Nintendo 3DS XL extremely dirty? Don't worry, there is still hope! Carefully brush any visible debris away with a soft brush.

Maybe your game cartridge is what's really dirty? Carefully remove any debris from the game pack slot with a soft brush.

If your thumb is about to fall off from extreme efforts to make the circle pad function correctly, it may need to be fixed!

Your circle pad isn't quite moving like it used to? Foreign objects might be the reason it has been so difficult to level up your favorite Pokemon. To reach the portion of the Nintendo 3DS XL that holds the circle pad head over to the Circle Pad Replacement Guide for a step by step guide. Once you reach the circle pad you should be able to clean any debris that may have accumulated since you purchased your device.

Even after all of the cleaning the circle pad still isn't functioning? Don't worry, there's still going to be Mario in your future. However, the circle pad will need to be replaced if defective. By following the Circle Pad Replacement Guide you will be able to reach the defective circle pad in your device and swap it out for a new one that will have you back playing your games in no time!

No matter how loud you are speaking, your Nintendo 3DS XL still can't hear you.

Not all games are compatible with voice and the microphone may not be necessary, hence the audio not being registered. Go back to the user guide that came with the original game in order to check that the microphone is needed.

Dropped your Nintendo 3DS XL too many times into the dirt? Maybe not, but there could still be debris that ends up in your microphone due to everyday use. Disassemble and clean the microphone area to remove the debris. In order to reach the microphone area go to the Microphone Replacement Guide for information on disassembly.

Still not working? The microphone may need to be replaced. Head over to the Microphone Replacement Guide for information on disassembly. The guide will take you through the steps necessary to have your new microphone ready for replacement right away.