A Nintendo 3DS Screen Has a Small White (or Other Color) Dot
The information in this article can help you when a system screen has one or two small dots on the screen.
- These dots can be any color.
- This can be most apparent when playing darker games or games with more motion (like racing games).
With a small number of systems, one or two dots on the screen may appear to be stuck on a particular color, such as white or red, or the pixel may be black/off.
- This effect is caused when a particular pixel (the dots that make up the screen) is not working properly.
- This situation is common in many LCD devices (PC monitors, televisions, cell phones, etc.).
- These issues are considered within LCD manufacturers' quality specifications.
This issue will remain limited to those pixels, and will not get any worse.
Use the system for a few weeks to determine whether this interferes with the enjoyment of game play.
Situation not resolved
If the issue becomes too distracting and the system is still within warranty, we will be happy to service the system.
The following systems are available for service from Nintendo:
- New Nintendo 2DS XL - Serial numbers begin with "NW"
For your convenience, Nintendo provides a quick and easy-to-use online service request process.
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My Nintendo 3DS Family System isn't listed as available for service
Nintendo no longer services the following systems:
- Original Nintendo 3DS - Serial numbers begin with “CW” or “CB”
- Original Nintendo 3DS XL - Serial numbers begin with “SW” or “SB”
- New Nintendo 3DS - Serial numbers begin with “YW”
- New Nintendo 3DS XL - Serial numbers begin with “QW” or "QB"
- Nintendo 2DS - Serial numbers begin with "AW" or "AB"
If you want to try replacing the non-working system, see our information on Where Can I Find Refurbished, Older, & Used Nintendo Products?
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Where is the serial number on Nintendo 3DS Family Systems?
The location of the serial number will differ depending on the system:
- Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL, Nintendo 2DS: The serial number will be visible on a white sticker with a bar code under the battery.
- New Nintendo 3DS XL: The serial number isn't visible under the battery. The serial number is found on a white sticker with a bar code under the back cover plate.
- New Nintendo 3DS: The serial number isn't visible under the battery. The serial number is found on a white sticker with a bar code under the front cover plate.
- New Nintendo 2DS XL: The serial number is found on a white sticker with a bar code inside the game card slot.
