Nintendo 3DS Freezes, Locks Up, or Will Not Turn Off
The information in this article can help you when the system is frozen (locked-up), or continues to freeze after being powered off and powered on.
What to do
- Press and hold the POWER Button down until the system powers off (about 10 seconds), then power the system back on.
- General system stability can be improved by applying the latest system update. Try applying the latest system update and see if the issue improves.
- If the system only freezes when using a specific game or application downloaded from the Nintendo eShop, check the Nintendo eShop for an update. If the update was already installed, delete and redownload it.
- If the game was downloaded, use the Nintendo 3DS Download Repair Tool to check the game or application for errors and repair if necessary.
- Even if no errors are found, you can choose to run the repair tool.
- Start the game or application again to see if the problem is still happening.
Situation not resolved
If the system is still freezing or locking up after performing the update or using the repair tool, the system will need to be serviced. If you find this issue is only happening with a single or multiple games, please include a few of the problematic games with the service.
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.
-
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?
-
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.
