How to Charge a Nintendo 3DS Family System Battery Nintendo 3DS In this article, you'll learn how to charge a Nintendo 3DS family system battery. Complete these steps Are you using the charging cradle or just the AC adapter? Charging Cradle AC Adapter Insert the AC adapter plug into the AC adapter connector on the back of the charging cradle. Place the Nintendo 3DS system on top of the charging cradle. The system will click into place. Plug the AC adapter into a wall outlet. The recharge LED will be lit orange when the system is charging, and will go out when charging is complete. Insert the AC Adapter plug into the AC Adapter connector on the back of the system. Plug the AC Adapter into a wall outlet. The recharge LED will be lit orange when the system is charging, and will go out when charging is complete.