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[Boogiepop]

Since some variations on this general question seem to have been popping up in various threads about the new 3DS XL, I figured it'd be a good idea to try to create a thread to sort things out.

The big question seems to be what happens when you want to transfer data to a console with a game preinstalled. The consensus seems to be that as long as you don't create a NNID on the system first it should be merged with your existing one, allowing you to redownload the game alongside all the rest of the stuff you transferred over.

Now the question I've been having trouble getting an answer to: I have a 64 GB micro SD that I'm using on my normal 3DS. I at least have over 16 GB of data on the thing right now. I want to transfer that over to the MH4U New 3DS XL when I pick it up. However, you can't just flip SD cards around freely last I checked, nor mess with it via PC (hence the need for an actual system transfer in the first place). So... how exactly can I get the 64 GB card reading in the New 3DS XL, with my data intact, with MH4U also installed? Is there a way to do it without a third card to act as an intermediary or some nonsense? Definitely want to get this sorted out before the console launches.

But yeah, if anybody else has any questions regarding the whole transfer process, please feel free to throw them out there in here, and hopefully we can all get on the same page because it is, frankly, pretty damn confusing.

 

[mgs2master2]

To my understanding, it is the exact same as how the system transfers work now.

Both devices next to each other, locally and same wifi.
When you enable transfer it will move the licenses of all your games and everything else to the new device, after of course it removes anything on the new device.

To make more sense, it erases anything preinstalled on the console thats considered bloatware and transfers everything from the old device to the new one.

After that you stick the new card in your device and boom ready to go.

as for preinstalled games, i am pretty confident it will not erase it from the device. Not entirely sure, you gotta check on that.

 

[Corgi]

made a thread earlier.


consensus is game is deleted. but you can dl again for free on eshop

 

[chrono01]

Since some variations on this general question seem to have been popping up in various threads about the new 3DS XL, I figured it'd be a good idea to try to create a thread to sort things out.

The big question seems to be what happens when you want to transfer data to a console with a game preinstalled. The consensus seems to be that as long as you don't create a NNID on the system first it should be merged with your existing one, allowing you to redownload the game alongside all the rest of the stuff you transferred over.

Now the question I've been having trouble getting an answer to: I have a 64 GB micro SD that I'm using on my normal 3DS. I at least have over 16 GB of data on the thing right now. I want to transfer that over to the MH4U New 3DS XL when I pick it up. However, you can't just flip SD cards around freely last I checked, nor mess with it via PC (hence the need for an actual system transfer in the first place). So... how exactly can I get the 64 GB card reading in the New 3DS XL, with my data intact, with MH4U also installed? Is there a way to do it without a third card to act as an intermediary or some nonsense? Definitely want to get this sorted out before the console launches.

But yeah, if anybody else has any questions regarding the whole transfer process, please feel free to throw them out there in here, and hopefully we can all get on the same page because it is, frankly, pretty damn confusing.

I'm not 100% certain, but I believe the only thing you need to transfer over are the base license settings. So you can delete all of your downloaded titles [to make it fit within the 16GB parameter], do the transfer, and then re-download everything on your New 3DS XL. You might also be able to copy your downloaded titles to your PC, do the transfer, and then swap SD cards [from the 16GB to the 64GB] afterwards, replacing your moved titles back onto their original card. Since the New 3DS XL would then have the licenses and everything, from the prior system transfer, in theory it should be able to play the games without issue.

I've only transferred from a lower capacity card to a higher, so I can't say for sure whether the above is correct or not.

 

[LegendofLex]

From Nintendo support:

Tap "Delete" to confirm deletion of all Nintendo 3DS data on the target system's SD Card. Tap the blue "Delete" button to begin the transfer.

If "Do Not Delete" is selected, the Target system will request to perform the transfer without deleting the Nintendo 3DS data on the SD Card. Tap "Yes" to begin the transfer.

[...]

If the target system has a higher capacity SD Card than the source system, you may choose to transfer your content to the higher capacity SD Card instead.

http://en-americas-support.nintendo...ntent-between-two-nintendo-3ds-family-systems

This doesn't specifically address your question (what happens to old content once I add the new content), but it does seem to suggest you can choose not to delete the data saved to your original SD card.

Dunno what happens when you try to do this with a card that has higher capacity than the target system, though.

 

[Palocca]

Is there a way to consolidate data from two 3ds systems? I have an old ambassador 3ds and a Zelda 3dsxl. I want to basically be able to keep the 3ds ambassador games while retaining my Link Between Worlds digital copy.

 

[tanooki27]

what if I sold my 3ds but kept the sd card. any hope?

 

[Somnid]

what if I sold my 3ds but kept the sd card. any hope?

Nope, you need the 3DS.

 

[mgs2master2]

what if I sold my 3ds but kept the sd card. any hope?

talk to nintendo after you get the new unit. After explaining the situation to them, they can more than likely move your licenses to the new unit.

I had a 3DS in the past that i sold (ambassador unit) and sold it off to pay rent in the past. years later i got a XL unit and had nothing I owned before. I contacted nintendo and explained the situation to them, they just wanted the serial numbers of both units and did the transfer on their end. Took about 5 days for it to fully happen.

 

[LegendofLex]

Found something slightly more specific to your question:

Does the target system (system being transferred to) have a linked Nintendo Network ID?

[No]

For the most part, information on the target system (system being transferred to) will be overwritten by the information on the source system (system being transferred from). Click here or see below for specific details:

All content downloaded via the Nintendo eShop on both systems (DSiWare, Ambassador games and status, Nintendo 3DS Downloadable software, etc.) will be combined together onto the target system.
If one of the systems was linked to a Nintendo Network ID, the Nintendo eShop content will be associated with that ID.
After the transfer is complete, titles will be available to redownload from the Nintendo eShop on the target system.
Any game data that is duplicated on both systems is overwritten by the data on the source system.
Any games and funds purchased with the Nintendo eShop will no longer be playable on the system they were transferred from.

The Nintendo eShop balance from both systems is combined together. (Total amount cannot exceed $200 or the transfer will be canceled.)
Data associated with any pre-installed applications (Face Raiders, StreetPass Mii Plaza, etc.). Only the data associated with the source system is retained.
Pre-installed games (Mario Kart 7, Super Mario 3D Land) are treated as a standard Nintendo eShop game license. The license will be on the target system once the transfer is complete.
These titles are stored on the SD card of the target system, so if the SD card is switched out, formatted, or removed, the title will need to be redownloaded after the transfer is complete.

http://en-americas-support.nintendo...ansferred-during-the-system-transfer-process?

 

[Zeeman]

e: misread, disregard

 

[Grylvak]

Normally, you transfer the licenses over from 3DS-A to New3DS-B. Once done, you put the old SD card into the new System. Personally, I would wait until Nintendo reveals their "Best Way to Transfer" guide as per the Nintendo Direct this morning.

 

[ShadowgeistX]

Once done, you put the old SD card into the new System.

This is most likely the root of the problem. The N3DS uses MicroSD while the old 3DS uses regular SD.

Of course I suppose if you have the new MicroSD already you can move the data from your SD to microSD using the adapter and then the transfer process would be smooth as silk.

 

[TRD Mr Blonde]

Does the new 3DSXL come with more memory compared to the original 3DS XL? I have yet to upgrade my original card.

 

[Palocca]

Found something slightly more specific to your question:



http://en-americas-support.nintendo...ansferred-during-the-system-transfer-process?

Oh ok, so in theory, the 3ds system transfer will just consolidate my licenses. That's good news, thanks!

 

[Dragonborn]

The fact that there's no account system means I will continue to avoid buying anything digitally on 3DS. No way in hell would I risk something like that. The Wii U I'm willing to take a risk but even then it'll be cheap stuff. Nintendo needs a universal account system like Sony.

The amount of money I would have spent had it not been for this stupid oversight (so many VC games I want)

 

[Grylvak]

I suppose if you have the new MicroSD already you can move the data from your SD to microSD using the adapter and then the transfer process would be smooth as silk.

*EDIT*
You'll most likely want to wait for the video/guide Nintendo releases for this specific situation. Sucks how there is no simple way to transfer without pulling your hair out.

 

[n0razi]

Is there a way to consolidate data from two 3ds systems? I have an old ambassador 3ds and a Zelda 3dsxl. I want to basically be able to keep the 3ds ambassador games while retaining my Link Between Worlds digital copy.

i have this issue plus an animal crossing edition XL

 

[HubbaBubba]

I'm not 100% certain, but I believe the only thing you need to transfer over are the base license settings. So you can delete all of your downloaded titles [to make it fit within the 16GB parameter], do the transfer, and then re-download everything on your New 3DS XL. You might also be able to copy your downloaded titles to your PC, do the transfer, and then swap SD cards [from the 16GB to the 64GB] afterwards, replacing your moved titles back onto their original card. Since the New 3DS XL would then have the licenses and everything, from the prior system transfer, in theory it should be able to play the games without issue.

I've only transferred from a lower capacity card to a higher, so I can't say for sure whether the above is correct or not.

http://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/13996/p/430

 

[Listonosh]

The only problem about this whole process is that it ruins the chance of getting the $100 trade in credit at gamestop toward the New 3DS, since you need your old one when you get the new one =(

 

[Aesnath]

Anyone messed with pokebank after a transfer? As in, will I be able to get back into the thing?

 

[Veeboy]

The only problem about this whole process is that it ruins the chance of getting the $100 trade in credit at gamestop toward the New 3DS, since you need your old one when you get the new one =(

I'm pretty sure most Gamestops allow you to do the transfer using in store wi-fi. Meaning you can trade your XL in and they'll allow you to transfer it's contents to your N3DS in store and you'll get the full $100 trade in credit.

 

[me0wish]

Is there a way to change my NNID region from Canada to US? Like begging Nintendo support?

Edit: once a region is set, there is no way to buy games from other regions like the old 3ds?

 

[Listonosh]

I'm pretty sure most Gamestops allow you to do the transfer using in store wi-fi.

Yeah they do, however, I asked about the promo and they said it only works as a pre-order incentive, so on the day of launch, the promo will be over =/

 

[Fusebox]

I said to myself, 'Its okay I don't need to transfer I'll just take the cartridge out of one and put it in the other'.

Swapped Fantasy Life cartridge, no save file found, turns out it saves on the SD and it's encrypted to my Nintendo ID or some bullshit that means the only way I can move my save file is with a system transfer.

So much for using the n3DS when I'm out and the XL when I'm at home. Thanks Nintendo!!

edit: In fact, right now I want to go back to my regular n3DS but I can't because I already did a system transfer once this week. WTF? What is this shitty mechanism in place for??

 

[Leafhopper]

Best bet is to have both the systems at the same time.

 

[Starwolf_UK]

Anyone messed with pokebank after a transfer? As in, will I be able to get back into the thing?

I thought the subscription was NNID based and since the NNID is transfered it should work. But don't take it from because I wouldn't know because I refuse NNID on 3DS.

Now the question I've been having trouble getting an answer to: I have a 64 GB micro SD that I'm using on my normal 3DS. I at least have over 16 GB of data on the thing right now. I want to transfer that over to the MH4U New 3DS XL when I pick it up. However, you can't just flip SD cards around freely last I checked, nor mess with it via PC (hence the need for an actual system transfer in the first place). So... how exactly can I get the 64 GB card reading in the New 3DS XL, with my data intact, with MH4U also installed? Is there a way to do it without a third card to act as an intermediary or some nonsense? Definitely want to get this sorted out before the console launches.

It is a micro SD. That's good. So do the system transfer and pick the "copy via PC option" during it. Then once it is complete it is just a matter of opening the back of the New 3DS system and putting the 64GB micro SD in. If you didn't have a micro SD then you would need to copy the contents or use the wireless transfer options (which are really slow).

There is no avoiding having to redownload MH4U sadly.

Is there a way to change my NNID region from Canada to US? Like begging Nintendo support?

Edit: once a region is set, there is no way to buy games from other regions like the old 3ds?

Nintendo Network terms and conditions say there is no changing an NNIDs country. The best begging NOA support would do is to transfer the licenses to a different ID but there is no guarantee of you being successful (I know someone succeeded in merging licenses from two NNIDs).

Once an NNID is linked you can not access eShops from other countries without formatting the system (this has serious implications of losing all saves for downloaded and internal software). However if you think that is a good idea to purchase content not available in the country of your NNID, think again. Once the NNID is linked you will have no way to redownload it as the software doesn't exist on the eShop you are locked into.

You could instead just not bother making/linking an NNID because NNID is still optional on the 3DS; not mandatory. It does mean missing out on demos and f2p games because NNID needed some incentive though but I think the benefits outweigh those drawbacks.

 

[Boogiepop]

I thought the subscription was NNID based and since the NNID is transfered it should work. But don't take it from because I wouldn't know because I refuse NNID on 3DS.


It is a micro SD. That's good. So do the system transfer and pick the "copy via PC option" during it. Then once it is complete it is just a matter of opening the back of the New 3DS system and putting the 64GB micro SD in. If you didn't have a micro SD then you would need to copy the contents or use the wireless transfer options (which are really slow).

There is no avoiding having to redownload MH4U sadly.


Nintendo Network terms and conditions say there is no changing an NNIDs country. The best begging NOA support would do is to transfer the licenses to a different ID but there is no guarantee of you being successful (I know someone succeeded in merging licenses from two NNIDs).

Once an NNID is linked you can not access eShops from other countries without formatting the system (this has serious implications of losing all saves for downloaded and internal software). However if you think that is a good idea to purchase content not available in the country of your NNID, think again. Once the NNID is linked you will have no way to redownload it as the software doesn't exist on the eShop you are locked into.

You could instead just not bother making/linking an NNID because NNID is still optional on the 3DS; not mandatory. It does mean missing out on demos and f2p games because NNID needed some incentive though but I think the benefits outweigh those drawbacks.

Awesome, thanks (same to the other people who posted similar things as well). Didn't know you could do a version of transfer that let you just plop the SD card straight into the new system, thought it needed to actively transfer things from one system to the other, which certainly could've gotten messy. Redownloading MH4U isn't a huge problem for me (though obviously not ideal). Seriously, thanks a lot!

 

[Salaadin]

FWIW, my GameStop told me that GameStop and Nintendo will both be releasing step by step instructions on how to prep for transfer and how to do the transfer before the new 3ds launches.

He also said that GameStop will be allowing transfers in store as long as there is a Wi-Fi connection. The person at the register will transfer your data for you if you are trading in an old system but don't want to lose anything.

 

[Takuan]

So I guess the n3DS is going to be charged out of the box? How would one perform the transfer safely, otherwise? I guess the store guys will have an AC adapter handy.

I just got word that EB Games Canada is allowing a 48 hour grace period to those trading in their old hardware for promo credit; as long as you bring back your trade within 48 hours of picking up the new hardware, you'll get the promo credit. Although, this way it makes me wonder if you're able to get the credit applied to the n3DS purchase...

 

[Salaadin]

Does New 3ds come with a micro SD card?

I have a 32gb sd card in my current xl. If I do a system transfer, and there is no card it a smaller card, am I shit out of luck?

I was planning on bringing a micro SD with me to GameStop to do the transfer in store but now I'm reading that the micro SD can only be accessed by unscrewing the back? Don't know if Gamestop will let me do all that....

 

[Blooddimond]

Does New 3ds come with a micro SD card?

I have a 32gb sd card in my current xl. If I do a system transfer, and there is no card it a smaller card, am I shit out of luck?

I was planning on bringing a micro SD with me to GameStop to do the transfer in store but now I'm reading that the micro SD can only be accessed by unscrewing the back? Don't know if Gamestop will let me do all that....

the new 3ds has a 4 gb Micro SD. If you have more than 4 gb of stuff downloaded you might need to delete some stuff and redownload it later.

 

[Jinto]

So there's no way for me to keep using both the old and new 3DS without having to do a transfer every time? Or at the very least, keep some games on one and some on the other?

 

[PixyJunket]

Yeah they do, however, I asked about the promo and they said it only works as a pre-order incentive, so on the day of launch, the promo will be over =/

That wouldn't make much sense.

The guy at my store said the trade-up deal was good on the 13th and 14th only.

 

[MicH]

So there's no way for me to keep using both the old and new 3DS without having to do a transfer every time? Or at the very least, keep some games on one and some on the other?

No. Also you can't transfer back to an "old" 3DS after transferring to a *new* 3DS. You can't ever transfer your games and stuff to a non-new 3DS.

 

[jts]

Bony confirmed to City.

 

[Salaadin]

the new 3ds has a 4 gb Micro SD. If you have more than 4 gb of stuff downloaded you might need to delete some stuff and redownload it later.

Makes sense. Guess that's not a huge deal.

That wouldn't make much sense.

The guy at my store said the trade-up deal was good on the 13th and 14th only.

My store said the same. Deal will still be going on the day of release

 

[HUELEN10]

What if I have a Micro SD in my 2DS? Can't I just treat it as any other license transfer and put that old card in my new system when done?

 

[MicH]

What if I have a Micro SD in my 2DS? Can't I just treat it as any other license transfer and put that old card in my new system when done?

Yup. Do the transfer and just put your current micro SD card info the new 3DS

 

[Jinto]

No. Also you can't transfer back to an "old" 3DS after transferring to a *new* 3DS. You can't ever transfer your games and stuff to a non-new 3DS.

Well, that's unfortunate. I guess you can't use the same NNID on both either.

 

[HUELEN10]

Yup. Do the transfer and just put your current micro SD card info the new 3DS

After it's done, off, and I remove the cover, insert card, and turn it back again, right?

 

[Garou]

To anyone worried about the switch from SD to microSD:
If you have more than 4GB of data, buy a new microSD now, transfer you data using a PC and start using the microSD+adapter in your old 3DS.

Will make the transfer-process much smoother and you can ensure the microSD works properly.

If you have less than 4GB you can wirelessly transfer all your data without having to touch any of the SD-cards (although that takes a while, so don't do that at GameStop)

 

[MicH]

After it's done, off, and I remove the cover, insert card, and turn it back again, right?

Correct! It will tell you everything you need to do

 

[Vitacat]

I said to myself, 'Its okay I don't need to transfer I'll just take the cartridge out of one and put it in the other'.

Swapped Fantasy Life cartridge, no save file found, turns out it saves on the SD and it's encrypted to my Nintendo ID or some bullshit that means the only way I can move my save file is with a system transfer.

So much for using the n3DS when I'm out and the XL when I'm at home. Thanks Nintendo!!

edit: In fact, right now I want to go back to my regular n3DS but I can't because I already did a system transfer once this week. WTF? What is this shitty mechanism in place for??

Yep, it's a terrible, stupid, disgusting system they have I place.

I would love to have a 3ds that I take outside and use a nice LE when at home, but it's not really feasible because Nintendo is utterly clueless and treats its customers like criminals.

 

[MildSoss]

Is there a reason they switched over to micro sd? Sucks that now i have to buy a whole new card for when my new 3DS arrives.

 

[Vitacat]

Is there a reason they switched over to micro sd? Sucks that now i have to buy a whole new card for when my new 3DS arrives.

Because Nintendo.

And also probably because mobile devices are generally moving toward using micro SD's. It sucks, but still better than Vita's proprietary memory cards.

 

[Mr Rivuz]

Are only the licenses transferred or also the content of the sd? I bought Shin Megami Tensei IV on the eshop recently, will i be able to transfer the savefile too? I don't want to face Minotaur again please...

 

[The Xtortionist]

So, my 3DS XL has the stock SD card in it and my laptop doesn't have a port for MicroSD. What are my options for transferring the data on my XL's SD card to the n3DS' MicroSD?

 

[Shauni]

I know it's probably false hope and all, but when they mentioned details about transferring coming soon, maybe there's something that can be done without having two systems at the same time. I would really like to go ahead and trade my current XL in at Gamestop toward the Monster Hunter 4 bundle, but they are only doing it through that stupid ass WIS thing where you must pay in full, so if I trade it in I obviously won't get to transfer. Maybe they can somehow detach the NNID from the system and have it float until you re-register it with a new system. Like I said, false hope and all, I know.

 

[JoJoSono]

Nope, you need the 3DS.

Even if you're just trying to move regular game saves? Nothing to do with accounts or eshop purchases.