Do 3DS Games Save to Cartridge or SD Card?

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By Monica Bates

If you’re a 3DS owner, you might be wondering where your game saves are stored. Are they saved to the cartridge or the SD card? The answer is: it depends.

Cartridge Saves

Some 3DS games save their progress directly to the cartridge. These games typically have a small amount of save data, and there’s no option to move the saves to an SD card. Examples of games that save to the cartridge include Animal Crossing: New Leaf and Mario Kart 7.

If you’re playing a game that saves to the cartridge, it’s important to note that your progress will only be available on that specific cartridge. If you lose or damage your cartridge, you’ll lose your progress.

SD Card Saves

Other 3DS games save their progress to the SD card. These games typically have larger save files, and there’s usually an option within the game to move the saves from the cartridge to the SD card.

Examples of games that save to the SD card include Super Smash Bros for Nintendo 3DS and Pokémon X/Y. If you’re playing a game that saves to the SD card, your progress will be available as long as you have access to that specific SD card.

It’s important to note that not all 3DS consoles come with an SD card. If your console doesn’t have an SD card installed, you won’t be able to play games that require one.

How To Check Where Your Game Saves Are Stored

To check where your game saves are stored, follow these steps:

  • Turn on your 3DS and navigate to System Settings.
  • Select Data Management.
  • Select Nintendo 3DS.
  • Select Software.
  • You should now see a list of all of your installed software.
  • If a game has a small icon of a game cartridge next to it, it saves to the cartridge. If it has an icon of an SD card, it saves to the SD card.

Conclusion

In conclusion, some 3DS games save their progress directly to the cartridge, while others save to the SD card. It’s important to check where your game saves are stored so you know where your progress is being saved.

If you’re playing a game that saves to the cartridge, be sure to keep track of the cartridge so you don’t lose your progress. If you’re playing a game that saves to the SD card, make sure you have access to that specific SD card so you can continue your progress.