How to Hard Reset a Nintendo 3DS
If your device freezes while you’re in the middle of playing a game:
Press and hold down the Power button until the 3DS turns off. This may take about 10 seconds. Press the Power button again to turn the 3DS back on.
In most cases, this will solve the problem, and you can return to playing your game.
Check for Updates to the Nintendo eShop Software
If the 3DS continues freezing only when you use one specific game or application, go to the eShop and check for an update:
On the bottom screen, tap the shopping cart icon on the home menu to open the Nintendo eShop. In the eShop, tap Menu in the top-left corner of the screen. Scroll down and select Settings / Other. In the History section, tap Updates. Look for your game or app. If you see Update Available above it, tap Download or Update and follow the on-screen prompts.
If you already installed the most current update, try deleting the app or game and downloading it again to see if that fixes the issue. See what to do if the update fails.
Use the Nintendo 3DS Download Repair Tool
When all else fails, use the Nintendo 3DS Download Software Repair Tool:
On the bottom screen, tap the shopping cart icon on the home menu to open the Nintendo eShop. In the eShop, tap the Menu icon at the top of the screen. Scroll and select Settings / Other. In the History section, select Redownloadable Software. Tap Your Downloads at the very bottom of the screen. Locate the game you want to repair and tap Software Info under it. Scroll down and tap Repair Software, then tap OK to check for errors. You can choose to repair the software even if no errors are found. When the software check is finished, tap OK and Download to start the repair. The software download does not overwrite any saved data. To finish, tap Continue and the Home button.
If you’re still having issues, contact Nintendo’s customer service department for further assistance.
