Is this a 3DS Problem or a Cartridge Problem?

[BluebellLight]

Sometimes when I am playing Bluebell (my main town I have logged over 1000 hours in) my 3DS just cuts to the Game Card Removed screen when I move my 3ds a bit quickly. This happened in Rosebud once but it has happened in Bluebell twice today. My 3DS is around 4 years old, has awful triggers and the D pad and A button are pretty much about to fall off. I am worried I have overused my Bluebell cartridge however. I am very scared my main town I have put so much work into will stop working some day soon. Does this sound like an issue with my 3DS or one with my cartridge? In addition, if it is a 3DS issue, should I get a regular 3DS again, a 2DS or a new 3DS XL to replace it?

 

[Becca617]

If your 3ds triggers and all other stuff is pretty loose and "damaged" (i guess i could say idk), i would just recommend getting a new 3ds/3ds XL. The cartridge slot might have an issue, but I'm pretty sure the cartridge itself is okay. So overall, I'd say it's a 3ds problem.

 

[Amherst]

It's impossible to say 100% but from what you've said, it definitely sounds like it's a 3DS issue.

As for what console to get to replace it, that's something you have t decide for yourself based on what kind of things you're looking for in a system and what your preferences are. If you're into screen size and want it to be as big as possible then get the New 3DS XL. If you have small hands or wrists, but still want a good screen but not as massive, and like the option to customise your console -- then get with New 3DS. If you're not fussed at all about screensize and want to spend as little money as possible on a new system, then get the 2DS. I wouldn't go by the 2d/3d aspect, no one really uses the 3D on their consoles.

You might want to take your system to a game store and see what they have to say about your problem. I had a scare recently with my 3DS and took it to the store, they were able to figure out if it was the charger not the system that was the problem.

Best of luck!

 

[BluebellLight]

I definitely love the smaller screen sizd, and would love the smaller new 3ds, but where can I get my hands on one in America?

 

[lucitine]

It sounds like the issue is with your 3ds. From your description, it just seems that the 3ds has been worn out over time and the cartridge slot doesn't hold the game in as well as it should.

If you can afford it, I definitely recommend a new 3DS or XL. I personally own the regular N3DS and I kind of wish I got an XL (though I love my faceplates). If money is a factor and you dont play any games that require the 2nd "c stick", then I would go with the 3DS. I reckon they'll be coming out with a new console soon-ish anyway.

 

[BluebellLight]

It sounds like the issue is with your 3ds. From your description, it just seems that the 3ds has been worn out over time and the cartridge slot doesn't hold the game in as well as it should.

If you can afford it, I definitely recommend a new 3DS or XL. I personally own the regular N3DS and I kind of wish I got an XL (though I love my faceplates). If money is a factor and you dont play any games that require the 2nd "c stick", then I would go with the 3DS. I reckon they'll be coming out with a new console soon-ish anyway.

I mainly play ACNL and Tomodachi Life, but I may pick up Smash Bros when I get a new 3DS so a second c stick may be useful

 

[Locket]

Cartridge problem: Lick it. It works.

3DS problem: Get a new 3DS, because yours sounds pretty beat up.

 

[Spooky.]

It sounds like a DS issue to me.

Edit: I'd recommend the original 3DS/3DSXL over the New 3DS. I have both and I've come to dislike a LOT of things about the new 3DS. But if you don't turn the 3D on for any games, a 2DS may save you money.

I'm worried about one of my game carts myself because you can hear something rattle inside when you move it around and it makes me nervous. I hope something inside the cart didn't break, though the game still works. None of my other game carts for anything make a rattle sound so I'm freaking a bit.

 

[BluebellLight]

It sounds like a DS issue to me.

Edit: I'd recommend the original 3DS/3DSXL over the New 3DS. I have both and I've come to dislike a LOT of things about the new 3DS. But if you don't turn the 3D on for any games, a 2DS may save you money.

I'm worried about one of my game carts myself because you can hear something rattle inside when you move it around and it makes me nervous. I hope something inside the cart didn't break, though the game still works. None of my other game carts for anything make a rattle sound so I'm freaking a bit.

I have a pokemon SoulSilver cartridge that rattles. It still plays perfect but im nervous haha

 

[Belle of Pripyat]

I definitely love the smaller screen sizd, and would love the smaller new 3ds, but where can I get my hands on one in America?

Best Buy, Gamestop, Toys R Us, Walmart and Target are good places to look. You could also order one from Amazon.

 

[AnimalCrossingPerson]

Cartridge problem: Lick it. It works.

3DS problem: Get a new 3DS, because yours sounds pretty beat up.

This is poor advice as your saliva will corrode both the cartridge and the system's contacts.


Hmm... it could be a combination of the DS and cartridge.

Show us a photo? Most people on here know what a worn out cartridge looks like.

One thing you could try doing is putting a few layers of tape (just use trial-and-error - there are too many factors for me to give an accurate number) over the front of the cartridge, where the label has been pasted. This will make the cartridge press against your system's contacts harder which should prevent the issues you are having.

If the contacts on your cartridge are severely worn down then I've heard you can use a small amount of conductive ink to get them working again. I have no idea how safe or reliable this is though, and you should make sure to never have a connection going between any of the seventeen connectors.

- - - Post Merge - - -

I'm worried about one of my game carts myself because you can hear something rattle inside when you move it around and it makes me nervous. I hope something inside the cart didn't break, though the game still works. None of my other game carts for anything make a rattle sound so I'm freaking a bit.

Oh, that's fine. Around half of my DS games rattle with the most played one and one of the less played ones, Metroid Prime Pinball and Solitaire DS, being the worst. I've had zero issues with them so you'll be just fine.

Disney Pixar Cars (DS - UK) - No rattle
More Brain Training from Dr Kawashima How Old is Your Brain? (DS - UK) - Rattles
Tetris Party Deluxe (DS - UK) - No rattle
Pok?mon White Version (DS - UK) - Rattles
Space Invaders Extreme (DS - UK) - Rattles only at specific angles
Metroid Prime Pinball (DS - UK) - Rattles
Mario Kart DS (DS - UK) - Rattles
Sonic Rush (DS - UK) - No rattle
Mario vs. Donkey Kong Mini-Land Mayhem! (DS - USA) - No rattle
Spectrobes (DS - USA) - No rattle
Countdown The Game (DS - UK) - No rattle
Solitaire DS (DS - Spain) - Rattles
Disney Club Penguin Elite Penguin Force (DS - UK) - Rattles
Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition (3DS - UK) - No rattle
Mario Kart 7 (3DS - UK) - No rattle
Animal Crossing Wild World (DS - UK) - Rattles
Animal Crossing New Leaf (3DS - UK) - No rattle

I'm wanting rid of a lot of those games but it's too much work selling them, lol.

 

[stitchmaker]

I had problems with my 2013 game popping out a year ago. The 3DS was only a year old and no one uses it but myself.
One time it was sitting on the table and the game popped out. The game wasn't on.

Bought a Cyber Push Guard and it doesn't pop out anymore. Holds the game in the system. I just leave my main town in that 3DS and use my other 3DS to play games.