While no-one is sure why Nintendo decided not to offer screenshot support on the 3DS (or even offer it as part of a software update), the Nintendo community has come up with a handful of workarounds that have varying levels of success. Most recommend uploading screenshots via Miiverse, which is what we go into detail about below, although it isn’t a method that’ll work with any old Nintendo game. If that’s not up your street, some hardcore gamers opt to mod their 3DS to include a capture card. This, of course, voids the 3DS warranty and will set interested users back over £200 from certain online retailers. So, for now, we’ll be concentrating on capturing and sharing Nintendo 3DS screenshots using Nintendo’s Miiverse. Don’t worry: there’s a way to get them onto your PC (and social media too, if you desire).
Take a screenshot on 3DS
Before we go any further, it’s worth noting that to take screenshots on a Nintendo 3DS, your 3DS needs to not only be up to date with the latest software, but also connected to an active Wi-Fi connection. To check whether your 3DS is up to date, head to System Settings on the Home menu then select Other Settings and head to page 4 (or 5 if you’re using the 3DS XL). Select System Update, then tap OK, and your 3DS will connect to the internet and download any available updates. Once you’re up to date and connected to Wi-Fi, simply follow these instructions to take screenshots on a Nintendo 3DS: There you go! You should now have a Nintendo 3DS screenshot ready to be shared on Twitter, Facebook or anywhere else online. We know it’s not the ideal way to take and share screenshots from your Nintendo 3DS, but without any official method from Nintendo, it’s about as good as it gets – for now, anyway. Lewis Painter is a Senior Staff Writer at Tech Advisor. Our resident Apple expert, Lewis covers everything from iPhone to AirPods, plus a range of smartphones, tablets, laptops and gaming hardware. You’ll also find him on the Tech Advisor YouTube channel.
