How Long Does the Nintendo 3DS Battery Last? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Gaming > Consoles & PCs 76 76 people found this article helpful

How Long Does the Nintendo 3DS Battery Last?

Tips to extend battery life

By Nadia Oxford Nadia Oxford Writer William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute Nadia Oxford is a former Lifewire writer with 10+ years' experience. Her articles have appeared in Pocket Games Magazine, Play Magazine, Game Pro, IGN and others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on December 11, 2019 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Consoles & PCs Xbox Buyer's Guide The typical battery life for the Nintendo 3DS is between three and five hours if you're playing a Nintendo 3DS game. If you're playing a Nintendo DS game on the 3DS, the battery might last anywhere between five and eight hours.

Features That Affect Battery Usage

The amount of power you get out of your Nintendo 3DS battery depends on which features you have turned on and to what level. For example, using the 3D function on the 3DS drains the battery quicker than playing games in 2D. Also, if the Wi-Fi capabilities of the 3DS are turned on and if the top screen is set at its maximum level of brightness, you can expect the system's battery life to fade even more quickly. Lifewire / Elise Degarmo

Charging the 3DS

It takes about three and a half hours for the Nintendo 3DS to charge fully — less if the battery isn't run all the way down. It'll take a little longer if you continue to use the 3DS while it's charging. Just plug the charger directly into the 3DS and keep playing. Each Nintendo 3DS comes with a charging cradle, which makes it easy for you to walk into the house and put your 3DS down for a refreshing sleep while you go about your business. You cannot play while the 3DS is in the charging cradle.

Tips to Extend Battery Life

You can take several actions to extend the battery life of your 3DS. Disable the 3D feature to see an extra hour or more of battery life. Turn on the power-saving mode to get 10 to 20 percent more life from your battery. Lower the screen brightness. Disable Wi-Fi. Stay away from the suspend and sleep modes. Buy an external battery pack with a USB port and use it to charge the 3DS when you're away from a power outlet. Disable the sound by turning the volume down all the way. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Get More StreetPasses on Your Nintendo 3DS Can I Play Nintendo 3DS Games on the Wii U? Can I Play Nintendo DS Games on the 3DS? How to Add a Friend Code on Your Nintendo 3DS Setting Up Nintendo 3DS Parental Controls Do I Need to Know How to Draw for 3D Modeling? How to Transfer Data From a Nintendo 3DS SD Card Nintendo 3DS vs. the DSi: A Comparison How to Disable 3D Images on the Nintendo 3DS How Much Does the Nintendo 3DS Cost? How Long Does an iPad Last? The Nintendo 3DS Is Region Locked How to Make Your Cellphone Battery Last Longer How Long Does a Ring Battery Last? How Long Does a Laptop Battery Last? Nintendo 3DS vs. 2DS Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies