Nintendo Ends Official Repairs for New Nintendo 3DS in Japan After Running Out of Replacement Parts

Nintendo has officially announced the end of repair services for the New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS LL consoles in Japan, citing a lack of necessary replacement parts.

This final decision comes in the wake of earlier moves by the company, including the closure of the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U online services in April 2024, further consolidating the conclusion of the beloved handheld’s lifecycle. A statement from Nintendo’s Japanese customer support account confirmed, “For the Nintendo 2DS systems, New Nintendo 3DS systems, and New Nintendo 3DS LL systems, repair services will terminate as soon as current parts inventories are exhausted.” The company did clarify that its repair program will continue for the New Nintendo 2DS LL for the foreseeable future. Launched in Japan in 2014, the New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS LL (known as the New Nintendo 3DS XL in regions outside Japan) introduced improved performance, a faster CPU, enhanced 3D viewing, and additional control inputs.

These features made them a favored upgrade for both dedicated gamers and new enthusiasts, bolstering the already robust success of the Nintendo 3DS platform.

As of March 2024, the family of Nintendo 3DS handhelds—including all models—has sold over 75 million units worldwide, standing as one of Nintendo’s most successful portable gaming platforms. The shift away from official repair support makes ongoing maintenance of these handhelds more challenging for owners, as Nintendo’s supply of genuine replacement parts is now exhausted.

While the New Nintendo 2DS LL will still be eligible for repairs, original New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS LL owners are encouraged to exercise caution and maintain their devices, as official avenues for hardware servicing have reached their end. This development follows the larger trend in the gaming industry of sunsetting legacy hardware support, as focus shifts to modern platforms like the Nintendo Switch.

Although the 3DS eShop closed its doors in 2023 and online services ceased in April 2024, the continued fondness for Nintendo’s innovative handheld remains strong among fans and collectors alike. For those with a New Nintendo 3DS system, now is an important time to backup data and handle devices carefully, as the availability of authentic repairs has officially concluded.

Nintendo’s acknowledgment marks both an end and a celebration of the enduring legacy of the handheld era.

Nintendo 3DS Nintendo Japan 3DS Xbox Series X|S New Nintendo 3DS consoles New Nintendo 3DS LL