Delete a game by removing it from your home screen

To delete a game from your Nintendo 3DS, hold down the game icon on your home screen for about two seconds until a menu appears. Select "Delete" from the options that pop up. The system will ask you to confirm — select "Yes" to remove the game permanently.

This method works for downloaded games and physical cartridges that you've installed. For physical cartridges, deleting removes the game data and save files from your system's storage, but you can reinstall it later by inserting the cartridge again. For downloaded games, deletion is permanent unless you redownload it from the Nintendo eShop.

The process takes about 10 seconds total. Your home screen will refresh when ready, and the game icon disappears. The storage space it used becomes available again right away.

Key Takeaways

  • Hold any game icon on your home screen for two seconds, then select "Delete" to remove it permanently.
  • Deleting a physical cartridge's data frees up storage, but you can reinstall it by inserting the cartridge again.
  • Downloaded games cannot be reinstalled unless you redownload them from the eShop, so delete only games you no longer want.
  • Deleting a game also removes all save files associated with it, so back up important saves before you delete.
  • You can delete multiple games at once by repeating the process for each icon.

Back up your save files before deleting

When you delete a game, all save files for that game are deleted too. If you want to keep your progress, you need to back it up first. The 3DS does not have a built-in cloud backup system, so your options are limited.

For most games, you cannot back up saves to a computer or external device. Your only option is to keep the game installed if you think you might play it again. If you are certain you will not play the game again, deleting it is safe — but once it is gone, that save data is gone forever.

Some games let you transfer save data to another 3DS system through a system transfer, but this requires both systems and takes about 30 minutes. If you own multiple 3DS systems, this is your only way to preserve saves before deleting a game.

Free up storage space by deleting games you do not play

The Nintendo 3DS comes with either 4 GB or 8 GB of built-in storage, depending on the model. Downloaded games, updates, and save files all use this space. If your system is running slow or you cannot read new games, storage is usually the problem.

Deleting games you have not played in months is the fastest way to free up space. A large game can take 1 to 3 GB of storage. If you delete three or four games, you will likely have enough room to read new ones or install system updates.

You can check how much storage you have left by going to System Settings, then "Data Management," then "Nintendo 3DS." The screen shows your total storage and how much is free. If you have less than 500 MB free, your system may struggle to read updates or new games.

Delete games from the Data Management menu instead

If you prefer not to hold down icons on your home screen, you can delete games through the System Settings menu. Go to System Settings, select "Data Management," then "Nintendo 3DS," then "Software." You will see a list of all installed games.

Select the game you want to delete, then choose "Delete." The system will ask you to confirm. This method shows you the file size of each game, which helps you decide which ones take up the most space. It is slower than the home screen method, but some people find it easier to navigate.

Both methods delete the game completely. The home screen method is faster if you know which game you want to remove. The Data Management menu is better if you want to see file sizes and compare which games use the most storage.

Reinstall downloaded games from the eShop

If you delete a downloaded game and later change your mind, you can reinstall it from the Nintendo eShop without paying again. Go to the eShop, find the game in your purchase history, and select "read" or "Install."

Your purchase history stays on your account even after you delete the game. The eShop remembers which games you bought, so you can redownload them anytime. This is different from physical cartridges — you can always reinstall a downloaded game, but you cannot reinstall a physical cartridge's data unless you have the cartridge itself.

Redownloading takes as long as the original read did, depending on your internet speed. A 2 GB game might take 20 to 60 minutes over WiFi. Make sure you have enough storage space free before you start the read.

What happens to your save data when you delete a game

Deleting a game removes both the game files and the save files together. You cannot delete just the game and keep the saves. If you have played the game for hours and built up progress, that progress is lost when you delete the game.

The only exception is if you transfer your system data to another 3DS before deleting. A system transfer copies everything, including saves, to the new system. After the transfer is complete, you can delete games from either system without affecting the other.

If you are unsure whether you will play a game again, keep it installed. Storage is cheap compared to the time you spent earning saves. You can always delete it later if you need the space.

Delete games to prepare your 3DS for sale or donation

If you are selling or giving away your 3DS, you should delete all your games and personal data before handing it over. Deleting games removes the game files, but it does not erase your account information or other personal data.

To fully prepare your system, go to System Settings, select "Other Settings," then "Format System Memory." This erases everything on the system, including all games, saves, and account data. The process takes about 10 minutes and cannot be undone, so make sure you have backed up anything you want to keep first.

Formatting is the safest way to prepare a 3DS for a new owner. It leaves no trace of your games, saves, or account information. If you only delete individual games without formatting, the new owner might be able to recover some data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete a game and keep the save file?

No. The 3DS deletes save files along with the game. If you want to keep your progress, you must keep the game installed or transfer your system data to another 3DS before deleting. There is no way to save just the save file without the game.

Will deleting a physical cartridge's data let me reinstall it?

Yes. When you delete data from a physical cartridge, you can reinstall it anytime by inserting the cartridge again. The cartridge itself is not affected — only the data stored on your system is deleted. Downloaded games work differently and cannot be reinstalled unless you redownload them from the eShop.

How much storage space does deleting a game free up?

It depends on the game size. Small games might free up 200 MB, while large games can free up 2 to 3 GB. You can check the file size of each game in the Data Management menu before you delete it. Deleting three or four large games usually gives you enough space to read new ones or install system updates.

What if I accidentally delete a game I wanted to keep?

If it was a downloaded game, you can redownload it from the eShop at no cost. If it was a physical cartridge, you can reinstall the data by inserting the cartridge again. If you deleted the save file and want to recover it, unfortunately there is no recovery option — the save is permanently gone.

Do I need to delete games before doing a system transfer?

No. A system transfer copies all your games, saves, and account data to the new system. You do not need to delete anything first. After the transfer is complete, you can delete games from either system if you want to free up space.