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How to add funds to your 3DS eShop account

Let's go eShopping together

How to add funds to your 3DS eShop account
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3DS

The eShop has finally launched, and we're ready to start enjoying a whole host of downloadable Nintendo goodness.

Of course, before we can do that, we need to empty out our pockets and slot that spare change into the coin dispenser on the side of the Nintendo 3DS.

OK, so that's obviously not how it works - or at least, it didn't work when we tried - but it may well be that you're struggling to put your hard-earned money into your eShop account.

Never fear!

Pocket Gamer has gone ahead and worked it all out for you, and it's pleasingly simple to do. Follow our step-by-step guide on how to add funds and start downloading titles straight away.
Nintendo has made it incredibly simple to put funds into your account - it's as if they want you to spend money or something. On the main eShop menu, scroll all the way to the left, and you should see 'Add Funds' as the second option. Select that, and you're already a quarter of the way there. Easy, huh? How to play Snes games on DS 1
There are two options for payment: Nintendo eShop cards and your bank card. If you're in the US, you'll already be able to pick up eShop point cards from a variety of retailers, including BestBuy. But here in the UK, we're still waiting on these cards. Note that old Nintendo Points cards for the Wii, DS, and DSi won't work, so don't go buying one of those accidentally. If you are using a points cards, the process is easy as pie. Just select 'eShop Card', and bang your 16 digit number into the provided space. Wahey! You've got credit! For now, however, you're most likely going to need a bank card to bag yourself some eShop store credit. If this is the case, simply select the option and follow the rest of the guide below. How to add funds to 3DS eShop account
Select amount, followed by card details. You can add £10, £20, or £30 to your account. We'd suggest it's best to add £10 for now, just so you can see how it works, and whether or not you think it's worth adding more. Note that both credit and debit cards work, as long as you've got either a MasterCard or a Visa. Select your card type, and input the card details as you normally would. how to add funds to eshop account
Once you've inputted your card details and hit go, the credit will be added instantly and show up on the top screen. That's it! You're done already. Wasn't that easy? Now take a visit to the Virtual Console and start reliving some of those old Nintendo classics. how to add funds to your eshop account

Mike Rose
Mike Rose
An expert in the indie games scene, Mike comes to Pocket Gamer as our handheld gaming correspondent. He is the author of 250 Indie Games You Must Play.