How To Pull Off A 3DS GameStop Trade And Keep Your Data
If no one’s told you yet, transferring the save data from your previous 3DS model to the New 3DS XL has become a bit more….complicated than in previous versions. You will need a tiny screwdriver, a new 3DS AC adapter, and a Micro SD-to-regular-SD card adapter, as well as a new Micro SD card if 4GB isn’t enough for you. You must physically unscrew the back, transfer the material from your SD card to the Micro SD on your computer, place it in and screw the back on again. Presumably they’ve made it this awkward because a Micro SD is very swallowable if it gets in the wrong hands.
If you care about not losing the rights to any game you bought on the eShop, this development has virtually eliminated any chance of getting the discount from GameStop for your old model, right? Kinda wrong. They’ve devised an elaborate, acrobatic way to pull it off.
Step 1: First purchase the new system, go home and perform the data transfer.
Step 2: Take the old system and your receipt for the new system to GameStop.
Step 3: Using the receipt, the cashier will fudge the computer into “returning” the new system for a full refund of $200.
Step 4: Now trade in the old system. This is why you bought a new AC adapter, because they won’t accept it without one.
Step 5: Rebuy the same new system, applying the in-store credit for the old machine you just pawned.
Given GameStop’s legendary ineptitude, it would be wise to arrange all this with a singular cashier prior to Step 1, and to make sure his or her shift won’t end by the time you reach Step 2. If they say they don’t know what you’re talking about when you explain this whole deal, try a different GameStop. Lotsa luck!