Bought a used 3DS, can I change the Nintendo ID and keep downloaded games?

I am very new to this all, I have not owned anything Nintendo since the original Wii launch. I recently picked up a used 3DS which has 2 games on it I would like to keep. It still has the previous owner's Nintendo ID and settings on everything. I am wondering if I can use a new Nintendo ID (I want to be able to make my own purchases in the store) and still keep the downloaded games? Are they stored on the SD card or system? Would also like to know if there's a way to bring a 3ds completely back to default and keep the downloaded games.

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Best Answer

The short answer is 'NO'

All games you digitally purchase from the Nintendo eShop are tied to the Nintendo ID used for purchase. As soon as you change the Nintendo ID in your 3DS/3DS-XL, the old games become inaccessible. The only way you can regain access to them through your Nintendo ID would be to purchase them from eShop using your Nintendo account.

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Are eShop games tied to account 3DS?

Are eshop games still tied to the 3ds or your account if you change your console? Yep, the games are still tied to the 3DS. Every 3DS has a soul, and you need to transfer this soul to a new 3DS, to use these purchased eshop games on it.

How do I unlink a Nintendo Network ID from a old 3DS?

Complete these steps

Go to the Nintendo Account website and sign in to your Nintendo Account.

Click User info, then scroll down to the Linked accounts section and click Edit.

To unlink an NNID from your Nintendo Account, click the checkmark next to Nintendo Network ID to remove the link.

Can you redownload eShop games on a different 3DS?

You can also change, remove, and redownload themes for your Nintendo 3DS family system. Once deleted, Nintendo eShop purchases can be redownloaded at no cost. Downloaded items appear as a gift on the HOME Menu. Once they have fully downloaded, you can tap them to access the software.

What happens if I delete my Nintendo Network ID 3DS?

The Nintendo eShop and all associated purchases will be deleted, and cannot be downloaded. This applies to purchases made with this Nintendo Network ID both on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. Any remaining balance in the Nintendo eShop account will be deleted and cannot be recovered or refunded.

Nintendo 3DS Game Recovery of Missing Pre-Installed Games After Factory Reset DIGITAL Lost Game

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