My copy of Super Smash Bros for 3DS might be kaput

[Toadettefan]

Hey guys. I just recently checked to see if my copy of Super Smash Bros for 3DS is working, and while my system can recognize the game card, whenever I try to play it, it says the game card cannot be read. This is the second time it hasn't worked since it stopped loading the title screen and matches in 2021. Is my copy completely finished, or can I get a professional to repair it?

 

[Hint Toad]

First thing I would do is reboot your system. Do other game cards work? How long have you had this issue? I've had a similar issue where game cards do not get recognized, and a quick reboot does the trick for me.

 

[Hooded Pitohui]

If it's been a long while since you last played it, the NAND flash chip might be corrupted. I've heard about 3DS cartridges having issues with that when left unplayed for a long period. It seems like a common issue.

If that is the issue, there's a tool out there that attempts to fix it. Unfortunately, that tool requires custom firmware. However, the developers of that tool have recently posted about an alternative fix.

September 4, 2026 Update: New research indicates that leaving the cartridge on the Home Menu screen in Sleep Mode might be enough to fix it, and this tool is actually not necessary.

You could try this as a starting point. It may not work, but it's worth a try.

 

[Hint Toad]

September 4, 2026 Update: New research indicates that leaving the cartridge on the Home Menu screen in Sleep Mode might be enough to fix it, and this tool is actually not necessary.

Wait actually I think Pitohui is right. I remember doing something like this a while ago and thinking it was weird that that's what fixed it.

 

[Toadettefan]

First thing I would do is reboot your system. Do other game cards work? How long have you had this issue? I've had a similar issue where game cards do not get recognized, and a quick reboot does the trick for me.

All of my other games such as my Mario Party titles, Super Princess Peach, Yoshi's New Island, Yoshi's Wooly World, Starfy, my Kirby games, Yo-Kai Watch, Hey Pikmin, Digimon World DS, and my Pokémon titles load fine with no issues. Smash Bros is the only one with issues. I've had the issue since 2021, I believe.

If it's been a long while since you last played it, the NAND flash chip might be corrupted. I've heard about 3DS cartridges having issues with that when left unplayed for a long period. It seems like a common issue.

If that is the issue, there's a tool out there that attempts to fix it. Unfortunately, that tool requires custom firmware. However, the developers of that tool have recently posted about an alternative fix.

September 4, 2026 Update: New research indicates that leaving the cartridge on the Home Menu screen in Sleep Mode might be enough to fix it, and this tool is actually not necessary.

You could try this as a starting point. It may not work, but it's worth a try.

I might try that tomorrow to see if it works. However, my oldest brother might give me his copy of the game if mine still won't load because he barely plays it now. We'll just have to see how things go next time...