Disable 3D
The 3D feature uses quite a bit of battery power - when it’s enabled, the 3DS has to create and display two separate images on the top screen. On the New 3DS, the "super-stable 3D" feature uses your device’s camera to track your eyes and adjust the 3D image. This means that your 3DS has to provide power to the camera while 3D is enabled, too.
You should see another hour or more of battery life if you disable it. To disable it, just slide the 3D depth slider at the right side of the top display all the way to the bottom. When you want to prolong your battery life as much as possible, this is the feature to disable.
Lower Your Screen Brightness
As with any portable device, the 3DS will use more power when its screen brightness is higher. You can lower your screen brightness to save power and extend your battery life. To do this, visit the home screen, tap the settings icon at the top-left corner, and choose a lower brightness level under "Screen Brightness."
The New 3DS models offer "Auto-Brightness," which is enabled by default - they’ll automatically lower screen brightness levels when necessary by monitoring how bright it is in your environment. Older models will require you lower screen brightness manually.
Activate Power-Saving Mode
You’ll also find a "Power-Saving Mode" option in the settings menu accessible from the home screen. When this option is enabled, Nintendo says you’ll get 10-20 percent more battery life from your 3DS:
"Employing a technology called ‘active backlight,’ this feature ‘precisely controls the brightness of the backlight according to the brightness of the screen being displayed," Umezu explained. "When the screen as a whole is dark, the backlight itself gets darker, which saves power."
You should notice the difference after you enable this feature. The contrast will be lower and colors will be adjusted - whites become a bit more yellowish. Essentially, you’re getting worse picture quality and longer battery life when this feature is enabled.
Disable Sound
If you’re really hard up, disabling sound by sliding the volume slider all the way down will also allow you to squeeze a little more battery life out of your console.
Get a USB Cable and External Battery for Easier Recharging
Nintendo uses a proprietary charger for the 3DS. However, you can actually charge your 3DS over USB - Nintendo just doesn’t recommend it and doesn’t provide a cable for doing so. To do this, you’ll just need to buy a third-party USB charging cable for the Nintendo 3DS, like this one.
This cable will charge your 3DS slower than the dedicated charger brick, but it gives you flexibility. You can charge it anywhere USB power plugs are available, whether that’s in an airport, on an airplane, or even from any laptop. If you purchase an external battery pack that offers a USB port, you can even charge your 3DS from that portable battery like you’d charge your smartphone or any other USB-charging device. It’ll let you top up your battery if you’ll be away from power outlets for a while.
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