Opening
About a month and a half ago, I finally decided to mod my Nintendo 2DS. Honestly, it’s one of the best things I’ve done with the system — it opened up new possibilities, kept it alive after the eShop closed, and gave me a reason to dust it off and actually use it again.
The Story
The process itself was smoother than I expected. I’d read about the risks — mainly that you could brick the system if you turned it off at the wrong moment while it was installing core files, similar to cutting power during an update. But as long as you follow instructions carefully, the risk is minimal.
After about an hour, the 2DS was running homebrew, with the ability to back up my cartridges and keep my library safe. For someone who’s collected handheld games for years, that alone makes the effort worth it.
Lessons / Challenges
The hardest part wasn’t the actual modding — it was navigating the flood of outdated information online. YouTube tutorials can be hit-or-miss, especially if they’re based on old firmware. My tip? Always make sure guides are current, ideally from after the latest Nintendo update, and cross-check with trusted sources.
The modding community has been doing this for years, and the process is much more beginner-friendly now. Still, it pays to double-check every step.
Takeaways
Safe if you follow directions — don’t power off mid-install.
Lets you back up physical cartridges and preserve your library.
Opens the door to homebrew apps and quality-of-life tweaks.
Avoid outdated YouTube guides; look for current instructions.
Gives new life to a system even as official support fades.
Wrap-Up
With the 3DS eShop gone, modding the 2DS was a way to keep the system useful and fun. I’ve been playing Pokémon Polished Crystal, a fantastic fan remake with modern amenities, and it feels like breathing new life into an old favorite. It’s safe, it’s practical, and it’s made me appreciate the little handheld all over again.