Reddit reviews Nintendo NFC Reader/Writer Accessory - Nintendo 3DS

You can buy the NFC Reader for the old 3DS so it can read amiibos :)

This is an amiibo, a delightful new creation from Nintendo that blends both toy and game alike. When plugged into the right games, amiibo can unlock new modes, characters, and features.

Basically they're figures and cards (and sometimes even plush) that contain NFC (near-field communication) chips that can be scanned by the game. There's an entire set of Animal Crossing amiibo that can now be scanned into New Leaf that do various things. A 3DS XL, that you claim to have, needs a special adapter in order to scan amiibo, but a NEW Nintendo 3DS can scan on the bottom screen. They do various things and the latest Direct goes into detail on what exactly they do to New Leaf.

The only things that the IR port could be used for are built in to the body the New3DS(XL) systems.

The Circle Pad Pro for Regular Size 3DS and XL size 3DS are not required for the N3DS(XL) as not only are the new systems the wrong size, but the CPP's features are all built in standard equipment for the New2/3DS systems! That's the two extra shoulder buttons on the back (ZL, ZR) and the gray rubber C-stick nub above your ABXY buttons.

The Amiibo Reader (AKA: Nintendo NFC Reader/Writer) is also already built in as any Amiibo can be gently placed on your bottom touchscreen when prompted to activate or save your Amiibo figurines' progress.

Since the 3DS is in its twilight life cycle (we're sadly in the last year closeout to obsolete status) to make way for the Nintendo Switch fully taking over, I highly doubt that a new accessory is going to be released for the Nintendo 3DS that will utilize the IR port. As long as everything else works okay on the system, I don't see a reason to send it in to Nintendo Repair.

As long as this means the little black oval window on the back of the system next to the charging port, that is the one that is not used.

However, like pawlik23 asked, if it's the little dot next to the inside camera on the top shell, that is an IR light emitter. That IR LED is used to shine IR light on your face in poor lighting conditions if you want to use 3D in low, no, or poor light conditions as cameras can see IR, but our eyes can't. That allows the Stable 3D to work in nearly all situations. If that is what is scratched, your Stable 3D may not work correctly when your face is dark or if a light source is behind your face, and that may be worth sending in to Nintendo.

As others have said:

1. Poochy and Yoshi's Woolly World, she has great taste, that game looks awesome! I'm very excited for it. There's two versions of the game, one standard edition (link) and a special edition with a little stuffed animal that works with the game to unlock extra features (link).
   
   
2. This game will not run on her old DS. You would have to buy her a 3DS. Nintendo's naming style is stupid so you are going to want to get her a "New Nintendo 3DS" or "New Nintendo 3DS XL". Yes, the "New" is in the name and you should be able to see it on the packaging. You can go online to see the style choices and colors to suit her needs. There are other versions of the 3DS but these are the current/best one. It adds more power, extra controls, NFC which is needed for Amiibo and support for a few more advanced games, plus it doesn't cost anything extra as they don't sell the old style ones in stores anymore. Note: The 2DS does not have these features, it is a budget model so it is barebones.
   
   If you are looking for a cheaper alternative you can just get an older 3DS or the 2DS which is cheaper but lacks 3D and has a different shape. Depending on if she likes 3D (like in the movie theatres) you can just get the 2DS but it does add a different amount depending on the game. Some games don't use it much, some use it a ton. Either will run the game fine, only you would need to pick up one of these (link) if you got the deluxe version of the game that has the plush animal I mentioned. The "New 3DS" line has that thing built in already so you don't need it if you go with that.
   
   
3. Yes! It comes out on the 3rd!

You say he doesn't have a Wii U - does he have a 3DS? If so, those can use amiibo too. Even if it's the original and not the New 3DS, he could still use the amiibo adapter and the current cheapest Mario amiibo on Amazon.

You could also go for the SH Figuarts Mario or the Mario Nendoroid if you wanna go the figurine route.

$10 at Best Buy right now. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/nintendo-nfc-reader-writer-for-nintendo-3ds-multi/4288800.p?id=1219740801809&skuId=4288800

Oh and Amazon too but it's Prime members only: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01307Q6ZC

Still gotta buy an amiibo reader if you don't have a "new" 3DS. $35 on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-NFC-Reader-Writer-Accessory-3DS/dp/B01307Q6ZC. Only place that sells them.

The US version sold directly from Amazon is currently $16.99.

The Japanese one on Amazon for ~$32 (it's not a region locked device), twelve bucks is about the lowest mark up I've seen.
https://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-NFC-Reader-Writer-Accessory-3DS/dp/B01307Q6ZC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1506525104&sr=8-1&keywords=animal+crossing+nfc+reader

You can also keep an eye out for the Animal Crossing Happy Home Designer Bundle with NFC Reader, it'll pop up on eBay sometimes, but there's usually at least a 20 dollar mark-up from the $50 it went for on release.

With the cards, you can invite more villagers to a home and they will roam around and they can be part of the photos you take. It's a nice little feature that makes the cards a bit worth it.

It's currently 3 dollars off on Amazon if you're interested.

https://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-NFC-Reader-Writer-Accessory-3DS/dp/B01307Q6ZC

Whether or not you have a New 3DS is actually irrelevant, there's an official Amiibo-Reader just for this Scenario.

Just wanted to point that out, is all

I thought a used one would be a lot less but then I see stuff like this https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B01307Q6ZC/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

I guess I will just get a new one.

1. Assuming you are talking about the 3DS reader yes, but not through the Switch as far as I'm aware. You'll need a 3DS that's running some Homebrew software
   
   
2. Yes the Joycons can write to the NFC tags (how else could they store information on regular Amiibos?) However, getting them to write what you want would require breaking the security on the Switch/Joycon and running custom software. I have not seen anyone doing this, most likely because there are way way easier ways to create your tags.
   
   
3. For the 3DS reader take a look at this. Other options include using any NFC capable Android device (see the sticky) or create your own reader from an Arduino
   

You'll need this

Amiibo + This stupidly rare accessory. If its a normal 2ds.

If its a "new" 2ds XL, you can tap amiibo to the touch screen.

OR, you can just open your switch Mii maker menu and other Mii maker menus at the same time and copy the options you selected to design them.

Unfortunately there isnt a means of getting them off the wii without a Wii U.

expensive

It's this thing.

It's listed by Nintendo.

https://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-NFC-Reader-Writer-Accessory-3DS/dp/B01307Q6ZC/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=3ds+nfc+reader&qid=1571159456&sr=8-2