Hardware O3ds can't find sd card, it's like it's not inserted.

[NotASussyBaka]

my launch model console isn't reading sd cards at all. Tried 3 different cards, formatted with the official tool AND guiformat, cleaned everything with isopropyl alcohol, nothing works

 

[KleinesSinchen]

Sad to hear this. Please have a look inside the SD reader to see if there is any obvious damage (bent pins). Even if it looks find the SD reader might be defective. The good news is that this is a pretty easy fix on the first 3DS model. Before ordering a replacement make sure you current reader is plugged in correctly. The connector might be loose.

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Nintendo+3DS+SD+Board+Replacement/5852


Good luck!

 

[assassinz]

Make sure the little switch on your SD card is not in the lock position. Also, this video shows a fix that involves setting the SD switch in the middle position between lock and unlock. Supposedly it works, based on the video comments.

 

[NotASussyBaka]

Thanks everyone! It looks like one of the pins might be bent. I just ordered the #00 screwdriver to open the console and take a closer look.