5000mAh New Li-ion Extended Battery with Cover for Nintendo 3DS, N3DS, CTR-001, MIN-CTR-001

Review Specs:-Fire Emblem Edition 3DS-Brightness: 3-Power Saver: OnWireless: Wireless on, Streetpass on3D for Games: Usually Off (95% of the gameplay time)The following stats are not individual indicators of the battery life. Please read the review for details.Approximate Total Play Time: 21-27 HoursApproximate Total Sleep Time: 141-164 HoursNotes: I chose these particular settings because I wanted to see the lifespan of the battery in its "normal" condition. I was curious about its life during the regular/casual use as opposed to test settings because I'm more likely to play using the settings I posted rather than the settings I would test with. It would give a better example of what to expect.The Review:Upon reading the other Amazon reviews, I too was a bit hesitant about buying this battery. The technical specs seem fine theoretically but it seemed odd for such an unheard of company to produce such great sweeping ratings. I'm not saying that 3rd party companies don't, it's just something to be wary of.As I write this review, I will say that I started a full charge last week and began testing the battery approximately by the night of Thursday, June 27th. According to my Activity Log, I average around 3 ½ hours to 4 ½ hours of gameplay a day (I only play during my commute to and from work) and this 3DS has not touched the charger since (despite my desperate urge to from my habits). It has always entered sleep mode when not in use, and Streetpass/Spotpass was always on. The best way to explain my current level of satisfaction with this battery can only be: "Wow..."The reference battery that's on 3DSes at the moment is rated at 1300 mAh. It's neither a fantastic rating, nor a poor one either. Generally Nintendo's handheld consoles are fairly efficient in terms of battery usage, including the DS Lite, which despite having a significantly shorter battery life than its bulkier, older brother, still has better life than the PSP-2000 and PSP-3000. Under my settings, I was able to clock in approximately 2 ½ days worth of play time on the days when it was under lighter use (approx. 2 ¾ - 3 1/2 hours of play time which equates to approximately 6-7 total hours of gameplay). During regular days, I would be able to play to work, and if I was lucky, it would survive the commute home with the blinking red light by the time I plugged it back into its charger. Otherwise, I simply learned to carry my charger and charge it every 24 hours or so.With this battery, the red light started blinking at approximately 8:00 AM of the 6th day right as I began my commute back home. So I was able to clock my 2 hours of gameplay and then decided to wait out how long it would take for the battery to die. The red light continued to blink for about 27 hours before finally dying, which means that there's a significant amount of time left even with the blinking light. Considering that this battery is 5000 mAh, theoretically I should be expecting approximately 3.8 times the battery life of the original reference battery. I did however, buy my 3DS used so my reference charge time may be somewhat skewed. From my observations, it seems that the charge indicator on the 3DS (and with most devices) is inaccurate as they aren't used to non-reference batteries, I noticed particularly that during day 4-6 of the initial charge, the "battery life" was dropping fast, but now that it's in the "critical" state, it's still lasting quite a while. All that's left to say is, regarding the battery life, this extended battery is pretty fantastic. Over some additional charges, I think it would be safe to say that I should probably shave off a day or so to get the average battery lifespan. That's still an amazing jump from the original reference.While reading through the reviews, I noticed that some have said the cover is flimsy and/or that it's prone to falling off, so as such, even if they were the minority, I was expecting similar results when I purchased the battery. To my surprise however, this wasn't the case at all. The back cover is more of a grainy, mid-tone gray texture instead of the "closer-to-black" color that's seen in the product image. That's not particularly a problem for me as I came into this knowing my 3DS would no longer look consistent throughout, but for those with Cosmo Black 3DSes, just be aware. The material of the cover feels similar, if not the same, with the plastic case of the 3DS which earns extra points in my book as I prefer consistent texture regarding touch when it comes to my devices (it's primarily the reason why I'm hesitant on purchasing a zerolemon battery for my Galaxy S3. It's vain. I know). As for its "flimsiness" or "poor design" regarding a non-secure back cover? I don't see it. The back cover is a fairly solid, snug fit. There's a satisfying "click" that you hear to know it's secure (similar to installing RAM, or even when you're taking off the original back cover to install the battery) and you're provided with 4 extended length screws (size: Phillips 00) to keep the cover in place. You can tell when the cover isn't properly secured because these screws will fall out, and they're tiny, so there's a dangerously high chance of losing them if they do fall out.As for the size, considering the sizable jump in mAh, there should be an expectation of an overall, larger 3DS. The cover extends the size of the 3DS by a little over half the base of the 3DS itself, and so by no means is this console easier to carry. The size increase goes from a "I could probably fit this into the pocket of one of my pairs of baggy jeans" to "I definitely need one of my cargo pants pockets for this...and a tighter belt." Which leads me to the next part regarding the battery. The weight distribution increases from what I assume is about 1/8 battery:7/8 console to 1/3 battery:2/3 console. If anything, the weight should be the most notable difference. You have a very solid brick in your hand that may or may not be used as a blunt weapon in a dangerous situation (just make sure to pop out the game cartridge and SD card first. You want to at least keep your save data).In terms of final thoughts, extended batteries aren't anything new, nor innovative, but I don't feel that it would warrant a reduction of a star. There's a solid battery, and an equally solid case. I can't say how it compares to a nyko battery for the primary reason that I don't own one. Theoretically, thanks to information from a comment, the nyko battery is rated at 2600 mAh which means you can expect a better battery life from this one assuming the power drain is equal. The big deal breaker in choosing this over the nyko battery, however, was that the nyko battery has two exposed strips for the base charger (which supposedly doesn't work properly anyway...) which apparently has resulted in many users having to apply duct tape to cover it up. I don't see how you could give a product a 5 star rating like that.I would say the next step for this company (whoever they are) would be to provide different colors for the battery cover so that for users who are focused on aesthetics could have a more consistent look for their 3DSes. Though, I feel that having only one color option doesn't really deserve dropping a star either. The execution of the battery and the case are both top-notch and deserving of its 5 star rating. For hardcore and casual gamers alike, this is a must buy if you intend to extend battery life.2/8/14 P.S.After owning this battery for some time I would like to add some info regarding overall battery capacity and charging methods.So far, I'm not seeing much loss in regards to the extended battery. I can continue to keep playing my DS for an average of 32+ hours before seeing the blinking red light.As for charging, I'd like for future owners to take note. When you charge this battery, you need to remember to "overcharge" it. That is, once you hit the "limit" of what the 3DS believes to be "fully charged," the charging light will start blinking from what I assume is that it's reporting something unusual with the battery because I believe it's detecting addtional capacity even though it's supposed to be "charged." To get a bit extra off the extended battery, you have to unplug and replug the charger and let it continue and then you will know it's complete when the light disappears normally. What this basically means is you may have to check up on it after 3 or 4 hours of charging to make sure to replug the charger and get your full amount, otherwise you may just be charging it to 75%-80% or so.

Quick and Dirty, "TL;DR") Version:In a nutshell, the reviews do not lie. You can gain several hours OR DAYS on a single charge, and a charge is a reasonable ~4 or so hours. Yes, it adds heft and weight, but it isn't overwhelming (though if you have weak wrists or fingers it could pose a problem). You will NEED a Phillips #00 screwdriver for both the 3DS screws and the new battery screws. I played for several hours straight on a 3DS game, plus some hours in sleep mode, WiFi and 3D on the WHOLE TIME with brightness at 3 (for comfort) - lost one bar by the end of the day. Very well worth the money.Full Review with Back Story:I bought a used 3DS from a guy on eBay. The description said "Adult Owned" and that it came with a charger and stylus. It looked good in pictures.Upon receiving it, it was in good overall condition but even after charging it fully, it would start flashing red and die within SECONDS, after only a couple hours of play, and even though 3D was off. It didn't leave me any time to save.I was perplexed because no one else seemed to have as awful luck with the battery as I was having. Most of what I read said that the 3DS battery was good for only about 3 hours, but it seemed that the light was supposed to turn red for awhile, THEN flash and even then, should've at least allowed for a few minutes of time to save and get it on a charger. The best I managed was with Power Save - On, Brightness - 1, 3D off, WiFi off, playing a regular DS game. I think I got about 3-4 hours max before it shut off with only 1 or 2 flashes (almost instantaneous).After dealing with that, I decided that the battery must have been going and so I needed to replace it if I wanted to get any portability (I mostly played on the charger).I was instantly attracted to this battery for the long life between charges (based on reviews). I wasn't leery about "voiding my warranty" since I don't have one, and the reviews put me at ease about the possibility of the battery overcharging and killing the 3DS. I didn't want to blow a comparable amount of money on a regular, OEM replacement, affording me only the regular 3DS lifespan (considering most people in the forums complained about it only lasting a few hours). I didn't even want to get a "double the battery life" product, when the reviews for this promised MANY hours, and even DAYS. I figured worst case scenario, I would just get better time than what I was getting, best case - tons of extra time.I bought mine from MPF (on Amazon), because it was cheaper than the one with free Prime shipping and they said that they provided a screwdriver tool.They did, but it did not work. I don't say that to deter you from buying from them but rather because you will still need a #00 Phillips. This is a pretty specific screwdriver and the cheapo jeweler/eyeglass sets generally do NOT appear to contain them (I'd bought one, but ended up taking it back). I found mine at Ace Hardware, but I would suggest just finding one on Amazon or eBay and ordering it at the same time as you order the battery. The only #00 Philips I found were parts of sets that cost over $10, but I saw singles online for $4.Once I finally got the back off, I discovered why my battery life was so terrible and why the flashing was so abrupt (with no regular red light to warn you). The eBay seller had completely neglected to mention that the battery was some cheap knockoff! I was worried while considering my purchase of this battery about using a non-Nintendo product - and here there was already one installed. It didn't even fit properly in the 3DS as there were folded pieces of paper keeping it snug.On the other hand, the new battery fit perfectly, but since it is so much more capacity, it's also so much more battery. It covers the whole back, hence it comes with its own cover and screws (shiny dark gray/black). The screws are TINY - literally about the size of ants. Again, you will NEED a Phillips #00.Once I got it installed, I kept the 3DS off and put it on the charger. I left it charging for several hours After around 3 hours, I tried what other reviewers have done and unplugged it and plugged it back in. Light stayed orange. (My boyfriend actually remarked that the charge light appeared to glow brighter with the new battery.) I plugged it back in and checked again (same method) after another hour. This time, the orange light went off a moment after plugging it back in.I took it off the charger and started playing. The weight difference was noticeable immediately, and the grasp was a little different. I turned the brightness up to 3, and turned the 3D up all the way. Kept WiFi on, volume up about halfway (no headphones). I did keep power saver on, but only for the apparent blue light reduction. Played from 5:20pm to 6:45pm. Put it in sleep mode with WiFi on.Came back to it around 8pm. Played until about 11pm using the same settings as above. Still had full battery when I went to bed.I went to sleep and put it on the charger overnight. When I woke up, the orange light had gone off automatically, as it has all subsequent nights. I am guessing that the orange light just takes longer to go off on this battery?I decided to test the battery more, and I was still amazed at the new portability. I took it off the charger around 11:30am. I played off and on several hours throughout the day (WiFi on, volume up, 3D up at times but not the entire time). Had it in sleep mode in between. Decided to even watch a 1.5 hour movie on it on Netflix. By the end of the day, I had finally managed to lose 1 bar.Overall, this is an incredible buy. I have always charged it at night, but I could see it easily lasting several days - particularly if you aren't playing for several hours at a time.The weight and added thickness *are* noticeable, but unless you are playing for hours and hours on end, I don't think it would be too much. My wrists would give out before this battery would, but I think my desire to play would give out before my wrists would.I also was worried that after all the time playing, it might get hot (as some reviewers mentioned with other 3rd party batteries). It did not. It barely felt warm at all, so I don't feel like I'm going to damage my 3DS with it in any way.Please see my photos, which include a picture of the original 3DS, the height (using a 3DS game for reference) without the battery, height with the new battery, the size of the screws against the font and next to an actual ant, the screwdriver that you'll receive if you buy it from MPF, and the screwdriver you'll actually need. My 3DS is black so the back being black doesn't matter but I would think the aesthetic difference would be worth the additional play time.If you own a 3DS, even if you have a real Nintendo battery in there, you can't go wrong with this. Not only could you manage full length flights, it could go on camping trips and probably survive several days on a full charge with moderate play. I almost regretted buying the 3DS (not knowing it was a knockoff battery) but this changed my mind!

Screws that came with product did not fit the old 3ds model that it was supposedly compatible with. Battery itself works just fine thoughThe fix - screws used to fasten the plaatic piece that separates the battery section from the board are long enough to also fasten the new back piece make sure to only take two screws though to prevent further risk of middle back plate to come loose