What Are Nintendo 3DS Play Coins and How Do You Use Them?

Play Coins are a digital currency that you earn when you physically walk with your Nintendo 3DS or 3DS XL in Sleep Mode. Play Coins are used to purchase apps and special items in some games.

How to Collect Play Coins

The 3DS devices feature a pedometer that can track your steps. For every 100 steps you take, you earn one Play Coin. You can earn up to 10 Play Coins a day through walking, and you can bank up to 300 Play Coins at any one time.

Play Coins will accumulate when your 3DS/XL is in Sleep Mode, regardless of whether the system is parked on the main menu or in a game. However, you cannot collect Play Coins or Mii characters (in StreetPass) if your system is turned off, so remember to have it in Sleep Mode if you're out and about.

Spending Play Coins

StreetPass Mii Plaza

When you carry your Nintendo 3DS with you, not only are you able to earn Play Coins, but you can also acquire new features and collect other Mii characters whenever your device is within range of other 3DS devices.

Play Coins you earned while walking can also be spent in StreetPass. For example, they can be used to purchase unlocks in StreetPass mini-games. Play Coins can buy puzzle pieces in the Puzzle Swap mini-game that’s included with the Nintendo 3DS/XL hardware.

This is particularly useful for those who live in sparsely populated areas where there are not as many chances of crossing paths with other 3DS owners who have their devices with them. Or, you just may not have much luck running into 3DS owners even in populated areas. 

AR Games Shop

Nintendo 3DS features several augmented reality (AR) games such as archery and fishing. There is also a shop associated with these AR games where you can spend your Play Coins. You unlock the shop by completing the six AR games. 

Retail games also make use of Play Coins for purchases.

The Nintendo Wiki has a complete list of games that utilize Play Coins.

Because your Nintendo 3DS/XL senses motion like walking to award Play Coins, it will register some other types of motion and award Play Coins. For example, shaking your 3DS/XL may also earn you Play Coins. Some players have placed their devices on washers or dryers to earn Play Coins, but this may not work in all cases.