Guide: Nintendo 3DS eShop Demos

Today sees the much-anticipated downloadable demos hit the 3DS eShop, so we've put together a very handy guide to help you get the most from your free demo experience.

What Demos Are Available?

New demos will be announced throughout the year but here are the ones we know about so far:

19th January 2012

Resident Evil Revelations
Available in Europe now. Available in North America at 9am PST/12pm EST.

Cooking Mama 4: Kitchen Magic
Available in Europe only.

Future Demos

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games
Release Date: North America: 26th January. Europe: TBC.

Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D
Release Date: TBC.

Rhythm Thief and the Emperor's Treasure
Confirmed for Europe. Release Date: TBC.

Rayman Origins
Confirmed for North America. Release Date: TBC.

How To Download Your Demos

1. While it's not compulsory, we'd advise you to update your 3DS to the most recent system software. If you're not sure how to update, read our 3DS firmware update guide.
2. Open up the Nintendo 3DS eShop — the orange bag icon.
3. The demo section is clearly visible — in Europe it's the third bag along — but you can always search "demo" in the search bar at the bottom of the page.
4. Don't forget you can use the 3DS's Sleep Mode to download the demos all in one go: select "Sleep Mode Download" to queue up your demo downloads, ready to start downloading once you close your system.

The next page has an FAQ and chance for you to get your demo questions answered.