I found a similar topic here, with no solutions: http://techforums.nintendo.com/thread/35427
My Nintendo 3DS XL seems to be unable to play any original Nintendo DS games. The icons for the games will show up on the 3DS menu, but when I attempt to open them, the software crashes. I tested several original DS games (e.g., Pokemon Soul Silver and Pokemon Black Version) and it consistently returns me to the "Software Closed" / "In Sleep Mode, the system can ..." screen. I've tried cleaning the contacts on the cartridge to no effect. Further, the games I've tested all work properly in another person's 3DS.
When I found the topic listed above, I decided to test the camera application on my 3DS XL, and found that it crashes the system as well. This error is slightly more severe, perhaps, as it requires me to power down the 3DS XL to continue. ("An error has occurred. Hold down the POWER Button to turn off the power, then turn it on and try again.") I wouldn't have even thought to test this, but I suspect it might be related, because another user had the same problem.
I am running what is currently the most recent system version (9.4.0-21U), I believe. I attempted an update and was told the system is already up to date.
Can anyone help me with this issue?