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Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver are Nintendo DS games, so their cartridges work on DS and DS Lite systems, as well as DSi, DSi XL, and Nintendo 3DS-family handhelds. Choose a DS Lite if you want the games’ original GBA-slot feature; choose a 3DS-family system if you also want to play 3DS game cards. A DSi or DSi XL also plays the games, but lacks the GBA slot.
Which handheld should you choose?
| System | Plays HeartGold and SoulSilver DS cards? | GBA slot for the Dual Slot feature? | Plays 3DS cards? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo DS | Yes | Yes | No |
| Nintendo DS Lite | Yes | Yes | No |
| Nintendo DSi or DSi XL | Yes | No | No |
| Nintendo 3DS family, including 2DS systems | Yes | No | Yes |
Nintendo says almost all Nintendo DS and DSi games work on 3DS-family systems, while its compatibility guidance documents exceptions for titles or features that require the GBA slot. The HeartGold and SoulSilver manuals specify that their GBA Dual Slot feature is available only on Nintendo DS and DS Lite. Nintendo Support’s DS compatibility guidance and the Nintendo UK compatibility notes explain the broader rule and exceptions.
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Nintendo 3DS XL Handheld System - Black/Blue (Renewed) [Nintendo DS] | $280.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Choose DS Lite for the GBA-slot feature
The DS Lite is the straightforward pick if you specifically want to use a compatible Game Boy Advance Game Pak with HeartGold or SoulSilver’s Dual Slot feature. The feature is not required to play either game; it is a reason to choose DS or DS Lite over DSi-family and 3DS-family systems.
Choose a 3DS-family handheld for 3DS games too
A 3DS-family system plays these DS cartridges and can also run Nintendo 3DS game cards. The DSi and DSi XL play the Pokémon DS games but cannot play 3DS cards. If the only goal is HeartGold or SoulSilver, both are compatible options; the choice comes down to the extra hardware features you want.
#1 Best Overall
- Features: 3D Depth Slider, Wi-Fi Capability, Nintendo 3DS Sound, Mii Maker, 3D Camera, Front & Rear Camera, Touch Screen
- Includes: AC Power Adapter, Stylus
- Wired Connectivity: Wireless
- Model Compatibility: Nintendo 3DS
How do the games look on a 3DS?
On a 3DS-family system, DS games run in 2D and appear at a lower resolution than native 3DS games. Nintendo says you can hold START or SELECT while launching a DS game to display it at its original resolution. This changes the display presentation, not the game or its compatibility.
Can a DS play 3DS games?
No. The compatibility works in the other direction: a 3DS-family system can play Nintendo DS software, but a Nintendo 3DS game card requires a 3DS-family system and will not run on a DS, DS Lite, DSi, or DSi XL. Nintendo’s DS/3DS compatibility guidance distinguishes these directions.
Is the Pokéwalker required?
No. HeartGold and SoulSilver can be played without the Pokéwalker. Nintendo’s original brochure says each game came with one, but a used copy may not include it. The official manuals state that the accessory connects only with HeartGold and SoulSilver, so check that it is included and in working condition if you want to use it. HeartGold manual and SoulSilver manual.
What to check when buying a used copy or handheld
- Confirm the exact item: verify whether the listing is for HeartGold, SoulSilver, a console, or a bundle, and whether the Pokéwalker is included if you want it.
- Check cartridge authenticity and condition: inspect clear photos and ask about whether the game has been tested; do not assume an appealing listing title guarantees an authentic cartridge.
- Check console condition: ask about screen, buttons, cartridge slot, battery, and any faults, and request clear photos.
- Confirm included essentials: check for a compatible charger and stylus, plus any accessories you expect.
- Check region and model details: Nintendo notes regional restrictions for some DSi software; confirm the specific game and console combination if importing. DS and DSi software compatibility is not identical in every case.
Nintendo advertised the DSi XL’s screens as 93 percent larger than the Nintendo DS Lite’s in a 2010 brochure. That is Nintendo’s contemporaneous promotional comparison, not a current measurement or a statement that the DSi XL adds GBA-slot support.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The resulting product includes all relevant accessories, comes
- 3D Entertainment Without Glasses- Nintendo 3DS games have incredible graphics, and you can turn down the 3D effect to any level, or turn it off completely at any time with the build-in 3D depth slider to play games in crisp, clear 2D
- Two Screens- A widescreen display on the top screen shows 800x240 pixel resolution, allocating 400*pixles for each eye to create the 3D effect. The bottom LCD touch screen operates at a resolution of 320*240
- 3D Photos, Plus More- Nintendo 3DS comes built-in with the ability to take photos in 3D. Capture eye popping images of your friends and family, have fun with filters like the Merge lens, or even use the system's AR technology and included AR Cards
Rank #4
- Item Package Dimension- 8.49999999133L x 6.099999993778W x 2.399999997552H inches
- Item Package Weight - 0.9499999992033387 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Product Type - VIDEO GAME CONSOLE
Rank #3
- Nintendo 3DS offers a new way to play, 3D without the need for special glasses. The 3D Depth Slider lets your determine how much 3D you want to see.
- Play 3D games and take 3D pictures with Nintendo 3DS. One inner camera and two outer cameras. Resolutions are 640 x 480 for each camera. Lens are single focus and uses the CMOS capture element.
- Connect to a deeper wireless experience with SpotPass and StreetPass, giving you more exclusive content and connecting you with other Nintendo 3DS users.
- Complete with an adjustable stylus, 6 AR cards, and fun built-in software such as Face Raiders, Nintendo 3DS Sound, and the Mii Maker application.
- Use Parental Controls to restrict 3D mode for children 6 and under.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
