Yes—Nintendo 3DS-family systems, including 3DS and 2DS models, play most Nintendo DS and DSi game cards. Insert the card, select its game icon on the HOME Menu, and choose OPEN. A few games that require the Game Boy Advance (AGB) slot are exceptions, and DS games do not display in 3D.
Start a DS game on a 3DS or 2DS
- Insert the Nintendo DS or DSi game card into the system’s game-card slot.
- On the HOME Menu, select the game-card icon.
- Choose OPEN to start the game.
These steps follow Nintendo’s New Nintendo 2DS XL operations manual. Menu details or button placement may vary by model, so consult the manual for your exact system if needed.
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Choose how the game is displayed
By default, DS and DSi software appears expanded to fill more of the screen, which means it is displayed at a lower resolution than its original presentation. To launch it at original resolution, hold START or SELECT while choosing OPEN, and keep holding the button until the game starts. Nintendo describes this option in its compatibility guidance and the cited system manual.
Compatibility limits to check
Games that require the AGB/Slot 2
Nintendo says that, with the exception of a few games requiring the AGB slot, DS games are compatible with 3DS-family systems. These systems cannot use features or accessories that depend on the DS Game Boy Advance/Slot 2. Check the particular game’s manual or listing for requirements before buying; ordinary DS-card play does not require an extra accessory.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
3D, HOME Menu, StreetPass, and SpotPass
DS and DSi titles do not display in 3D. On a 2DS, all software displays in 2D. While DS or DSi software is running, you cannot open the HOME Menu, and Nintendo says these titles are not compatible with StreetPass or SpotPass.
Online features
Nintendo’s Wi-Fi Connection service, which provided online functionality for many DS and DSi games, has been discontinued. Whether any particular game’s online features still work depends on that title; check its current official support information rather than assuming online play is available.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check the card’s system compatibility and region
DS/DSi cards and Nintendo 3DS cards are different formats. This guide applies to DS and DSi cards; a Nintendo 3DS game card does not play on DS-family hardware. Nintendo 3DS systems are region-locked, and 3DS software is limited to hardware from the corresponding region. Nintendo’s international-compatibility guidance for DSi systems distinguishes DSi-exclusive cards, which are region-locked, from older DS/DS Lite software, which is region-free in most cases on DSi/DSi XL. That guidance is specific to DSi systems, not a blanket guarantee for every DS card and system combination. Before buying an imported card, check its packaging or listing against Nintendo’s 3DS region-lock guidance, game-region identification instructions, and international compatibility information.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- The set includes ● - Nintendo 3DS body -Nintendo 3DS-only charging base - Nintendo 3DS AC adapter for - Nintendo 3DS stylus-only · SD Memory Card 2GB · AR Cards (6 pieces) Easy-Start Guide Instruction manual - Warranty ---! Regard to 3D video --- · There is individual difference in the Visibility of 3D video. That it may not be seen in 3D video content physical condition and constitution, of the video, such as by the surrounding circumstances, Please note. - For children 6 years old and below, because there may adversely affect the growth of the eye and continue to see 3D images for a long time, please use the 2D display. The 3D video of Nintendo 3DS, not only can see the body
Rank #3
- 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
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