Yes. Nintendo DSi and DSi XL systems support standard SD and SDHC cards up to 32 GB. A microSD or miniSD card can also be used in the DSi’s full-size SD slot with the matching adapter.
Which SD cards work with a DSi?
Nintendo’s compatibility guidance lists SD and SDHC cards up to 32 GB. Treat that as a compatibility limit, not a guarantee that every brand or model will work. Nintendo’s Japanese support answer says it cannot guarantee operation for cards outside its listed branded cards. Nintendo of America’s compatible-card guidance and Nintendo Co., Ltd.’s support Q&A provide the respective details.
- Standard SD or SDHC: Choose a card with a capacity of 32 GB or less.
- microSD or miniSD: Use the corresponding adapter so the smaller card fits the DSi’s full-size SD slot.
- Speed and reliability: Nintendo does not specify a preferred speed class. It warns that slow cards may transfer files slowly or may not work, and that having many files on a card can slow transfers.
What can the DSi use an SD card for?
The card supports specific DSi features, rather than acting as general-purpose storage for everything on the system. Nintendo lists saving DSi Camera photos, playing AAC-encoded audio, and copying downloadable software and its save data to an SD card. See Nintendo’s SD Card Overview.
Limits to know
- The DSi cannot use an SD card to view photos taken on another device.
- Sounds recorded on the DSi cannot be stored on the card.
- Save data for games played from DS Game Cards cannot be copied to the card.
- Some downloadable software may not be copyable. Copied data cannot be used on another system.
How to insert or remove a card safely
- Insert the card into the DSi’s SD slot with its label facing the bottom of the system. Press it gently until it clicks.
- To remove it, press the card until it clicks, then take it out. Do not pull or twist the slot cover forcefully.
- Do not remove the card while the system is reading or writing data; doing so could damage the card or its data.
These handling instructions are from the Nintendo DSi Operations Manual.
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Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Cards include security feature for protection of copyrighted data
- This is NOT a micro SD card
- SD cards are fully compatible with all SD-compliant devices
- Speed performance rating: Class 4 (based on SD 2.0 Specification)
- Writeable label for easy identification and organization
Rank #2
#1 Best Overall
- 32GB SD SDHC Flash Memory Card FOR NINTENDO 3DS N3DS 2DS XL DS DSI & Wii Media Kit. (Not compatible with New 3DS)
- Also compatible with Nikon SLR Coolpix Digital Camera, Kodak Easyshare, Canon Powershot, Canon EOS
- Speed performance rating: Class 10
- Bonus SD/TF USB Card Reader to facilitate easy transfer between devices
- High quality and reliability backed by a 5-year limited manufacturer warranty
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