Yes—Nintendo 3DS and 2DS family systems play most Nintendo DS and DSi game cards. Insert the card, select its icon on the HOME Menu, then choose OPEN. A few DS games that require the Game Boy Advance cartridge slot are exceptions.
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. Button placement can vary by model, so consult the manual for your specific system if needed.
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Choose the game’s display resolution
DS and DSi games normally appear expanded to fill more of the screen, which means the image is lower-resolution than it would be on original DS hardware. To start a game at its original resolution, hold START or SELECT while choosing OPEN, and keep holding the button until the game begins.
Know the compatibility limits
Most DS and DSi cards work, with a Slot 2 exception
Nintendo says all Nintendo DS games are compatible with 3DS-family systems except a few that require the AGB slot, also known as the Game Boy Advance cartridge slot. 3DS and 2DS systems do not support features or accessories that depend on that slot. Check the individual game’s manual or listing for Slot 2 requirements before buying or troubleshooting a title. See Nintendo’s DS and DSi compatibility guidance.
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- 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
DS games do not use the 3DS screen’s 3D effect
DS and DSi software displays in 2D. On a 2DS system, all software displays in 2D.
HOME Menu and 3DS network features are unavailable during play
You cannot open the HOME Menu while a DS or DSi game is running, and those games are not compatible with StreetPass or SpotPass.
Online features depend on the game
Nintendo discontinued its Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service, which provided online functionality for some DS and DSi games. Whether a particular title still has any Internet functionality is game-specific; check current information for that game rather than assuming its online features remain available. Nintendo’s Game Card Wireless Security Compatibility page explains the service status.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check the card type and region before buying
DS/DSi game cards and Nintendo 3DS game cards are different formats. A 3DS game card will not work on DS-family hardware, and Nintendo 3DS systems are region-locked: 3DS software is limited to systems from the corresponding region.
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- 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
Region rules for DS cards are more nuanced. Nintendo says DSi-exclusive cards are region-locked, while older DS and DS Lite software is region-free in most cases when used on DSi or DSi XL systems. That guidance is specifically about DSi systems, so it should not be treated as a guarantee for every DS card and every system combination. Before buying an imported game, check its packaging or listing for supported systems and region. Nintendo provides guidance on 3DS-family region locking, identifying games from other regions, and international compatibility.
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- 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
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