The Nintendo DS
This page contains information about the DS, DS Lite, and DSi.
If you would like something added or fixed, please send me a email at gremlin@noobsandnerds.org
Legacy
The Nintendo DS was and still is a relatively cheap way to get into handheld gaming. It's main selling points compared to it's contemporaries was it's game library, backwards compatibility, online multiplayer, DS Download play, and two screens on one device. One of the screens were touchscreen which helped pave the way to mobile gaming as it is today. It might not have been as powerful as the PSP but it could still present 3D visuals at acceptable speeds. Originally the DS was going to be released along side new gameboy releases but instead it became the Gameboy's successor. According to Wikipedia between all the DS models 154 million units were sold (as of 2016), for comparison the Nintendo Switch has sold 141 million units (as of 2024).
Hardware Specifications
Original "Fat" DS:
Backwards Compatible
Display: Dual 3 in. TFT LCD Screens
256 x 192 Resolution
Lower Screen is a Resistive touchscreen
CPU: 2 32 bit ARM Processers
ARM946E-S Main Processor 67 MHz
ARM7TDMI Co-processor 33 MHz
Ram: 4 MB PSRAM
Storage: 256 KB NAND Flash Memory
Battery: 850 mAH lithium-ion
Wireless: 802.11b (WEP and Unencrypted)
Misc: Microphone (it sounds awful)
DS Lite
Backwards Compatible
Display: Dual 3 in. TFT LCD Screens
256 x 192 Resolution
Lower Screen is a Resistive Touchscreen
CPU: 2 32 bit ARM Processers
ARM946E-S Main Processor 67 MHz
ARM7TDMI Co-processor 33 MHz
Ram: 4 MB PSRAM
Storage: 256 KB NAND Flash Memory
Battery: 1000 mAH lithium-ion
Wireless: 802.11b (WEP and Unencrypted)
Misc: Microphone (it sounds awful)
DSi and DSi XL
Display: Dual 3.25 in. TFT LCD Screens or improved 4.2 in. LCD Screens
256 x 192 Resolution
Lower Screen is a Resistive Touchscreen
CPU: 2 32 bit ARM Processers
ARM946E-S Main Processor 133 MHz (downclocked to 66mhz in compatibility mode)
ARM7TDMI Co-processor 33 MHz
Ram: 16 MB PSRAM
Storage: 256 MB NAND Flash Memory
Battery: 840 or 1050 mAH lithium-ion
Wireless: 802.11b/g
Misc: Microphone
Two 0.3 MP Cameras
SD Card Slot
Original DS & DS Lite Modding
The Original DS and DS Lite only have one option when it comes to viable mods and luckily it's a very soft mod. All you need is a flashcart, a PC, and your DS. There are a ton of different flashcarts and you should do your research on them before and after buying one. I am unable to (nor do I want to) try to track all of them down and buy them for testing, this would be a monumental task and most of the work has already been done over at https://www.reddit.com/r/flashcarts/. Please do not contact me regarding flashcarts unless there is some important info regarding the digital time bombs in the software on some of the preloaded SD Cards sold with flashcarts.
What is a Flashcart?
A DS Flashcart is a third party cartridge that allows the user to do even more then what was originally intended. A flash cart allows you to run game backups, have easy access to your saves, and use homebrew applications (games, utilities, and more). It allows you to treat your DS like a PDA.
DSi Modding
When it comes to the DSi you have a few different options. You can use a flashcart like with the DS and DS Lite, exploits that goes away after turning the system off kinda like bad update on the xbox 360, or install custom firmware involving the use of the exploits. Below is an up to date guide for the exploits and CFW.
https://dsi.cfw.guide/get-started.html
What is a custom firmware (CFW)?
Firmware is low level software, it's what a high level software such as an operating systems uss in order to allow bits and pieces of a computer to function. While the DS is a game console, it is at it's core a computer. Now that that has been cleared up, what is a custom firmware? It is firmware that was made by a third party. In this case, by the community instead of Nintendo. The custom firmware that you can find in the guide above allows you to treat your DSi more like a computer. With CFW installed once you power up the DSi you instantly have the ability to run homebrew software or game backups located on your SD card.
Homebrew
While the homebrew scene on the DS is not as lively as it is for the Wii or 3DS, there is still plenty have fun to have and utilities to utilize.
Gremlin's Recommendations
MoonShell
Multimedia player. Allows you to view DPG videos, listen to music, and view images. Supports lots of formats (only DPG video playback)
Cave Story DS
A port of Cave Story
DS Doom
A port of Doom. Does not come with game files, you need to provide them. Doom wads are not hard to find just look it up. For best performance you should set the 'screen mode' to single. The in game audio is fine but the music sounds like ass, this isn't an issue with the original doom.
DScraft
Minecraft creative mode recreated on the DS
SpelunkyDS
A port of Spelunky
GameYob DS
A Gameboy and GBC Emulator
NesDS
A Nintendo Entertainment System Emulator
S8DS
A SEGA Master System/Game Gear/SG-1000 Emulator. It can also emulate Coleco, MSX 1, and Sord M5.
Image Credits
Evan-Amos, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Evan-Amos, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Havok at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Conker's Bad Fur Day, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Fandom