Is my DS compatible?
Is my DS compatible?
Good news: every model in the original DS family works with slot-1 flashcards. The differences are minor and mostly about comfort and which extra ports you get. There is no region lock on the original DS line, so a card from anywhere boots in any console.
| Model | Slot-1 cards | Slot-2 (GBA) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original DS ("Phat") | Yes | Yes | Sturdiest GBA port; dim screen |
| DS Lite | Yes | Yes | Brighter, slimmer; most popular |
| DSi / DSi XL | Partial | No | Newer firmware blocks some clones; no GBA slot |
| 3DS family | Partial | No | Plays DS cards but has its own mod path |
This wiki focuses on the original DS and DS Lite. Both accept any reputable slot-1 card with no extra steps. If you own a DSi or 3DS, your card still works for DS games, but those consoles have separate guides because their built-in software is different.
The one requirement
You need a working slot-1 cartridge slot and a microSD card. That is it. Modern slot-1 flashcards include built-in NoPass, so no second cartridge or boot trick is needed. universal