Can you still download games on Nintendo DSi?

The answer to whether you can still download games on Nintendo DSi is no, as the Nintendo DSi Shop closed on March 31, 2017, and the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS family systems, where most DSiWare was available, also ceased activity on March 27, 2023. However, if you have previously downloaded DSiWare to your device, you can still play it, and you can also redownload previously purchased games and DLC on Nintendo 3DS for the foreseeable future.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

1. What happened to the Nintendo DSi Shop? The Nintendo DSi Shop closed on March 31, 2017, and it is no longer possible to purchase or download new games from it.
2. Can I still play my purchased DSiWare? Yes, as long as you have downloaded the DSiWare to your device, you can still play it.
3. Where can I download DSi games now? Most DSiWare is available to purchase through the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS family systems, but the eShop also closed on March 27, 2023.

Purchasing and Downloading Games

4. How do I put games on a Nintendo DSi? You can insert a DS Game Card into the DS Game Card Slot and select the game’s icon from the Nintendo DSi menu to start it.
5. Can I digitally download DS games? Yes, you can purchase the download version of a game directly from the Nintendo eShop, but this is no longer possible due to the eShop closure.
6. Why are DSi games so expensive? DS games have become expensive due to increased demand and limited supply, with prices doubling or even tripling in recent years.

DSi Features and Capabilities

7. What is Download Play on DSi? Download Play allows multiple DS systems to connect wirelessly for a multiplayer game session without the need for multiple copies of the game.
8. Does the DSi have a game slot? The DSi has a DS Game Card Slot, but it does not have a GBA game slot like the original DS and DS Lite.
9. Can I play 3DS games on my DSi? No, Nintendo 3DS Game Cards can only be played using a Nintendo 3DS family system.

Compatibility and Region Locking

10. What games work on DSi? All currently available Nintendo DS software can be played on Nintendo DSi, except for games that use the GBA Game Pak Slot.
11. Are DS games locked? Most Nintendo DS games are region-free, but some DSi games that cannot be played on earlier DS models are region-locked.

SD Cards and Storage

12. Can you put an SD card in a DSi? Yes, the Nintendo DSi supports standard SD cards and high-capacity SDHC cards up to 32 GB in size.
13. What is the purpose of the SD card in the DSi? The SD card can be used to save photos, play AAC-format audio files, and copy downloadable software and its save data.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

14. Why won’t my DSi read my game? Make sure the Game Card is fully inserted and select the game’s icon from the Nintendo DSi menu to start it.
15. How long does a DSi last? The DSi can offer up to 19 hours of playtime, and it is not recommended to buy a new battery pack from ebay to increase battery charge.