How does Nintendo download play work?
Nintendo download play is a feature that allows players to play multiplayer games with friends and family without the need for multiple game cartridges, by downloading a temporary copy of the game from the host system, and it works by using the Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo DS system’s wireless connectivity to transfer the game data from the host system to the recipient system. The downloaded game can be played until the system is turned off, and it is a great way to enjoy local multiplayer gameplay with friends and family who do not have a copy of the game.
What is Download Play?
Download Play on Nintendo DS and 3DS
Download play is a feature that allows players to play games with friends and family without the need for multiple game cartridges.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does download play still work on 3DS?: Yes, Nintendo 3DS systems utilize Download Play in a similar manner as the Nintendo DS, and the only difference is that Nintendo 3DS owners can play Nintendo 3DS games as well as Nintendo DS games.
- Does Mario Kart DS support download play?: Yes, Mario Kart DS offers two different options for LAN Wireless game play: DS Download Play, in which only one player has Mario Kart DS and all players have Nintendo DS systems, and Multi-Card Play, in which all players have Mario Kart DS and Nintendo DS systems.
- Does Mario Kart 7 work with download play?: Yes, up to eight players can play this game using a single Mario Kart 7 Game Card if each player has a Nintendo 3DS system.
- Will download play work after eShop closes?: As long as you already own a game on the 3DS or Wii U, you’ll be able to redownload it from the eShop “for the foreseeable future”.
- What games can you play with download play on 3DS?: Some examples of games that support download play on 3DS include Starfox 64 3D, Mario Tennis Open, Tetris Axis, Mario Party Island Tour, Streetfighter IV 3D, Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed, and Mario Kart 7.
- What 3DS games allow download play?: Some other 3DS games that allow download play include Luigi’s Mansion, River City: Rival Showdown, Mario Party: The Top 100, Cooking Mama: Sweet Shop, Mario Party Star Rush, River City: Tokyo Rumble, and Kirby: Planet Robobot.
- Can DS and 3DS play together?: Yes, the Nintendo 3DS supports local wireless multiplayer and wireless interaction with Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite, and Nintendo DSi system owners.
- Does download play work between DS and 3DS?: The single-card download feature in Nintendo DS games will work with any combination of Nintendo DS, DS Lite, or Nintendo DSi system, but Nintendo 3DS games can only connect between Nintendo 3DS family systems.
- Why can’t DS play GB games?: The Nintendo DS and DS Lite systems lack the special processor that is required to play Game Boy games.
- Can I play my DS while it charges?: Yes, it is possible to play while the battery is recharging; however, this will cause the charging process to take longer than if the system was not being played at the same time.
- Can you play downloaded 3DS games on Switch?: No, Nintendo 3DS and Wii U games purchased through Nintendo eShop do not carry over to Nintendo Switch.
- Can I download games on 3DS without SD card?: You’ll need a card to download pretty much anything (excluding DSiWare) from the eShop, but you can play cartridge games without an SD card.
- Do all 3DS games support 3D?: No, developers first have to create games in 3D to show them in 3D on Nintendo 3DS, and it is not mandatory for developers to make their Nintendo 3DS games in 3D.
- Can I still hack 3DS after eShop closes?: Yes, you can still install custom firmware on your 3DS, even after the closure of eShop.
- Can you still play 3DS online 2023?: As of early April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end service for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software.