What happens if you put a DS game in a 3DS?

When you put a DS game in a 3DS, it will work seamlessly, allowing you to play your favorite DS games on the newer 3DS console, with the exception of games that use the GBA Slot. The 3DS is backwards compatible with DS games, making it possible to enjoy a vast library of Nintendo DS titles on the 3DS.

Understanding DS and 3DS Compatibility

To better understand the compatibility between DS and 3DS games, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions that can provide more insight into the capabilities and limitations of playing DS games on a 3DS.

FAQs

1. Are all DS games compatible with the 3DS? Yes, most DS games are compatible with the 3DS, except for those that require the use of the GBA Slot.
2. Can I play DSi games on my 3DS? Yes, you can play DSi games on your 3DS, but some DSi games bought outside the PAL region may not be playable on a 3DS from the PAL region.
3. What happens if you put a 3DS game inside an original DS? You cannot put a 3DS game into a DS because it wouldn’t fit into the console’s game cartridge slot in the first place.
4. Is the 3DS region locked for DS games? DS games are by and large region-free, so you can buy any DS game from anywhere and play them on any 3DS machine, with few exceptions.
5. Can a 3DS play DS games? Yes, you will be able to play most Nintendo DS games on your Nintendo 3DS, with exceptions being games that use the GBA Slot.
6. How to play DS games on your 3DS? To play DS games on your 3DS, simply insert the DS game into the 3DS cartridge slot, and the 3DS will recognize the game.
7. Is Nintendo 3DS region locked? Yes, the Nintendo 3DS is region locked, which means it will only play games from the same region.
8. Can I play Japanese DS games on my American 3DS? Yes, as long as they aren’t DSi games, you can play DS games from around the world on your 3DS.
9. Is the 3DS eShop still open? No, the 3DS eShop officially closed on March 27th, 2023, and all new purchases are no longer possible.
10. Can I pirate 3DS games? No, video game piracy is illegal, and Nintendo opposes those who benefit and trade off the creative work of game developers.
11. Why do 3DS games have a tab? 3DS game cards have a small tab on one side to prevent them from being inserted into a DS, DS Lite, or a DSi.
12. How many GB is every 3DS game? 3DS games can range from 1 to 8 gigabytes in size, with 2 GB of game data at launch.
13. Are USA DS games region locked? No, DS games are region-free, but DSi games and cartridges released by iQue in China are region locked.
14. Can a US 3DS play European games? Yes, DS games are not region locked, but 3DS and DSi games are, so you can play DS games from any region on your US 3DS.
15. Will my Nintendo account get banned if I hack my 3DS? Yes, using a hacked 3DS to play cartridge games online can get your Nintendo account banned, as it violates the terms of service for online play.