Are the Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL Backward Compatible? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Gaming > Consoles & PCs 41 41 people found this article helpful

Are the Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL Backward Compatible?

Can the Nintendo 3DS play DS games?

By Nadia Oxford Nadia Oxford Writer William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute Nadia Oxford is a former Lifewire writer with 10+ years' experience. Her articles have appeared in Pocket Games Magazine, Play Magazine, Game Pro, IGN and others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on April 13, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Consoles & PCs Xbox Buyer's Guide The Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL are backward compatible, meaning that both systems can play nearly every single Nintendo DS game, and even Nintendo DSi titles. To play a DS game in a 3DS or 3DS XL, simply insert the game into the 3DS cartridge slot and pick the game from the 3DS main menu. Lifewire Games that require the AGB slot are not compatible.

How to Play DS Games in Their Original Resolution

Nintendo 3DS and XL automatically stretch lower-resolution DS games to fit their larger screens. This results in some DS games looking blurry. Fortunately, you can boot your Nintendo DS games in their original resolution on your 3DS or 3DS XL. Here's how to fix this resolution issue. Hold either the START or SELECT button before selecting your Nintendo DS game from the bottom menu. With the button still held down, tap the icon for the game cartridge. If the game boots at a smaller resolution than what's normal for 3DS games, it means you've done it correctly. Play your Nintendo DS games as you remember them: crisp and clean.

3DS Backward Compatibility Limitations

In addition to the resolution issue, there are some limitations to playing older DS or DSi games on a Nintendo 3DS system: Older titles don't work with StreetPass or SpotPass. You cannot access the HOME menu. Older games that use the Game Boy Advance game slot on the Nintendo DS cannot access accessories when playing on a 3DS system. Some DSi games that weren't purchased in the PAL region might not be playable on a 3DS from the PAL region. In other words, you might not be able to play a DSi game unless it was purchased in the region where it's being played. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Can I Play Nintendo DS Games on the 3DS? Setting Up Nintendo 3DS Parental Controls Can I Play Nintendo 3DS Games on the Wii U? The Nintendo 3DS Is Region Locked How to Transfer Data From a Nintendo 3DS SD Card Nintendo 3DS vs. 2DS Nintendo 3DS vs. the DSi: A Comparison How to Add a Friend Code on Your Nintendo 3DS Why Aren't Game Boy Advance Games on Virtual Console? GBA File (What It Is & How to Open One) Should I Buy the Nintendo DS Lite or the DSi? How to Choose Which Nintendo DS to Buy Nintendo 2DS FAQ - Everything You Need to Know How Much Does the Nintendo 3DS Cost? How to Get More StreetPasses on Your Nintendo 3DS Xbox Series S and X Backwards Compatibility Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies