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Nintendo DS, DS Lite, and DSi Cheat Code Entry
Learn how to enter cheats for your Nintendo DS games
By Jason Rybka Jason Rybka Writer Jason Rybka is a former Lifewire PC and Console gaming writer with expertise in gaming exploits. Jason was also the developer/owner of Xbox Solution and other web properties. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 19, 2020 Tweet Share Email Rayes/Photodisc/Getty Images Tweet Share Email Consoles & PCs Xbox Buyer's Guide Nintendo's dual-screen portable video game systems support a massive library of titles, many of which feature cheat codes. To use cheats for your Nintendo DS games such as Lego Batman and New Super Mario Brothers, get familiar with the system's buttons and their abbreviations. Instructions in this article apply to the Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite, and the Nintendo DSi portable game systems. All models support the same library of games. How to Enter Cheat Codes With the Nintendo DS Gamepad
Nintendo DS systems are well-labeled. However, there's sometimes confusion over the shoulder buttons on the top left and right of the system when it comes to cheat codes. For example, if a cheat guide directs you to "press L," you might assume that it means press Left on the directional control pad; however, L usually refers to the left shoulder button. The image above represents the Nintendo DSi model, but controls for the original DS, the DS Lite, and the DSi are identical. Use the following key to determine which buttons to press when entering a cheat: L and R: These are the triggers, or bumpers, located at the top left and top right at the back of the Nintendo DS. They aren't seen in the image above because the system is open. In most cases, cheat codes that require the use of these triggers are listed as L and R, and they are often the press-and-hold type of code. For example, in New Super Mario Brothers, to play as Luigi in single-player mode, hold L+R and press A while selecting a saved game file. D-Pad: The D-Pad (short for directional pad) is used whenever a code requires an Up, Down, Left, or Right action. Use the D-Pad to enter whatever directions the code uses. A, B, X, and Y: These are the most common buttons used for code entry on the DS. Most codes require swift yet accurate presses to work properly. Start and Select: Not many games use Start or Select for cheat code entry on the DS, but you might occasionally need them. Volume Up and Volume Down: No DS games make use of the volume control slider for cheat code entry. The Touch Screen: Although not labeled above, the bottom screen has touch functionality, and some cheats require you to tap the screen. How to Use Cheat Codes for Nintendo DS Games on the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS
The Nintendo 3DS is the successor to the original DS family of systems. The 2DS is a variant of the 3DS that shares the same game library, but it lacks 3D support. While Nintendo DS games can be played on the 3DS and 2DS, the opposite is not true. Nonetheless, since the control layout is the same for all devices, any cheat codes for DS games should work while playing them on the 3DS or 2DS. 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? Nintendo 3DS vs. the DSi: A Comparison Can I Play Nintendo 3DS Games on the Wii U? How to Add a Friend Code on Your Nintendo 3DS Should I Buy the Nintendo DS Lite or the DSi? Nintendo 3DS vs. 2DS Setting Up Nintendo 3DS Parental Controls How to Transfer Data From a Nintendo 3DS SD Card How to Choose Which Nintendo DS to Buy Nintendo 2DS FAQ - Everything You Need to Know Are the Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL Backward Compatible? How to Reset Nintendo Switch How to Turn Off Rain in Minecraft How to Play MP3 and AAC Files on a Nintendo 3DS The Nintendo 3DS Is Region Locked How to Redeem Nintendo 3DS Codes 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