This article will show you how to play the downloaded game on the classic Nintendo DS console. This requires an R4 SDHC card, a microSD card, and a computer to which you can download the game files.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: How to set up your hardware
Step 1. Buy an R4 SDHC card
It will replace the standard game card if you want to play the downloaded game. You will insert this card into the DS to be able to play the downloaded games.
To find an R4 SDHC card that will work with DS, enter buy r4 sdhc nintendo ds in the search bar
Step 2. Buy a microSD card
The game will be stored on it, so the capacity of the card must be 2 GB.
- You can find a microSD card at an electronics store or online computer store.
- Most microSD cards come with an SD-microSD adapter that allows you to use the card on your computer. If the microSD card is sold without an adapter, find and buy one.
Step 3. Insert the microSD card into the supplied adapter
There is a small slot on the top of the adapter where you need to insert a microSD card.
There is only one way to insert a microSD card, so if it doesn't fit into the slot, don't overdo it - just flip the card over and try again
Step 4. Insert the microSD card adapter into your computer
Insert the adapter into the long, narrow slot on the side of your laptop or the front of your desktop computer.
If you are using a Mac computer, you may need a USB / C-SD adapter
Step 5. Format the card
To copy game files to a microSD card, you need to format it correctly:
- Windows: Select "FAT32" as the file system.
- Mac: Select "MS-DOS (FAT)" as the file system.
Step 6. Download the ROM file for the game you want
This file contains the entire game; copy some ROMs to the microSD card to insert it into the console and run games directly from the card. To download a ROM file, enter the name of the game in the search bar, then enter “ds rom” (without quotes), select a trusted site from the search results and click “Download” or a similar button.
- Please be aware that downloading ROMs for games you have not purchased is illegal in most countries.
- Download files only from trusted sites that have a lot of positive reviews. Otherwise, there is a risk of catching a virus.
Step 7. Wait while the ROM file is downloaded to your computer
Now copy the ROM file to the microSD card on a Windows or Mac OS X computer.
Part 2 of 4: How to copy a game to a card in Windows
Step 1. Insert the microSD card into your computer
If you removed the adapter (or the microSD card from the adapter) from the computer, reinsert it into the computer.
Step 2. Open the Start Menu
Click on the Windows logo in the lower left corner of the screen.
Step 3. Open an Explorer window
Click the folder-shaped icon at the bottom left of the window.
Step 4. Open the folder with the downloaded ROM file
Do this in the left pane of File Explorer.
For example, if you are downloading files to the Downloads folder, in the left pane, click the Downloads folder
Step 5. Select the ROM file
Click on the downloaded ROM file.
Step 6. Copy the ROM file
To do this, press Ctrl + C.
Step 7. Select SD card
Click on your SD card name at the bottom left of the File Explorer window.
- You may need to scroll down the left pane to find your SD card.
- Alternatively, you can click on "This PC" and then double-click on the name of the SD card in the "Devices and Drives" section.
Step 8. Insert the ROM file
Click on a blank space in the SD card window and then press Ctrl + V. The ROM file icon will appear in the SD card window.
Step 9. Remove the SD card
Click on the flash drive-shaped icon in the lower right corner of the screen and then select "Eject" from the menu. When you receive a notification, remove the SD card from your computer.
You may need to press the "^" in the lower right corner of the screen first to display the flash drive icon
Part 3 of 4: How to Copy a Game to a Card in Mac OS X
Step 1. Insert the microSD card into your computer
If you removed the adapter (or the microSD card from the adapter) from the computer, reinsert it into the computer.
Step 2. Open Finder
Click the blue face icon in the dock.
Step 3. Open the folder with the downloaded ROM file
Do this in the left pane of the Finder window.
The main folder for downloads in most browsers is the Downloads folder
Step 4. Select the downloaded ROM file
To do this, click on it.
Step 5. Copy the ROM file
To do this, press ⌘ Command + C.
Step 6. Click on the name of your SD card
You will find it in the lower left side of the Finder window under Devices. The map window will open.
Step 7. Insert the ROM file
Click in an empty space in the SD card window, then press ⌘ Command + V. The ROM file icon will appear in the SD card window.
Step 8. Remove the SD card
Click the triangle icon to the right of the SD card name in the Finder window. When you receive a notification, remove the SD card from your computer.
Part 4 of 4: How to launch the downloaded game
Step 1. Insert the microSD card into the R4 card
There is a small slot on the top of the R4 card that accepts a microSD card.
There is only one way to insert a microSD card, so if it doesn't fit into the slot, don't overdo it - just flip the card over and try again
Step 2. Insert the R4 card into the Nintendo DS
Insert the R4 card into the slot where you usually insert game cards.
- Make sure the microSD card is firmly inserted into the R4 card.
- If required, on the original DS, first connect the card reader (at the bottom of the console).
Step 3. Turn on DS
To do this, press the console's power button.
Step 4. Select the "MicroSD Card" option
After a while, the bottom screen will display “MicroSD Card” (or something similar).
Step 5. Select a game
The game copied as a ROM file will be displayed on the screen. Select it to start and play!