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How to Insert and Play a Nintendo DS Game Card

Nintendo DS

In this article, you'll learn how how to insert and play a Nintendo DS game card.

Complete these steps

  1. If this is the first time you are using your Nintendo DS, make sure the internal battery is fully charged before using.
  2. Make sure that the power is turned OFF on the Nintendo DS.
  3. With the game's label side facing down, insert a DS Game Card into the DS Game Card Slot (SLOT-1), and slide it into place until it clicks.
    DS game card being positioned with game label facing down and inserted into a Nintendo DS system
    DS game card being positioned with game label facing down and inserted into a Nintendo DS Lite system
    Nintendo DS Nintendo DS Lite

    Important: Do not force the Game Card into the slot on the Nintendo DS. The Game Card will load easily when inserted correctly.

  4. Carefully lift up the screen into the open position.
  5. Press down on the power button (located to the left of the bottom screen), to turn the power ON.
  6. Tap the screen using the stylus when the Touch the Touch Screen to continue message appears. You can also push the A Button, instead.
    • If the system settings are set to Automatic Start-Up, the game will automatically load. If both a DS Game Card and a Game Boy Advance Game are inserted, only the DS Game Card will load. If you wish to play the Game Boy Advance Game, you will need to remove the DS Game Card.
    • If the system settings are set to Manual Start-Up, you will see indicators for the DS Game Card slot and the Game Pak slot. Tap the stylus within the card slot indicator window (the rectangle) to start the game.

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