This wikiHow teaches you how to download a downloadable version of the game on a Nintendo DS Classic device. To play downloaded games on your device, you will need an R4 SDHC card, a micro SD card (microSD), and a computer to download game files.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Setting Up Equipment
Step 1. Purchase an R4 SDHC card
The R4 SDHC card is a substitute for the game card used to load games on DS devices. This card will have to be inserted into the DS device so that you can load the games that have been downloaded.
The easiest way to find a compatible R4 SDHC card with your DS device is to type r4 sdhc nintendo ds into the online store search bar
Step 2. Purchase a micro SD card
This card will be the game storage area. So, look for a card with 2 GB of storage space if possible.
- You can find a micro SD card online or at tech supply stores.
- Most micro SD cards come with an adapter that can be used to open the card on a computer. If the product you purchased did not come with an adapter, you will also need to purchase one.
Step 3. Insert the micro SD card into the adapter that came with the purchase package
At the top of the adapter, there is a small hole that can be used to insert a micro SD card.
The micro SD card can only be inserted in one direction/position so you shouldn't force it. If the card won't fit or won't fit into the adapter, turn the card over and try reinserting it
Step 4. Insert the card adapter into the computer
On the side of the laptop or CPU box (desktop computer), there is usually a flat, flat hole that can be used to insert a card adapter.
If you are using a Mac computer/laptop, you will need to purchase a USB-C to SD card adapter
Step 5. Format the card first
Before you can add files to your micro SD card, you'll need to make sure that the card's format is correct:
- On computer Windows, choose " FAT32 ” as the file system.
- On computer Mac, choose " MS-DOS (FAT) ” as the file system.
Step 6. Download the ROM for the desired game
ROMs are game files for the DS. By copying them to the SD card and using the card on your device, you can select games directly from the card. The easiest way to download a ROM is to search for the title of the game, followed by the search phrase “ds rom”. Choose a trusted site, then click the " Download " button or link.
- Keep in mind that downloading ROM files of games that you don't have before is a form of piracy which is illegal in most places.
- Make sure you only download files from trusted sites, based on user feedback and reviews. Don't let you download a virus by accident.
Step 7. Wait for the ROM file to finish downloading
Once it's finished downloading to your computer, you can add the ROM file to the micro SD card on a Windows or Mac computer.
Part 2 of 4: Adding Games Via Windows Computer
Step 1. Make sure the micro SD card is inserted into the computer
If you unplugged the card adapter from the computer (or removed the micro SD card from the adapter), reinsert the card or adapter before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2. Open the “Start” menu
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen.
Step 3. Open File Explorer
Click the folder icon in the lower-left corner of the window.
Step 4. Visit the location where the downloaded ROM file is saved
On the left side of the File Explorer window, click the folder where you saved the ROM file that you downloaded earlier.
For example, if downloaded files are usually stored in the “ Downloads ", click folder " Downloads ”.
Step 5. Select the ROM file
Click the downloaded ROM file.
Step 6. Copy the ROM file
Press the Ctrl+C key combination to copy the file.
Step 7. Select the SD card folder
Click the name of the SD card that appears in the lower-left corner of the File Explorer window.
- You may need to scroll through the screen to find the SD card.
- Alternatively, you can click on the “ This PC ” and double-clicking the name of the SD card that appears in the "Devices and drives" section.
Step 8. Paste the ROM file
Click an empty space on the SD card window, then press the Ctrl+V key combination to paste the ROM file. You can see the file icon displayed in the window that follows.
Step 9. Remove the SD card
Click the fast drive icon in the lower right corner of the screen, then click the “ Eject ” on the pop-up menu. After receiving the notification, you can remove the SD card from the computer.
You may need to click the “ ^ ” in the lower right corner of the screen first to see the fast drive icon.
Part 3 of 4: Adding Games Via Mac Komputer
Step 1. Make sure the micro SD card is inserted into the computer
If you unplugged the card adapter from the computer (or removed the micro SD card from the adapter), reinsert the card or adapter before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2. Open Finder
Click the blue face icon that appears in your computer's Dock.
Step 3. Visit the location where the downloaded ROM file is saved
On the left side of the Finder window, click the folder where you saved the ROM file that you downloaded earlier.
Most browsers specify a folder " Downloads ” as the main folder for storing downloaded files.
Step 4. Select the ROM file
Find and click the game ROM file.
Step 5. Copy the ROM file
Press the Command+C key combination to copy it.
Step 6. Click the SD card name
In the lower-left corner of the Finder window, you'll see a "Devices" section showing the SD card. Click the card to open the SD card window.
Step 7. Paste the ROM file
Click the SD card window, then press the key combination Command+V. Now, you can see the ROM file in that window.
Step 8. Remove the SD card
Click the triangular " Eject " icon next to the card's name in the Finder window, then remove the card from the computer when prompted.
Part 4 of 4: Playing the Downloaded Game
Step 1. Insert the Micro SD card into the R4 card
On the top of the R4 card, there is a small hole that can be used to insert a micro SD card.
As with the adapter, the micro SD card can only be inserted in one position/direction
Step 2. Insert the R4 card into the Nintendo DS device
The R4 card must be inserted into the hole normally used for inserting game cards.
- Make sure the micro SD card is properly inserted into the R4 card.
- On the original DS version, you need to connect a card reader to the bottom of the device.
Step 3. Turn on the DS device
Press the power button ("Power") to turn on the device.
Step 4. Select "MicroSD Card"
Once the device is powered on, you should see a "MicroSD Card" (or similar) option at the bottom of the screen.
Step 5. Choose a game
Now, all the games you have downloaded in ROM format will be displayed. Select a game to open it on DS and start playing!
