How to Make the Nintendo DS Play Gameboy Advance Games

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Last Updated: July 17, 2021

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Got any old Game Boy Advance games lying around? Well with the original Nintendo DS or DS Lite, you can play them!

Steps

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3
Touch the small DS symbol at the bottom of your touchscreen and then the purple wrench.
- A small picture of a GBA will appear, click this and set which screen (top or bottom) you would like to play on.
4
Proceed to your start up settings for your DS. these will be contained under the purple settings section with a purple picture with an arrow and a rectangle.
- Select Manual Mode. This is important, if set on Auto Mode the DS will always play any DS or GBA game inserted into the device first.
- The device will then ask to be powered off, do not manually power off the device using the slider on the side. Just either touch Yes on the touchscreen or press the A button.
This is labeled for you next to the slot as Slot-2.
If this option does not show up then you must power off the device and remove the cartridge. Reinsert and attempt this step again.

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Question

What do the Y and X buttons do when playing Gameboy Advance games on the DS?

Community Answer

They do nothing, you can't use them when playing a Gameboy Advance game. It should be the same as playing on a Gameboy Advance.

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Can I do this on a new 3DS?

Community Answer

No, you cannot. There is no GBA slot in the DSi or the above models, including all models of the 3DS.

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Question

Where can I find Gameboy Advance games?

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You could go to a local game store that sells used or old games and if you cannot find them there, you can try online. eBay usually has them for sale.

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Tips

Alternatively, you can just remove any DS game inserted, and leave the GBA cartridge. The device will read the GBA cartridge automatically and start up upon power up.

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This will not work on a DSi, DSi XL, or any 3DS/2DS as Slot-2 isn't provided with those devices.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If the game isn't working, the contacts in the game are probably dusty or corroded. To fix this, use a can of compressed air and blow it on the contacts, or put some alcohol on a Q-tip and gently rub the contacts on the bottom of the cartridge.
If you are playing on a DS Lite, the GBA cartridge will jut out of the second slot. Do not force it in; this is how it's supposed to fit.

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Warnings

Do not remove a cartridge while the device is still powered on.

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Do not attempt to disassemble your Game Boy Advance cartridge. You will not only void the warranty, but you will also have the risk of breaking your cartridge.

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Do not blow into the device slots, or the cartridges themselves, the moisture contained within your breath may ruin the devices.

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While inserting a cartridge into a DS Lite's GBA Slot, you may notice that it sticks out slightly. Do not try to push it in completely, as it may damage your console.

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