Nintendo made more than a dozen versions of the DS and 3DS between 2004 and 2017. They look similar, but they differ in which games they play, whether they have a Game Boy Advance slot, and whether they show 3D. Here's how the models compare and which one fits the games you want to play.
The quick answer
- Want DS and 3DS games? Get any 3DS-family system. The New Nintendo 2DS XL and 3DS XL are the most comfortable picks.
- Want DS and Game Boy Advance games? Get a DS Lite. It's the last model with a GBA slot.
- Only want DS games on a budget? A DS Lite or DSi is the cheapest way in.
Every model at a glance
| Model | Released (US) | Plays | GBA slot | 3D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo DS | 2004 | DS and Game Boy Advance | Yes | No |
| DS Lite | 2006 | DS and Game Boy Advance | Yes | No |
| DSi | 2009 | DS and DSi | No | No |
| DSi XL | 2010 | DS and DSi | No | No |
| Nintendo 3DS | 2011 | DS, DSi and 3DS | No | Yes |
| 3DS XL | 2012 | DS, DSi and 3DS | No | Yes |
| Nintendo 2DS | 2013 | DS, DSi and 3DS | No | No |
| New 3DS and New 3DS XL | 2015 | DS, DSi, 3DS and New 3DS | No | Yes |
| New 2DS XL | 2017 | DS, DSi, 3DS and New 3DS | No | No |
The DS family: DS, DS Lite, DSi and DSi XL
The original DS and the slimmer, brighter DS Lite both have a second slot on the bottom for Game Boy Advance cartridges, which makes them two systems in one. The DSi and DSi XL added cameras and an SD card slot but dropped the GBA slot. If you want to play Pokémon Emerald and Pokémon Platinum on the same handheld, a DS Lite is the one.
The 3DS family: 3DS, 3DS XL and 2DS
Every 3DS-family system plays almost the entire DS library as well as 3DS games, so it's the best way to cover both. The 3DS and 3DS XL show 3D without glasses (and you can turn it off). The 2DS is a slate-shaped, kid-friendly model without 3D or a hinge. The XL models have much bigger screens.
The New 3DS family: New 3DS XL and New 2DS XL
The "New" models added a faster processor, a small C-stick, extra ZL and ZR shoulder buttons and built-in amiibo support. A few games, such as Xenoblade Chronicles 3D, only run on New models. The New 2DS XL folds like an XL but skips 3D, and it's light, comfortable and a great all-rounder.
New Nintendo 2DS XL Console · $329.97
Folding, light and plays every DS and 3DS game, including New 3DS titles.
Region locking and the eShop
Original DS games are region-free, so imports work on any DS or 3DS. 3DS games and DSi-only games are region-locked, so North American consoles need North American 3DS games. Nintendo closed the 3DS eShop for purchases in March 2023, so physical cartridges are now the main way to buy 3DS games.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 3DS play DS games?
Yes. Every 3DS and 2DS model plays almost the entire Nintendo DS library.
Which DS plays Game Boy Advance games?
Only the original Nintendo DS and the DS Lite. Every later model removed the Game Boy Advance slot.
Does the 2DS play 3DS games?
Yes. The 2DS and New 2DS XL play all DS and 3DS games, just without the 3D effect. The New 2DS XL also plays New 3DS-only games.
Are 3DS games region-locked?
Yes. 3DS games and DSi-exclusive games are region-locked. Original DS games are region-free.
Can you still buy games on the 3DS eShop?
No. Nintendo ended 3DS eShop purchases in March 2023. You can still re-download games you already bought, but new purchases need a physical cartridge.
What's the best DS for kids?
The Nintendo 2DS and New 2DS XL are the most durable and kid-friendly, and they play both DS and 3DS games.
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