Nintendo DS Save Data Location: On the Game Card

Nintendo DS save data is stored on the game cartridge itself.

• Each DS card contains a small flash memory chip (EEPROM, FRAM, or Flash) for saves.
• No data is written to the console's internal memory (except system settings, Wi-Fi config, PictoChat logs).
• You can move the cartridge to any DS/DSi/3DS and continue your save.

Implications:

• Lost cartridge = lost saves. No cloud backup on original hardware.
• Sharing games = sharing saves. Lend the cart, lend the progress.
• Homebrew backup: On hacked 3DS/DSi, use Checkpoint or GodMode9 to dump .sav to SD card for safety/emulator use.

Note: DSiWare/3DS eShop games save to console NAND/SD card, not a cartridge.