Nintendo DS vs. DSi Compatibility: Original DS Cannot Play DSi Games

No. The original Nintendo DS (Phat/Lite) cannot play DSi-exclusive games (cartridges with white shell / TWL prefix).

Hardware Differences

• CPU: DSi has faster ARM9/ARM7 (133 MHz vs 67/33 MHz).
• RAM: 16 MB vs 4 MB.
• Features: Cameras, SD slot, DSi Shop, internal flash—DS games don't use them; DSi games require them.

Backward Compatibility

• DSi / DSi XL / 3DS / 2DS / New 3DS / New 2DS: All play original DS games (grey/black cartridges, NTR prefix).
• DSi-Enhanced Games (Grey cart, TWL features optional): Play on DS, but gain cameras/SD on DSi/3DS (e.g., Pokémon Black/White).

If a cartridge is white, it's DSi-only—won't work on DS Phat/Lite.