Connecting Two Nintendo DS Systems for Local Multiplayer: Step-by-Step

Connecting two Nintendo DS/DS Lite/DSi/3DS systems for local wireless play (Download Play or Multi-Card Play) typically takes 10–30 seconds once you are in the game's menu.

Step-by-Step (Download Play - Single Card)

1. Host: Insert game card. Boot game. Select Multiplayer → Download Play.
2. Guest: No card inserted. Power on. Tap DS Download Play icon on main menu (DS/DS Lite) or HOME Menu (DSi/3DS).
3. Guest: Tap the Host's game title when it appears.
4. Host: Confirm "Start" or wait for "All players ready."
5. Data transfers (progress bar). Guest loads temporary copy into RAM.
6. Game starts.

Step-by-Step (Multi-Card Play - Both Have Cart)

1. Both: Insert same game card.
2. Both: Boot game → Multiplayer → Local Wireless / Multi-Card Play.
3. Host: Create Room / Search.
4. Guest: Join Room.
5. Start. (Faster; no large data transfer).

Factors Affecting Speed

• Game Size: Download Play transfers only necessary assets (few MB), usually < 20 sec. Large games (Pokémon HGSS, Mario Kart DS) may take 30-60 sec.
• Distance/Interference: Keep units < 30 ft (10m), minimal walls. 2.4GHz interference (microwaves, Bluetooth) slows discovery.
• Firmware/Region: Region-locked games (DSi-enhanced/3DS) require same region cart/console for local wireless.

Note: Nintendo WFC (Internet) shut down 2014. Local wireless is peer-to-peer (ad-hoc) and still works perfectly.