Where to Find Game Code & Card ID on a Nintendo DS Cartridge

These identifiers are not printed on the label in a user-readable format. They reside in the cartridge's internal ROM header and NAND.

Game Code (Game ID / Title ID)

• Format: 4-character alphanumeric (e.g., NTR-YXXX-USA → YXXX).
• Where to find:
  • Label: Sometimes the 4-char code is printed small near the barcode (e.g., "NTR-YXXX-USA").
  • In-Game/Emulator: Homebrew tools (GodMode9 on 3DS, DSiMenu++, TWiLight Menu++) display it on launch.
  • PC Tools: ndstool, Tinke, or CTRTool parse the ROM header.
  • Online DB: GameTDB, No-Intro DAT — search by title.

Cartridge Serial / Unique ID (NAND ID)

• Purpose: Anti-piracy, save binding, online identification (Nintendo WFC).
• Access: Requires hardware dumper (e.g., Retrode 2 with DS adapter, NTRBoot + GodMode9 on 3DS/DSi). Not readable via software alone on stock hardware.
• Format: 16–32 hex chars (chip UID + cartridge-specific data).

Practical Takeaway

For 99% of users: the 4-char code on the label (or in emulator UI) is all you need for cheat databases, save editors, or ROM management. The NAND UID is only relevant for dev/anti-piracy research.