Nintendo DSi and DS Lite Multiplayer Compatibility

A Nintendo DSi cannot play local wireless multiplayer with a Nintendo DS Lite.

Technical Reasons

• Different wireless protocols: The DSi uses an updated wireless firmware/protocol for local communication that is incompatible with the DS Lite's original implementation.
• Cartridge slot differences: The DSi lacks the GBA cartridge slot. Some DS games with GBA-linked features (e.g., Pokémon Pal Park, Guitar Hero: On Tour grip) behave differently or not at all on DSi.

How They Can Play Together

• Internet (historically): Both could connect to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection (WFC) for online play in supported titles (Mario Kart DS, Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum, etc.). WFC shut down May 20, 2014.
• DS Lite + DS Lite: Local wireless works perfectly.
• DSi + DSi / 3DS / 2DS: Local wireless works within the DSi/3DS family.

For local multiplayer today, use two consoles from the same family (DS Lite pair, or DSi/3DS/2DS pair). Online play requires private servers (e.g., Wiimmfi for Mario Kart DS/Pokémon).