Nintendo 3DS Backward Compatibility: DS & DSiWare Games

Yes. The Nintendo 3DS (all models: Original, XL, 2DS, New 3DS, New 2DS XL) plays both Nintendo DS and DSiWare games natively.

DS Cartridges (Physical)

Insert into 3DS game slot (back). Boots in DS Mode — 2 screens, 4:3, no 3D.
All DS games compatible (except those requiring GBA slot: Guitar Hero: On Tour grip, Pokémon Pal Park migration — need original DS/DS Lite).
Save data written to cart — works identically.

Access via Nintendo eShop (3DS) → Settings/Other → DSiWare.
Purchase/download directly on 3DS (while eShop open — closed March 2023).
System Transfer: Move DSiWare + saves from DSi → 3DS (requires both consoles online during transfer window).
Play in DS Mode — no 3D, no 3DS features (StreetPass, Sleep Mode notes).

No 3D Enhancement: DS games run 2D only. No upscaling/filtering (pixel-perfect or stretched).
No GBA Slot: Cannot use GBA cartridges, Rumble Pak, Guitar Hero Grip, Memory Expansion Pak.
Region Lock: 3DS is region-locked. DS games are mostly region-free (except DSi-enhanced titles like Pokémon Black/White which lock to console region).
eShop Closed: Cannot buy new DSiWare. Must have purchased before March 27, 2023, or use homebrew (FBI, CIA install) — legal gray area.

For DS games: New 3DS XL / New 2DS XL — larger screens, stable 3D (irrelevant for DS), better battery, C-stick/ZL/ZR (unused in DS mode).

For DSiWare: Transfer before eShop closure. Otherwise, homebrew on CFW 3DS is only way to add new titles.

Nintendo DS