Cannot Turn DS Into a Computer: Hardware Limitations

Impossible. DS hardware (ARM9/ARM7, 4–16 MB RAM, no MMU) cannot run a PC OS.

Why

• Architecture mismatch: ARM vs x86/ARM64
• RAM: 4 MB (DS) / 16 MB (DSi) — Linux needs 32 MB+ minimum
• Storage: Cartridge save chips (512 KB–8 MB) vs. GBs for OS
• No kernel, drivers, display server, input stack for desktop OS

What You Can Do

• Homebrew (flashcart + custom firmware): Emulators (NES, GB, SNES), media players, DSLinux (tiny uClinux, text-only, extremely limited)
• DSiWare apps: Notes, Flipnote Studio, browsers (DSi/3DS only)
• DSLinux: Runs on slot-1 flashcart + slot-2 RAM expansion — command line only, no GUI, educational curiosity

Real Portable Computing

• Phone + Bluetooth keyboard
• GPD Win / Aya Neo / Steam Deck — x86 handheld PCs
• Raspberry Pi Zero + screen + battery — DIY

DS is a game console. Enjoy it as one.