How to Download Games on Nintendo DSi XL Legally (2024 Guide)

Official route only: The Nintendo DSi Shop closed on March 31, 2017. You can no longer purchase new DSiWare titles.

What Still Works

• Re-download past purchases: If you bought games before closure, they remain in your purchase history (Settings → DSi Shop → "Titles You've Downloaded").
• System Transfer: Move DSiWare to a 3DS/2DS (Settings → Other Settings → System Transfer) – then access via 3DS eShop (also closed March 2023, but re-downloads still function).

Physical Games

DS/DSi cartridges work natively. Buy used from eBay, GameStop, or local stores.

Homebrew (Advanced Users Only)

Install TWiLight Menu++ (via Memory Pit or Flipnote Lenny exploits) to run homebrew, emulators, and backups from an SD card. Requires SD card, PC, and following a guide (e.g., dsi.cfw.guide). This voids warranty (moot) and risks bricking if done incorrectly.

Piracy warning: Downloading ROMs/ISOs you don't own is illegal. Support developers by buying original cartridges.