Home >> Internet Games >> PS2 Games

How to Run Super Mario Bros. (NES) on Nintendo DS: Flashcarts, Emulators, and 3DS Virtual Console

You cannot run the original NES cartridge/game natively on a DS. Different CPU (ARM9/ARM7 vs. Ricoh 2A03), GPU, media (cartridge slot vs. Card/Slot-2), and OS.

Working Solutions

Method	Hardware Needed	Compatibility	Notes
Native DS Slot-2 (GBA Slot)	DS Phat / DS Lite + GBA Flashcart (EZ-Flash IV, Omega) + PocketNES (GBA NES emulator)	~95%	Best accuracy; uses GBA hardware. No save states on real cart.
DS Slot-1 Flashcart	Any DS/DSi/3DS + R4i, Ace3DS+, DSTWO, etc. + nesDS or RetroArch core	~90%	nesDS fast but audio issues. RetroArch (FCEUmm) better but slower on DS/DSi. DSTWO has onboard CPU for better emu.
3DS Virtual Console	3DS/2DS + Nintendo eShop (closed) → CIA install via CFW (Luma3DS)	100%	Official Nintendo injection. Perfect emulation, save states, restore points. Requires CFW now.
Wii U / Switch Online	Wii U or Switch + NSO subscription	100%	Official, legal, HD output, save states.

Legal Note

Downloading NES ROMs without owning the cartridge is copyright infringement in most jurisdictions. Dump your own carts using a Kazzo/INL-Retro dumper or Retrode 2.

Recommendation: DS Lite + EZ-Flash Omega + PocketNES = best authentic handheld NES experience. 3DS + CFW + VC injects = best features.

PS2 Games