What is the Nintendo DS?

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Nintendo DS

Other Videos

  1. What is the Nintendo DS?
  2. Where to buy it
  3. The basic functions and features
  4. How to save your progress
  5. The Nintendo DS range
  6. Protecting your Nintendo DS
  7. Charging your Nintendo DS
  8. Nintendo DS warranty
  9. Connecting your WiFi
  10. Play against friends and family

All your questions answered

New to Nintendo DS and have a question?

We’re always happy to help, so just drop us an email with your question about the DS or one of our games to the address below.

If you have any queries regarding an existing console then please contact our customer services on +44 (0) 870 60 60 247.

Click here to download our helpful guide
  1. I have seen adverts on TV for Nintendo DS Lite, but how does it work and why would it benefit me?
  2. I want to buy a Nintendo DS Lite. Where can I find them and what do I need to buy to get started?
  3. I am interested in the Nintendo DS Lite; however, I would like more information before I buy one. Is it possible to try one out or read some more information?
  4. I have just bought a Nintendo DS Lite, but am still unclear on how the basic functions work.
  5. I have just started a new game. If I turn off my Nintendo DS Lite, will my progress be saved?
  6. My grandson recently showed me his Nintendo DS and I saw it was different to mine. Are there many different versions in the range?
  7. I have been playing my Nintendo DS with Dr Kawashima's Brain Training for some time now and want to buy a new game. What games are available for the Nintendo DS and where can I buy them?
  8. I want to take my Nintendo DS Lite out and about with me, but I am worried about it getting damaged - what can I do to prevent this?
  9. Do I need to charge the Nintendo DS Lite before use? How often do I need to recharge the battery?
  10. Who should I contact if I have any problems with my Nintendo DS? Does it have a warranty?

  1. I have seen adverts on TV for Nintendo DS Lite, but how does it work and why would it benefit me?

    1. The Nintendo DS is a hand-held console that enables you to play games like Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training. Its compact and light design features a rechargeable battery, which makes it ideal to carry around the house or take on journeys. There are lots of games and software available for the Nintendo DS that will cater to all tastes. All come with instructions, so it’s easy to understand what to do.
    2. Every game has its own benefits. For instance with Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training you can stimulate your brain with various mental exercises or get stuck into Sudoku; and if you fancy curling up with a good book, 100 Classic Book Collection gives you over 100 to choose from in the palm of your hand.
    3. Don’t just listen to our opinion, though – why not take a look at what other people think of it?

  2. I want to buy a Nintendo DS Lite. Where can I find them and what do I need to buy to get started?

    1. You can buy a Nintendo DS Lite online from the best known retailers or from thousands of stores across the UK ranging from specialist game stores to music stores and even your local supermarket. Click here to see our preferred retailers.
    2. When buying a DS Lite for the first time, you need to buy a game with it unless you select one of our ready made bundles. Retailers will also sometimes create their own bundles; however, you will still be able to buy them separately if you want. It's always best to check with store staff to see what they have available and what combination suits you best.
    3. When you open up the Nintendo DS Lite box, inside you should find: one Nintendo DS Lite, one charger (power supply), two styluses and the instruction manuals. All Nintendo DS Lite units come with some initial charge to get you started. You’ll find the manuals helpful so always take the time to read them; however if you have any questions, please us.
    4. Each game will come in its own case and looks a lot like a memory card for a camera. You simply insert it in to the back of the Nintendo DS Lite, as shown in the instruction booklet. Turn the power on at the side and you’re good to go.

  3. I am interested in the Nintendo DS Lite; however, I would like more information before I buy one. Is it possible to try one out or read some more information?

    1. If you would like more information, then please click on the button below to download our helpful guide. Some stores will enable you to try out the product before you buy and the staff will always be ready to help. To find out more about these stores, click here.
    2. You can even sign up for a Nintendo representative to come to your home and talk through the product with you and your friends. Find out more information about Nintendo DS Parties here.

  4. I have just bought a Nintendo DS Lite, but am still unclear on how the basic functions work.

    1. The Nintendo DS Lite opens and closes like a book. Inside, it has 2 screens – the top one is a standard screen that will display content from your chosen software while the lower screen not only displays content but also features “touch-screen” functionality that allows you to simply touch the screen and make your selection. For certain games, such as Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training, you can even write your answers on the ‘touch-screen’ with the pen (we call it a stylus). You should only ever use your finger or the stylus to touch this screen, as other objects could cause damage.
    2. On either side of the top screen are two speakers that allow you to hear in-game instructions and music. There are also indicators that will tell you how much power you have left before you have to recharge the battery, if it's charging and if you are connected wirelessly. There are also other controls that you will only need to use for some games, but most games use the touch-screen technology to make it simple and easy to use.
    3. Around the outside of the Nintendo DS Lite you will find the following: ON button, volume control, slots to store the stylus, connection for headphones and insert for the power supply (charger). All of these functions are explained in the instruction manual.

  5. I have just started a new game. If I turn off my Nintendo DS Lite, will my progress be saved?

    1. Most games feature a save feature that enables you to save your progress on the cartridge. Once saved the cartridge can be removed without the fear of losing your progress.
    2. Some games feature an automatic save but it's always best to make sure you save using the in game options before you turn it off or allow the battery to go flat.

  6. My grandson recently showed me his Nintendo DS and I saw it was different to mine. Are there many different versions in the range?

    1. The Nintendo DS actually comes in 3 versions: the Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite and the Nintendo DSi. All three versions feature the same basic functionality and can be used to play all Nintendo DS games, but some feature additional functions. You can find out more about these below.
    2. The Nintendo DS Lite is the second member of the family – the key features of this version are that it is smaller and sleeker than the first version, with improved battery capabilities and screens.
    3. Nintendo recently launched a third version called the Nintendo DSi. This is very similar to the Nintendo DS Lite in size and design; however it has added features such as cameras and the ability to play music files. Click here to find out more information on the Nintendo DSi.

  7. I have been playing my Nintendo DS with Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training for some time now and want to buy a new game. What games are available for the Nintendo DS and where can I buy them?

    1. There is a range of games available for Nintendo DS. If you have started off on Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training and are a keen puzzle solver, you might also like More Brain Training from Dr Kawashima or Professor Layton and the Curious Village.
    2. Click here to see other games that Nintendo would recommend. There are games you can play by yourself or with friends or family. Why not take a look at what other people think of our games?

  8. I want to take my Nintendo DS Lite out and about with me, but I am worried about it getting damaged – what can I do to prevent this?

    1. All Nintendo DS units are designed to be used while you are out and about and can be slipped into your pocket or bag safely. Additional carry cases can be purchased alongside the Nintendo DS if you wish but these are not required. Nintendo has a range of officially licensed products available and we always recommend that you look for the Official Seal of Quality. You will be able to find these in store or online within the accessories section.

  9. Do I need to charge the Nintendo DS Lite before use? How often do I need to recharge the battery?

    1. Nintendo DS Lite units come with some initial charge so they can be used straight away. When indicated simply connect the adaptor to the Nintendo DS and plug it in. When fully charged, the light on the top right hand corner of the Nintendo DS Lite will turn off (it will be orange when charging).
    2. When you turn the power on, the light will turn to green. When you are running out of battery, this light will change to red. At this point, save your game and recharge the battery again. When fully charged the battery should last for 15-19 hours of game play depending on the brightness settings used.
    3. If you experience any problems, please contact customer services by or on +44 (0) 870 60 60 247.

  10. Who should I contact if I have any problems with my Nintendo DS? Does it have a warranty?

    1. The Nintendo DS Lite comes with a 12-month warranty. This warranty covers defects in the product but doesn’t cover accidental damage. For full information, please refer to the information booklet that comes with the Nintendo DS Lite. If you do experience any problems or just wish to know more about the warranty, please contact customer services by or on +44 (0) 870 60 60 247.

View more games

Try the Nintendo DS at home with your friends

If you are thinking about buying a Nintendo DS. try it out beforehand with friends at home. It's the perfect way to discover what the Nintendo DS can do for you.

Find out more on DS parties

Discover Nintendo DS

The Nintendo DS enables you to play games like Dr Kawashima's Brain Training and Professor Layton. It's compact and light design features a rechargeable battery, which makes it ideal to carry around the house or take on journeys.

Read about the DS

You can find Nintendo products at any of the stockists below

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If you wish to purchase in store please call beforehand to check availability.