Lately I’ve been feeling super nostalgic and decided to dust of the Nintendo DSi.
I grew up playing on this thing, and honestly it still slap. PictoChat, the DSi camera filters, and the tiny screens just bring me back to a time when I didn’t have to consider the reality of being an adult and that I will probably never afford a house or live on my own.
I’ve been using an R4 to load up a bunch of games. You only need that one cartridge and you’ll be good to go with nearly any game you will never want or need.
R4 SDHC Gold Pro
$29.99
My DSi is a limited edition Luigi Green model that was released as part of a special bundle alongside a Mario Red version, and both came with Mario Party.
I even gave it a little makeover with a clear protective case so I can still see the green but keep it safe from my urge to put stickers all over it.
Nintendo DSi Hard Case Clear
$9.99
Right now, I’ve been playing Pokémon HeartGold, and it’s so cozy. I forgot how fun it is to just wander around catching Pokémon to avoid dealing with reality. It even supports the Pokéwalker, which was such a weird but genius accessory back then. It was like, if a Fitbit and a Tamagotchi had a child.
Nintendo DSi Lives On?
If you’re thinking about playing your old DS again or picking one up, it’s worth it if your inner child is getting satisfied. You can definitely find one on OfferUp for around $100 or less.
The DSi was a huge upgrade from the DS Lite with the camera and downloadable games through the DSi Shop (RIP), but the GBA cartridge delete was probably just as heartbreaking as Apple taking away the headphone jack from iPhones (ALSO RIP).
It’s probably better to get a 3DS though, it’s more of a popular pick because you can get 3DS games AND still play the older DS games via R4 or Homebrew.
Best Nintendo DS Games IMO
If you’re not sure where to start, here are some of my favorite DS games I can remember.
- Pokémon HeartGold / SoulSilver – One of the best Pokémon games ever, but really any of them will do. You can’t have DS games and then not play Pokémon.
- Animal Crossing – If you are a cozy gamer you probably already play Animal Crossing but how long was it since you last logged in? All the villagers think you’re dead now.
- The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass – You use the stylus to control Link! So innovative at the time.
- Cooking Mama – Pretty chaotic but I may have actually learned some stuff from it.
- Mario Party minigames – I will blow you out of the water at whack a mole guaranteed.
- Nintendogs – My Nintendog is probably dead from starvation. Definitely one of the top simulator games of all time though. Every girl had this game.
Of course, not every game hits. I tried a random one called Hello Kitty: Big City Dreams (why not? It was in the R4), and let’s just say… this was the worst game ever lol. Cute idea though. I guess it’s like a caveman version of Hello Kitty Island Adventure.
I’ve been decorating my DSi with stickers to give it some personality. If you have any tips or favorite sticker ideas please send them my way. I am still on the hunt for a good keychain that matches the vibe… maybe I’ll DIY it.
Let me know if you’ve still got yours and what ds games you’re playing!
Big J
P.S. If you played too long and need to touch grass, maybe see this blog post about going outside?