How to Play Downloaded Games on a Nintendo DS

Interested in playing a game like Mario Party with a friend, but only one of you has the game? No problem! Lots of Nintendo DS games have a Download Play option, which allows multiple people to play a game when only one of them has a physical copy. Here’s how it works.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Insert the game in your DS and look for a Multiplayer option. Start it once you find it (where the option is will vary by game.)
2. Turn on all other DS units that you want to connect to the multiplayer game. Make sure they are all within 100 feet of each other.
3. Look for the Download Play option at the DS menu screen. Once there, the DS will begin searching for any locally available DS units to download games from. When the list is finished, look for the game you want to play and start downloading it.
4. Make sure all the units you want to play have the game downloaded, then you’re good to go! This can be done anywhere, so long as all the participating DS units are within 100 feet of each other. It’s especially handy for car trips when only one of the players has the game!
5. Consult your game’s manual if you’re having trouble finding the right menu. Some games have some roundabout menu options. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, check the game’s manual or ask a friend who has the game.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also play multiplayer DS games with someone who lives a ways away. You need to know each other’s gamer names, and you both must have a wireless internet connection. If you’ve got that, just look for your friend, see what game they’re playing and look for the Download Play option.
• Not all games have a Download Play option. If you can’t find the Download Play option and the manual doesn’t mention it, the game probably can’t handle it.