How to Make Homebrew Games on the DS

Homebrew games for the Nintendo DS are small, simple games built upon DS Game Maker, the only homebrew game program. Do not expect to make the next "Legend of Zelda" game in DS Game Maker, but you can build simple action, racing and puzzle games without any programming experience. DS Game Maker is a free program and is readily available online.

Instructions

1. Download DS Game Maker (see Resources). Open DS Game Maker. Select "New," then "Project." Save the new project so that you will not lose any of your information.

2. Select "Resources," then double-click on "GameRoom." In this menu, change the screen size to 256 by 192 pixels, the resolution of the DS.

3. Insert images, sounds and backgrounds by selecting "Resources" at the top of the screen.

4. Press the "Play" button to test the game.

Tips & Warnings

• Save the project every time that you do something new to it.

• MP3s cannot be dumped into the project at high quality.

References

• DS Game Maker: User Manual

Resources

• DS Game Maker: Homebrew Games
• DS Game Maker: Download