The only remaining official way to download games on a DSi is to re-download titles you previously bought before the shop shut down, and you must do so on the same system where you originally made the purchase.
Can you still download games on a dsi?
After that date, Nintendo disabled all new purchases, meaning you cannot buy DSiWare, demos, or any other digital content. The sole exception is re-downloading games you already own, which remains possible as long as you are using the original DSi system tied to your purchase history.
What was the Nintendo DSi Shop?
The Nintendo DSi Shop was the digital storefront for the DSi handheld console, launched to let users browse and download games, applications, and other content directly to their device. It was exclusive to the DSi and was not available on earlier DS models, which lacked the necessary built-in Wi-Fi and storage capabilities. The shop offered a library of DSiWare titles, including original games, retro classics, and utility apps, all purchased with Nintendo Points. It also served as the hub for system updates and content management, making it a central part of the DSi experience during its active years.
How downloading games on a dsi used to work
Before the shop closed, downloading games on a DSi followed a straightforward process that required a compatible internet connection and a funded account. The DSi could only connect to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks, which was a common standard for home routers at the time. Once online, users accessed the shop from the DSi Menu, where the system automatically detected the region of the console. This region lock meant, for example, that an Australian DSi could only access the Australia/New Zealand DSi Shop, preventing cross-region purchases. From there, you browsed categories, selected a game, and paid with Nintendo Points, which you bought using real currency through the shop itself. After confirming the purchase, the game downloaded directly to the system’s internal storage or an inserted SD card, and it appeared on the DSi Menu for immediate play.
How to re-download your old DSi games
If you previously purchased DSiWare games before the shop closed, you can still retrieve them on your original DSi system. To do this, turn on the DSi and connect to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network, then open the DSi Shop from the main menu. The shop will load in a limited “re-download” mode, showing a list of every title tied to your account. From that list, select the games you want to restore, and they will download again to your system. This process works only on the same DSi where you originally made the purchase; if you moved to a different unit, you cannot transfer or re-download your library, as Nintendo tied purchases to the hardware itself.
Alternatives for playing games on your DSi today
Since the DSi Shop is defunct, the primary legal way to play games on your DSi now is through physical DS game cartridges. These cartridges remain fully functional, and you can insert them into the game slot on the top of the DSi to play instantly. The DSi is backward compatible with the entire DS library, which includes thousands of titles across all genres, from platformers to role-playing games. Unlike digital downloads, physical cartridges do not require an internet connection, a shop account, or any online service, making them a reliable and permanent option. You can find used DS games at retro game stores, online marketplaces, or local sellers, and they work on any DSi model without restriction. While you might see mentions of homebrew or emulation, those methods are not authorized by Nintendo and can risk damaging your system or violating terms of service, so sticking with cartridges is the safest and most straightforward path.
