Gotta Transfer ‘Em All: Playing Pokemon on the Nintendo DSi
As a long-time Pokémon master and Nintendo gaming expert, the #1 question I get asked is: "Can I play Pokémon games on my Nintendo DSi?"
The quick answer is: Absolutely! The DSi can play almost all classic DS Pokémon games.
In this ultimate guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know about playing Pokémon on the DSi:
- Which Pokémon games work (and how to transfer your prized ‘mon to current gen games)
- DSi vs 3DS vs DS model differences
- Inside tips to get the most out of your Poké-adventures
- And more to take your DSi Pokémon skills from Pallet Town novice to Elite Four champion!
Let‘s dive deeper into enjoying Pokémon on the powerful portable DSi!
DSi Pokémon Game Compatibility
The Nintendo DSi can play physical and downloaded versions of the following critically-acclaimed Pokémon titles:
- Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum
- Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
- Pokémon Black & White
- Pokémon Black 2 & White 2
Basically any game designed for the DS/DS Lite will work perfectly fine on the DSi.
I‘ve tested gameplay across all mainstream Pokémon titles and never noticed any hiccups. That‘s thanks to the DSi‘s smooth upclocked CPU which makes battles and world exploration very snappy.
The only exceptions are games requiring the GBA slot, like the Gen 3 Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire remakes. But you‘re not missing much – the selection of DSi-compatible Pokémon games will keep the most dedicated trainers busy for hundreds of hours!
Below is a handy table summarizing Pokémon Nintendo DS game compatibility across various models:
| Game Title | Nintendo DS | Nintendo DS Lite | Nintendo DSi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokemon Diamond | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pokemon Pearl | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pokemon Platinum | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pokemon HeartGold | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pokemon SoulSilver | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pokemon Black | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pokemon White | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pokemon Black 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pokemon White 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
So rest assured – with a DSi you really can catch ‘em all in the DS Pokémon universe!
Transferring Your Treasured Pokémon to Switch
One common question DSi Pokémon fans have is:
"I have cherished Pokemon from my childhood DSi adventures. Can I bring them to the newest Nintendo Switch games like Legends Arceus or Scarlet/Violet?"
I‘m thrilled to report that the answer is yes – with a few extra steps, you can transport Pokémon from your DS glory days onto new consoles.
Here is the official Pokémon transfer process in easy steps:
- Catch Pokémon in your DSi (Diamond/Pearl/Platinum/HeartGold/SoulSilver/Black/White/B&W2)
- Use a Nintendo 3DS system to download Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter apps
- Move Pokémon from DSi games into Box 1 of Pokémon Bank
- Link Pokémon Bank to your Pokémon Home account
- Transfer Pokémon into Pokémon Home on Switch or mobile
- Import special Pokémon into your latest gen Switch adventure!
It may seem complicated, but essentially you‘re creating a Pokémon chain extending from DSi -> 3DS -> Home -> Switch. I know die-hard Pokémon collectors with prized ‘mon in Home transported all the way from 2003‘s Pokémon Ruby!
So with a few minutes and the right console combo, those A+ competition Pokémon from childhood can continue battling alongside you. Gotta preserve ‘em all!
Key Differences: DSi vs DS vs 3DS
While DSi delivers an amazing DS Pokémon experience, you may be wondering how it compares technically against earlier DS models or the 3DS:
Nintendo DS: Baseline console able to play GBA Pokémon games too. No cameras/storage. Slightly lower build quality. Still works great!
Nintendo DS Lite: Basically a slimmer DS with brighter screens. Same performance/compatibility. Very solid system.
Nintendo DSi: Enhanced model lacking GBA slot but adds cameras and SD card support. Great screen and quick CPU. Plays 99% of DS games flawlessly.
Nintendo 3DS: Stereoscopic 3D display and circle nub. Natively runs exclusive 3DS Pokémon games. Maintains almost full DS backwards compatibility. More features but pricier.
For enjoying classic 2D Pokémon adventures in 2024, I actually prefer using my DSi over 3DS. Here‘s why:
- Cleaner user interface uncluttered by extra apps
- Super portable and comfortable yet durable design
- Bright backlit screens visible outdoors unlike old DS
- SD card to store digitally downloaded games
- Feels quick thanks to snappy system menus and game performance
Don‘t get me wrong – playing X/Y in glasses-free 3D on a 3DS XL is very cool tech. But to revisit Sinnoh or become the ultimate Unova champion again, DSi simply provides the best overall user experience.
And given the more affordable cost and huge existing DS game library, DSi is actually the Pokémon machine I most recommend to newcomers in 2024. You really can‘t go wrong.
Tips for Next-Level DSi Pokémon Gaming
After training Pokémon across every Nintendo console, here are my top expert tips for getting the most out of DSi:
Use the Pokéwalker pedometer accessory. Bundled with HeartGold & SoulSilver, this device lets you carry Pokémon around, earn XP by walking, and even catch some hard-to-find critters! It really makes those titles shine.
Link up for DS multiplayer battles & trading. Nothing beats the nostalgia of battling classmates or swapping version exclusives via local wireless. Pop open the DS Download Play menu to get started. Just don‘t cheat with Legendaries!
Snap funny Pokémon photos using the DSi cameras! Those front and rear cameras seem silly today, but I got lots of mileage using goofy Pokémon Snap selfies as kid. Be creative and capture some share-worthy moments.
Purchase a high capacity SD card for plenty of digital games. While physical DS Pokémon games are still muy affordable, going digital eliminates the hassle of swapping cartridges. Plus it leaves the GBA slot open for oldschool Pokémon pinball/TCG!
And if you somehow get bored with just playing Pokémon games (is that possible?), the DSi eShop has loads of other fantastic DS titles worth trying, from Mario to Castlevania. Expand your Nintendo horizons!
Hopefully these hot Poké-tips help you succeed on lots of fulfilling DSi adventures. Now let‘s cover one last critical question…
Should I Buy a DSi to Play Pokémon in 2024?
In 2023, purchasing a Nintendo DSi solely to play decades-old Pokémon games may seem silly to some gamers.
But as a ride-or-die Nintendo fan since the Game Boy era, I am 100% on board with snagging a DSi if you don‘t already own one. And here‘s why:
1) Cost: DSi models remain very affordable in 2024, typically $50 or less in good condition. That‘s much cheaper than potential repair costs if your launch DS finally dies!
2) Portability: The lightweight DSi truly is easy to toss in any bag while still feeling durable. Those compact dimensions are perfect for an impromptu Pokémon session.
3) Enhanced visuals: While DS Pokémon games shine on any system, DSi‘s upgraded displays make battles and exploration really pop compared to normal DS/Game Boy models.
So thanks to great bang-for-buck value combined with stellar portability and beautiful screens, the Nintendo DSi earns an enthusiastic recommendation from this gamer if Pokémon DS adventures are calling your name.
Catch ‘em all…again!
Still Hyped? Where To Buy A Nintendo DSi
If my DSi hype has convinced you take the Poké-plunge, here are some reputable marketplaces to shop for one in 2024:
eBay: Instant access to wide selection of new/used DSi systems. Models in any color and condition. Pay attention to feedback ratings.
Amazon Renewed: Refurbished options directly sold by Amazon. Tend to be higher quality with a short warranty compared to random eBay listings.
Facebook Marketplace: Worth browsing for local sellers if you want to inspect condition firsthand. Just use common sense to avoid scams.
GameStop Preowned: Brick-and-mortar shops frequently get trade-ins if you prefer hands-on buying experience. Their online inventory also ships fast.
When searching for your ideal DSi, look for deals including the charger, styluses, and preferably an SD card too. While untested systems may work fine, paying a few dollars more for confirmed working condition provides peace of mind.
Alright friends. I hope this definitive guide amps up your excitement to catch ‘Em All again on the Nintendo DSi – or try Pokémon DS adventures for the very first time.
Let me know your biggest Pokémon gaming questions in the comments!
