Yes, You Can Use an R4 Card With the Nintendo DSi in 2024
As a long-time Nintendo fan and avid gamer who loves tinkering with devices to unlock their full potential, I can definitively say that yes, R4 flashcarts do work flawlessly on the Nintendo DSi in 2024 given you follow some simple but important steps covered in this detailed guide.
I still regularly use my old DSi XL for DS gaming, and having an R4 card installed allows me to store all my game backups as .NDS ROM files on a microSD card, play homebrew games and emulators, and even mod certain titles. It brings new life to the DSi!
However, not all R4 cards work properly on the DSi due to firmware restrictions intended to block unauthorized devices. Thankfully, card manufacturers have continued updating their products over the years to bypass these restrictions.
Below I cover everything you need to know about using R4 cards on the DSi, from picking the right card model, installing custom firmware, troubleshooting issues, my top game recommendations, and more. Let‘s dive in!
2023 Firmware Compatibility Should Be Your Top Priority
Here is a comparison table of the latest R4 cards confirmed working on the Nintendo DSi as of the most current 1.4.5 firmware version:
| R4 Card | 2023 Firmware Compatible | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| R4i Gold 3DS Plus | Yes | 5/5 |
| R4 SDHC Upgrade | Yes | 4.5/5 |
| R4 SDHC Dual Core | Yes | 4/5 |
I personally use and recommend the R4i Gold 3DS Plus not only for flawless DSi performance but also for its excellent build quality and range of extra features. It tops the charts when it comes to both compatibility and quality.
The R4 SDHC Upgrade and Dual Core cards work fine as cheaper alternatives however, but may require more firmware updates if Nintendo releases patches. I‘ve found the R4i Gold 3DS Plus holds up better long-term.
But as you can see, all current R4 cards work on the latest DSi firmware – they run game backups perfectly via .NDS ROM files stored on a microSD card inserted into the flashcart.
Step-By-Step Guide to Setup Your R4 Card on the DSi
Here is an easy step-by-step walkthrough to get your R4 card operational on the Nintendo DSi:
Update your Nintendo DSi system firmware to version 1.4.5 using the System Settings app if you haven‘t already. This ensures maximum compatibility.
Format your microSD card to FAT32 using a tool like guiformat. SD card size can be up to 32GB. I suggest starting with a fast 16GB card from a reputable brand.
Download the latest kernel for your R4 card from the manufacturer‘s website, usually found in the support section. For the R4i Gold 3DS Plus, you can get the kernel here.
Copy the kernel files over to the root folder of your microSD card. On first setup you may need to overwrite existing files already on the card when copying over.
Safely eject then insert your microSD card into the R4 cart. Ensure it is fully pushed in.
Insert your R4 cart into your Nintendo DSi and turn the power on. The card should now be successfully recognized.
If your R4 cart shows up properly, you are ready to start putting NDS game ROM files onto your card and playing them right away! Enjoy!
(Note: if your R4 does not boot up or displays an error, recheck all the steps above and that you have the latest compatible firmware files for your card installed. If issues continue, see the troubleshooting tips at the end).
Top 10 Nintendo DS Games to Play on R4 Card
Now for the fun part – great DS games to play on your modded DSi via the R4 card!
Out of the many titles in my NDS collection, here are my top 10 recommendations:
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| Chrono Trigger DS | JRPG |
| Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars | Action/Adventure |
| Mario Kart DS | Racing |
| New Super Mario Bros. | Platformer |
| Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver | RPG |
| The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass | Adventure |
| Animal Crossing: Wild World | Simulation |
| Metroid Prime Hunters | FPS |
| Advance Wars: Days of Ruin | Strategy |
| Tetris DS | Puzzle |
Of course The Legend of Zelda, Mario, Pokemon and Animal Crossing franchises also have other excellent DS titles worth playing too. With the ability to store all my backups conveniently on one card, I can have my whole collection nicely organized and easily accessible.
R4 Card Benefits and Usage Tips
Here are some of the great benefits I‘ve enjoyed thanks to using R4 cards on the Nintendo DSi, along with some handy usage tips:
Benefits
- Play game backups without needing cartridges
- Store save data externally so progress is never lost
- Homebrew support – emulators, tools, media players etc.
- Region-free gaming (play games from any region)
- Utilize max 32GB microSD storage capacity
- Never rely on worn-out game card slots again!
Usage Tips
- Set up multiple partitions on your microSD card for organized game storage
- For multiplayer local wireless play, all DS systems need the same game ROM
- An second microSD lets you hot-swap games easily
- Check your kernel is always up-to-date after any DSi firmware updates
- Some games may require AP patching for maximum compatibility
So in summary, having an R4 card installed lets you do almost everything you could imagine to enhance your Nintendo DSi!
Troubleshooting Common R4 Card Issues
If you experience any problems getting your R4 card to work properly on the DSi, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Games not launching?
- Confirm you have the latest compatible kernel/firmware installed
- Re-download game ROM file in case it is corrupted
- Try different SD card reader on PC if transfer issues
Random freezing or crashing?
- Bad dump – replace game ROM file
- microSD card is too slow – upgrade to UHS-I Type
- Dirty SD card connections – clean cart/slot carefully
Can‘t save?
- Double check kernel has correct save type set
- Incorrectly formatted microSD (not FAT32)
- Slow SD card speed/brand causes issue
Following the setup guide carefully, using quality hardware, and keeping everything updated should minimize the chance of any issues. But if something does happen, run through basic troubleshooting then consult me or a technical forum!
Closing Thoughts on the R4 Scene in 2024
Despite the DS line being discontinued for over a decade now, the R4 flashcart and homebrew scene continues going strong in 2024. The community that tweaks these cards for compatibility with updated Nintendo firmware over the years keeps DS modding alive.
And manufacturers like R4i who maintain support for their cards with new kernels/updates are the true unsung heroes. Without them, amazing vintage hardware like the Nintendo DSi would lose functionality and be left behind by time.
So while Nintendo never intended or approves of running unauthorized code/hardware, the incredible utility and enjoyment these cards have brought me makes it impossible not to recommend an R4 to fellow DSi gaming enthusiasts. Especially for conveniently storing/playing your whole NDS collection in 2024!
Hope you found this guide helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions about using an R4 card with your Nintendo DSi!
