What Game Accessories Do I Need for a Nintendo DS?

Nintendo DS is the dual screen, touch pad mobile gaming system. Whether you bought the DS new or old, there are certain game accessories that you need both to play games and keep the DS functioning. These game accessories should have come with the DS if purchased new, and if you got an old one you should get these accessories as soon as possible.

AC Adapter
The mobile systems of old used batteries (usually AA or AAA) to keep the system charged. However, the Nintendo DS has a pre-installed battery that stays alive due to a charger. Without a charger, whenever the battery runs out, your DS will stay dead until charged.

There are different adapters for different models. The original DS, DS Lite and DSi (which includes the DSi XL) must have a specific AC adapter, or charging will not occur properly. Using the wrong adapter may even damage your system.

Internal Battery
Though rare, the battery in your Nintendo DS can die due to problems or overuse. Or, if you purchased an old DS, it may not have come with a battery. Like the charger, the battery is needed to supply power to the DS. Without the battery, though, the DS will never turn on.

When purchasing a battery, get one for your specific DS system, or the battery will not connect and give the DS power.

Stylus
The DS stylus is the little (or in the case of the DSi XL, large) plastic pen that is used on the Nintendo DS touch screen. The touch screen records the stylus' movement and translates it into the game.

While a stylus is not technically required--you could use your finger or another object (like a real pen) to emulate the same function--it is recommended. Using anything other than an official Nintendo stylus can damage the screen.

There are different sized styluses for different DS models, but unlike the other accessories, you can mix and match these.

Plastic Covers
There are two covers on all DS models--a battery cover and a cartridge cover. While both of these are not necessarily needed, they keep dust away from the inside of the DS (extending its overall life) and keep you from touching the batteries (which prevents accidental shock or exposure to battery acid if a battery bursts).