How to Make Your Own Nintendo DS Games

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Last Updated: January 26, 2024

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You can make Nintendo DS Games entirely for free. This article describes how to use "DS Game Maker".

Steps

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Download Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 and install it if you do not already have it.
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Follow the automated steps, it is really simple. You can choose if you want to add a shortcut or whatnot. The installation directory is C:\DSGameMaker.
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See the games page - the section titled 'How to Play'. There are also instructions there for using an emulator - NO$GBA.
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For reference, devkitPro is the development tool chain with the DS-specific devkitARM, PAlib is a simple add-on library and DS Game Maker is an interface for these so you can make games without having to learn programming.
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The Manual covers everything in full detail.

Community Q&A

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Question

Will my games be uploaded to my DS?

Community Answer

No, but if you have a flash card, like an R4 cart, then you can copy your game to it and play it.

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Question

Can I make any game I want?

Community Answer

Yes. As long as you don't use someone else's ideas and then try to sell your game, you're welcome to make any game you want.

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Question

Is it free to download this software?

Community Answer

Yes, completely free. Just install and get ready to go. Happy Coding!

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Things You'll Need

This guide.
A PC with Microsoft Windows
DS Game Maker from the website.
The DS Game Maker Manual.
A Flashcart (Empty Nintendo DS Game Card), or NO$GBA.

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How to Make Your Own Nintendo DS Games

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