Nintendo Portables - Compatibility FAQ Version 2.3 - September 4th, 2009 TABLE OF CONTENTS 01 INTRODUCTION 02 HARDWARE NUMBERING SYSTEM 03 ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMS 04 HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY 05 GAME PAK TYPES 06 MODEL NUMBERS 07 REGION CONNECTIONS 08 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 09 CONTACT 10 CHANGES/NOTES/LINKS 01 INTRODUCTION --------------- Nintendo gives all hardware they produce a specific number. This makes identifying what you have very easy, especially across different regions. This convention is included in every Nintendo hardware release, and it dates back to pre-Famicom home video game systems (Japanese non-cartridge systems). There are a few basics about the Nintendo hardware numbers system that you should familiarize yourself with before viewing this site. 02 HARDWARE NUMBERING SYSTEM ---------------------------- Usually, when concerned with Nintendo's consoles and portable systems, the prefix is the codename. For example, the prefix for the Nintendo DS is "NTR," from the development code name "Nitro." The GameCube's development codename was "Dolphin," which explains the "DOL" prefix. "NUS" is the prefix for the Nintendo 64, which was known as "Nintendo Ultra" in development. With every new prefix since the Famicom/NES, the base system is usually "01" or "001" (back to the first example, Nintendo DS's system hardware number is "NTR-001"). Accessories and peripherals follow with additional numbers. Any gaps in product number lists can be explained by being future, canceled, or unknown hardware items. For example, an entry for "AGB-011" does not exist, because the hardware was never released. In the case of new hardware, such as the Nintendo DS, gaps in the system's hardware numbers (say, from NTR-006 to NTR-009) may account for upcoming peripherals or future add-ons. Every so often, Nintendo switches or alternates between component suppliers, or simplifies a hardware design internally. For the most part, the outer design machine itself is not changed at all, and most consumers will not be able to tell the difference. There are exceptions, such as with the Nintendo DS. There are actually two different suppliers of the bottom touch screens on the Nintendo DS. One type of screen displays images with more sharp detail, while the other has a fuzzy characteristic. The average consumer would not be able to tell the difference, and both screen types function exactly the same, with the same product number. 03 ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMS -------------------------- Frequently Used Abbreviations: NCL - Nintendo Company Limited, the Japanese arm of Nintendo NOA - Nintendo of America NOE - Nintendo of Europe DMG - The Original Game Boy design, short for "Dot Matrix Graphics" MGB - Product code for Game Boy Pocket or Game Boy Light CGB - Product code for Game Boy Color AGB - Product code for Game Boy Advance AGS - Product code for Game Boy Advance SP OXY - Product code for Game Boy Micro NTR - Product Code for Nintendo DS USG - Product code for Nintendo DS Lite TWL - Product code for Nintendo DSi GB - Japanese-used term for DMG Game Boy GBA - Game Boy Advance GBC - Game Boy Color GBP - Game Boy Player for GameCube SGB - Super Game Boy for Super NES SGB2 - Super Game Boy 2 for Super NES SP - Game Boy Advance SP DS - Nintendo DS DSL - Nintendo DS Lite DSi - Nintendo DSi Frequently Used Terms: Famicom - Japanese equivalent of the Nintendo Entertainment System Game Pak - Cartridge with game software Game Boy Video Paks - Special paks with video instead of a game Imports - Refers to software from Japan brought to America or Europe Option Paks - Nintendo DS expansion modules Pirate Game Paks - Unauthorized, illegally copies of retail games Unliscensed Game Paks - Software not authorized by Nintendo Wi-Fi - Wireless networking found on the Nintendo DS-line DSiWare - Downloadable games on a Nintendo DSi 04 HARDWARE COMATABILITY ------------------------ Here is the hardware compatibility section. The names for these accessories were taken from store.nintendo.com. Obviously I'm not going to include a lot of hardware-specific items in this, like battery covers, screen replacements, cartridge cases, etc. Game Boy The original portable Nintendo game system. Released in 1989, then popularized thanks to a little game known as Tetris, the dot-matrix graphics captivated a generation of gamers. The system was notable for having one of the longest lifespans in videogame history. GB Link Cable Compatible with: DMG/MGB/SGB2/GBC/GBA/GBP/SP Connects two DMG Game Boys together. Requires a Universal Game Link Adapter to convert between the original DMG Game Boy's link port, and the link port used by the Game Boy Pocket (MGB) and Game Boy Color, and compatible with the GBA line. Game Boy Universal Link Cable Compatible with: DMG/MGB/SGB2/GBC/GBA/GBP/SP Connects two Game Boys together, and comes with a Universal Game Link Adapter (required to connect to a DMG Game Boy). Game Boy Four-Player Adapter Compatible with: DMG/MGB/SGB2/GBC/GBA/GBP/SP Connects four Game Boys together for games like RC Pro Am. Requires a Universal Game Link Adapter when using a DMG Game Boy. Game Boy Pocket AC Adapter Compatible with: MGB/GBC Compatible with both the Game Boy Pocket and the Game Boy Color. Game Boy Camera Compatible with: DMG/MGB/SGB/SGB2/GBC/GBA/GBP/SP Takes black and white pictures that you can print out. Game Boy Printer Compatible with: DMG/MGB/SGB2/GBC/GBA/GBP/SP Print out stickers in games like Super Mario Bros. DX. Requires a Universal Game Link Adapter when used with a DMG Game Boy. Game Boy Pocket Released in 1996, this redesign improved battery life and slimmed the original system down considerably. The communication port was also changed for this system, which remained until the SP. Game Boy Light A Japanese exclusive revision that added a backlight. Released in 1998. Game Boy Color Released in 1998, this system was an upgrade to the original Game Boy line that added a faster processor, color screen, and infraed link port. Popular games like Pokemon Red/Blue marked this era. Mobile GB Adapter (Japan only) Compatible with: CGB/GBA This Japanese-only hardware connected a Game Boy to a cell phone, allowing games like Mobile Golf, Pokemon Crystal, and F-Zero for Game Boy Advance send and receive data from Nintendo. Service was abruptly discontinued in early 2002, hence it's not compatible with products released after 2002. Game Boy Advance Released in 2001, this 32-bit system changed the portable landscape with Super Nintendo-quality graphics, better sound, and smaller game paks. The GBA also played every previous Game Boy game. GBA AC Adapter Set Compatible with: GBA Set includes the "DC Power Module" that replaces the battery cover of the original GBA, and the AC Adapter that plugs into the wall. GBA Game Link Cable Compatible with: GBA/GBP/SP Connects to the GameCube for use in games like Animal Crossing. GBA Infrared Adapter (Japan only) Compatible with: GBA/GBP/SP Utilized in only one Japanese-only game, "Cyber Driver Zoids." This game, oddly enough, was developed by NdCube (of F-Zero: Maximum Velocity fame) and published by Tomy. You can use the game and adapter to program motions for a toy "Zoid" robot. Nintendo has never released a game with this technology. GBA Wireless Adapter Compatible with: GBA/GBP/SP Connects wirelessly to other players for games like Mario Golf, though only with software programmed to use the adapter. Accepts wireless signals from the Game Boy Micro Wireless Adapter. E-Reader (Japan only) Compatible with: GBA/GBP/SP/DS/OXY/DSL Reads dot-codes off of playing cards. This is the first E-Reader, released in Japan only. The main difference is that this version of the hardware didn't include linking features (to a GameCube or other GBA). Because of this, the link port that's on the North American E- Reader and the E-Reader + is missing, meaning it can fit in a DS. Also note that the E-Reader is NOT region-free. See the "Region Connections" section for more. E-Reader (North America; "E-Reader +" in Japan) Compatible with: GBA/GBP/SP/OXY Reads dot-codes off of playing cards, and converts them to game software. The E-Reader is a tight fit for the SP, but not compatible with the DS due to the link port. Note that if you really want to use the E-Reader, just hack the link port off the device, and you can fit it in. Also note that the E-Reader is NOT region-free. See the "Region Connections" section for more. For use on a Game Boy Micro, no modificiation to the link port is required. Game Boy Advance Play-Yan/Play-Yan Micro (Japan only) Compatible with: SP/DS/OXY/DSL Nintendo's little device with MPEG4 (in the ASF format) and MP3 support, using Panasonic SD cards. While it is known that the original GBA cannot use this device, it's not yet known if the device is compatible with the Game Boy Player. The Play-An Adapter is compatible with a wide range of SD memory cards, from manufacturers like Panasonic, Toshiba, and San Disk. With the release of the Game Boy Micro, the Play-Yan received a firmware upgrade with new features. Game Boy Advance SP Released in 2003, the SP set out to add a backlight to the popular Game Boy Advance. This release also changed the look and feel of Nintendo's handheld game systems for years to come. Game Boy Advance SP Headphone Adapter Compatible with: SP/DS Since the SP doesn't have a headphone jack built-in, Nintendo created a device that connects to the "EXT2" port. Also works with the DS. Game Boy Advance SP AC Adapter Compatible with: SP/DS Since the SP and the DS share the same port design and voltage, their AC adapters are interchangeable. Nintendo DS Released in 2004, the DS would serve as a roadmap to the direction Nintendo was heading in with the Wii. Designed around two screens, a touch-screen, a microphone, and two slots for games. This was the first portable to abandon backwards compatabilty for pre-GBA paks. Nintendo DS AC Adapter Compatible with: SP/NTR Once again, it's the same port on both the SP and DS. Nintendo DS USB Wi-Fi Connector Compatable with: SP/DS/USG/TWL Connects the DS online with a computer running Windows XP. DS Headset Compatable with: DS/DSL/DSi Headset and Microphone combo. DS Magnet Stand (Japan only) Compatable with: SP/DS/DSL Connected to the Slot-2 on the Nintendo DS. Sold with a cooking training game in Japan. Game Boy Micro Released in 2005, this system boasted a clearer and brighter screen, louder sound, and removable faceplates. The system also streamlined backwards compatability, removing the option to play pre-GBA paks. Game Boy Micro AC Adapter: Compatible with: OXY A proprietary power adapter for the new extension port on the Game Boy Micro. Game Boy Micro Wireless Adapter Compatible with: OXY A Wireless Adapter that's only compatable with the Game Boy Micro. Of course, it still works with the signals from the old GBA Wireless Adapter plugged into a Game Boy Advance, SP, or Game Boy Player. Game Boy Micro Link Cable Compatible with: OXY A black Game Link Cable that connects to the Micro via it's proprietary EXT slot. Retains all the functionality of the previous version, and is compatible with all other link cables only when used with Game Boy Micro Game Link Adapter. Game Boy Micro Game Link Adapter Compatible with: GBA/SP/GBP Provides backwards compatability with previous Game Boy units. Nintendo DS Lite Released in 2006, the DS Lite shrunk the size of the previous model, while improving brightness. This model's Slot 2 is smaller, so paks tend to stick out further while it's occupied. Nintendo DS Lite AC Adapter Compatible with: DSL Powers your Nintendo DS Lite. Nintendo DSi Released in 2009, the DSi improves screen brightness, adds online functionality, and adds a SD card slot to the side of the unit. The DSi does, however, remove the ability to play GBA games or use any accessories that make use of the Slot 2 on previous models. Nintendo DSi AC Adapter Compatable with: DSi Another unique AC adapter. 05 CARTRIDGE TYPES ------------------ Here is the section outlining the different types of Game Boy games, with the colors of the cartridges included to make things easier. Yes, I'm aware that there are some specially-colored carts out there, like Donkey Kong Land or the Pokemon games... I think it's pretty easy to figure out which cart type I' talking about. Game Boy Paks (Grey) Compatible with: DMG/MGB/SGB/SGB2/GBC/GBA/GBP/SP The original DMG Game Boy games. Some are equipped with extra features for the Super Game Boy, from special borders and color palates, to whole 16-bit games (as in Space Invaders). GB Memory Cartridge (White) Comptaible with: DMG/MGB/SGB/SGB2/GBC/GBA/GBP/SP For 2,500 yen, Japanese Game Boy players could download new Nintendo Power games at kiosks located inside Japanese convince stores. Considered a cheap way to get games like "Balloon Fight GB," "Pac- Man," and "Metroid II," this was also the only way to get games like "Super Mario Bros. DX." This service was ended on August 31st, 2002. Game Boy DMG/Color Game Pak (Black) Compatible with: DMG/MGB/SGB/SGB2/GBC/GBA/GBP/SP These are "Dual-Mode" games, meaning they can be played on the DMG hardware like normal, or on Game Boy Color/Advance hardware with graphical and gameplay enhancements. Game Boy Infra-red Game Pak (Black) Compatible with: DMG/MGB/SGB/SGB2/GBC/GBA/GBP/SP An infrared device built into the game pak, allowing the game to interact with signals from remote controls. It was developed by ALTUS. Currently, the only game that has this system is "Robopon." Game Boy Color Game Pak (Clear) Compatible with: GBC/GBA/GBP/SP These games require the faster speeds that the Game Boy Color offered over DMG Game Boy at the time. Game Boy Color Rumble Game Pak (Clear) Compatible with: GBC/GBA/GBP/SP Few games released (like "Perfect Dark" and "Star Wars: Racer") used Nintendo's rumble hardware. Game Boy Color Motion Sensor Game Pak (Clear) Compatible with: GBC/GBA/GBP/SP The only title with a motion sensor released for the GBC in North America was Kirby's Tilt-N-Tumble. On the SP, it's still playable, but it takes some getting used to. I don't advise playing it on a Game Boy Player. Game Boy Advance Game Paks (Black) Compatible with: GBA/GBP/SP/DS/OXY/DSL When playing specific games with a Game Boy Player, special options may open up (like controller rumble). On the Nintendo DS, only the single-player modes are available. Game Boy Video (White) Compatible with: GBA/SP/DS/OXY/DSL Prevents playing on Game Boy Players due to piracy concerns. GBA Game Pak with Sun Sensor (Clear) Compatible with: GBA/GBP/SP/DS/OXY/DSL Games like "Boktai: The Sun Is in Your Hand" and its sequel utilize the Konami-developed Sun Sensor. NOTE: The first Boktai cannot be played on the Game Boy Player. GBA Game Pak with Sensor (Black or Clear) Compatible with: GBA/GBP/SP/DS/OXY/DSL Includes like Boktai (Sun Sensor), Happy Panechu (Tilt Sensor, Japan only), and Yoshi Universal Gravitation (Rotation Sensor). Playable with some difficulty on the Game Boy Player (you'd have to move/tilt your GameCube). This is definitely not recommended. GBA Game Pak with Rotation Sensor (White or Transparent) Compatible with: GBA/GBP/SP/DS/OXY/DSL Developed for games like "Wario Ware: Twisted." Also features a motor for rumble support. Not recommended for GBP play. GBA Game Pak with Rumble Motor (Brown) Compatible with: GBA/GBP/SP/DS/OXY/DSL Developed for "Drill Dozer." DS Rumble Pak (Black) Compatable with: DS/DSL Features a rumble motor for use with "Metroid Prime Pinball" and "Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time." This uses the same case design as a GBA cartridge, but will not function in any other machine. In Japan, a smaller DS Lite version of this was released. DS Game Expansion Pak (Black) Compatable with: DS/DSL Designed for "Band Brothers: Request Selection" and presumably other games. This uses the same case design as a GBA cartridge, but will not function in any other machine. DS Memory Pak (Black) Compatible with: DS/DSL Only for use with DS Web Browser. Extended memory for online brower functions. Same as below, but in traditional GBA Pak housing. DSi's free Web Browser replaced this product. DS Lite Memory Pak (White) Compatible with: DSL Same as above, but designed smaller to fit into a DS Lite. Was only avalible on Nintendo's Online Store. DS Camera Pak (White; Japan only) Compatable with: DS, DSL Used for Face Training game. Future Face Training games will be released via DSiWare, using the DSi's built-in camera. DS Slide Control Pak (White; Japan only) Compatable with: DS, DSL Used for Mag Kid. DS TV (Black; Japan only) Compatable with: DS/DSL/DSi In Japan, you can use this to watch sattelite televison. DS Game Cards (Black) Compatible with: DS/DSL/DSi Playable across the entire DS line. Comes in a black case. Some games may include exclusive DSi features. DSi Game Cards (White) Compatable with: DSi Games in a white case are only playable with the DSi. 06 MODEL NUMBERS ---------------- Here is a section full of all the model numbers on the Nintendo Game Boy and DS hardware family. To explain the missing model numbers, every now and then Nintendo creates hardware it doesn't release (like the Game Boy Advance GameEye, prototypes, etc). These products may be assigned a model number, even if they've never been produced. DMG Game Boy: DMG-01 DMG Game Boy System DMG-02 Stereo Headphones DMG-03 Rechargeable Battery Pack DMG-04 Game Link Cable DMG-05 Battery Case DMG-07 Four Player Adapter DMG-08 Cleaning Kit DMG-09 Game Pak DMG-11 Precautions Booklet ^ DMG-13 Game Pak with Rumble DMG-14 Game Boy Universal Link Cable DMG-15 GB Memory Cartridge (Japan only) DMG-20 Game Pak with Tilt Sensor ^ - Labeled by region: "DMG-XXX-11" (USA, CDN, EUR, AUS, or JPN) Super Nintendo: SNS-027 Super Game Boy SNS-042 Super Game Boy 2 (limited US release) Game Boy Pocket: MGB-001 Game Boy Pocket System MGB-002 Battery Pack (Japan only) MGB-003 Battery Charger (Japan only) MGB-004 Game Link Cable Adapter MGB-005 Game Boy Pocket AC Adapter MGB-006 Game Boy Camera MGB-007 Game Boy Printer MGB-008 Game Link Cable MGB-009 Game Boy Printer Paper MGB-010 Universal Game Link Cable MGB-101 Game Boy Light (Japan only) Game Boy Color: CGB-001 Game Boy Color System CGB-002 Game Boy Color Game Pak CGB-003 Game Boy Color Link Cable CGB-005 Mobile Adapter GB (Japan only) Game Boy Advance Model Numbers: AGB-001 Game Boy Advance System AGB-002 GBA Game Pak AGB-003 Battery Pack (Japan only) AGB-004 Battery Charger (Japan only) AGB-005 GBA Multiplayer cable AGB-006 Infrared Link Adapter (Japan only) AGB-007 Battery Case (Japan only) AGB-008 GBA DC Power Module AGB-009 GBA AC Adapter Assembly AGB-010 E-Reader (Japan only) AGB-013 GBA Game Pak with Sensor AGB-014 E-Reader AGB-015 GBA Wireless Adapter AGB-016 E-Reader Cover (Japan only) AGB-019 GBA Cartridge with Rotation Sensor AGB-021 Rumble Game Pak Game Boy Advance SP Model Numbers: AGS-001 GBA SP System AGS-002 GBA SP AC Adapter AGS-003 GBA SP Battery Pack AGS-004 Headphone Adapter AGS-005 Stereo Headphones (US only) AGS-006 Play-An Adapter AGS-101 GBA SP System with Backlit Screen Nintendo GameCube Model Numbers: DOL-011 GBA to GameCube Adapter DOL-017 Game Boy Player Panasonic Q (GameCube/DVD Combo): SH-GB10 Game Boy Player for the Panasonic Q (Japan only) Nintendo DS Model Numbers: NTR-001 Nintendo DS System NTR-002 AC Adapter NTR-003 Battery Pack NTR-004 DS Stylus NTR-005 DS Game Card NTR-006 DS/GBA Game Case NTR-007 Stereo Headphones NTR-008 Rumble Pak NTR-009 Wrist Strap NTR-010 USB Wi-Fi Connector NTR-011 Memory Expansion Pak NTR-012 Slide Control Pak (Japan only) NTR-014 Camera Pak (Japan only) NTR-016 DS TV (Japan only) NTR-017 DS TV Cover (Japan only) NTR-019 Headset and Microphone NTR-022 Magnet Stand (Japan only) NTR-024 Strap Stylus (Japan only) NTR-025 Antenna for DS TV (Japan only) NTR-028 Stand (Japan only) NTR-029 Stand (Japan only) Game Boy Micro Model Numbers: OXY-001 Game Boy Micro System OXY-002 AC Adapter OXY-003 Battery Pak OXY-004 Wireless Adapter OXY-005 Faceplate OXY-006 Faceplate Ejector Tool OXY-007 Carying Pouch OXY-008 Micro Link Cable OXY-009 GBA Game Link Adapter Nintendo DS Lite Model Numbers: USG-001 Nintendo DS Lite System USG-002 AC Adapter USG-003 Battery USG-004 Stylus USG-005 Slot 2 Cover USG-006 Rumble Pak (Japan only) USG-007 Expansion Pak Nintendo DSi Model Numbers: TWL-001 Nintendo DSi System TWL-002 AC Adapter TWL-003 Battery TWL-004 Stylus 05 REGION CONNECTIONS --------------------- The Game Boy family has always been region-free, which means that you can play European games in Japanese systems, using a North American link cable. The Nintendo DS range is region-free, too. -- There is one big exception: the E-Reader. While it works in any region, E-Readers will only read cards from the same region (i.e. North American E-Readers will only read North American E-Reader cards). More importantly, there are TWO types of Japanese E-Reader systems. Europe did not release an E-Reader. The Japanese E-Reader can read dot-codes off playing cards. The "E- Reader +" is modeled after the US release (however they are not backwards compatible). Besides adding voice to the main menu, this version also adds the ability to connect to the GameCube ("Pokemon Channel") or another Game Boy Advance ("F-Zero: Falcon Legend"), the ability to save a program, and a few "stock" game sounds/music. The "E-Reader +" can read Japanese "E-Reader" cards. -- Individual games themselves, however, are not always region free. That is, they work in hardware from any region, but you might not be able to link up different regions (or work with GameCube connectivity features). There are a few reasons for this: - Features might be added to or removed from the game since release. This is common in many Japanese titles, but it also affects games from different regions. For example, the North American version of the DS game "Mr. Driller Drill Spirits" doesn't include a gameplay mode and single-card multiplayer found in the Japanese version. Another example, the Japanese version of the GBA game "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2" included two additional skaters added after the release of the American version of the same game. - Games get translated and localized when they're released in America or Europe, which might displace a portion of internal code from region to region. Many Wi-Fi enabled games these days include a way to play across the globe, but the game has to be programmed for this to happen. - A game could have a region identifier, which is very rare. Once again, this has no bearing on the hardware, but may prevent linking with the same game from another region or connectivity features. - Nintendo DSiWare offered online in the DSi Shop is locked to whichever region your DSi was purchased in. There is no good way to get around these region incompatibilities, except to take a "wait-and-see" with import software that you plan on connecting to GameCube games from your region, or playing against your friends with different region game paks. Of course, there are games (usually from companies like Altus and Sega, not Nintendo) that have translations built-in, like "Sim City 2000" for GBA, and "Feel the Magic" for the Nintendo DS. Games like this are usually released in North America and Japan (or Europe) near-simultaneously. 07 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ----------------------------- Q. What do you know about DSiWare? A. DSiWare is non-transferable (e.g. don't expect to play DSiWare on any machine other than the one you buy it on). Right now, the DSi will only let you play games from internal memory (not off an SD card, like the Wii will let you). It's also region-locked. Q. Why can't older Game Boy games work on the DS? A. There are now two answers to this question. Simple Answer: In order for, say, GBC games to work on the DS, the voltage would have to be increased internally. On the GBA, GBP, and SP, there was a switch that did this when an older game was inserted (compare the notches at the bottom of a grey DMG cart to the bottom of a GBA cart). The extra ridge of the DMG cart pushes down a button to switch the GBA/GBP/SP into "GBC mode," making it work just like a GBC. The switch changes the voltage internally, so the processor has more power to work with (to try to bring it up to normal GBC speeds). The DS doesn't have this switch, and thus, blocks this ridge, and thus prevents DMG/GBC games from being inserted. Advanced Answer (with personal conspiracy theories): From Nintendo's website: "...the Nintendo DS lacks the special processor that is required to play these [Game Boy/Game Boy Color] games. Because of the age of the processor, and the difficulty in adding that processor to an already highly complicated architecture, the processor was not included in the final design of the DS." However, regardless of this, the DS hardware is powerful enough to emulate the processors of the GBC. Even with this power though, you'd still need an increased voltage to use specific cartridges (Game Boy Camera, larger games, games with Save RAM, etc). Rather than allowing support for only some DMG/GBC titles (without a link port, I might add), and adding a voltage switch (and more importantly, extra hardware) to the DS, the option was to drop support for all DMG/GBC games. Newer games that use cartridge-specific features (Boktai, Wario Ware Twisted, Play-An, etc) have been streamlined to use as little power as possible. I think it also has something to do with the system's image... the SP is still going to be around for a while until the next Game Boy, and a major selling point for the GBA is it's backwards-compatibility. Adding this feature to the DS (even sans a GBA link cable port) would eliminate the need for the SP altogether in many consumers minds. After all, the only advantage now for consumers to purchase an SP is the form factor, link cable port, and backwards compatibility. Q. What Game Boy/DS systems/cartridges/accessories are region-free? A. See "Region Connections" section above. Q. What's diffrent between the DS and DS Lite? A. The DS Lite is a more compact design, four screen brightness profiles, and it ships with a cover for the GBA slot. Q. Where can you purchase these accessories (the Universal Game Link Adapter for the DMG Game Boy, for example)? A. Nintendo has an excellent online store for all sorts of accessories and components: http://store.nintendo.com Q. What third-party products work with the DS? A. I haven't got the time to track down every third party product to see if it works with the GBA, GBP, DS, and so on. Q. Do you know where to buy a GBA Play-Yan Adapter and what does it look like? A. The Play-Yan Adapter (to play MPEG-4 and MP3 files off Panasonic SD cards) will launch in Japan in February of 2005 via Nintendo's online store. A North American or European launch is not yet confirmed. Officially, the adapter has been announced with a price of 5,000 yen (that converts to around $48 USD if you're considering importing it). For pictures, check out NCL's official Japanese Play- Yan site at: http://nintendo.co.jp/n08/playan/feature/index.html 08 CONTACT ---------- If you're going to contact me, might as well do it over AIM. If you have any corrections, questions, or comments, please talk to me. Please don't e-mail me about Pokemon. I get ten e-mails a week about Pokemon. I will not repond to these questions if you send me them. E-Mail: tideblue@gmail.com 09 CHANGES/NOTES ---------------- Version Changes: 1.0 12/19/04 FAQ started 1.1 12/21/04 Added a few minor updates 1.2 12/22/04 Added a new FAQ question 1.3 12/23/04 New FAQ question, and other minor corrections 1.4 12/27/04 Added model numbers to Hardware and Cart sections, Separated the DMG Game Boy and Game Boy Pocket on the lists 1.5 12/28/04 Added more model numbers, and Mobile GB info 1.6 01/02/05 Loads of updates, added Region Connections 1.7 01/19/05 More info on the Play-Yan 2.0 08/31/05 Updated layout, added Game Boy Micro, online links 2.1 02/09/06 Added more Micro and DS Lite info 2.2 04/25/06 Added a few DS Lite loose ends. 2.3 09/04/09 Added DSi information and fixed errors; changed name Special Thanks: CJayC - For making GameFAQs such a great site Rachel Smith - convinced me to make the "Region Connections" section Jelly Soup - info about the GBC Infra-red game pak Mats 'Zeldafannow' Andersson - Gave me a start on the model numbers Wingzeroismine - being nosy enough to make me write out a long explanation on why the DS isn't backwards compatible Twide - Informed me of the Super Game Boy 2 model number Bill Krieder - Filling in the DMG model numbers Coam - Info on the AGB model numbers Computerdude1032 - For informing me that it's "store.nintendo.com" Agentj - For the Play-Yan question Chilled87 - Nintendo DSi Information Matt P - My brother! - Spelling errors and DS Lite info Links: Domains with permission to host this FAQ GameFAQs http://www.gamefaqs.com/ - Ryan "ArsonWinter" Painter 123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789