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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsPokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver are Nintendo DS games, so they work on DS-family systems and Nintendo 3DS-family systems. Choose a DS Lite if you want the games’ GBA-slot Dual Slot feature; choose a 3DS or 2DS if you also want to play 3DS game cards. A DSi or DSi XL is also compatible, but lacks the DS Lite’s GBA slot.
Which Nintendo handhelds play HeartGold and SoulSilver?
Nintendo identifies the games as DS titles, and its compatibility guidance says almost all Nintendo DS and DSi games work on 3DS-family systems. That makes the following systems suitable for playing the DS cartridges:
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Nintendo 3DS - Flame Red (Renewed) | $224.78 | Buy on Amazon |
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Nintendo 3DS Handheld System - Aqua Blue (Renewed) | $219.94 | Buy on Amazon |
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![Nintendo 3DS - Cosmo Black (Renewed) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41tNSwjTXUL._SL160_.jpg)
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Nintendo 3DS - Cosmo Black (Renewed) [video game] | $217.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Nintendo 3DS Handheld System - Cosmo Black (Renewed) | $219.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![Nintendo 3DS XL Handheld System - Black/Blue (Renewed) [Nintendo DS]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/316whGNkIZL._SL160_.jpg)
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Nintendo 3DS XL Handheld System - Black/Blue (Renewed) [Nintendo DS] | $280.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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- Nintendo DS
- Nintendo DS Lite
- Nintendo DSi and DSi XL
- Nintendo 3DS family, including 3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS, New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL and New Nintendo 2DS XL
Nintendo’s general guidance includes exceptions for some DS titles or functions that require the Game Boy Advance (GBA) slot. HeartGold and SoulSilver’s documented Dual Slot feature is available only on the original DS and DS Lite. Nintendo’s 3DS-family compatibility guidance and the HeartGold and SoulSilver manuals describe those limits.
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| System | Plays HeartGold and SoulSilver? | GBA-slot Dual Slot feature? | Also plays 3DS cards? |
|---|---|---|---|
| DS | Yes | Yes | No |
| DS Lite | Yes | Yes | No |
| DSi / DSi XL | Yes | No | No |
| 3DS / 3DS XL / 2DS family | Yes | No | Yes |
Choose a DS Lite for GBA-slot support
The DS Lite is the straightforward pick if you specifically want the games’ Dual Slot functionality. Its GBA Game Pak slot is the relevant hardware feature; DSi, DSi XL and 3DS-family models do not have it. The feature is optional for playing the DS games themselves.
#1 Best Overall
- Features: 3D Depth Slider, Wi-Fi Capability, Nintendo 3DS Sound, Mii Maker, 3D Camera, Front & Rear Camera, Touch Screen
- Includes: AC Power Adapter, Stylus
- Wired Connectivity: Wireless
- Model Compatibility: Nintendo 3DS
Choose a 3DS-family system for a broader game library
A 3DS-family handheld plays HeartGold and SoulSilver DS cards and can also run Nintendo 3DS game cards. DS games appear in 2D at a lower resolution than native 3DS games. To display a DS game at its original resolution, hold START or SELECT while launching it, as described in Nintendo’s support instructions.
Choose a DSi or DSi XL if you only need DS compatibility
Both play these DS games, but neither provides the DS Lite’s GBA-slot feature nor runs 3DS game cards. Nintendo’s 2010 promotional brochure described the DSi XL’s screens as 93 percent larger than the DS Lite’s; that is Nintendo’s historical marketing comparison, not a current measurement or a compatibility advantage. Nintendo’s 2010 brochure.
What does Dual Slot mean for these games?
HeartGold and SoulSilver can use a compatible GBA Game Pak in the DS or DS Lite’s GBA slot for a legacy Dual Slot feature. The feature requires both the game cartridge and compatible hardware; it is not available on DSi, DSi XL or 3DS-family systems. You do not need a GBA cartridge or the feature to play HeartGold or SoulSilver normally. The restriction is about this additional function, not whether the DS game card launches.
Does a 3DS game-card limitation affect HeartGold?
No. The compatibility direction matters: DS game cards such as HeartGold and SoulSilver work on 3DS-family systems, while 3DS game cards cannot run on a DS, DS Lite, DSi or DSi XL. Nintendo explains the latter limitation in its game-card compatibility guidance. It does not prevent a 3DS-family handheld from playing these DS games.
Rank #3
- Nintendo 3DS offers a new way to play, 3D without the need for special glasses. The 3D Depth Slider lets your determine how much 3D you want to see.
- Play 3D games and take 3D pictures with Nintendo 3DS. One inner camera and two outer cameras. Resolutions are 640 x 480 for each camera. Lens are single focus and uses the CMOS capture element.
- Connect to a deeper wireless experience with SpotPass and StreetPass, giving you more exclusive content and connecting you with other Nintendo 3DS users.
- Complete with an adjustable stylus, 6 AR cards, and fun built-in software such as Face Raiders, Nintendo 3DS Sound, and the Mii Maker application.
- Use Parental Controls to restrict 3D mode for children 6 and under.
Is the Pokéwalker required?
No. The Pokéwalker is an optional accessory, not a requirement for playing either game. Nintendo’s original brochure says each game came with one, and the game manuals state that the accessory connects only with HeartGold and SoulSilver. A used copy may not include it; if you want one, check that the listing includes the accessory and ask about its condition and operation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check before buying a used copy or console
Compatibility does not tell you whether a particular used listing is genuine, complete or in working order. Check the exact listing and condition before purchasing:
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- Item Package Dimension- 8.49999999133L x 6.099999993778W x 2.399999997552H inches
- Item Package Weight - 0.9499999992033387 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Product Type - VIDEO GAME CONSOLE
- Confirm the handheld model: for GBA-slot Dual Slot functionality, it must be a DS or DS Lite.
- Check that the cartridge is authentic and that the listing is for the correct game.
- Inspect the console’s screens, buttons, cartridge slot and hinges where applicable, and confirm it powers on and reads game cards.
- Confirm the correct charger and a stylus are included if you need them; do not assume accessories shown in generic listing photos are part of the sale.
- Check the game and console region if buying across regions. Nintendo notes that some DSi software has region restrictions; its support pages do not establish a universal region rule for every used listing.
- If you want the Pokéwalker, verify that it is actually included and ask about its condition separately.
Current resale prices, availability and individual item condition vary by listing; confirm those details directly rather than relying on a general compatibility guide.
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Best Value
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The resulting product includes all relevant accessories, comes
- 3D Entertainment Without Glasses- Nintendo 3DS games have incredible graphics, and you can turn down the 3D effect to any level, or turn it off completely at any time with the build-in 3D depth slider to play games in crisp, clear 2D
- Two Screens- A widescreen display on the top screen shows 800x240 pixel resolution, allocating 400*pixles for each eye to create the 3D effect. The bottom LCD touch screen operates at a resolution of 320*240
- 3D Photos, Plus More- Nintendo 3DS comes built-in with the ability to take photos in 3D. Capture eye popping images of your friends and family, have fun with filters like the Merge lens, or even use the system's AR technology and included AR Cards
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
