How to Work a Touch DS

Insert a Nintendo DS cartridge into your handheld gaming system and turn on the power. Note that the Nintendo DS has a set of screens -- one on the inside of the top cover and one on the inside of the bottom cover. The bottom screen is where you'll be doing most of the touching.

Pull the stylus tool from its compartment on the outside of the bottom half of the DS on the right-hand side. Use a very dull pencil in its place if you misplaced your stylus tool until you can purchase a replacement.

Interact with the bottom screen when prompted by touching small icons within the screen with your stylus or pencil. Hit the "A" button on the right-hand side of the bottom screen to confirm your choice or "B" to cancel it.

Use the direction pad on the lower screen to interact with the top screen. This will allow you to move your character around, whereas the bottom screen is generally reserved for maps, character equipment as well as items in your inventory. Hit the "A" and "B" buttons to jump, swim and interact with characters inside the game.

Hit the "Start" button at any time to pause your game. Note that in some games, you can hit "Start" to access the game menu, which allows you to load and save your games. Push the "Start" button again to unpause the game and resume your play time.

Use the other buttons on your Nintendo DS such as the "Select" button when prompted by your game.