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What Is the SD Card on the DSi?

In 2008, Nintendo introduced the DSi, an upgraded version of the original portable DS system. The DSi's main function is playing games, but it also features a digital camera, access to downloadable content and an SD card slot. With a compatible SD card, you can listen to music, save pictures and store content downloaded from the Nintendo online store.

SD Card Basics
- The Nintendo DSi's SD card slot is located on the top of the device and secured by a plastic flap. The DSi functions best with compatible SD card types. Compatible types include SD cards up to 32GB in size. High-capacity SD cards, also called SDHC cards, are compatible as well. It is also possible to use microSD and miniSD cards when they are inserted into an SD card adapter. The DSi generally works with cards of any speed, although file transfers may be slower when using low-speed cards.
Music
- The Nintendo DSi plays music stored on the SD card in the AAC format. AAC, or Advanced Audio Coding, is a format consisting of the .m4a, .3gp and .mp4 extensions. If the music you want to play on the DSi is in the common .mp3 format, it must be converted into a compatible file type. Nintendo does not provide software for this conversion, but many free audio programs have a conversion feature. To listen to music you have saved on the SD card, tap the "Sound" icon on the DSi's main menu. Tap "Play with your music" and choose a folder. Tap "Open" to see the contents of the folder, and then tap "Start" to begin playback.
Pictures
- With an SD card, you can store dozens of pictures taken with the Nintendo DSi's digital camera. The camera boasts advanced features, such as eleven lenses, albums and a facial recognition function. To enter "Camera" mode, tap "Camera" on the main menu. Press "A" or tap "Capture" to take a picture. Photos you take are automatically saved to the SD card. To view pictures, tap "Album." From here, you can scroll through pages of pictures and sort them into appropriate categories.
Downloadable Content
- The Nintendo DSi offers users access to an online shop and a special "DSiWare" category. With DSi points, you can purchase and download new applications and games. Free demos are also available. When content is downloaded, it is saved to the SD card. To find and download an item, your DSi must be connected to the Internet. Once a connection is established, tap "Nintendo DSi Shop" on the main menu. Tap a category and then select the game, demo or application you want. If the item costs DSi points, the indicated amount of points is deducted from your account, and the content is sent to the SD card.

Nintendo DS