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ESRB Ratings
The Entertainment Software Rating Board gives a rating to every commercial Nintendo DS and DSi game. These ratings help parents determine which games are suitable for their kids. The front of the game's package shows a clear marking of the game's rating, with "Content Rated by ESRB" underneath. The back has the same rating and may offer descriptors as to what in-game content led to that game's rating. An "eC" rating denotes games suitable for children 3 and up with no offensive material. An "E" rating means games are suitable for kids 6 and older. Games with a "10+E" rating are rated as suitable for children 10 and up. The other ratings include "T" for teens, "M" for mature and "AO" for adults only, games not suitable for young children.
Online Content
One of the DSi XL's features allows players to compete online within certain games. When your child starts a game with online content, he'll see a warning stating "Online interactions not rated by the ESRB." While a game may be rated "E," the ESRB has no way to account for the maturity or lack-there-of of other players. If a game allows voice chat, the ESRB can't guarantee that somebody playing won't use profanity or inappropriate language, so they can't rate online content.
Friend Codes
The Nintendo DSi uses "Friend Codes," determining who can and cannot communicate with your child in-game. His Friend Code is a special password other players need to enter before communicating with him. This prevents strangers from communicating with him, since he needs to give his Friend Code to people before they can talk to or exchange data with him. While strangers can still play games with him, they cannot talk to him without his Friend Code.
Parental Controls
The DSi XL includes parental controls to help you monitor and restrict what content your child can access through her DSi. Found under the console's "System Settings," the parental controls have you set a PIN number and secret question required to change the controls, meaning your child can't go in and deactivate them once they're set. The controls include abilities to block the DSi Web browser, DSi Download Play and specific ESRB ratings. For example, if you set the parental controls to deny "T," "M" and "AO" games, you won't have to worry about her playing inappropriate games.
Online Resources
While you may feel lost trying to wade through the sea of available DS and DSi titles, many companies and websites offer online resources to help you find games suitable for children. Organizations and companies like Common Sense Media, Family Friendly Video Games and IGN's What They Play offer lists, descriptions and reviews of Nintendo DS and DSi games. Unlike other review sites, these websites tailor the reviews to highlight which games they find suitable for children and why.
No GBA Slot
The original Nintendo DS and DS Lite featured slots for playing Game Boy Advance games. It's important to remember that the newer DSi and DSi XL do not have a Game Boy Advance slot, meaning your child can't play these older games on his DSi XL. According to Nintendo, the company has no plans to release Game Boy games through the DSiWare game downloading service. The system can play games released for the original Nintendo DS, as well as DSi-exclusive or DSi-enhanced titles.