Yes, DS and DSi can connect in Pictochat, but with limits

A DS and DSi can play Pictochat together, but they cannot connect to each other directly. Instead, both systems need to connect to a third device — either another DS, another DSi, or a DS Lite — that acts as the host. Once all systems are connected to that host, players can draw and chat together in the same Pictochat room.

This limitation exists because Pictochat uses a peer-to-peer wireless connection, and the original DS and DSi were not designed to link with each other as equals. One system must take the role of host, and the others join as guests. If you only have a DS and a DSi with no third device, Pictochat will not work between them.

Key Takeaways

  • A DS and DSi cannot connect directly to each other in Pictochat — you need a third Nintendo handheld to act as the host.
  • The host device can be another DS, DS Lite, or DSi, and up to four systems total can join one Pictochat room.
  • All systems must be within wireless range (roughly 30 feet indoors) and have Pictochat launched on the home menu.
  • If you only own a DS and DSi, you will need to borrow or purchase a third handheld to use Pictochat between them.

What the host device does

The host is the system that opens Pictochat first and waits for others to join. When you launch Pictochat on the host device, it creates a wireless room that other systems can detect and enter. The host does not have any special powers or control over the game — it simply starts the connection and holds the room open.

Any DS, DS Lite, or DSi can be the host. It does not matter which model you choose. Once the host is running Pictochat, other systems will see it listed as an available room when they open Pictochat and search for nearby games. The host stays in the room for the entire session, and if the host closes Pictochat, the room closes and all other players are disconnected.

How to set up a connection between DS and DSi

Start by deciding which of your three systems will be the host. Turn on that system and navigate to the home menu. Open Pictochat and wait for it to fully load — you should see a blank drawing screen with a room name at the top.

On the other two systems (your DS and DSi), turn them on and open Pictochat as well. Each system will automatically search for nearby Pictochat rooms. Within a few seconds, you should see the host room appear in the list. Select it to join. Once both systems have joined, all three will be in the same room and can draw and send messages to each other.

If a system does not see the host room, move all three systems closer together — Pictochat has a range of roughly 30 feet indoors, but walls and interference can reduce that. Also check that Pictochat is fully loaded on the host device before the other systems search for it.

Why DS and DSi do not connect directly

The DS and DSi use different wireless hardware and software, which prevents them from recognizing each other as compatible peers in Pictochat. Nintendo designed Pictochat to work within each generation — DS to DS, or DSi to DSi — but not across generations. The DS Lite, released between the two, can connect to both because it shares wireless architecture with the original DS.

This is different from games like Pokémon or Mario Kart, which often have backward compatibility built in. Pictochat was a simpler application and did not receive that same cross-generation support. If you want to use Pictochat with both a DS and DSi, the only solution is to add a third device that can bridge the gap.

Alternatives if you do not have a third device

If borrowing or buying a third handheld is not an option, you can still use your DS and DSi together — just not in Pictochat. Many games released for both systems, like Pokémon Diamond and Pearl or Mario Kart DS, support wireless multiplayer and do have cross-generation compatibility. Check the back of the game case to see if it lists wireless play as a feature.

Another option is to use the DSi's built-in features instead. The DSi has a camera and can take photos, which you can share with other DSi systems through the Photo Channel. This is not the same as Pictochat, but it does allow creative sharing between DSi systems. The original DS does not have this feature, so it would not work for DS-to-DSi sharing.

Troubleshooting connection problems

If systems are not finding each other, first check that wireless is turned on. On the DS and DSi, wireless is controlled by a physical switch on the side of the system — make sure it is in the on position, not the airplane mode position. Next, close Pictochat on all systems and reopen it on the host first, then wait 10 seconds before opening it on the guest systems.

If one system still does not see the host room, try moving it closer or removing obstacles like metal objects or other wireless devices. Microwaves and cordless phones can interfere with the 2.4 GHz frequency that Pictochat uses. If interference is the problem, moving to a different room or waiting until the interfering device is turned off will usually solve it.

If the connection drops after joining, the host device may have gone to sleep or the Pictochat application may have crashed. Reopen Pictochat on the host and have the other systems search again. Pictochat does not save drawings or messages between sessions, so you will need to start fresh each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a DS Lite as the host instead of a DS or DSi?

Yes. The DS Lite works as a host and can connect to both original DS and DSi systems. It is actually a good choice for a host because it can bridge the two generations. If you have access to a DS Lite, it may be your easiest option.

How many people can play Pictochat at once?

Up to four systems can join one Pictochat room at the same time. If you have more than four handhelds, you can create a second room with a different host and split the group.

Do I need a Pictochat cartridge or download?

No. Pictochat is built into the home menu of every DS, DS Lite, and DSi. You do not need to own any game or download anything — it is always available.

Will my drawings stay saved after I close Pictochat?

No. Pictochat does not save drawings or chat history. Everything disappears when you close the application or disconnect from the room. If you want to keep a drawing, you would need to take a photo of the screen with another device.

Can I use Pictochat over the internet or online?

No. Pictochat only works over local wireless connection. It cannot connect through Wi-Fi or the internet, and it does not support online play. All systems must be physically near each other.