How to Replace a Nintendo DS Battery

By Hand Held Legend | Published: 2026-10-25

Category: How-to Guides

Follow these steps to safely replace the battery in your original Nintendo DS. Includes tips to avoid common mistakes and a compatible replacement option.

Quick answer

Replacing the battery in your original Nintendo DS takes about 10 minutes with a small Phillips-head screwdriver. The included screwdriver with the Nintendo DS Rechargeable Battery Replacement makes the job straightforward.

Why replace your DS battery now

The original Nintendo DS uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that naturally loses capacity over years of use. If your console won't hold a charge, turns off unexpectedly, or takes longer to charge, a new battery is the simplest fix. This replacement restores playtime without buying a new system.

What you need to know before starting

The replacement process is nearly identical for the original Nintendo DS and the DS Lite, but the battery models are different. Make sure you buy the correct battery for your specific console. The Nintendo DS Rechargeable Battery Replacement is designed for the original DS; a separate DS Lite battery is available if you own that model.

You'll need a small Phillips-head screwdriver. The replacement kit includes one, so you don't need to buy a separate tool.

Step-by-step battery replacement

1. Power off and remove all accessories: Turn off your Nintendo DS completely. Remove any game cartridge and the stylus. Detach any accessories like the wrist strap or headphone adapter. Common mistake: leaving a game inserted can cause the cartridge slot to flex when you open the battery cover.
2. Remove the battery cover: Flip the DS over so the bottom is facing up. Locate the battery cover on the left side of the console. Use the Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the single small screw securing the cover. Slide the cover toward the bottom of the console and lift it off. The screw is small and easy to lose. Keep it in a safe spot or on a magnetic mat.
3. Take out the old battery: Gently lift the edge of the old battery with your fingernail or a plastic spudger. Do not use a metal tool that could short the contacts. The battery should lift out freely. If it feels stuck, check that no wires are caught underneath. Never pry with a screwdriver or knife. A short can damage the console or cause the battery to leak.
4. Insert the new battery: Align the new battery's connector pins with the socket in the console. The battery only fits one way. Press it down gently until it sits flat. Do not force it. If it doesn't seat easily, check the orientation. The battery should drop in without resistance. Forcing it can bend the connector pins.
5. Replace the cover and test: Slide the battery cover back into place and tighten the screw. Do not overtighten. Turn on the console. If it powers on, the installation is successful. Charge the DS fully before extended use. If the console doesn't power on, open the cover and reseat the battery. A loose connection is the most common cause.

Product facts

Nintendo DS Rechargeable Battery Replacement: 3.7V, 850 mAH battery replacement for the original Nintendo DS console. Includes a screwdriver. This gives you a fresh battery with the same capacity as the original, and the included screwdriver means you don't need extra tools.
Nintendo DS Rechargeable Battery Replacement