System Parts
This page says all about the parts of the Nintendo DS system and what they do. Please click on the below small image if you want a larger diagram numbering the parts of the front of the DS Lite, and look below for what they are.
Front View
1- D Pad
This is the main control method for many traditional games when played on the DS, the same kind that is on the Gameboy consoles plus the home consoles by Nintendo. It is used to move the character in many games which do not fully utilise touch screen control.
2- Touch Screen
One of the main features for the DS, this allows you to interact with the games in ways like no other. Used for a variety of simple and complex tasks depending on the game, this is often heavily utilised.
3- Start Button
Not used as much as other controls, this is often used to progress from the main title screen to the actual game, or to pause a game. A and the Touch Screen often work for this as well, making this near redundant.
4- Select Button
Useless in many games, this is often for minor things.
5- A Button
The common action button in most Nintendo games, it is used for various things in Zelda games, often to jump in Mario games and is nearly always an alternative way to make any menu options. This is an important button to know about.
6- B Button
The secondary control in Nintendo made games, this also has a few important roles. It is also used to cancel decisions at a menu screen in many cases.
7- X Button
A minor button not used for too much, this has various functions.
8- Y Button
A minor button not used for too much, this has various functions.
9- Top Screen
In more traditional games, this is the main screen for action. It is also normally where you see your character in many games and the environment from whatever view perspective. It is also used with the touch screen for duel screen gaming in games such as Mario and Luigi Partners in Time and Yoshi's Island DS.
10- L Button
A minor button not used for too much, this has various functions.
11- R Button
A minor button not used for too much, this has various functions.
12 (not labelled)- Microphone
Either an important things or a minor thing depending on the game, this allows you to breathe or talk into the microphone, which may affect things on screen.
13 (not shown)- On switch
The typical power button simply allows you to turn on the console, and is located in various laces depending on whether a DS or DS Lite is being used. For a DS, it's beside the touch screen, for a DS Lite, it's on the bottom side of the console.
14 (not shown)- DS Game Slot
Used to insert a DS game cart.
15 (not shown)- GBA Game Slot
Used to insert a GBA Gane cart.
16- Headphone port (not shown)
Used to insert a pair of Headphones.
17- Charger Slot (not shown)
Used to connect the DS to the charger to charge the internal battery.
18- Stylus Storage (not shown)
Used to hold the stylus when the stylus is not in use. At the right of a DS Lite, in the side, and in the top part where the DS cart is inserted of a normal DS.