KOUZEX’s DualStation Kit Finally Turns Nintendo DS Hardware Into a Real Home Console

Years after the Nintendo DS left store shelves, one modder has finished the home version of it that Nintendo never shipped. KOUZEX, the same builder who previously docked a 3DS and created controller hacks for other systems, recently completed DualStation, a consolizer kit that takes a working original DS motherboard and turns it into a television console that plays real cartridges.

Anyone with a functional original DS board can use it, even if the shell is cracked, the screens are gone, and the buttons no longer respond. The kit supplies a custom circuit board with HDMI output and USB-C power, plus thin flex boards that solder onto the DS to carry video, audio, and button signals. Original screens are unnecessary because the system feeds both displays straight to the television, and the only requirement is a motherboard that still runs games.

DualStation outputs a 720p signal at 60 Hz, which is good news for titles that were already running at full speed because you’ll be able to view every frame on a larger screen. You can place the two DS screens one above the other, side by side, or even as a single screen, or adjust to a vertical orientation if you’re using a peculiar TV. To top it off, you have some scaling options, as you can choose between clear, crisp images and a softer look that will fill up a larger TV without becoming mushy. Oh, and you can save ten different profiles, allowing you to create a unique layout for each game you play.

Wireless controllers from the PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series, Switch Pro models, and both generations of Joy-Cons all pair over Bluetooth. You may receive touchscreen input in a variety of methods, including a PlayStation or Steam controller, a thumbstick on the lower screen, a USB mouse, Joy-Cons in mouse mode, or even a Wacom Intuos drawing tablet that allows you to sketch and tap directly with the pen. If you want to change settings or exchange cartridges, you can do so from a menu on the controller.

Sound leaves through either HDMI or your headphones via USB. Oh, and the DualStation has a built-in microphone, which is useful if you want to chat with your friends while playing. If you have a PS5 controller with a built-in mic, it also works. By the way, GBA cartridges fit the same slot the original DS used and can fill the screen when desired, while the system remains region-free so any language version of a game will boot.

Building one calls for soldering tools and intermediate skill. The hardest steps involve cutting a few traces so the touchscreen chip stays quiet and attaching the flex boards, though KOUZEX supplies written guides and a Discord channel for help. If you don’t want to take on the soldering challenge, you can buy a pre-built version when they come out, and KOUZEX promises that both the DIY and pre-built versions will be available soon, as you can sign up for launch updates and they’ll send you an email as soon as they go live. There will be a limited first batch, so get in early to snag one.