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Usb adapter for Nintendo DS

How to create an usb power adapter for your nintendo ds out of an usb cable & your nintendo ds charger.

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Step 1Analyzing

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I noticed that my ndsl charger supplies almost 6v, so i decided to use a normal usb port to charge my ds, also because my pc can supply 5.1 volts that are perfect for charging it (and also because it is always turned on during the day).

1) Take apart your nds charger.
2) Look inside it & search for the power cord.
3) Using your tester(V), check & write down the position of the tiny cables inside the cord.
4) Close your charger, plug it on an outlet & write down the + & the - on the connector.

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34 comments

Feb 13, 2012. 3:25 PMGASSYPOOTS says:

tahts a weard plug...

Oct 27, 2011. 5:23 PMluig says:

hello, i have a friend who supposedly used to have access to a cable that was from the ds charger to something that would connect to a projector (i would assume that it was to VGA) and it would display everything on the screen on to the projector, but it would drain the ds battery life, if any one knows about it plz tell me more, please note it wasn't me who was able to use this cable. and that i have never been able to see it in person. if anyone knows this instructable could help be used to fabricate the cable.

Nov 4, 2008. 12:48 PMolistr says:

they actually sell these. my bro has one.

Jul 13, 2010. 2:28 PMzack247 says:

why buy when you can make?

Jul 14, 2010. 4:03 AMm6233555m (author) says:

Totally agree

Nov 10, 2010. 2:15 PMolistr says:

lol, i do agree too.

Jul 15, 2009. 1:18 PMrik3098 says:

can this also hack the ds???

Jul 20, 2009. 3:40 AMm6233555m (author) says:

May 15, 2009. 2:08 PMAtomman says:

Charge DS from computer... Cool!

Feb 19, 2009. 4:45 PMCitwi says:

nice Instructable. although it would be far simpler to just use a: USB A to 5-pin USB mini-B Cable (I'm certain it's the mini b). it just takes a little wiggling to get it in right but it'll work at least for the ds lite

Apr 1, 2009. 4:24 PMcyrozap says:

No, different connectors. It could damage the port.

Apr 4, 2009. 11:02 AMCitwi says:

i've done this for months with no sign of damage

Jul 18, 2008. 11:18 AMdsman195276 says:

hmm, for some reason i am drawn to this... good work! i would try but i only have one charger, if i mess this up i can't use my DS.

Aug 4, 2008. 5:47 AMCapnTac says:

I got a used DS charger off of Amazon.com for 50cents. (Plus 5 dollars s&h)

Apr 1, 2009. 4:28 PMcyrozap says:

LOL. Shipping more expensive than product.

Jul 18, 2008. 11:46 AMm6233555m (author) says:

I have only a charger too... just pay attention and don't be in a hurry.

Aug 12, 2008. 9:07 AMelectronic boy says:

it works fine UNTIL IT BLOWS YOUR DS BATTERY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Apr 1, 2009. 4:27 PMcyrozap says:

It's not gonna. The DS has internal circuitry to prevent that. The adapter just provides +5 Volts. USB power just happens to be 5 Volts, so this will work fine (so long as you don't screw up).

Mar 14, 2009. 4:21 PM

garrett10 says:

what is the purpose?

Mar 15, 2009. 4:49 AMm6233555m (author) says:

look at the step 1

Oct 18, 2008. 7:39 PMawang8 says:

I might do it when my AC charger's toast.

Aug 6, 2008. 12:01 PMjon123321 says:

(removed by author or community request)

Aug 7, 2008. 8:49 PMbluenightweasel says:

.......what?! There are all kinds of things wrong with that question.
Answer: No, this is only for charging a Nintendo DS.

Aug 10, 2008. 10:14 AMjon123321 says:

(removed by author or community request)

Aug 15, 2008. 4:45 PMbluenightweasel says:

I already explained it, this is only for charging a DS, because it only plugs into the power port of the DS. An r4 or super card plugs into slot 1,to boot software.Also, my first reply came across kind of rude, and that was unintentional.

Sep 25, 2008. 7:17 PMflylaady says:

thanks apology accepted I just got the system and dont know much about it thats why I asked the question...If you dont ask...then how will you know? I am quite sure I am not the only one on this site with some off the wall questions!

Sep 22, 2008. 7:02 PMflylaady says:

What is the purpose of this? I mean will I be able to download files from my computer to my ds with out a portable usb card? I would like to know before I tear up my cables...lol

Aug 14, 2008. 4:29 PMwolf555hound says:

lol, i just have a regular ds, and only 1 charger, hehe

Aug 5, 2008. 3:06 PMRFilyaw says:

This is exactly what I did when my AC adapter died on me. I used a USB cable from the dollar tree, spliced the appropriate wires and bam. Easy charge for $1. I later bought a commercial-made one which was pretty much identical except for the quality. The beauty of many electronics these days is that they are all 5ish volts to charge with no modifications, which is the same output of a standard USB port.

Aug 2, 2008. 8:23 PMchildthesecond says:

what exactly would you use that for?

Aug 3, 2008. 3:53 AMm6233555m (author) says:

I thought that would be an excellent idea to charge the ds with my pc, also because my pc is turned on most of the time...

Jul 22, 2008. 2:32 PMHead Wound says:

I done the same project (before reading your guide). That is very close to what I did. Only difference is I did not open up my charger. Instead I used the label in the back of the adapter for a guide what wire is what polarity.

Jul 19, 2008. 11:08 AMplane phanatic says:

Nice work. I look forward to trying this with my charger.

Jul 18, 2008. 2:38 PMtyeo098 says:

Heh, I tried to build one of these a while ago, but I got the polarity wrong and ended up frying the usb power chip on my mobo, and if 1 chip dont work, none do. So a 20c chip kept my 1200$ computer from working. Just great. Check your polarities if you try this!