Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 for Nintendo DS features puzzle-based gameplay with a dual-screen interface. The top screen displays a map, while the lower screen offers a 3D top-down view of the player-controlled Harry Potter. Players navigate using the stylus, targeting enemies and equipping spells. Computer-controlled allies Ron and Hermione assist in combat. The game includes a local Wi-Fi multiplayer mode where one player controls Harry while the other commands Dementors, competing for the highest score.
The Nintendo DS version is played in the puzzle based gameplay. The game shows a map of the area on the top screen, and a 3D top-down view of Harry and his nearby surroundings on the lower touchscreen. In the game the player controls Harry Potter with the stylus, moves him by dragging the stylus to the sides of the screen, and uses the stylus to equip spells and objects or attack enemies by tapping on them. In addition to the main character, Ron and/or Hermione are present to help in combat. Although these characters are computer-controlled, they will attack the same enemy Harry targets. The game also features a multi-player mode where two players, using Wi-Fi connectivity, can play against each other with one player guiding Harry Potter to hunt for magic points, while the other controls three Dementors who try to hunt him down. In the game the player aims to get the highest score.