WarioWare D.I.Y. allows players to design their own microgames, creating their own graphics and music, and designing a 'cartridge' for them. The game features five sections in its main menu: D.I.Y. Studio, where the player designs microgames; WarioWare Inc., the tutorial; D.I.Y Shop, where the player makes microgame cartridges; Options Garage, where players edit preferences and names; and Distribution Center, in which players send games to the Wii or vice versa. Players can also receive games from the NinSoft store while at the Distribution Center.[6] Due to its cross-compatibility with the Wii, the gameplay is restricted to tapping mechanics. When creating the music, the player can hum into the DS's microphone, which the DS then converts into notes, or create their own music. These notes can then be performed by various instruments such as pig noises, similar to music creation in Mario Paint.[7]
Prior to the discontinuation of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in May 2014, players could send their creations to other D.I.Y. owners or receive other people's works. They could also be uploaded online for contest purposes. Additional microgames pre-built by Nintendo could be downloaded from the service, along with "Big Name Games", microgames created by well-known individuals such as other game developers or television personalities.[8]