Remember when Nintendo announced a handheld with two screens and everyone thought they’d lost their minds? Yeah, those were simpler times. The Nintendo DS didn’t just succeed; it dominated the handheld market and gave us some of the most innovative, addictive, and downright brilliant games ever created. These dual screens weren’t just a gimmick (they were a gateway to gaming experiences we’d never imagined possible).
Let me take you on a journey through the absolute best DS games that defined a generation. These aren’t just great handheld games; they’re masterpieces that pushed boundaries, told incredible stories, and kept us glued to those screens for hours on end.
List of 10 Best DS Games of All Time
1. The World Ends with You: A Shibuya Symphony
If you’ve never experienced The World Ends with You, you’re missing out on one of the most unique JRPGs ever made. Set in Tokyo’s Shibuya district, this game used both screens simultaneously in ways that felt almost magical. You’d control one character on the top screen while managing another on the bottom, all while dodging traffic and solving supernatural mysteries.
The art style was pure eye candy, mixing street fashion with otherworldly elements that made every frame look like concept art. But here’s what really stood out: the soundtrack. This game had no business having music this good. Tracks like “Twister” and “Calling” became instant classics that I still listen to today.
What made it special wasn’t just the dual-screen combat (though that was incredible). It was how the game captured the energy and attitude of youth culture in a way that felt authentic rather than pandering. The characters dealt with real issues wrapped in supernatural packaging, and somehow it all worked perfectly.
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2. New Super Mario Bros.: The Plumber’s Perfect Return
After years of 3D Mario adventures, New Super Mario Bros. brought our favorite plumber back to his 2D roots, and it was like riding a bike. You know what’s funny? This game proved that sometimes the best innovation is perfecting what already works rather than reinventing the wheel.
The power-ups were fantastic. The Mega Mushroom that let you demolish everything in your path? Pure cathartic joy. The Mini Mushroom that turned Mario into a tiny explorer? Adorable and surprisingly strategic. These weren’t just visual changes; they fundamentally altered how you approached each level.
But let’s talk about those secret areas. The DS’s dual screens meant developers could hide secrets in plain sight, and boy, did they take advantage of that. Finding a hidden pipe that led to a completely different area felt like discovering buried treasure.
3. Mario Kart DS: Racing Perfection in Your Pocket
Mario Kart DS didn’t just bring the series to handhelds; it perfected the formula. The track design was brilliant, mixing classic courses from previous games with brand new circuits that took full advantage of the dual-screen setup. Rainbow Road on the DS? Chef’s kiss.
The online multiplayer was revolutionary for its time. Being able to race against players worldwide on a handheld console felt like living in the future. Sure, the connection could be patchy, but when it worked, it was magical. Nothing compared to the satisfaction of landing a perfect drift boost right before the finish line against someone halfway across the world.
Let us talk about mission mode! These bite-sized challenges were perfect for quick gaming sessions. Whether you were trying to complete eight laps in record time or attempting to drive backwards through an entire course, these missions added incredible replay value.
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4. Animal Crossing: Wild World: Your Pocket Paradise
Animal Crossing: Wild World transformed the DS into a living, breathing world that continued even when you weren’t playing. This wasn’t just a game; it was a digital pet that demanded daily attention and somehow made chores feel fun.
The real-time clock meant your virtual town evolved while you were away. Come back after a week, and you’d find weeds everywhere, neighbors asking where you’d been, and new surprises waiting to be discovered. It was brilliant psychological manipulation disguised as a cute animal game.
What really hooked people was the social aspect. Trading friend codes, visiting each other’s towns, and sharing custom designs created a community that extended far beyond the game itself. The DS’s Wi-Fi capabilities meant you could visit friends’ towns from anywhere, turning what was traditionally a single-player experience into something genuinely social.
5. Pokémon Diamond and Pearl: Sinnoh’s Shining Moment
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl brought the series into the modern era with online trading, improved graphics, and the Physical/Special split that revolutionized competitive battling. These games felt like a natural evolution of everything that made Pokémon great while adding enough new elements to feel fresh.
The Sinnoh region was massive and diverse, from the snowy peaks of Mt. Coronet to the bustling Jubilife City. Each area felt distinct and purposeful, not just pretty scenery to run through. The Underground was a stroke of genius too, creating a whole secondary world for mining, secret bases, and multiplayer mini-games.
But let’s be honest: the real star was the online functionality. The Global Trade Station let you trade Pokémon with players worldwide without needing friend codes. Want a Pokémon from Japan? No problem. Need to complete your Pokédex? The world was literally at your fingertips.
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6. Nintendogs: Digital Pet Perfection
Nintendogs proved that you didn’t need epic quests or complex mechanics to create something special. This virtual pet simulator was pure, concentrated joy wrapped in the most adorable package imaginable. The DS’s microphone and touch screen made interacting with your digital puppies feel surprisingly natural.
Teaching your dog new tricks using voice commands was revolutionary. The first time your Labrador successfully rolled over after hearing your voice, it felt like genuine magic. The DS’s dual screens meant you could keep an eye on your pet while managing other tasks, creating this sense of constant companionship.
The daily routine aspect was brilliant too. Walking your dog, entering competitions, and discovering new breeds created a gameplay loop that was both relaxing and rewarding. It wasn’t about winning or losing; it was about building a relationship with your virtual pet.
7. Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day
Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Age series turned the DS into a legitimate educational tool while somehow making mental math fun. These weren’t traditional games in any sense, but they were absolutely addictive. There’s something satisfying about solving problems quickly and watching your “brain age” improve over time.
The touch screen and microphone integration was perfect for this type of game. Writing numbers with the stylus felt natural, and speaking answers aloud made the experience more interactive than traditional educational software. Plus, the daily training routine created genuine habits that extended beyond gaming.
What made Brain Age special was its accessibility. Anyone could pick up a DS and start training their brain, regardless of gaming experience. It opened up the platform to entirely new audiences and proved that games could be both entertaining and beneficial.
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8. Kirby Canvas Curse: Innovation in Pink
Kirby Canvas Curse was a revelation that completely reimagined how platformers could work. Instead of traditional controls, you drew paths for Kirby to follow using the DS’s touch screen. It sounds simple, but the execution was brilliant.
The game required you to think differently about movement and momentum. Drawing the perfect rainbow path to help Kirby reach a high platform or creating a protective barrier against enemies felt incredibly satisfying. Each level was essentially a physics puzzle wrapped in Kirby’s trademark charm.
The art style was gorgeous too, with vibrant colors and smooth animations that made every moment feel like playing through a living coloring book. This game proved that innovation doesn’t require complex mechanics; sometimes the best ideas are elegantly simple.
9. Advance Wars: Dual Strike: Strategy Perfection
Advance Wars: Dual Strike took the series’ excellent turn-based strategy gameplay and enhanced it with dual-screen battles that were absolutely epic. Managing two fronts simultaneously added layers of complexity that kept strategy fans engaged for hours.
The campaign was brilliantly designed, with each mission presenting unique challenges that required different approaches. One battle might focus on resource management, while another demanded perfect timing and coordination. The variety kept the gameplay fresh across dozens of hours.
But here’s what really made it shine: the multiplayer. Local wireless battles turned the DS into a portable strategy powerhouse. There’s nothing quite like the tension of a close match where every move could determine victory or defeat.
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10. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney: Objection! Sustained!
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney proved that visual novels could be gripping when done right. This courtroom drama combined mystery-solving with character-driven storytelling in ways that felt fresh and engaging throughout.
The touch screen integration was perfect for this type of game. Examining evidence, presenting arguments, and pointing out contradictions using the stylus made you feel like a real detective. The “Objection!” moments were incredibly satisfying, especially when you finally cracked a particularly challenging case.
What set it apart was the writing. The characters were memorable, the dialogue was sharp, and the mysteries were genuinely intriguing. Each case built upon the last, creating an overarching narrative that kept you invested in Phoenix’s journey from rookie lawyer to ace attorney.
The Legacy Lives On
Looking back, these games represent more than just great entertainment; they showcase what happens when innovative hardware meets creative game design. The DS’s dual screens weren’t just a marketing gimmick (they were a catalyst for experiences that simply couldn’t exist on any other platform).
Each of these games pushed boundaries in different ways. Some focused on new control schemes, others on social connectivity, and many on genre-blending innovation. Together, they created a library that was both diverse and consistently excellent.
The best Nintendo DS games didn’t just entertain; they expanded our understanding of what portable gaming could be. They proved that handheld consoles could deliver experiences every bit as engaging and memorable as their home console counterparts.
The Nintendo DS era was something special. These games didn’t just kill time; they created memories, sparked friendships, and proved that the best gaming experiences often come from the most unexpected innovations. Whether you lived through this golden age or you’re discovering these classics for the first time, these ten games represent handheld gaming at its absolute peak.
FAQs about Best DS Games
Q) Are these DS games still worth playing today?Â
A) Absolutely! Most of these games have aged remarkably well. Many are available on newer Nintendo systems through remasters or virtual console releases. The core gameplay experiences remain just as engaging as they were originally.
Q) Can I play DS games on my Nintendo Switch?Â
A) Unfortunately, no. The Switch doesn’t have backward compatibility with DS games due to the different hardware architecture. However, several DS classics have received Switch ports or remasters, so check the eShop for updated versions.
Q) What made DS games special compared to other handheld games?Â
A) The dual screens and touch controls allowed for completely new types of gameplay that weren’t possible on single-screen handhelds. Games could display maps, inventories, or secondary gameplay elements without interrupting the main action.
Q) Are original DS cartridges still reliable?Â
A) Most DS cartridges are still functional, but some may have battery issues affecting save data. If you’re buying used games, test the save function before committing to a long playthrough.
Q) Which DS game should I start with if I’m new to the system?Â
A) New Super Mario Bros. or Mario Kart DS are excellent starting points. They’re immediately accessible, showcase the system’s capabilities, and represent the quality you can expect from the platform’s best games.
