27 Best Nintendo DS Games Of All Time: Must-Play Classics
Following the monumental success of the Game Boy and Game Boy Advance, Nintendo faced an immense challenge: what comes next? The answer was a bold, innovative piece of hardware that would redefine handheld gaming for a generation. The Nintendo DS, with its iconic dual-screen "clamshell" design, touchscreen controls, and built-in microphone, wasn't just a graphical upgrade; it was a new canvas for developers to create experiences that were simply impossible anywhere else. Its library is a testament to that creativity, a vast and varied collection of titles that pushed the boundaries of portable play.
From sprawling role-playing epics to quirky rhythm games and mind-bending puzzles, the DS became a home for every kind of gamer. Decades later, its influence is undeniable, and its best games remain as captivating as the day they were released. Join us as we journey back in time to celebrate the 27 best Nintendo DS games that cemented the console's legendary status.
Unforgettable RPG Journeys
The dual screens of the DS proved to be the perfect home for deep, menu-driven RPGs, allowing for maps, stats, and inventory to be displayed on one screen while the action unfolded on the other.
- Chrono Trigger: A perfect port of a timeless classic. The DS version is widely considered the definitive way to play this masterpiece, adding new content and quality-of-life features that made an already perfect game even better.
- The World Ends with You: A hyper-stylish and utterly unique RPG from Square Enix. Set in modern-day Shibuya, its combat system ingeniously used both screens simultaneously, creating an experience that is still unlike anything else.
- Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver: More than just remakes, these titles are a love letter to one of the most beloved generations in the franchise. With your lead Pokémon following you in the overworld and a massive amount of content, they represent the pinnacle of classic Pokémon gameplay.
- Pokémon Platinum: The definitive version of the fourth generation, Platinum refined the mechanics of Diamond and Pearl, expanded the story, and added the wildly popular Battle Frontier, offering hundreds of hours of gameplay.
- Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies: This entry brought unprecedented character customization and a local multiplayer mode that had friends adventuring together for countless hours. It was a massive, charming, and deeply engaging adventure.
- Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story: A hilarious and inventive RPG that has you controlling the Mario Bros. inside the body of their arch-nemesis, Bowser. Its clever use of both screens and witty writing make it an absolute must-play.
- Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift: A masterclass in tactical RPG design. This sequel offered incredible depth, a huge number of classes and missions, and a charming art style that made its strategic battles a joy to engage with.
Action and Adventure Redefined
The unique hardware of the DS allowed developers to rethink how players interact with action and adventure games, leading to some of the most memorable titles in the genre.
- The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass: A direct sequel to The Wind Waker, this title masterfully translated the Zelda formula to the handheld using almost exclusively touch controls for movement, combat, and puzzle-solving.
- The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks: Building on the foundation of its predecessor, Spirit Tracks introduced a magical train for navigating the world and a fantastic mechanic where you could control a phantom to solve complex puzzles.
- Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow: The first of three incredible Castlevania games on the DS, Dawn of Sorrow continued the story of Soma Cruz with the brilliant "Tactical Soul" system and a massive, gothic castle to explore.
- Metroid Prime Hunters: Proving the DS could handle first-person shooters, Hunters offered a compelling single-player campaign and a groundbreaking online multiplayer mode that became an obsession for many early DS owners.
- New Super Mario Bros.: A triumphant return to Mario's 2D roots. This game was a phenomenon, selling millions with its perfectly tuned platforming, clever level design, and fun power-ups like the Mega Mushroom.
- Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars: A stunning technical achievement, Chinatown Wars brought the massive, open-world chaos of the series to the handheld with a stylish top-down perspective and brilliant minigames that used the touchscreen for tasks like hotwiring cars.
- Kirby: Canvas Curse: One of the earliest titles to showcase the true potential of the touchscreen. Players drew rainbow paths to guide Kirby through beautiful and imaginative levels in a game that was pure, creative fun.
Puzzles and Charm for Everyone
The DS was a haven for puzzle games and unique experiences that appealed to a broader audience than any handheld before it.
- Professor Layton and the Curious Village: The start of a beloved series, this game blended a charming, Ghibli-esque story with hundreds of clever brain teasers. It was a perfect match for the DS's pick-up-and-play nature.
- Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy: "Objection!" This collection of visual novels put you in the shoes of a rookie defense attorney, challenging you to find contradictions in witness testimonies. Its incredible writing and memorable characters created a cult classic.
- Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective: From the creator of Ace Attorney, this is a one-of-a-kind puzzle game where you play as a ghost who must possess objects to solve the mystery of his own murder. It's a true hidden gem with a brilliant story.
- Super Scribblenauts: A game limited only by your imagination. The goal was to solve puzzles by writing any noun you could think of and watching it appear in the game world. It was an ambitious and wonderfully creative concept.
- Animal Crossing: Wild World: This game turned your DS into a second home. Visiting your charming animal-filled town for a few minutes each day to fish, catch bugs, and pay off your mortgage became a delightful daily ritual for millions.
- Tetris DS: An absolutely feature-packed version of the timeless puzzle game. With multiple modes, Nintendo-themed visuals, and a fantastic online multiplayer component, it's one of the best iterations of Tetris ever made.
- Advance Wars: Dual Strike: A brilliant turn-based strategy game that used the dual screens to provide a comprehensive view of the battlefield. Its colorful art, deep strategy, and addictive gameplay make it a standout in its genre.
The Games That Defined the Hardware
Some games were so intrinsically linked to the DS's features that they could not have existed on any other console, becoming system-sellers and cultural icons.
- Nintendogs: More a virtual pet than a game, Nintendogs used the touchscreen and microphone to let you pet, train, and play with adorable puppies. It was a massive global hit that showcased the console's appeal to all ages.
- Rhythm Heaven: A wildly creative and addictive rhythm game where you tap and flick the screen in time with catchy music and bizarre, hilarious scenarios. Its precise controls and charming presentation are unforgettable.
- Elite Beat Agents: An English adaptation of a Japanese rhythm game, this title tasked players with tapping circles on the screen to help a trio of secret agents solve people's problems through the power of dance. It was quirky, challenging, and had a killer soundtrack.
- Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day!: The game that launched the "brain training" craze. Holding the DS sideways like a book, players completed quick-fire math and logic puzzles. It was a simple concept that brought millions of new players into the world of video games.
- Mario Kart DS: The definitive handheld kart racer. It introduced online play to the series, featured a fantastic selection of new and retro tracks, and included the addictive "Mission Mode." It set a standard that future titles would follow for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What made the Nintendo DS so special?
A: The Nintendo DS was special due to its innovative hardware. The combination of two screens, one of which was a touchscreen, along with a built-in microphone and Wi-Fi capabilities, allowed developers to create unique gameplay experiences that were not possible on any other device at the time.
Q: Can you still play Nintendo DS games today?
A: Yes. The best way to play original DS game cartridges is on a Nintendo DS, DS Lite, DSi, or any model of the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, which are all backward compatible. Some popular DS games have also been re-released or remastered for newer consoles like the Nintendo Switch.
Q: What is the best-selling Nintendo DS game?
A: The best-selling Nintendo DS game is New Super Mario Bros., which has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. It was a massive commercial success that played a key role in the console's mainstream popularity.