Are you looking for the Top Nintendo Ds Games to reignite your passion for retro gaming? The Nintendo DS boasts an impressive library filled with unique titles that continue to captivate gamers today, and polarservicecenter.net is here to help you navigate this treasure trove. Whether you are after adventure, puzzle-solving, or RPG experiences, we have compiled a list of the best DS games that promise hours of entertainment. Explore our site for guidance on how to troubleshoot common technical issues and optimize your gaming experience.
1. What Makes a Nintendo DS Game “Top Tier?”
A top-tier Nintendo DS game typically excels in several areas, including innovative gameplay mechanics, a compelling storyline, high replay value, and positive critical reception. According to a 2022 study by the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, the best video games often feature a strong narrative that resonates emotionally with players, coupled with gameplay that is both challenging and rewarding.
These games often make creative use of the DS’s unique features, such as the dual screens and touch controls, to offer an experience that is not possible on other platforms. They stand out for their ability to immerse players in their worlds and provide lasting memories. Ultimately, a top-tier Nintendo DS game is one that is both enjoyable and memorable, leaving a lasting impact on the player long after they have finished playing.
2. New Super Mario Bros. (DS): A Nostalgic Reboot
New Super Mario Bros. (DS) is a solid entry in the Mario franchise, offering a familiar yet refreshing 2D platforming experience. While it may not have the same nostalgic charm as the 8-bit and 16-bit classics, it opened up the 2D Mario world to a new generation of gamers.
New Super Mario Bros DS cover art showing Mario jumping
The game features fun minigames and solid platforming mechanics, making it a worthwhile addition to any DS library. While it may not be an absolutely essential title, it offers plenty to enjoy for fans of the Mario series. The popularity of New Super Mario Bros. can be attributed to its accessibility and familiar gameplay, which made it a hit with both long-time fans and newcomers.
3. Picross 3D (DS): Puzzle Solving in Three Dimensions
Picross 3D (DS) takes the classic Picross formula and adds a third dimension, offering a unique and addictive puzzle experience. Developed by HAL Laboratory, this game challenges players to carve away blocks to reveal hidden 3D objects.
The rules may be a bit more complicated than regular Picross, but the game offers hours of brilliant puzzle content for those willing to persevere. With its innovative gameplay and challenging puzzles, Picross 3D is a must-have for puzzle fans on the DS. The addition of the third dimension adds a new layer of complexity to the traditional Picross gameplay, making it a fresh and engaging experience.
4. Okamiden (DS): An Epic Adventure on a Handheld
Okamiden (DS) is an epic adventure that manages to capture the spirit of the original Okami on a diminutive handheld. With a well-written storyline, a huge overworld, and gorgeous visuals and sound, it offers an experience that compares favorably to its predecessor.
Despite occasional frame rate drops and some awkward controls, this is an exceptional achievement that will enchant you with its cute hero and heart-warming story. According to a 2023 review in “Handheld Gaming Monthly,” Okamiden’s artistic style and engaging narrative make it a standout title on the Nintendo DS. Even years later, it deserves a chance to be enjoyed by fans of Okami and Zelda-style adventure games.
5. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Justice For All (DS): Courtroom Drama on the Go
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Justice For All (DS) is the second game in the Ace Attorney trilogy and continues the courtroom drama with new cases and characters. The game introduces a new psyche-lock mechanic, which allows players to unlock mental barriers by finding clues and questioning witnesses.
As the middle part of an overarching story, Justice For All offers a short and sweet courtroom visual novel experience that is still one of the best in the series. This title is perfect for those who enjoy solving mysteries and engaging in witty banter. The Ace Attorney series has been praised for its engaging storylines and memorable characters, making it a favorite among visual novel fans.
6. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (DS): Riding the Rails of Adventure
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (DS) is an excellent game that suffers from a bad reputation due to its train-based gameplay. However, if you can get past being tied to a track, you’ll find a unique and enjoyable Zelda experience.
Trading sailing the high seas for choo-chooing across the kingdom by rail, you plot a route, set the speed, and clear the path of enemies using the train-mounted cannon. Spirit Tracks also gave Zelda a proper role for once and famously used the DS’s microphone. With its novel gameplay mechanics and fabulous soundtrack, it’s time to reevaluate this entry in the storied franchise.
7. Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime (DS): Slime-Filled Fun
Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime (DS) is a spin-off title in the Dragon Quest series that follows the exploits of a Slime named Rocket. Despite being skewed towards a younger audience, this game is anything but a quick cash-in.
As with many spin-offs, Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii had a hand in this, and developer Tose crafted a great experience that took advantage of the host platform’s features. With its charming characters and engaging gameplay, Rocket Slime is still worth tracking down today. The game’s unique mechanics, such as the ability to launch Rocket Slime into enemies, make it a standout title in the Dragon Quest series.
8. Final Fantasy IV (DS): A Classic Reimagined
Final Fantasy IV (DS) has seen more remakes and re-releases than most other Final Fantasy games, but this version is well worth playing. With superb visuals, a great soundtrack, and top-notch gameplay, Final Fantasy IV on DS is a challenging RPG that stays true to the SNES original.
Fresh features such as the Augmentation system and voice acting also add new wrinkles to the classic. Aesthetic preferences aside, it’s tough to play a bad version of this game. The DS version of Final Fantasy IV is often praised for its improved graphics and sound, making it a definitive version of the classic RPG.
9. Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 (DS): Apocalyptic Strategy
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 (DS) is a blast of strategy RPG goodness from start to finish. With fun, strategic battles, a roller-coaster narrative that never lets up, and a fantastic sense of upbeat, apocalyptic style, this game is sure to keep you engaged.
Even with the 3DS port, the original is still an excellent way to play if you’re a Shin Megami Tensei or SRPG fan. The game’s blend of strategy and RPG elements, combined with its dark and engaging storyline, make it a favorite among fans of the genre.
10. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (DS): Crime on a Handheld Scale
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (DS) is one of the best titles ever to grace the Nintendo DS. Despite taking on an old-style graphical approach, Rockstar Leeds brought along almost every aspect of the home console games and compressed it in a way that made sense on Nintendo’s handheld.
Chinatown Wars sees a return of the traditional top-down gameplay of the first two GTAs but blends elements from the later games to create a unique and thrilling game that still stands up today. The game’s mature themes and open-world gameplay made it a controversial but ultimately successful addition to the DS library.
11. Pokémon Conquest (DS): A Tactical Spin-off
Pokémon Conquest (DS) is a game that no one asked for, but many will enjoy. Blending the world of Pokémon with the tactics of Koei Tecmo’s Nobunaga’s Ambition, fans of either series will be drawn in by the familiar and will learn to love what’s new.
This game does just about everything right, though there are shortcomings: more Pokémon being included would have helped, as would a deeper story. These are little more than nicks in the armour, though. Pokémon Conquest absolutely stands with Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Puzzle League as one of the best spin-offs the franchise has seen.
12. Hotel Dusk: Room 215 (DS): A Mysterious Visual Novel
Hotel Dusk: Room 215 (DS) was an impressive and innovative title for the DS back in 2007. Its scratchy pencil-line aesthetic looked great on the console and really fit this visual novel’s mysterious tone, as well as the form of the system itself.
Holding the DS like an open book, it showed other developers and players alike the potential of the system beyond the traditional approach gamers might expect. That hand-sketched art style also went down a treat with A-Ha fans, too. The game’s unique art style and engaging mystery made it a standout title on the DS.
13. Infinite Space (DS): An Epic Space Opera
Infinite Space (DS) provides many, many hours of epic entertainment for anyone with the patience to plumb its greater depths. While the space combat is compelling and tense enough to justify the frequent encounters throughout the story, it’s the rich, detailed ship buying and modifying component that provides the most satisfying part of the game.
Just don’t forget to keep a pen and paper handy. The game’s complex ship customization system and engaging storyline make it a must-have for fans of space operas.
14. Last Window: The Secret of Cape West (DS): A Slow-Paced Mystery
Last Window: The Secret of Cape West (DS) is a sequel to Hotel Dusk: Room 215, and its pace is a lot slower than similar games on the DS, requiring time and patience to get through.
It’s text-heavy, but its pencil-drawn character art over colour backgrounds still look good in the UHD era. For those who are happy to read, it makes notable improvements over its predecessor resulting in a rewarding experience that will keep you occupied for hours.
15. Mega Man Zero Collection (DS): A Blast from the Past
Collecting together all four of the Game Boy Advance games in one convenient package, Inti Creates added an Easy mode and a couple of extra bits and pieces while assembling the Mega Man Zero Collection (DS).
Fortunately, the Zero series was a short and sweet sideline to the Rockman brand and at a time when franchise fans had little else to look forward to from Capcom, this was one hell of a lifeline. These games are now conveniently available on Switch, too.
16. WarioWare Touched! (DS): Microgame Madness
WarioWare Touched! (DS) might not have quite the wow factor that it had upon release, but it’s overflowing with the maniacal energy that makes the series such a blast, regardless of platform.
Despite being an extremely short experience and featuring incredibly simplistic gameplay mechanics, the DS entry still has plenty to offer; the sheer abundance of microgames and the game’s colourful visuals, quirky humour, and wonderful soundtrack make it a timeless experience.
17. Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey (DS): A Sci-Fi Adventure
From its demon collecting and killer combat to its sci-fi South Pole setting, Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey (DS) is a fantastically engrossing adventure.
This MegaTen title also received an updated 3DS ‘Redux’ edition which, while more accessible, is usually considered the weaker version. Strange Journey, however, is beloved by fans, and if you’ve got access to a DS and can find a copy of this, you’re in for a treat.
18. Advance Wars: Days of Ruin (DS): A Somber Strategy Game
Advance Wars: Days of Ruin (DS) is the last we saw of Intelligent Systems’ ‘Wars’ series on any system until the remakes on Switch and is still one of the best games on the DS.
The system lends itself well to strategy titles, and although some may find the change in style from the previous game unnerving, additions like online play made the change worth bearing. Days of Ruin is difficult, but the gratification you get when a battle is finally won after hours of relentless toil is priceless.
19. Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor (DS): A Fantastic Strategy RPG
Often considered one of the best SMT games — not just spin-offs — Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor (DS) is a fantastic strategy RPG that blends the tone and difficulty of the series with a new gameplay style.
There’s an incredible amount of depth and customisation available to the player, and tons of map variety so, even when you’re grinding, the game doesn’t feel stale. Pair it with an excellent story and you have a yet another fantastic DS RPG.
20. Radiant Historia (DS): A Time-Traveling JRPG
Radiant Historia (DS) received an updated 3DS port in 2018 gaining the subtitle Perfect Chronology, but it didn’t feel drastically different to the DS original.
Developed by Atlus and Headlock, it’s a top-shelf JRPG, with an engaging time-travel hook, brilliantly fun, puzzle-like combat, and a genuinely likeable cast of characters. While it’s far from the first adventure to draw on parallel timelines, it smartly integrates its world-hopping gameplay and narrative.
21. Professor Layton and the Last Specter (DS): Puzzle Solving at its Finest
Professor Layton and the Last Specter (DS) is another yet top-quality game in a truly brilliant series. Known as The Spectre’s Call in Europe, this was the fourth entry and a prequel to the previous trilogy of games.
Combining a thrilling narrative with Layton’s trademark puzzles, it challenges your mind in a way very few games seriously attempt to do, and the feeling you get when you solve a particularly difficult puzzle is less one of relief than it is a desire to leap ahead in the game and find the next one.
22. Elite Beat Agents (DS): A Rhythm Game Sensation
Elite Beat Agents (DS) is a semi-sequel to the much-loved Japan-only Osu! Tatake! Ouendan which has you tapping and sliding your stylus across the touchscreen along to the beat of your favourite pop tunes.
The titular agents are part of a government agency formed to help a population in crisis through the medium of dance and the game’s comic book style looks as fresh as the day it was released. EBA was so good that the cover versions it used didn’t bother us a jot. Whether trying to get a baby to sleep or saving the world from an alien invasion, it’s a non-stop, feelgood, foot-tapping rhythm-fest of the highest calibre.
23. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time / Darkness (DS): Dungeon Crawling with Pokémon
This pair of Pokémon games from Chunsoft were sequels to Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team, games which straddled the GBA and DS respectively, using the latter’s GBA cartridge slot to interface between the two.
Both Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness were DS-only and brought along all the Gen IV Pokémon. The game sees you transformed into a Pocket Monster at the beginning and, of course, you’ll need both versions if you want to catch ’em all.
24. Rune Factory 3: A Fantasy Harvest Moon (DS): Farming and Fighting
The most polished of the Harvest Moon spin-off series on DS, it’s a prime example of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ at work.
The new features Rune Factory 3 introduced over the previous games are little more than bullet points and, by comparison, make each new entry in the slow-evolving Pokémon franchise look like a total paradigm shift in game design. But it’s still the biggest entry in the series and a must for fans of farming and fighting.
25. Animal Crossing: Wild World (DS): A Social Simulation Phenomenon
Starting out on the N64 in Japan, Animal Crossing was arguably better suited to portable play from the very beginning and Animal Crossing: Wild World (DS) became an incredible time sink for millions on DS.
The online connectivity and the gentle day-to-day relationships you built with the game and its characters were as addictive as anything we’ve ever played. This was one of various DS titles with the power to hook people who’d never before played a video game.
26. Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (DS): A Gothic Adventure
Following the footsteps of Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin positions itself as a sequel to the Mega Drive’s Castlevania: Bloodlines, and is set in the aftermath of the First World War. It’s a ‘Vania of the search-action variety again, but this time the game is sub-divided into various worlds which are accessed by jumping into various pictures.
Because the developers aren’t limited themselves to the traditional castle, it means they can be inventive with level designs. Another neat touch is the fact that you’re controlling not one character, but two.
27. Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen (DS): A Classic RPG
A remake of the Chunsoft-developed NES game, Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen was made by ArtePiazza, a studio responsible for a number of enhanced remakes of the Dragon Quest series.
This DS version featured a new translation and an extra chapter on top of the original game’s five, but the base game is very much the winning RPG epic it was. This game appeared again in 2014 on Android and iOS devices, but the DS version is the best way to revisit it.
28. Professor Layton and Pandora’s Box (DS): More Puzzle-Solving Fun
The second in Level-5’s series of Professor Layton games on DS, it takes the template of the Professor’s first puzzle-solving adventure and refines it to produce another excellent mystery that uses the console’s features in subtle and brilliant ways.
If you enjoyed the original release, there’s absolutely no reason for you not to own this gem of a title. The Professor Layton series has been praised for its engaging storylines and challenging puzzles, making it a favorite among puzzle game fans.
29. Rhythm Heaven (DS): A Rhythm Game Gem
Rhythm Heaven (DS) is the epitome of simple, clear game design, yet it never feels half-hearted in any regard. Coming from the same team that makes the WarioWare series, its bare-bones presentation helps new players get into the swing of things.
This gem is packed with joy and replay value, with tunes you’ll find yourself whistling when you’re away from the console, and still stands as one of the finest games on the DS.
30. Mario Kart DS (DS): Kart Racing on the Go
Whether you can forgive its snaking ways or not, this was still a cracking entry in a series which arguably doesn’t have a dud.
It should also be remembered that Mario Kart DS was the first in the series to offer online play – and that was a real game-changer in 2005. Of course, it’s been surpassed since by its sequels, but having a fully 3D Mario Kart in your hands was a special feeling back in the day.
31. Tetris DS (DS): A Block-Falling Classic
With touch controls, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a truckload of Nintendo nods and winks, it is still one of the best ways to play the game and well worth tracking down if you’ve never had the pleasure.
In fact, ‘Tetris DS’ is a misnomer; with visuals and audio that cleverly work Nintendo’s 8-bit catalogue and characters into the experience, plus myriad modes that expand beyond the standard gameplay in intriguing, brilliant ways, ‘Tetris: Nintendo Edition’ would be a far better fit.
32. Professor Layton and the Curious Village (DS): The Start of a Puzzle Empire
Professor Layton and the Curious Village (DS) was the first in the puzzle-solving detective series. Introducing the titular professor and Luke, his apprentice and very own Watson, Level-5’s series brought in a whole new audience of gamers with its particular brand of mysterious adventure, great characters, and writing to match.
It was titles like this that opened up video gaming to an audience who had previously thought it wasn’t for them and the franchise’s continued success proves it wasn’t a flukey one-off. The sequels refined the formula, but it was pretty much perfect right off the bat.
33. Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective (DS): A Supernatural Mystery
Coming from the mind of Shu Takumi, the main developer responsible for Phoenix Wright (and his Japanese voice), Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective (DS) equals, and arguably surpasses, the quality of the lawyer’s many games.
It has a few issues towards the end with some of the puzzles requiring a few leaps in lateral thinking, but Ghost Trick is a perfect showcase of what the Nintendo DS could accomplish with the right design. Making use of the system’s stylus to latch onto object cores and ultimately recover the deceased protagonist’s memory, it’s still a delight to play, with a dramatic, jazzy soundtrack and a story that continues to surprise until the end.
34. Advance Wars: Dual Strike (DS): More Tactical Warfare
Advance Wars: Dual Strike (DS) isn’t hugely different to its two GBA predecessors, and at times it can feel like a new ‘mission pack’, but when the base experience is this good, that’s no bad thing.
Additions such as having two CO characters in a battle enable you to fight on two fronts and add extra variety. Survival and Combat modes add to the replayability, ensuring that like its predecessors there’s plenty to keep you occupied.
35. 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors (DS): A Thrilling Escape Room Adventure
999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors (DS) blends interactive novel elements with a digital escape room to stunning effect. Developed by Kotaro Uchikoshi, it sports a captivating plot driven by a fantastic cast, a satisfying mix of puzzles, and mathematical, scientific and philosophical quandaries to ponder.
While the third-person descriptive prose might be lacking and solving the same unchanging escape sections repeatedly can become a bit of a bore, it’s too compelling not to play through multiple times to see the “true” ending.
36. Pokémon Black and White (DS): A Fresh Start for Pokémon
Pokémon Black and White (DS) may not have the added nostalgia of HeartGold and SoulSilver, but they’re up there with some of the best in the series. What they lack in links to the past they gain by recreating the sense of discovery felt when embarking on that first Pokémon journey.
Despite being shoved to the back of the queue in some people’s minds, these introductions to Gen V are still fantastic games and well worth revisiting.
37. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow (DS): A Gothic Masterpiece
Given the amazing critical response to Aria of Sorrow on the GBA, it made sense for Konami to create a sequel for Nintendo’s new handheld, the DS. Dawn of Sorrow feels very much like Aria but on steroids.
The ‘Soul’ system from Aria makes a return and the game is impressively proportioned, but the technical gimmicks don’t add much to the experience. Despite its shortcomings, Dawn of Sorrow remains an excellent game.
38. Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies (DS): An Epic RPG Adventure
A game made exclusively for Nintendo DS, sometimes you can’t help but marvel at how developers were able to squeeze home console-sized RPG epics onto tiny handheld systems with the most modest of specs, and Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies (DS) stands as an impressive feat.
Boasting a wealth of new gameplay features, Wi-Fi compatibility, and multiplayer action as well, this remains a significant milestone in portable gaming.
39. Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia (DS): A Challenging Adventure
The Nintendo DS trilogy of Metroidvanias is rounded off with Order of Ecclesia, which features female protagonist Shanoa and a structure that calls to mind the likes of Simon’s Quest.
Over time, though, it has become one of the most well-respected of the handheld Castlevanias and is worth a look if you can pick it up for a reasonable price.
40. Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story (DS): A Hilarious RPG
Alpha Dream created a fantastic take on the Super Mario RPG idea on Game Boy Advance, but they took the concept to new heights with Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story (DS).
The third title in the series, it would be easy to rave on and on about this one, but the best way to sum everything up is to say Bowser’s Inside Story is the kind of game that reminds you why you loved playing video games in the first place.
41. The World Ends With You (DS): A Stylish RPG
The World Ends With You (DS) is a mass of innovative ideas stylishly combined into a beautifully presented package. Its battle system, although complicated, can be tailored to suit your personal style, and the flexibility displayed throughout the game is highly commendable.
The end result is an RPG that’s every bit as unique as the person who plays it, and that is truly rare.
42. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (DS): The Beginning of a Legal Legend
The first in the GBA/DS trilogy, this is a game of wit and humour that appreciates your intelligence and greatly rewards your accomplishments.
This first game is full of moments where you will marvel at your achievements or cringe as your case starts to fall down around you, and these moments are what makes Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney such a delight to play all these years later.
43. Professor Layton and the Unwound Future (DS): A Time-Traveling Mystery
The third entry of the mystery-solving DS Layton trilogy, Professor Layton and the Unwound Future (DS) doesn’t stray too far from the winning formula of the first two releases, and instead focuses its attention on offering up what is easily the best storyline of the series on the console, not to mention some of the best minigames.
It’s no slouch with the puzzles, either, and it’s safe to say — fan of the franchise or not — this is a game you absolutely do not want to miss.
44. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky (DS): Dungeon Crawling Enhanced
The customary ‘enhanced’ third version of Chunsoft’s Explorers of Time / Darkness pair, the meat of the gameplay in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky is found in constantly retreading through material and mechanics, so your mileage will vary and depend entirely upon how much you enjoy grinding in RPGs.
The great story and charming presentation make this an enjoyable franchise spin-off and, provided you’re not the type of player to be put off by a little repetition, this is a deep, fun, colourful adventure featuring everyone’s favourite critters.
45. Pokémon Black and White 2 (DS): More Pokémon Fun
Those who brushed Pokémon Black and White 2 (DS) off as simply more of the same back in 2012 were sorely mistaken.
By adding more around it and tweaking things under the hood, the series has grown far beyond its humble monochromatic origins, even if the pace of change is a little more glacial than some would like. Make no mistake though, these are two of the finest entries in the series.
46. Kirby Super Star Ultra (DS): A Pink Puffball Adventure
Kirby Super Star Ultra (DS) is a magnificent update of the SNES original with high production values and all the charm you’ve come to expect from the pink puffball over the years.
HAL added a host of new modes and minigames for veterans, but this is accessible to all age groups. Though it may be a little on the easy side, the Kirby series is hardly known for its teeth-grinding difficulty and this is an outing for the saviour of Smash that’s worth rediscovering.
47. Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride (DS): A Personal Story
That Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride (DS) is a finely crafted RPG should come as little surprise given its heritage, but it’s arguably the poignant, personal storytelling which elevates this game as one of the very best in a series filled with greats.
Innovations such as monster collecting would go on to influence other games, and while it lacks refinement in some areas of its design, it’s still an epic adventure.
48. Pokémon Platinum (DS): The Ultimate Gen IV Experience
From the new characters to the addition of the Battle Frontier and an enhanced online experience, Pokémon Platinum (DS) certainly offered a lot of game for your money back in 2009.
Instead of taking the easy way out and adding only a couple of minor things, Game Freak went out of its way to add a ton of worthwhile additions that were enough to warrant a purchase even if you’d previously travelled across the Sinnoh region in Diamond & Pearl two years prior.
49. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations (DS): The Finale
The third game in the Ace Attorney series was originally released on GBA in Japan, but found its way to the West via the DS in 2007. The culmination of the original trilogy, Trials and Tribulations puts you back in the shoes of the plucky defence lawyer for another round of convoluted cases and supernatural shenanigans.
If you fancy going through them on DS, you’ll get no objection from us.
50. Chrono Trigger (DS): A Timeless Masterpiece
Chrono Trigger (DS) has truly stood the test of time – a testament to the magical sustainability that occurs when you combine impeccable storytelling, gameplay, visuals, and music.
This version of the SNES classic contains a hefty amount of additional features and bonus material, including touchscreen controls, a series of dungeons (the Dimensional Vortices), a monster battleground (Arena of the Ages), a re-mastered script, and an additional ending. Couple this with all the refinements and extras and the Nintendo DS version really is the definitive edition of this work of art.
51. Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver (DS): The Ultimate Pokémon Adventure
The original Pokémon Gold and Silver games are fondly remembered by Pocket Monster fans all over the world, and with good reason: they introduced features that genuinely evolved the original Game Boy games, such as breeding and an in-game clock (not to mention colour!), features that have become series staples.
Future games would trickle in additional quality-of-life features and other innovations, but some would argue that it never got better than travelling across the land, searching far and wide in these DS remakes.
Best Nintendo DS Games: FAQs
When did the Nintendo DS come out?
The Nintendo DS release date varied by region. North American players got their hands on it first at the end of 2004, closely followed by Japan, but Australasia and Europe had to wait until the following year.
Here’s when the DS released in the three major gaming territories in 2004 / 2005:
- US: November 21st, 2004
- Japan: December 2nd, 2004
- Europe: March 11th, 2005
How many Nintendo DS games are there?
According to Wikipedia’s list of DS games, a total of 3,468 Nintendo DS games were released between 2004 and 2014.
What does ‘DS’ stand for?
The name ‘DS’ was originally a placeholder, but Nintendo ultimately decided to keep the name for the finished system. DS stands for ‘Dual Screen’, although throughout development it was also known as ‘Developer System’.
Can you play Nintendo DS games on 3DS?
Yes, 3DS can play DS games thanks to backwards compatibility. 3DS cartridges are light grey and have an extra tab that sticks out to prevent them from being inserted into a DS, but yes, 3DS can play DS games with no problem.
Can you play Nintendo DS games on Switch?
DS games can’t be played on Switch natively. Putting aside the fact that Switch isn’t designed to run them, DS and Switch cartridges are different sizes and a DS cart wouldn’t even fit in the slot. However, several DS games have been remastered and released on the newer system.
How many revisions of the Nintendo DS were there?
Nintendo released multiple versions of the DS after the first DS ‘Phat’ (as it’s known colloquially).
- The Nintendo DS Lite launched across all regions between March and June 2006.
- The Nintendo DSi followed, launching worldwide between November 2008 (Japan) and April 2009 (rest of the world).
- One year later (November 2009 in Japan, March 2010 in Europe and North America), the DSi XL launched.
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