The Nintendo DS came out a while ago, but it still has some really great games. If you’re looking for something fun to play, or just want to remember some old favorites, this list is for you. We’re going to look at some of the top games on Nintendo DS that are still worth checking out today.
Key Takeaways
- The Nintendo DS has a huge library of games, so there’s something for everyone.
- Many classic DS games are still fun to play years later.
- Some games used the DS’s unique features in cool ways.
- It’s easy to find these games if you know where to look.
- Playing these games can bring back good memories for many people.
1. Animal Crossing: Wild World
Okay, so Animal Crossing: Wild World on the Nintendo DS? Seriously, this game was HUGE. I remember when it came out; everyone was obsessed. It was like the perfect portable escape, especially since the original Animal Crossing started on N64 in Japan.
What made it so good? Well, it took the core Animal Crossing formula and just made it…more accessible. The DS’s dual screens were perfect for managing your town, and the touch screen made interacting with everything so much easier. Fishing, catching bugs, writing letters – it all felt so natural. Plus, the ability to visit your friends’ towns wirelessly? Game-changer!
I spent countless hours just wandering around my town, chatting with villagers, decorating my house, and trying to catch every single type of fish and bug. Tom Nook was still a pain, of course, always wanting more bells, but even that felt charming in a weird way. It’s funny how a game about paying off debt can be so relaxing, right?
Here’s a few things that kept me hooked:
- The Villagers: Each one had their own personality, and I got weirdly attached to some of them. I still remember being bummed when my favorite villager, Goldie, moved away.
- The Customization: Decorating my house and designing clothes was a blast. I spent way too much time trying to create the perfect outfit.
- The Events: There was always something going on, whether it was a holiday celebration or a fishing tournament. It kept the game fresh and exciting.
Honestly, if you’ve never played Animal Crossing: Wild World, you’re missing out. It’s a classic for a reason, and it still holds up incredibly well today. Even if you’ve played New Horizons on the Switch, it’s worth going back to see where it all began. Just be prepared to lose a lot of hours to it!
2. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Nintendo is known for family-friendly games, but Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars throws that out the window. It’s probably the most mature game you could find on the NDS. It’s a unique experience, even compared to other GTA titles. You play as Huang Lee, and you’re constantly dealing drugs to get back a family heirloom. The game keeps you on edge, and the missions are a blast when you combine them with the DS’s mechanics.
One of the coolest things is how they used the DS’s features. Stealing cars involves hot-wiring on the touch screen, and you have to whistle into the microphone to call a taxi. These little touches make the top-down GTA experience way more immersive. It really shows what the NDS could do.
Chinatown Wars went back to the classic top-down style of the first two GTA games, but it mixed in elements from the later ones. This created a unique and exciting game that still holds up today. Rockstar Leeds did an amazing job of bringing almost everything from the home console versions to the Nintendo DS, even with the older graphics. It’s a bespoke entry that turned out better than anyone could have hoped. If you’re looking for a unique GTA experience, this is it.
3. Mario Kart DS
Mario Kart DS? Oh man, that game was something else. It was basically the Mario Kart to have on the go back in the day. I remember being completely blown away by how good it looked on that little screen. It felt like a proper console experience, but portable!
One of the coolest things about Mario Kart DS was the online multiplayer. Sure, it wasn’t always perfect, and you’d get the occasional lag or disconnect, but when it worked, it was amazing. Racing against people from all over the world on my tiny DS? Mind-blowing at the time. It was the first in the series to offer online play, and that was a real game-changer in 2005.
And let’s not forget the tracks! They brought back a bunch of classics from older games, like Banshee Boardwalk from Mario Kart 64, which was always a favorite. Plus, they added a bunch of new ones that were really well-designed. And the missions! That was a cool addition, giving you specific challenges to complete on the tracks. It added a whole new layer to the game beyond just racing.
Mario Kart DS also introduced a couple of new items to the series: the Bullet Bill and the Blooper. The Bullet Bill is still a staple in the games, and it’s always a blast to use.
Even without the online features working anymore, Mario Kart DS is still worth checking out. It’s a classic for a reason, and it’s a great reminder of how awesome the DS was. It’s got that gorgeous 3D visual style that made it so special back then.
4. The World Ends With You
Okay, The World Ends With You is just something else. It’s got this whole vibe that’s super unique, and it really uses the DS in ways you wouldn’t expect. I remember playing it years ago, not really understanding all the English, but still being totally hooked. It wasn’t until later, when I actually knew what was going on, that I realized how deep the story was. It’s set in Shibuya, which is already a cool place, and the game just nails the style.
What’s really cool is how the combat uses both screens. It can get a little crazy trying to control two characters at once, but once you get the hang of it, it’s so rewarding. Plus, the music is awesome. It’s one of those games that just sticks with you. I think the dual-screen in combat is what makes it so special, and it’s hard to get the same experience on other consoles. If you still have a DS lying around, you seriously need to give this one a shot.
5. Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time
This game is a sequel to the Game Boy Advance title, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, and it gets pretty wild. In Partners in Time, Mario and Luigi have to save Princess Peach, but they get help from their baby selves. It’s a chaotic game, but in a good way.
I remember playing this a lot when I was younger. It felt like a more difficult Mario game, and it had a great soundtrack. You fight invaders from space that look like evil mushrooms. It’s all very strange, but it works. While some might say Bowser’s Inside Story is better, you can’t go wrong with this series.
6. New Super Mario Bros.
Okay, so New Super Mario Bros. might not be the most groundbreaking title ever, but it’s still a solid entry in the Mario franchise. It came out in 2006, which was a big deal because it had been a while since we’d seen a new 2D Mario game. Sure, we had Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine, but those were 3D. This one brought Mario back to his roots, but with a fresh, modern twist.
I remember playing this game a ton back in the day. The levels were fun, and the mini-games were surprisingly addictive. It’s not the most innovative Mario game, but it’s still a fun platformer that’s worth checking out. It’s a great way to experience classic Mario gameplay with some modern enhancements. Plus, the multiplayer mini-games are a blast with friends.
7. Hotel Dusk: Room 215
Okay, so Hotel Dusk: Room 215 is a bit of a hidden gem. It came out in 2007, and it’s this really cool point-and-click adventure game. The story revolves around solving puzzles and uncovering the mystery of Room 215. The developers, Cing, aren’t around anymore, which is a bummer, but they left behind a seriously awesome game.
What made it stand out was how you held the DS like a book. It felt like you were actually holding a detective’s notebook, which totally pulled you into the story. I remember being completely stumped by some of the puzzles when I first played it, but revisiting it later, I appreciated the game so much more. The hand-drawn art style was also super unique and fit the whole mysterious vibe perfectly. It really showed off what the DS could do beyond just typical gaming stuff. If you’re looking for something different, check out these car applications for your real-world adventures, but don’t miss this one!
8. Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise
Okay, so, Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise strategy title is basically the same as the Xbox 360 version, but, you know, smaller. And on the DS. Which is kinda cool if you want to garden on the go. I remember being super into this game when it came out. It’s one of those simulation games that just sucks you in. You’re basically managing a garden and trying to attract different piñatas to live there. It’s way more addictive than it sounds, trust me.
One of the neat things about the DS version is how it uses both screens. The top screen shows you all the important info about your garden and piñatas, which is super handy. I spent way too much time trying to get my piñatas to, uh, you know… breed. It was so satisfying when they finally did! It’s a pretty authentic Viva Piñata experience, even if it’s missing a few things from the original.
And the music? It’s by David Wise, the guy who did the Donkey Kong Country 2 soundtrack. So, yeah, it’s awesome.
9. Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors
This game is a wild ride! It’s a visual novel mixed with escape-the-room puzzles, and it’s seriously gripping. You play as one of nine people kidnapped and trapped on a sinking ship. The story is full of twists, and you have to make tough choices to survive. It’s not just about solving puzzles; there are philosophical and scientific questions thrown in too, which makes it really interesting.
I remember when I first played it, I was hooked. The characters are well-developed, and you actually care about what happens to them. Plus, there are multiple endings, so you have to play it more than once to see the whole story. It can get a little repetitive solving the same puzzles over and over, but the story is so good that it’s worth it. It really made an [impact on video game characters](#5ccb].
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Genre: Visual Novel, Adventure, Puzzle
- Developer: Chunsoft
- Release Date: 2010
It’s one of those games that sticks with you long after you finish it. If you’re into mysteries and mind-bending stories, you should definitely check it out.
10. Brain Age
Okay, so maybe blasting aliens or racing karts isn’t your thing. That’s cool! The Nintendo DS had something for everyone, even those of us who wanted to, uh, exercise our brains. Enter Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day! It’s less of a game and more of a… well, a brain workout.
The core idea is simple: short, daily exercises designed to keep your mind sharp. You’ll be doing things like simple math problems, reading aloud, and even drawing from memory. It sounds basic, but it can be surprisingly engaging. I remember my grandma being completely addicted to this game. She’d do her "brain training" every morning with her coffee. It was honestly kind of cute.
It’s not going to win any awards for graphics or gameplay, but Brain Age is effective. Plus, it’s a great way to feel productive while still technically playing a video game. If you’re looking for something a little different, or just want to give your brain a little mental workout, this is a solid choice.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it. The Nintendo DS really was something special, wasn’t it? It gave us so many cool games, and even after all these years, they still hold up. Whether you’re looking to revisit some old favorites or try out a classic you missed, there’s a whole world of DS games waiting for you. Seriously, dig out that old console or find one online. You won’t regret it. Happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Nintendo DS first come out?
The Nintendo DS came out in 2004. It was a big deal because it had two screens, one of which you could touch with a special pen.
Can I still buy Nintendo DS games today?
Yes, you can still find Nintendo DS games! Many people sell them online on sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Sometimes, small game stores might have them too.
Why was the Nintendo DS so popular?
The Nintendo DS was super popular because it was new and different. It had two screens and a touch screen, which was really cool at the time. Plus, it had tons of fun games for everyone.
How many games are there for the Nintendo DS?
The Nintendo DS has a huge library of games, over 2000! This means there’s a game for almost anything you can imagine, from puzzles to adventures.
Was the Nintendo DS meant to replace the Game Boy?
The Nintendo DS was made to be a new kind of handheld game system, different from the Game Boy. It ended up being so successful that it started a whole new era for Nintendo’s portable gaming.
How can I suggest a game to be added to this list?
If you want to suggest a game for our list, you can often rate games on websites that review them. Your ratings can help show which games are most loved by players.
