The Nintendo DS was more than just a gaming console—it was a phenomenon that redefined portable gaming. From iconic franchises to innovative gameplay mechanics, the DS boasted a library filled with unforgettable experiences. In this article, we’ll explore the best DS games of all time, celebrating fan favorites that have left a lasting legacy in the gaming world.
Contents
hide
1. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
- Release Year: 2007
- Why It’s Iconic: As a sequel to The Wind Waker, this game took full advantage of the DS’s touch screen for gameplay, making sailing and puzzle-solving interactive and immersive.
- Fan Favourite Feature: The ability to draw on the map, allowing players to strategize in a more hands-on way.
- Legacy: Known for bringing a new level of innovation to the Zelda franchise, this game is a standout in the best DS games list.
2. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
- Release Year: 2010
- Why It’s Iconic: These remakes of the classic Pokémon Gold and Silver added new features like the Pokéwalker, letting fans take their Pokémon on real-world walks.
- Fan Favourite Feature: Being able to have your Pokémon follow you in the overworld—a nostalgic touch for longtime fans.
- Legacy: Frequently ranked among the best DS games for both Pokémon enthusiasts and RPG lovers.
3. Mario Kart DS
- Release Year: 2005
- Why It’s Iconic: This was the first Mario Kart game to introduce online play, revolutionizing competitive racing for portable consoles.
- Fan Favourite Feature: The introduction of Mission Mode, offering challenges outside traditional races.
- Legacy: A staple for multiplayer gaming and one of the most enduring titles in the best DS games conversation.
4. Animal Crossing: Wild World
- Release Year: 2005
- Why It’s Iconic: This title brought the beloved Animal Crossing series to a portable format, allowing players to customize their towns and lives on the go.
- Fan Favourite Feature: Multiplayer functionality, which let friends visit each other’s towns.
- Legacy: Wild World set the foundation for later Animal Crossing successes and remains a cherished part of the best DS games lineup.
5. New Super Mario Bros.
- Release Year: 2006
- Why It’s Iconic: Revitalizing the 2D platforming genre, this game brought classic Mario gameplay into the modern era with new power-ups and crisp visuals.
- Fan Favourite Feature: The Mega Mushroom, which let Mario grow to screen-filling proportions.
- Legacy: Its success helped revive the side-scrolling Mario formula, ensuring its place among the best DS games.
6. Professor Layton and the Curious Village
- Release Year: 2007
- Why It’s Iconic: A charming mix of storytelling and puzzles, this game challenges players’ intellect while immersing them in an intriguing mystery.
- Fan Favourite Feature: The hand-drawn art style and clever brainteasers made each moment engaging.
- Legacy: Its success led to a beloved franchise, with Curious Village often considered the jewel in the crown of the best DS games.
7. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
- Release Year: 2005
- Why It’s Iconic: This action-packed sequel to Aria of Sorrow combined gothic storytelling with polished platforming gameplay.
- Fan Favourite Feature: The Tactical Soul system, which let players customize abilities by capturing enemies’ souls.
- Legacy: A must-play for fans of the Castlevania series and one of the defining titles in the best DS games list.
8. Chrono Trigger
- Release Year: 2008 (DS Port)
- Why It’s Iconic: Widely regarded as one of the best RPGs ever made, the DS version of Chrono Trigger introduced touch-screen controls and additional content.
- Fan Favourite Feature: Multiple endings and a captivating storyline that has stood the test of time.
- Legacy: An essential RPG for both newcomers and nostalgic fans, often hailed as one of the best DS games.
9. Pokémon Black and White
- Release Year: 2010
- Why It’s Iconic: These games revitalized the Pokémon franchise with a fresh region (Unova), innovative mechanics, and a compelling story.
- Fan Favourite Feature: Exclusive focus on new Pokémon during the initial gameplay, which felt like a reboot for the series.
- Legacy: A bold entry that many fans consider a modern classic, cementing its place in the best DS games.
10. Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon
- Release Year: 2008
- Why It’s Iconic: A remake of the original Fire Emblem, this game brought Marth’s story to a global audience for the first time.
- Fan Favourite Feature: Permadeath mechanics and strategic battles that rewarded careful planning.
- Legacy: A cornerstone for strategy RPG fans, it remains a standout in the best DS games catalog.
The History of RPG Games on the DS
The DS was a haven for RPG games, with its dual screens and touch controls enhancing gameplay in innovative ways. Games like Chrono Trigger and Pokémon thrived because they used the DS’s unique features to offer richer, more interactive experiences.
Pricing and Where to Find Them
- Cartridges: Prices range from $20 for common titles to $200+ for rare finds like Pokémon HeartGold with its Pokéwalker accessory.
- Digital Versions: Many of these titles are available on Nintendo’s eShop, often at more affordable prices.
- Retro Markets: Look for deals on platforms like eBay or local gaming shops for collectors’ items.
Best DS Games Mark on Gaming
The Nintendo DS left an indelible mark on gaming, and its library remains a treasure trove for enthusiasts. These best DS games continue to captivate players, proving that great gameplay and storytelling are timeless. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering them for the first time, these games are a testament to why the DS era was so special.
