We already published the list of best DS games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best DS casual games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the DS definitely has a great library of casual games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the DS and casual games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Flash Focus: Vision Training in Minutes a Day
- Release Data: Namco Bandai Games/Nintendo, 2007
- Genre: Casual » Edutainment
There’s not much to say about Flash Focus.
It follows the familiar mini-game formula of numerous other DS titles.
Although it’s not very original, the content found here is compelling and fun, and the sports twist proves to be inspiration for several addictive mini-games.
#24. Personal Trainer: Math
- Release Data: Jupiter Corporation/Shogakukan, 2009
- Genre: Casual » Edutainment
This game is pretty dry and not as engaging as other brain-training games like Big Brain Academy or Brain Age.
But compared to math flash cards, this method is more fun because the math drills vary.
If you get this title and use it the way it’s designed, it does what it sets out to do: strengthen your math skills.
#23. Super Monkey Ball: Touch & Roll
- Release Data: Sega, 2006
- Genre: Casual » Party / Minigame
Super Monkey Ball Touch & Roll for the DS is basically everything you’d expect from a portable version of Monkey Ball.
You’ve got dozens of stages to roll through and a handful of minigames that you can challenge your friends with.
As it is, the game is just another merely decent Monkey Ball game, shrunken down into a smaller format.
#22. Looney Tunes: Duck Amuck
- Release Data: WayForward/Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, 2007
- Genre: Casual » Party / Minigame
Overall, Duck Amuck is a surprise that continues to be surprising as you play it.
Though the game feels the need to fulfill certain gameplay obligations with multiple and unnecessary mini-games, it goes so much further than other licensed products by focusing on what exactly makes a cartoon good, and asking whether that can make a game good too.
#21. Sonic Classic Collection
- Release Data: Creative Assembly/Sega, 2010
- Genre: Casual » Compilation
Sonic Classic Collection could have been a true must-have for DS-owning Sonic fans, but sadly it’s spoiled by enough small issues to put you off playing for too long.
The games themselves still shine, just not as brightly as they should.
#20. Namco Museum DS
- Release Data: M2/Namco Bandai Games, 2007
- Genre: Casual » Compilation
Namco Museum DS is not a bad deal if you want a trip down memory lane but it becomes a definite purchase if you have friends who enjoy playing Pac-Man Vs. together.
But it would have been a better compilation if it had included the favorite Ms. Pac Man.
#19. Master of Illusion
- Release Data: Eighting/Nintendo, 2007
- Genre: Casual » Application
Minor flaws aside, if you or someone you know has always wanted to get into magic, Master of Illusion is a good way to get started.
It’s not going to make you the next top magician, but you’ll be mystifying your friends in no time.
#18. Mega Man Battle Network 5: Double Team
- Release Data: Capcom, 2005
- Genre: Casual » Compilation
All told, Mega Man Battle Network 5: Double Team is a legitimate upgrade.
Ultimately, the game wins the day because its added features genuinely do make it more user-friendly and enjoyable.
Capcom has taken what was already a decent role-playing game on the GBA and has made it better on the DS.
#17. The Rub Rabbits!
- Release Data: Sonic Team/Sega, 2006
- Genre: Casual » Party / Minigame
While there will be those who will dismiss The Rub Rabbits! as nothing more than a glorified minigame collection, those who do will be missing out on one of the most unique and addictive DS titles ever.
You’ll certainly never look at a minigame collection the same way again after experiencing one as incredibly rewarding as this one.
#16. Legacy of Ys: Books I & II
- Release Data: Interchannel-Holon, 2009
- Genre: Casual » Compilation
Legacy of Ys: Books I & II is truly an old-style game with a modern coat of paint.
Though some aspects of the gameplay are primitive, there is no denying how genuinely fun both games are.
Any players who are fans of games such as the original Legend of Zelda would do well to pick up this title.
#15. Mario Party DS
- Release Data: Hudson Soft/Nintendo, 2007
- Genre: Casual » Party / Minigame
Mario Party DS is a blast when played with other people, and since you need only one cartridge to enjoy everything, the odds are good that you’ll be able to entice your DS-owning friends to play with you.
However, between all of the different minigames and puzzle games, it’ll be a while before you stop playing this game.
#14. Pac-Pix
- Release Data: Namco, 2005
- Genre: Casual » General
Pac-Pix is essential for those who like arcade games and worthwhile for fans of Pac-Man.
The main game is relatively short to get through but to get Rank S will take you a while.
This is one of those games you can pick up and play when time is limited.
#13. Big Brain Academy
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2006
- Genre: Casual » Edutainment
Big Brain Academy is not a bad game, all things considered.
Take away the problems with the marking of progress and scoring and you have a nicely designed, addictive game with a certain charm about it.
All in all, the game’s friendly, colorful look and its easy-to-learn but reasonably addictive gameplay make Big Brain Academy a decent collection.
#12. Electroplankton
- Release Data: Indies Zero/Nintendo, 2006
- Genre: Casual » Application
Ultimately, appreciation of Electroplankton is exceedingly subjective; musical and creative types will revel in the unexpected delights, both visual and aural, while gamers looking for a more traditional “game” will lament its shallow depth and aimlessness.
It’s a solo affair, best enjoyed with headphones, and certainly not enjoyed by all.
#11. Konami Classics Series: Arcade Hits
- Release Data: M2/Konami, 2007
- Genre: Casual » Compilation
While you probably won’t spend too much time on games like Road Fighter or Circus Charlie, there are enough classics to give the collection a first look, and there’s enough depth with some of the lesser-known arcade games to make it worth a second and third look, too.
#10. Mega Man Zero Collection
- Release Data: Inti Creates/Capcom, 2010
- Genre: Casual » Compilation
While these might be an offshoot from the main series, they shouldn’t be dismissed as any less entertaining.
All the core elements that made Mega Man great are still here.
Between the excellent gameplay mechanics, the sometimes insane difficulty, and the engaging stories, there’s no denying that these spin-offs more than live up to the legacy of the Mega Man series.
#9. Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day!
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2006
- Genre: Casual » Edutainment
All in all, Brain Age is a quirky and unique product that’s worth taking a look at.
Whether or not it’s improving your mind or just improving your ability to perform its specific tasks is unclear, but there’s nothing else quite like it, and fans of logic puzzles and other basic puzzle games should enjoy it.
#8. Personal Trainer: Cooking
- Release Data: Indies Zero/Nintendo, 2008
- Genre: Casual » General
Personal Trainer: Cooking could very well make chefs out of a lot of people who are used to a regular diet of ramen noodles and TV dinners.
You will get an interactive cookbook loaded with tips and tutorials on 245 recipes, put together with the polish you would expect from Nintendo.
#7. Art Academy
- Release Data: Headstrong Games/Nintendo, 2010
- Genre: Casual » Edutainment
Those with only a casual interest in art might not find much appeal to the lessons, but for those who are looking for something a bit more than a new drawing tool with the DS, Art Academy is top of the class.
#6. Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2007
- Genre: Casual » Edutainment
Brain Age 2 is solid fun, but it can only be recommended to players who have already exhausted all of the excitement out of the original Brain Age and want a slightly more advanced course.
If you haven’t played the original, you should start there and work your way onto the sequel.
#5. LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga
- Release Data: TT Fusion/LucasArts, 2007
- Genre: Casual » Compilation
Like LEGO Indiana Jones, this game transforms the a popular movie franchise into the distinct style of LEGO bricks.
The game takes you across the original trilogy as well as the prequel trilogy, letting you play as a multitude of characters.
Whether you’re a fan of the Jedi or the Dark Side, this is an experience that everyone will enjoy.
#4. WarioWare: Touched!
- Release Data: Intelligent Systems/Nintendo, 2005
- Genre: Casual » Party / Minigame
WarioWare Touched demonstrates to full effect how simplicity can still lead to stunning gameplay.
Whether its a few hours or just a few minutes, you will find that this game will provide countless fun.
All in all, this is one of the best titles for the DS and most gamers of all ages will be satisfied playing it.
#3. Clubhouse Games
- Release Data: Agenda/Nintendo, 2006
- Genre: Casual » Party / Minigame
Some of the games included in the collection aren’t the best renditions, but there are plenty of them, especially when you consider how many games you get on a single title.
On top of that, you can play against your friends, whether they’re in the same room or across town.
#2. WarioWare D.I.Y.
- Release Data: Intelligent Systems/Nintendo, 2010
- Genre: Casual » General
While the built-in games aren’t quite of the caliber of some of those found in previous WarioWare releases, they’re still quite enjoyable.
And those who are willing to put in the time and effort to become familiar with the creation tools will likely find a very powerful and rewarding gaming experience limited only by their imaginations and free time.
#1. KORG DS-10 Synthesizer
- Release Data: AQ Interactive, 2008
- Genre: Casual » Application
The KORG DS-10 is an amazingly fun musical program with a great amount of depth.
Musically inclined users will be able to squeeze a lot from this package, and casual dabblers should have no problem coming up with some cool tunes (after reading the manual).
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See also: Best GameCube Games & Best Wii Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which DS casual game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!