The Nintendo DS (or simply DS or NDS) is a very unique gaming handheld with its Dual Screen (hence, the DS name) and touchscreen capability.
Because of its unique features, there are many multi-platform games that can be enjoyed differently when played on the DS.
For those of you who have played this unique gaming device in the past, I bet you want to know the best DS games of all time.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Professor Layton and the Curious Village
- Release Data: Level 5/Nintendo, 2008
- Genre: Adventure » General
In this adventure, Layton and Luke travel to the town of Mystere, where they seek the incredibly value Golden Apple.
As you explore the town, you’ll have to complete a variety of puzzles to progress the story.
There are also a few fun mini-games to check out, as well as various collectibles to acquire.
#24. Animal Crossing: Wild World
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2005
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Virtual Life
Known as a “lifestyle” game, the Animal Crossing franchise gives players a seemingly infinite amount of gameplay to enjoy.
There are countless activities to take part in, and with the changing events that are tied to a yearly schedule, you will at least be occupied with Animal Crossing: Wild World for a year of time.
#23. Shantae: Risky’s Revenge
- Release Data: WayForward, 2010
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
The Shantae games are always great for some fun side-scrolling action.
This game focuses on animal transformations, allowing Shantae to access new areas.
Overall, the platforming feels great, and there’s a great balance of difficulty that provides a fun challenge.
#22. Super Mario 64 DS
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Widely considered one of the best games ever made, Super Mario 64 needs little introduction.
Instead of just controlling Mario, this DS remake lets you play through the game with a variety of characters.
In addition to new characters, there are also 30 new star objectives as well as bonus mini-games.
#21. Planet Puzzle League
- Release Data: Intelligent Systems/Nintendo, 2007
- Genre: Puzzle » General
The main gameplay is solid and addictive, but what really stands out are the numerous modes of play.
There’s something for every kind of play session; endless modes, puzzles, time attack, and much more.
If you like puzzle games, this is a must-buy.
#20. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2009
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
This fun Legend of Zelda adventure sees a young Link who is ready to become a certified train conductor.
Players control Link and his train to move around, stopping at towns and dungeons as they play through the story.
In the narrative, Link must search the land with Princess Zelda, attempting to solve the mystery of the disappearing train tracks.
#19. Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes
- Release Data: Capy Games/Ubisoft, 2009
- Genre: Role-Playing » General
This game borrows elements from the Might & Magic franchise, but presents a refreshing style of gameplay.
The gameplay is a mixture of turn-based battles, puzzle gameplay, and role playing elements.
The lengthy game is full of quests to complete, and plenty of exciting battles that will test your strategy and puzzle solving skills.
#18. Tetris DS
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2006
- Genre: Puzzle » Stacking
Although Tetris DS doesn’t radically change the gameplay of Tetris, it offers plenty of fun ways to experience it.
There’s a good mixture of both solo and competitive modes, and some modes offer new gameplay styles.
In the end, Tetris DS manages to take a classic game and breathe new live into it, and that’s a huge achievement.
#17. Pokemon White Version
- Release Data: Game Freak/Nintendo, 2011
- Genre: Role-Playing » Trainer
Both this game and its counterpart Pokemon Black feature exclusive Pokemon, so you’ll have to trade between both if you want to complete your Pokedex.
New battle types like Rotation and Triple Battles add some fun varations to the expected gameplay, and you’ll easily find yourself sinking hundreds of hours into the game.
#16. Professor Layton and the Unwound Future
- Release Data: Level 5, 2010
- Genre: Puzzle » General
This third entry in the Professor Layton franchise really knocks it out of the part with awesome puzzles.
There is a better variety and fairer hint system offered, and players will enjoy the interesting and supernatural elements of the story.
All in all, this game is widely considered one of the best entries in the entire series.
#15. Kirby: Canvas Curse
- Release Data: HAL Labs/Nintendo, 2005
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
In this game, instead of using the directional pad to control Kirby, players use the stylus to draw ramps and lines to move Kirby around.
The unique control style and fun painting visuals makes this a refreshing Kirby adventure that is tons of fun to play!
#14. Pokemon HeartGold Version
- Release Data: Game Freak/Nintendo, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Trainer
This is a remake of the second generation Pokemon game, Pokemon Gold.
Your quest will take you across the new region of Johto, where you’ll face off against new gym leaders.
The remakes also bring in a few new features, such as new mini-games, and the ability for one of your Pokemon to follow you around.
#13. Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies
- Release Data: Level 5/Square Enix, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
This Dragon Quest title was created to be the toughest game in the franchise, and it shows.
The lengthy adventure features plenty of side quests to complete, and you’ll have a blast strategizing with your friends in the game’s turn-based battles.
#12. The World Ends with You
- Release Data: Jupiter Corporation/Square Enix, 2008
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
This fun RPG has a complex story, dealing with a fateful game of life and death played in the afterworld.
You explore the streets of the busy shopping district, fighting enemies in crazy dual screen combat.
Both screens are actively used during fights, and you’ll have to execute a variety of stylus movements to win.
#11. Pokemon SoulSilver Version
- Release Data: Game Freak/Nintendo, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Trainer
Like Pokemon HeartGold, this is a remake of the second generation of Pokemon games.
The graphics have received a huge overhaul, and more than 350 Pokemon are now available to capture.
The addictive turn-based combat gameplay and hundreds of unique Pokemon will surely keep you invested for hundreds of hours.
#10. Meteos
- Release Data: Q Entertainment/Bandai, 2005
- Genre: Puzzle » Matching
One of the best DS games yet, Meteos delivers a unique and successful twist on the puzzle game formula.
And, like any great puzzle game, it’s something you can play for just a few minutes or for much longer periods of time and come away satisfied, regardless.
#9. Elite Beat Agents
- Release Data: iNiS/Nintendo, 2006
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
This is one of the quirkiest and wackiest games available on the DS.
You play as a member of the Elite Beat Agents; secret government agents who help people by showing off their dance moves.
Each level features the agents trying to help someone in need by dancing, and you help them by tapping your screen along to the music.
#8. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2007
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Like Wind Waker, this game uses a cool cel-shaded art style.
Players control Link, and explore various islands and dungeons while sailing around the open world.
Most players will find the most enjoyment in the game’s lengthy single player story, where you’ll defeat bosses and complete dungeons while obtaining new items and weapons.
#7. New Super Mario Bros.
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2006
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Like the original Super Mario Bros., this side-scrolling action game has players traversing eight different worlds to save the Princess.
However, this game updates Mario’s moves and abilities, as well as introducing new power ups and all new levels.
Whether you’re a new fan or an old fan, this is a fun take on the classic formula.
#6. Advance Wars: Dual Strike
- Release Data: Intelligent Systems/Nintendo, 2005
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » Tactics
Widely considered the best strategy game on the system, Advance Wars: Dual Strike has a staggering amount of tactical gameplay to sink your teeth into.
The gameplay revolves around commanding a massive army on the battlefield, eliminating your opponent or capturing their base.
Players can take on the storyline-driven campaign mode, which has 28 different scenarios to complete.
#5. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
- Release Data: Konami, 2005
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Like other games in the Castlevania franchise, this game focuses on 2D side-scrolling action and tough platforming sections.
This game also introduces the fun “Magic Seal” system, where players use the DS stylus to finish off boss monsters.
There are even additional modes of play once you’ve beaten the story, adding even more replayability.
#4. Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story
- Release Data: Alphadream Corporation/Nintendo, 2009
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
In this entry, Mario and Luigi explore the inside of a massive Bowser, who they can control.
Players control all three characters, moving in both the overworld and inside Bowser.
There’s a good mixture of exploration and turn-based combat gameplay, and the lengthy campaign is absolutely hilarious.
#3. Mario Kart DS
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2005
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
The fun and addictive gameplay of Mario Kart makes its debut on the Nintendo DS in style.
Players can pick from a wide variety of modes, including Grand Prix mode, which features eight different cups to compete for.
You can even race against other players across the globe using the DS’ online multiplayer connectivity.
#2. Chrono Trigger
- Release Data: TOSE/Square Enix, 2008
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Widely considered one of the best RPGs ever made, Chrono Trigger sees the leap from Super Nintendo to Nintendo DS.
Everything from the dialogue to the weapons and gear are masterfully crafted, and you’ll easily find yourself entranced by the story.
This is one of the best RPGs ever, and you can experience it all on the Nintendo DS.
#1. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
- Release Data: Rockstar Leeds/Rockstar Games, 2009
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
This mature-rated action game is currently the highest rated game on the Nintendo DS, and with good reason.
The game is played from a top-down perspective, much like the original Grand Theft Auto games.
And players will spend dozens of hours exploring the vast city and completing missions, rising to the top of organized crime.
Browse DS Games By Genre
See also: Best GameCube Games & Best Wii Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which DS game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
