We already published the list of best DS games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best DS life simulation games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the DS definitely has a great library of life simulation games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the DS and life simulation 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.
#10. Horse Life
- Release Data: Neko Entertainment/D3Publisher, 2007
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Virtual Life
Horse Life is aimed squarely at the new gamers, and is a rather good example of your typical Tamagotchi style game.
It may not be up to the level of Nintendogs, but if your love of horses is equal to your love of dogs, then you will most likely love this take on the genre.
#9. The Sims 2
- Release Data: Griptonite Games/Electronic Arts, 2005
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Virtual Life
Overall, The Sims 2 for the DS is something that will definitely keep you busy for at least a few weeks.
There is enough micro-management elements, so when you get things accomplished you feel good about it, but the game never overwhelms you.
If you were on the fence about this game before, you might want to give it a try.
#8. Cooking Mama 2: Dinner With Friends
- Release Data: Office Create/505 Games, 2007
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Career
Ultimately, Cooking Mama 2: Dinner With Friends is a pretty likeable game.
The presentation and gameplay are both simple and charming, making the shallow premise and minor faults completely forgivable.
All in all, this one will briefly steal your attention and keeps you coming back for one more session.
#7. Trauma Center: Under the Knife
- Release Data: ITL/Atlus, 2005
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Career
The developer has pulled off a very original and clever design on the Nintendo DS platform, and even with the repetitive gameplay and occasional stumble in the design the game still manages to be one of the shining lights in the system’s library.
Overall, it’s a really impressive first-generation outing on the Nintendo DS.
#6. Trauma Center: Under the Knife 2
- Release Data: Vanguard/Atlus, 2008
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Career
No need to worry about replay value in this game, since the ranking system encourages you to repeat past surgeries to increase your score.
All in all, Trauma Center: Under the Knife 2 successfully blends a creative medical theme with bizarre but fun puzzle gameplay to create an addictive title.
#5. Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./THQ, 2008
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Virtual Life
The simple formula is so captivating that even a sluggish leveling system and weird inhabitants cannot destroy what is still a fun, engrossing experience.
Pocket Paradise may not be able to match the original versions in cuteness, but it sure packs a powerful punch in the portable market.
#4. Nintendogs: Dachshund & Friends
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2005
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Pet
Just about anyone who enjoys the tender nurturing that is central to raising a happy, healthy puppy should certainly give Nintendogs a look.
Its simple interface, appealing subject matter, and its friendliness to multiple short sessions, with plenty of items and animals to unlock, makes it easy to recommend to a wide variety of gamers and non-gamers alike.
#3. Nintendogs: Chihuahua & Friends
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2005
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Pet
Nintendogs is clearly focused on the mainstream market than the truly hardcore, but no matter who you are there’s a lot of enjoyment to be had out of this unique Nintendo DS product.
The interaction with the virtual dog is done extremely well, and it’s hard to resist these adorable creatures running around on the handheld.
#2. Nintendogs: Lab & Friends
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2005
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Pet
With all the things that you can do and collect in Nintendogs, it doesn’t feel like it’s enough, and you might find yourself expecting and wanting more out of the experience.
But it’s a great time until you’ve maxed out all the play modes, and even when you do there’s still a little more fun with additional modes.
#1. 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.
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See also: Best GameCube Games & Best Wii Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which DS life simulation game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!