We already published the list of best DS games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best DS platform games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the DS definitely has a great library of platform games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the DS and platform 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. de Blob 2
- Release Data: Halfbrick Studios/THQ, 2011
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
de Blob 2 keeps many of the same characteristics found in the original game, with both the brilliant and the not-so-brilliant features mostly staying intact.
Overall, this is an enjoyable, easygoing platformer with solid level design and a groovy sense of style.
#24. Yoshi Touch & Go
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2005
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Ultimately, Yoshi Touch & Go is a clever, charming little game that was overlooked by almost everyone, but it’s definitely worth your time.
In the end, if you’re looking for something enjoyable to play, Yoshi Touch & Go will give you some quick fun.
#23. DodoGo!
- Release Data: Alien After All/Neko Entertainment, 2010
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
While the idea itself might feel a bit familiar, the execution in the game is solid and should appeal to gamers that enjoy this type of problem-solving gaming experience.
Ultimately, it’s a colorful game with personality, which will certainly have you scratching your head as you play.
#22. Super Princess Peach
- Release Data: TOSE/Nintendo, 2006
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Super Princess Peach is a fun platformer with a fair amount of cutesy charm, one that takes great steps to differentiate itself from the series it’s derived from.
The competence with which Super Princess Peach is made makes it a wonderful introduction to 2D platformers for the young and the casual, but experienced platform players won’t find enough challenge here.
#21. Mega Man ZX
- Release Data: Inti Creates/Capcom, 2006
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Newcomers will find the game to be a harsh introduction to side-scrolling action games but should still be able to get by on the easiest difficulty setting.
This game won’t change the way you think about Mega Man, but it will remind you of why the series continues to garner new fans with each installment.
#20. Aliens: Infestation
- Release Data: WayForward/Sega, 2011
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
The game’s challenging nature means it takes a few attempts to make it through the campaign, but even then you can finish it in around four hours, which is disappointingly short.
It’s hard and unforgiving, but Aliens: Infestation is so well put together and exciting, that anyone with a DS will enjoy it.
#19. Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis
- Release Data: Nintendo Software Technology/Nintendo, 2006
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 may not play quite the same way the original game did, but the new take on the formula is a fun and refreshing one.
The touch-screen controls are easy to get a handle on, and with more than 80 different stages to play through, you’ll find yourself with plenty to do.
#18. Sonic Colors
- Release Data: Dimps Corporation/Sega, 2010
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
The majority of the gameplay will feel familiar to Sonic veterans, particularly those who’ve enjoyed previous Sonic games on the DS.
All in all, DS owners who enjoyed the Sonic Classic Collection or who have been waiting on an original side-scrolling Sonic experience since Sonic Rush Adventure, shouldn’t miss out on Sonic Colors.
#17. Mega Man ZX Advent
- Release Data: Inti Creates/Capcom, 2007
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Ultimately, Mega Man ZX Advent is an improvement over its predecessor that will continue to offer tons of challenges to Mega Man fans.
Anyone new to the series or the genre will likely be turned off by its high difficulty level, but the easy setting might let them enjoy it.
#16. The Legendary Starfy
- Release Data: TOSE/Nintendo, 2009
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
The Legendary Starfy is easy enough for gamers of all ages to enjoy, yet there’s enough secret items and challenges to keep gamers of all skill levels coming back to the game.
If you can appreciate a unique and silly platforming experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more endearing title than this.
#15. Kirby Super Star Ultra
- Release Data: HAL Labs/Nintendo, 2008
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
With all the small issues asides, Kirby Super Star Ultra is still a magnificent title.
It isn’t difficult to see the high production values and the extent the developers went to make the game accessible to all age groups.
Though it may be a little on the easy side, this still a Kirby outing you’ll not want to miss out on.
#14. Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem
- Release Data: Nintendo Software Technology/Nintendo, 2010
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Lots of gameplay, great graphics, a wonderful soundtrack and flawless touchscreen controls make Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! a worthy addition to an often-overlooked franchise.
While the game’s real-time puzzle element may not appeal to everybody, those who do take the time to become familiar with it will appreciate its unique and challenging approach.
#13. Sonic Rush Adventure
- Release Data: Dimps Corporation/Sega, 2007
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Overall, Sonic Rush Adventure is full of fun, fast-paced levels.
The main mode of the game is a little short, and some poor game structure choices dampen the playability a bit, but that doesn’t erase the fact that the game includes some of the best platforming experiences available.
#12. Monster Tale
- Release Data: DreamRift/Majesco, 2011
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This game mixes the standard side scrolling action genre with the popular virtual pet genre.
You’ll progress through various levels, navigating the obstacles and and fighting enemies.
And by caring for your virtual pet monsters, you can gain new powers and abilities to make the side scrolling levels even more fun.
#11. Yoshi’s Island DS
- Release Data: Artoon/Nintendo, 2006
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This game is separated into worlds and levels, and while you can progress by simply finishing the level, you’ll want to find all the hidden collectibles!
Although it might seem simple at first, Yoshi’s Island DS allows players to perform very precise movements with Yoshi, making it a fun but challenging game.
#10. N+
- Release Data: SilverBirch Studios/Atari SA, 2008
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This classic game sees players as a nameless ninja, dashing and jump through incredibly dangerous levels.
The basic artwork style gives the game a very clean look, which makes its brutal difficulty feel fair and rewarding.
Furthermore, the game features a crazy amount of levels, but if that’s not enough, you can even create your own using the level editor.
#9. Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure
- Release Data: EA Tiburon/Electronic Arts, 2009
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
It’s not every day a game like Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure comes along.
Featuring a very original, robust, and polished experience, gamers of all ages should at least try the game.
It might not be for everyone, but for those who put some effort, they’ll be rewarded with one of the best titles on the Nintendo DS.
#8. Sonic Rush
- Release Data: Dimps Corporation/Sega, 2005
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Sonic Rush really brings Sonic back into the 21st century in style.
Anyone interested in knowing what made the Sonic vs. Mario debates so explosive in the past should also give this a try.
Sonic Rush sums up everything that’s great about Sonic, which is speed.
#7. Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2009
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
All around Minis March Again! is a very competent, fun, and engaging package.
Just think of all the possible ways you can drive your friends up the wall with your devious designs!
In the end, it is full of fun and strategy and has tons of replayability, even without the level editing and sharing.
#6. Contra 4
- Release Data: WayForward/Konami, 2007
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Contra 4 isn’t for everyone.
The difficulty level, even when set to ‘Easy’, is quite frankly on the insane side.
To those of you that may not have played a Contra game before, by all means pick this up if the concept intrigues you.
#5. Kirby Mass Attack
- Release Data: HAL Labs/Nintendo, 2011
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Mass Attack doesn’t stray from the colorful, kid-friendly presentation and sweet platforming that the Kirby franchise is known for, but substantial innovation in the way you play it sets the game apart from its predecessors.
The stylus-only controls are a welcome addition, and a terrific balance of familiarity and freshness is what makes this cheerful experience so addictive
#4. 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.
#3. 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.
#2. 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!
#1. 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.
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See also: Best GameCube Games & Best Wii Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which DS platform game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
