We already published the list of best DS games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best DS puzzle games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the DS definitely has a great library of puzzle games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the DS and puzzle 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. TouchMaster 2
- Release Data: Midway Studios – San Diego/Midway, 2008
- Genre: Puzzle » General
Ultimately, Touchmaster 2 improves on everything about Touchmaster, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only game to get—there are fun games in both, so both versions are recommended.
Touchmaster 2 just presents its games better thanks to the developer taking its time to address all the issues with the first Touchmaster experience.
#24. Prism: Light the Way
- Release Data: Game Sauce/Eidos Interactive, 2007
- Genre: Puzzle » General
Prism: Light the Way isn’t the kind of game that will suck you in for long periods of time.
It’s not the sort of game that can be played over long stretches, but as the sort of thing you can pick up for a few minutes at a time, it’s a decent distraction.
#23. Zoo Keeper
- Release Data: Buddiez, Inc./Ignition Entertainment, 2005
- Genre: Puzzle » Matching
When you look at Zoo Keeper strictly as a DS game and ignore the outside world, it’s a great puzzle offering that looks nice and offers play that can be really habit-forming.
If you’re on the go and you’re after a good, strong DS puzzler, Zoo Keeper‘s definitely worth it.
#22. Puzzle Quest: Galactrix
- Release Data: Infinite Interactive/D3Publisher, 2009
- Genre: Puzzle » Matching
Ultimately, Puzzle Quest: Galactrix is a great and addictive game that has a lot of deep gameplay and strategic elements.
Some Puzzle Quest fans will like the new gameplay implemented in Galactrix, and some fans will dislike them.
The game lasts for 20 hours or so, depending on how players pace themselves with the main story.
#21. Bomberman
- Release Data: Racjin/Ubisoft, 2005
- Genre: Puzzle » Action
The single-player probably won’t win you over, but if you’re on the lookout for a solid multiplayer DS game, Bomberman is exactly that.
It has a lot of options, which include letting you play with only one copy of the game, as well as letting you play with computers.
If you’re a Bomberman fan, you already know exactly what to expect.
#20. Mechanic Master
- Release Data: Most Wanted Entertainment/Midway, 2008
- Genre: Puzzle » General
In short, Mechanic Master is easily one of the most thought-provoking and inventive puzzle games on the DS.
If you are a fan of the genre and own a DS you owe it to yourself to check out this hidden gem.
#19. Meteos: Disney Magic
- Release Data: Q Entertainment/Disney Interactive Studios, 2007
- Genre: Puzzle » Matching
If you’ve never experienced Meteos before, then you should pick this up at the earliest opportunity.
Playing it might be slightly embarrassing thanks to the insidious branding, but it ranks as one of the best puzzle games for the Nintendo DS.
#18. Feel the Magic: XY/XX
- Release Data: Sonic Team/Sega, 2004
- Genre: Puzzle » General
Fun is the simplest word to describe Feel the Magic.
The story, graphical style, and games blend together to create a truly one of a kind experience.
If you’re looking for a game that will use the most of your DS’s features, Feel the Magic is an obvious choice.
#17. Space Bust-A-Move
- Release Data: Taito Corporation, 2009
- Genre: Puzzle » Matching
Space Bust-A-Move is a great sequel, as it is filled with addicting gameplay that the series is known for, and on top of that, there is a lot content to come back to.
The game is highly recommended for people who are fans of puzzle games or the Bust-A-Move or Puzzle Bobble series.
#16. Bomberman Land Touch!
- Release Data: Hudson/Atlus, 2006
- Genre: Puzzle » Action
If you already own the first Bomberman DS, then you probably don’t need Bomberman Land Touch!.
On the other hand, if you do enjoy multiplayer gaming, then you should make it a point to add this game to your DS library.
#15. Scribblenauts
- Release Data: 5TH Cell/Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, 2009
- Genre: Puzzle » Action
The concept is unbelievably unique, and the game does offer fleeting moments of genius and fun.
And if you are prepared to deal with many annoyances but seek an original and mostly enjoyable gaming experience, you’ll be well served by Scribblenauts.
#14. Bejeweled Twist
- Release Data: Griptonite Games/PopCap, 2010
- Genre: Puzzle » Matching
With a slew of new additions, Bejeweled Twist does a commendable job of taking the series in a new direction; whether it’s better than its predecessors is a matter of preference, but there’s no doubt that PopCap has crafted a highly enjoyable puzzler.
#13. The New York Times Crosswords
- Release Data: BudCat/Majesco, 2007
- Genre: Puzzle » Logic
Because the majority of puzzles require a wealth of knowledge to complete, this game isn’t appropriate for people with a limited knowledge of the world.
But you should definitely pick up The New York Times Crosswords for the Nintendo DS if you enjoy solving crosswords and feel that your brain has amassed a healthy understanding of current events and culture.
#12. Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords
- Release Data: 1st Playable Productions/D3Publisher, 2007
- Genre: Puzzle » Matching
If you love classic puzzle action and wouldn’t mind changing things up a bit by including a fun and engaging storyline along with it, then there’s no reason not to get Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords.
With its interesting and innovative combination of puzzle and RPG elements, it is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.
#11. Super Scribblenauts
- Release Data: 5TH Cell/Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, 2010
- Genre: Puzzle » Action
While shortcomings keep the game from ever reaching its full potential, though, it’s still a lot of fun.
It’s closer to Scribblenauts 1.5 than a full-blown sequel, but it’s still a great experience—it just feels more like an update than a brand new game in itself.
#10. Picross DS
- Release Data: Jupiter Corporation/Nintendo, 2007
- Genre: Puzzle » Logic
By offering a ton of puzzles to play alone and the constant challenge of online play, Picross DS is a long-lasting puzzle game.
If you’re already a fan of logic puzzles like Sudoku, this might just be your next brain-teasing habit.
#9. Professor Layton and the Last Specter
- Release Data: Level 5, 2011
- Genre: Puzzle » General
Professor Layton and the Last Specter is another top-quality game in a brilliant series.
It challenges your mind in a way very few games seriously attempt to do, and the feeling you get when you solve a difficult puzzle is less one of relief than it is a desire to leap ahead in the game and find the next one.
#8. Picross 3D
- Release Data: HAL Labs/Nintendo, 2010
- Genre: Puzzle » Logic
Although it may lack a few of the frills of its predecessor, Picross 3D feels like the more polished game.
The animations that play after solving a puzzle are fun, the amount of puzzles is staggering, and the process of solving the puzzles is a blast.
#7. Peggle: Dual Shot
- Release Data: Q Entertainment/PopCap, 2009
- Genre: Puzzle » Action
If you’re one of the few people who have never played a Peggle game before, Peggle: Dual Shot is a great place to start.
The game offers a large amount of stages that will keep you occupied for a long period of time as well as a very engaging single-player mode.
#6. Art Style: PiCTOBiTS
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2009
- Genre: Puzzle » Matching
The Art Style series is all about gameplay with minimal bells and whistles.
PiCTOBiTS may reverse those roles to some degree, but ultimately the result is the same.
It stands as a great game, and that’s something you really can’t complain about.
#5. Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box
- Release Data: Level 5, 2009
- Genre: Puzzle » General
It should go without saying that fans of the first Professor Layton title will likely find a lot to like about this charming sequel.
The game basically takes everything that was great about the first release and tweaks it all just enough to make it stand out as the worthy sequel it is.
#4. 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.
#3. 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.
#2. 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.
#1. 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.
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See also: Best GameCube Games & Best Wii Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which DS puzzle game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
