We already published the list of best DS games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best DS simulation games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the DS definitely has a great library of simulation games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the DS and 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.
#25. Time Ace
- Release Data: Trainwreck Studios/Konami, 2007
- Genre: Simulation » Flight » Combat
Time Ace has merit and isn’t a terrible game—it just feels a little too slapped together and doesn’t have enough polish to be considered even a “good” Nintendo DS action title.
There is some fun to be had here, but honestly Time Ace could have used a few more improvements.
#24. The Sims 2: Apartment Pets
- Release Data: Full Fat/Electronic Arts, 2008
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Virtual Life
A combination of pet simulation, people simulation, and home decorating, The Sims 2: Apartment Pets could have been an entertaining DS title, but it unfortunately suffers from lack of depth and variety.
However, young gamers who like The Sims, enjoy playing with digital pets, and don’t mind repetition might still enjoy this one.
#23. Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop
- Release Data: NanaOn-Sha/Bandai, 2006
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Career
Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop is fun at first, but the novelty is fleeting.
But if you just like to play with the touch screen and don’t mind a lot of repetition, then you’ll find a few hours of light fun in Corner Shop.
#22. Gardening Mama
- Release Data: Taito Corporation/505 Games, 2009
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Career
If you’ve played Cooking Mama and enjoyed its childish charm and simple fun then Gardening Mama is definitely for you.
However, for those who haven’t, Gardening Mama will offer you no real challenge or depth.
Nevertheless, even with the simplistic controls the player will still feel that same sense of accomplishment and pride when you master the tasks.
#21. MechAssault: Phantom War
- Release Data: Backbone Entertainment/Majesco, 2006
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
As a single-player game, MechAssault: Phantom War is a solid third-person shooter that will keep mech combat fans hooked from start to finish.
However, the game really comes into its own as a multiplayer affair, and if you can convince some friends to play it along with you, you’ll all have more fun and get more out of the game.
#20. MySims
- Release Data: TOSE/EA Games, 2007
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Virtual Life
If you haven’t got a ton of time to kill, MySims is decent for what it is: a pleasant town-building game that’s meant to last anywhere from a day to a week at most.
And those who found the depth of Animal Crossing: Wild World to be simply too daunting will feel more comfortable here.
#19. My Pet Shop
- Release Data: Taito Corporation, 2009
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Virtual Life
Overall, My Pet Shop is a very well-presented game that should appeal to all new gamers, not just the younger ones.
However, people that are used to a more complex game are likely to find it repetitive and not very engaging.
#18. The Urbz: Sims in the City
- Release Data: Griptonite Games/EA Games, 2004
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Virtual Life
It’s clear that the DS is capable of a more impressive presentation, both in terms of creative uses of the touch screen and in terms of technical prowess.
On the other hand, The Urbz is a unique and interesting life simulation game in its own right, which should appeal to fans of games like The Sims or Harvest Moon.
#17. Build-A-Bear Workshop
- Release Data: Neko Entertainment/The Game Factory, 2007
- Genre: Simulation » General
Build-A-Bear Workshop allows you to create your own stuffed animal and then play with them and take care of them through a series of minigames.
While the games are a bit on the easy side and the subject matter is unlikely to pull in many gamers over six years of age, the younger demographic will enjoy this one.
#16. Treasure World
- Release Data: Aspyr, 2009
- Genre: Simulation » General
Treasure World is an interesting experiment that is successful in what it sets out to accomplish.
However, for most players the content is too thin to be enjoyable.
On the other hand, young children will probably be drawn to most of the game’s features, and will likely be excited about finding new hotspots on local trips with their parents.
#15. Cooking Mama
- Release Data: Office Create/Taito Corporation, 2006
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Career
This game is a good example a DS-specific game, made for the crowd that Nintendo’s aiming for.
And it never tries to be anything more than a simple bunch of mini-challenge tasks for the non-gaming population.
Ultimately, Cooking Mama does what it sets out to do very well, even if its concept will never be a true gaming classic.
#14. Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop
- Release Data: Taito Corporation/Majesco, 2009
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Career
Cooking Mama 3 really extends the Cooking Mama series in a fantastic way, and this game is perfect for any fans of the series or for anyone who thinks they might be interested in what the game has to serve up.
#13. Magician’s Quest: Mysterious Times
- Release Data: Aquria/Konami, 2009
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Virtual Life
It’s undeniably and shamelessly an Animal Crossing clone, but it’s also a good one, offering up a magical spin on the whole design.
You’ve still got all the customization, player interaction, collection, and even multiplayer options as you’d expect in Nintendo’s property, but it’s all put together in a slightly unique package.
#12. 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.
#11. 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.
#10. 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.
#9. Star Fox Command
- Release Data: Q-Games/Nintendo, 2006
- Genre: Simulation » Flight » Combat
The bottom line is that for those of you hoping for a more traditional Star Fox experience, Star Fox Command will leave you disappointed.
What it instead offers is more of a new evolution in the franchise, a fresh start for a troubled series and one that comes highly recommended.
#8. 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.
#7. Anno 1701: Dawn of Discovery
- Release Data: Sunflowers Interactive/Disney Interactive Studios, 2008
- Genre: Simulation » General
Anno 1701 is a spectacular DS game, which the developer has clearly worked hard at tailoring to the platform and its audience.
For dedicated PC strategy gamers it might seem a little lightweight in comparison to what the PC platform has to offer, but, for accessible, deep, pocket-sized empire-building this is a game worth trying.
#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: 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.
#3. 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.
#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 simulation game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
