We already published the list of best DS games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best DS team sports games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the DS definitely has a great library of team sports games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the DS and team sports 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. FIFA Street 3
- Release Data: Exient Entertainment/EA Sports, 2008
- Genre: Sports » Team » Soccer » Arcade
The DS version of FIFA Street 3 is an improvement over its predecessor, thanks to the fact that it supports an end-to-end camera that’s far more appropriate than the traditional sideline perspective.
However, the new game’s array of unlockable uniforms and licensed soccer balls just isn’t nearly incentive enough to put up with its repetitive gameplay for long.
#24. Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All Stars
- Release Data: Deep Fried Entertainment/Take-Two Interactive, 2008
- Genre: Sports » Team » Baseball » Arcade
In the end, MLB 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars is a decent design on paper, but it simply doesn’t translate.
However, that isn’t to say Fantasy All-Stars is a wash of a product–it isn’t–but it’ll only appeal to the most casual of players.
#23. Pro Evolution Soccer 2008
- Release Data: Konami, 2008
- Genre: Sports » Team » Soccer » Sim
Pro Evolution Soccer has improved in some minor ways, but Konami has once again failed to take the game forward in any meaningful way.
However, fans of the series willing to put up with the simplistic controls may get something out of this version.
#22. Football Academy
- Release Data: EA Sports, 2009
- Genre: Sports » Team » Soccer » Management
It’s well-presented, fully licensed and oddly compelling if you’re a fan of the game, but at the same time it’s rather dull.
It’s worth a look and will improve your knowledge of European football, but only get it if you’re a hardcore fan of the sports.
#21. FIFA World Cup: Germany 2006
- Release Data: EA Canada/Electronic Arts, 2006
- Genre: Sports » Team » Soccer » Sim
In short, 2006 FIFA World Cup is far from being a lackluster soccer game, however, there’s some caveats.
Yes, it’s got enhanced visuals, audio, and gameplay, as well as additional gaming features, but the new version offers a more crippled multiplayer option and ends up slightly chuggier in its framerate.
#20. FIFA 07 Soccer
- Release Data: EA Canada/EA Sports, 2006
- Genre: Sports » Team » Soccer » Sim
FIFA 07 Soccer on the Nintendo DS is a straightforward but enjoyable take on the football genre.
The game is suited to the platform especially in short bursts of play, and even though the majority of the touch-screen controls have limited effect, they play to the strengths of the system.
#19. Madden NFL 06
- Release Data: Exient Entertainment/EA Sports, 2005
- Genre: Sports » Team » Football » Sim
If you’re craving a lasting football experience that will end up being enjoyable despite all of the problems, Madden NFL 06 is an excellent choice.
If you’re just a casual gamer who wants to play a few games now and then, it really isn’t worth it.
#18. Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007
- Release Data: KCET/Konami, 2007
- Genre: Sports » Team » Soccer » Sim
Overall, the Nintendo DS version of Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 isn’t likely to be the kind of game that will appeal to dedicated soccer gamers, but newcomers shouldn’t have too much trouble enjoying it.
It won’t hook you for a long time, but it does offer a portable, entertaining soccer game.
#17. Football Director DS
- Release Data: Sports Director Limited/Pinnacle, 2008
- Genre: Sports » Team » Soccer » Management
Football Director DS can be a very addicting experience, and with matches played out at a cracking pace you can spend a whole evening gunning for a European Cup place or simply waiting for a star striker to make your squad the most devastating in the country.
#16. FIFA 06 Soccer
- Release Data: Exient Entertainment/Electronic Arts, 2005
- Genre: Sports » Team » Soccer » Sim
This is not a handheld version of the FIFA 06 game you might have already played on the PC, PlayStation 2, or Xbox.
Rather, it’s a decent soccer game that lacks real depth but is fun to play solo or with friends all the same.
#15. Little League World Series Baseball 2008
- Release Data: Black Lantern Studios/Activision, 2008
- Genre: Sports » Team » Baseball » Arcade
Little League World Series Baseball 2008 is a great game for its intended audience, kids who love baseball and might like to pretend they’re on a championship prep team.
Overall, this title is quite bland, but it still packs in enough fun to make it enjoyable for those who need just a little more baseball.
#14. Super Dodgeball Brawlers
- Release Data: Million/505 Games, 2008
- Genre: Sports » Team » Other
With one cartridge, up to eight players can take part in the Brawl mode.
It’s a free-for all, and despite the small screen, it’s easy to keep track of your character and what he or she is doing.
In the end, only get this if you are interested in the multiplayer feature.
#13. Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff
- Release Data: Polygon Magic/Tecmo, 2008
- Genre: Sports » Team » Football » Arcade
Giving players the ability to edit every piece of team and player information in the game is a great feature, but in the end it all seems a little too barebones.
If you are a gamer who can appreciate the old-school look, feel, and play in a fresh gaming experience, great!
You’ve got yourself one solid, well-designed retro football experience.
#12. Madden NFL 2005
- Release Data: Exient Entertainment/EA Sports, 2004
- Genre: Sports » Team » Football » Sim
Unfortunately, the DS version of Madden, despite some solid gameplay and innovative features, falls short of the franchise’s high standards.
But even with this in mind, the overall package didn’t turn out badly, and it’s at least a solid playing game of football that offers way more in gameplay than what the Game Boy Advance is capable of pulling off.
#11. MLB Power Pros 2008
- Release Data: Konami/2K Sports, 2008
- Genre: Sports » Team » Baseball » Arcade
All in all, there’s really only one thing to do in MLB Power Pros 2008: play a game of baseball.
Fortunately, it really gets this right. Good physics, responsive controls, and real MLB teams make matchups challenging and enjoyable.
The omitted modes are sorely missed, but this is still the best baseball game on the DS.
#10. Madden NFL 07
- Release Data: Exient Entertainment/EA Sports, 2006
- Genre: Sports » Team » Football » Sim
Certain aspects of the presentation could have been executed better, but these rough edges don’t sully the game all that much.
What’s most important is that everything that fans have come to expect is in here, from the real-world plays and celebrations down to the fundamental aspects that make you feel like you’re actually leading your favorite team to victory.
#9. Mario Hoops: 3 on 3
- Release Data: Square Enix/Nintendo, 2006
- Genre: Sports » Team » Basketball » Arcade
It’s short on modes and asks you to replay the same tournaments on multiple difficulty settings, but the core gameplay in Mario Hoops is pretty good.
Overall, if you want a unique basketball experience, or a fun game to pick up and play, definitely check out Mario Hoops: 3 on 3.
#8. Real Soccer 2009
- Release Data: Ubisoft, 2008
- Genre: Sports » Team » Soccer » Arcade
Real Soccer 2009 does a lot of things right.
There are a bevy of modes to play and the traditional controls are solid and responsive.
Furthermore, the AI is smart and will dominate you in a heartbeat if you don’t bring your best effort.
In a nutshell, Real Soccer 2009 is a solid portable soccer title.
#7. Inazuma Eleven 2: Blizzard
- Release Data: Level 5, 2012
- Genre: Sports » Team » Soccer » Arcade
Inazuma Eleven 2: Blizzard is a wonderful follow-up to what was already a fantastic concept, expertly blending an intriguing RPG adventure with some highly skillful touch-screen football fun.
With new features, a deeper story, stacks of objectives to complete and extras to unlock, as well as four-player matches, anyone that even marginally enjoyed the first title should get this.
#6. FIFA 08 Soccer
- Release Data: EA Canada/EA Sports, 2007
- Genre: Sports » Team » Soccer » Sim
The gameplay might seem a little lacking in depth and strategy when compared to the 3D sports games most players are used to, but in terms of handheld gaming it provides a fun experience.
So, if you’re looking for a classic game of pass-and-shoot soccer, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in FIFA 08.
#5. Inazuma Eleven 2: Firestorm
- Release Data: Level 5, 2012
- Genre: Sports » Team » Soccer » Arcade
The slow-paced football action works well when combined with extravagant special moves, while touring around Japan and meeting a range of quirky characters is a pleasure.
There are flaws, such as an over-zealous bombardment of unwelcome random battles and some shortcomings in presentation, but overall it’s another DS RPG/sports game that’s worth a shot.
#4. Madden NFL 08
- Release Data: Exient Entertainment/EA Sports, 2007
- Genre: Sports » Team » Football » Sim
The Nintendo DS rendition of Madden NFL 08 may not be as pretty or as intricate as the console versions are, but it’s a solid, feature-packed football game in its own right.
Furthermore, you’ll appreciate all of the improvements that this installment brings to the table, especially if you like competing against other people.
#3. Real Soccer 2009 (DSiWare)
- Release Data: Gameloft, 2009
- Genre: Sports » Team » Soccer » Arcade
On the whole, Real Soccer 2009 on the DSiWare is a good effort at a downloadable football game, with more content than you’d expect.
The inclusion of Wi-Fi Connection play would have made this title even better for DS soccer fans, but as it stands, this is still a recommended game.
#2. Inazuma Eleven
- Release Data: Level 5, 2011
- Genre: Sports » Team » Soccer » Arcade
Regardless of whether or not the real life sports holds any interest to you, rest assured the compelling storyline, overall charm and well-structured fantasy style football system will pull you in, creating an experience that RPG lovers will come to cherish.
#1. FIFA Soccer 09
- Release Data: EA Canada/EA Sports, 2008
- Genre: Sports » Team » Soccer » Sim
All in all, FIFA Soccer 09 is a must-have for Nintendo DS sports fans.
The simplified touch screen control system ensures that everyone will be up and running in no time with plenty of moves at their fingertips.
Simply put, don’t pass on this one.
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See also: Best GameCube Games & Best Wii Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which DS team sports game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
