The Nintendo DS is one of the most popular handheld gaming consoles of all time, with a library of over 1500 games. With so many options, it can be difficult to decide which games are worth playing. That's why we've put together a list of the top 100 DS games, based on critical acclaim, popularity, and overall quality. Whether you're a long-time DS fan or a newcomer to the system, there's something for everyone on this list.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Released in 2007, this action-adventure game is a direct sequel to The Wind Waker and follows Link as he searches for a lost friend. The game makes great use of the DS's touch screen and microphone, and is widely regarded as one of the best Zelda games of all time.
2. Mario Kart DS
This 2005 racing game is the fifth installment in the Mario Kart series and features 32 tracks and a variety of game modes. It also introduced online multiplayer to the series, allowing players to race against each other over the internet.
3. Pokemon Black and White
Released in 2010, this entry in the long-running Pokemon series features a new region to explore and over 150 new Pokemon to catch. It also introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to rotate the camera and triple battles.
4. New Super Mario Bros.
This 2006 platformer is the first Mario game to feature 2D side-scrolling gameplay in over a decade. It features classic Mario gameplay, power-ups, and a variety of new enemies and obstacles.
5. Animal Crossing: Wild World
In this 2005 life simulation game, players move to a new town inhabited by anthropomorphic animals and must build a home, make friends, and participate in various activities. The game features real-time gameplay and can be played indefinitely.
6. Chrono Trigger
This 1995 role-playing game is widely regarded as one of the best games of all time. The DS version features updated graphics and additional content, including a new dungeon and ending.
7. Advance Wars: Dual Strike
This 2005 turn-based strategy game is the third entry in the Advance Wars series and features a variety of new units and game modes. It also introduces the ability to control two COs at once, allowing for new strategic possibilities.
8. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
This 2005 action-adventure game is the first Castlevania game to be released on the DS. It introduces the ability to capture and use enemy souls, which can grant new abilities and powers.
9. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
This 2005 visual novel game follows defense attorney Phoenix Wright as he investigates and defends clients in court. The game features a variety of quirky characters and plot twists, and has spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs.
10. Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
This 2009 role-playing game is the third entry in the Mario & Luigi series and features a unique gameplay mechanic in which players control both Mario and Luigi as well as Bowser, who must navigate his way through his own digestive system.
11. Kirby: Canvas Curse
This 2005 platformer is the first Kirby game to be released on the DS. It features a unique gameplay mechanic in which players use the DS's touch screen to draw lines that Kirby can use to navigate through levels.
12. The World Ends with You
This 2007 action role-playing game takes place in a fictional version of Tokyo and follows a young boy named Neku as he participates in a deadly game that takes place over the course of a week. The game features a unique combat system and stylish visuals.
13. Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis
This 2006 puzzle game is the sequel to the original Mario vs. Donkey Kong and features a variety of new levels and game modes. It also introduces the ability to create and share custom levels with other players.
14. Professor Layton and the Curious Village
This 2007 puzzle game follows Professor Layton and his apprentice Luke as they investigate a mysterious village and solve various puzzles along the way. The game features charming visuals and a variety of brain-teasing puzzles.
15. Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies
This 2009 role-playing game is the ninth installment in the Dragon Quest series and features a new character customization system and a variety of new gameplay mechanics. It also introduces the ability to play with friends over local wireless.
16. Metroid Prime: Hunters
This 2006 first-person shooter is a spin-off of the Metroid Prime series and features a variety of new characters and weapons. It also introduces online multiplayer to the series, allowing players to battle against each other over the internet.
17. Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Released in 2009, these remakes of the original Gold and Silver games feature updated graphics and a variety of new gameplay mechanics. They also introduce the ability to have a Pokemon follow the player character around on the overworld.
18. Kirby: Squeak Squad
This 2006 platformer is the second Kirby game to be released on the DS. It features a variety of new copy abilities for Kirby to use and a new system for storing items and power-ups.
19. Tetris DS
This 2006 puzzle game is a version of the classic Tetris game with a variety of new game modes and online multiplayer. It also features a variety of Nintendo-themed visuals and sound effects.
20. WarioWare: Touched!
This 2005 mini-game collection features a variety of wacky and bizarre microgames that utilize the DS's touch screen and microphone. It also introduces a variety of new characters to the WarioWare series.
21. Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day!
This 2005 puzzle game is designed to improve players' cognitive abilities through a variety of brain-training exercises. It features charming visuals and a variety of difficulty levels.
22. Elite Beat Agents
This 2006 rhythm game follows a group of secret agents who must help people in need by dancing to popular songs. The game features a variety of humorous scenarios and a unique gameplay mechanic in which players must tap and swipe the DS's touch screen to the beat of the music.
23. Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon
This 2008 tactical role-playing game is a remake of the original Fire Emblem game for the NES. It features updated graphics and a variety of new gameplay mechanics, as well as the ability to play with friends over local wireless.
24. Final Fantasy IV
This 2007 role-playing game is a remake of the classic Final Fantasy game for the Super Nintendo. It features updated graphics and sound, as well as a variety of new gameplay mechanics and additional content.
25. Sonic Rush
This 2005 platformer is the first Sonic game to be released on the DS. It features a unique gameplay mechanic in which players must switch between two parallel dimensions to progress through levels.
26. Kirby: Mass Attack
This 2011 platformer is a unique entry in the Kirby series in which players control a group of up to ten Kirbys at once. The game features a variety of puzzles and obstacles that require players to use their group of Kirbys in creative ways.
27. Mega Man ZX
This 2006 action platformer is a spin-off of the Mega Man series and features a variety of new characters and gameplay mechanics. It also introduces the ability to transform into different forms, each with their own unique abilities.
28. Kirby: Planet Robobot
This 2016 platformer is the most recent Kirby game to be released on the DS. It features a variety of new copy abilities for Kirby to use, as well as the ability to pilot a giant robot suit.
29. Mario Party DS
This 2007 party game is the eleventh installment in the Mario Party series and features a variety of new mini-games and game modes. It also introduces the ability to play with up to four players using a single DS system.
