The Best Video Games Stuck on the Nintendo DS

The Nintendo DS is one of the most exciting handheld consoles ever released. Not only is it the only one to use two screens, it also utilizes a built-in touch mechanism and microphone. This opened the door to some special entries in the console lineup that were only seen in that era.



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Some games have spawned standalone franchises for consoles, while others have provided solid ways to experience classic games. However, while some of the original games will become available later, those remastered games will remain stuck on the Nintendo DS system.


8 pokemon ranger

Capture on!

Promotional art for Pokémon Ranger featuring both male and female playable characters.
via nintendo.co.uk

pokemon ranger

system

Super grayscale 8-bit logo

released
October 30, 2006

publisher
Pokemon Company, Nintendo

ESRB
E for everyone due to mild cartoon violence

The Pokemon Mystery Dungeon spinoff franchise eventually moved on from the Nintendo DS, but Pokemon Ranger remains rooted within the system. This is a game that changes the rules of Pokémon so that you can never catch them.

Instead, all you have to do is calm them down and ask for help to power on the Capture Styler or remove any obstacles in their way. The entire game revolves around using the touch screen to draw circles around angry Pokémon without them touching the lines you've drawn. Considering that the Nintendo Switch has both a touch screen and motion controls, it's surprising that Pokémon Rangers remains locked away and dormant on the Nintendo DS.


7 Kirby Superstar Ultra

Time for a gourmet race

Box art for Kirby Superstar Ultra and an image of Wing Kirby fighting a bird.

Kirby Superstar Ultra

platform game

go for it

adventure

shooter

system

Super grayscale 8-bit logo

released
September 22, 2008

developer
HAL Lab

publisher
HAL Lab

ESRB
E

The Nintendo DS has many games for all ages, and Kirby is one of the most enjoyable. Being able to copy abilities and float around the screen always led Kirby to victory, whether he was trying to retrieve a piece of cake or fighting unimaginable cosmic horrors at the end of his journey.

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Kirby Superstar Ultra is a remake of Kirby Superstar from the Super Nintendo era. Featuring updated graphics and a touch screen interface, this is a game that has yet to be brought to 3D. Compete with King Dedede to eat the most snacks, or play as Meta Knight to become the best warrior in the galaxy. With so many modes to choose from, it's a shame that the final version of Kirby Superstar is locked.


6 Mario and Luigi's time partners

Mario and Luigi games without remakes

A character collage from Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time featuring Mario and Luigi with Baby Mario and Baby Luigi on their backs, while Yoshi, Bowser Jr., Toadsworth, and more appear in the background.

Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time

adventure

puzzle

JRPG

Action RPG

system

Super grayscale 8-bit logo

released
November 28, 2005

developer
Alpha Dream

publisher
Alpha Dream

ESRB
E

Mario And Luigi Partners in Time is the sequel to the original Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga. While the game doesn't take much advantage of the touchscreen, it does take advantage of having the screen on top for extended combat.

This game is unique among the Mario and Luigi series in that it brings together baby versions of the characters that ride on the backs of adults. They also have unique abilities that help you explore each location further. With the Mushroom Kingdom of the past under threat from alien invaders, only the heroes of the future can return and save the world.

5 Super Mario 64 DS

The Best Way to Play Super Mario 64

Wario, Mario, Yoshi, and Luigi in front of Peach's castle.


Super Mario 64 DS

system

Super grayscale 8-bit logo

released
November 21, 2004

developer
Nintendo, Nintendo EAD

publisher
nintendo

ESRB
E

Super Mario 64 DS is almost an entirely new game with all new content added to the original title. There are more bunnies to catch to unlock special content, three new characters to play as, each with their own unique abilities, and even Yoshi, who can change his appearance by swapping all three of his hats.

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The game also includes bonus levels not seen in the original Nintendo 64 game and various mini-games shown via the touch screen. Does Yoshi feel loved today? Can you beat Luigi at the casino? What about isolating the Bob-ombs? This game is the perfect combination of long adventures and quick fun for smaller sessions.

4 Pokemon Conquest

Pokemon of the Feudal Era

Pokémon conquest covers featuring Nobunaga, Grodon, and Zekrom, and gameplay with a variety of Pokémon.


Pokemon Conquest

system

Super grayscale 8-bit logo

released
June 18, 2012

publisher
nintendo, the pokemon company

ESRB
E Mild cartoon violence, mildly suggestive themes for everyone

Pokemon Conquest is one of the most experimental games in the franchise. It's also an easily forgettable Pokémon game. In this game, you move your Pokemon around the board and into strategic spaces. When you get close enough to an enemy, you can attack them.

As with the mainline games, some Pokémon types are stronger than others, and this affects how you choose what to go after for each enemy. There are also brand new regions and 17 kingdoms to conquer. Each area comes with its own unique obstacles, partners, and Pokémon. In order to unite the entire country, we must develop strategies and respond to each other's every move.

3 elite beat agent

Tap to the beat

An elite beat agent poses showing off his badge in front of a blue background.

The Elite Beat Agents appeared once during the Nintendo DS's lifespan and then disappeared entirely. Gameplay is as simple as that. All you have to do is tap to the beat and time the icons that appear on the touch screen. It's a fantastic rhythm game set against a humorous scenario.


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Are you having kids flocking to babysitters that you don't want to take care of? Is there a child who needs to be reunited with his father's ghost? At this time, elite beat agents are called. Each scenario has multiple endings depending on your score.

2 WarioWare: I'm impressed!

Touch to win

In the microgame of Wario Ware Touched, two men are holding a rubber band in their mouths.

WarioWare: I'm impressed!

system

Super grayscale 8-bit logo

released
February 14, 2005

ESRB
E

WarioWare Touched is one of the best titles in the series due to the way it utilizes all of the game mechanics of the Nintendo DS. When Wario's Game Boy Advance falls into the sewer, an old man offers to return the console or the latest gadget to him.

Wario, being greedy, decides to steal them both. But Wario uses a console with two screens and no buttons to launch microgames that require players to sketch, cut, and tap to win. The game also uses microphones for unique gameplay where players must blow air to win. This groundbreaking game was designed for the DS, so it makes sense that it can only be experienced on a portable device.


1 super princess peach

Harnessing the Power of Emotions

Princess Peach cries out to Petey Piranha in Super Princess Peach for Nintendo DS.

super princess peach

platform game

go for it

action

adventure

system

Super grayscale 8-bit logo

released
October 20, 2005

developer
Tose, Nintendo, Nintendo SPD

publisher
nintendo

ESRB
E

Princess Peach: Showtime isn't the only game where Princess Peach takes center stage. During the Nintendo DS era, she was the star of the first portable adventure, Super Princess Peach. This time, both Mario and Luigi are captured while Bowser attempts to build a summer home on Vibe Island.

Now Peach must use the power of her emotions to get through each level, find the missing toad, and defeat the bosses that impede her progress. You can activate the Vibe from the touch screen. Each allows her to do different things, such as happily floating through the air, being consumed by fiery rage, or firing streams of water to solve hydraulic puzzles.

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