The Nintendo DS library is deep enough that a “best of” list has to balance quality, originality, and how well each game used the handheld’s dual screens, touch controls, mic, and local wireless play. The strongest picks are not just famous; they still feel designed for the system in a way that later ports and remasters often can’t match.
Below is a ranked guide to the best Nintendo DS games of all time, with quick reasons to play each one and practical notes on which type of player will get the most out of it.
The Best Nintendo DS Games at a Glance
- 1. The World Ends with You — original action RPG built around touch-screen combat.
- 2. Mario Kart DS — elite racing plus local and online multiplayer value.
- 3. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver — the most complete classic Pokémon experience on DS.
- 4. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass — inventive adventure designed for stylus play.
- 5. Advance Wars: Dual Strike — tactical depth with smart dual-screen presentation.
- 6. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow — polished action-platforming with DS-specific mechanics.
- 7. Professor Layton and the Curious Village — accessible puzzle adventure with strong handheld pacing.
- 8. New Super Mario Bros. — essential platformer and one of the most popular DS games ever.
- 9. Kirby: Canvas Curse — touch-only design that still stands out among good DS games.
- 10. Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies — massive portable RPG with social features.
Top DS Games and Why They Stand Out
1. The World Ends with You
Few DS games feel as tailored to the hardware. Battles ask you to manage both screens at once, using the stylus for one character while monitoring the other, which creates a fast, unusual rhythm. It is one of the best DS game choices for players who want something bold, stylish, and distinctly handheld.
2. Mario Kart DS
This is the DS racer to beat because it combines tight controls, a strong track list, and excellent local wireless competition. It also helped define portable multiplayer on the system, making it one of the most popular DS games for short, repeatable sessions.
3. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
These are not just nostalgia-driven remakes; they are among the best DS games of all time because they expand the original adventure with a huge amount of content, improved pacing, and the beloved Pokéwalker tie-in. If you want a long-form RPG that rewards exploration, this is an easy top-tier pick.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Phantom Hourglass is a standout because it rethinks movement, combat, and menu handling around the touch screen. The stylus controls can be divisive, but they make the adventure feel purpose-built for the platform rather than adapted to it.
5. Advance Wars: Dual Strike
For strategy fans, this is one of the best NDS games because it gives you deep turn-based battles without sacrificing portability. The dual-screen layout supports larger maps and better tactical awareness, while the campaign remains welcoming to new players and challenging for veterans.
6. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
This is the DS Castlevania to play if you want fast action, exploration, and strong replay value. It refines the series’ handheld formula with responsive combat and a progression loop that makes it easy to return for a few stages at a time.
7. Professor Layton and the Curious Village
Among puzzle games, it is one of the easiest recommendations because its structure is clean: story segments, puzzles, and a steady sense of momentum. It works especially well on a handheld since you can solve a few challenges in short bursts without losing the thread.
8. New Super Mario Bros.
As a platformer, this game matters because it brought Mario back to his 2D roots on a modern portable system. Its level design is approachable, its challenge ramps well, and it remains one of the most recognizable Nintendo DS games for players who want something immediate and skill-based.
9. Kirby: Canvas Curse
This is one of the most creative original DS releases because nearly every movement and action flows through stylus drawing. The result is a game that feels different from standard Kirby entries and shows how the DS could support experimental design without losing charm.
10. Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies
Dragon Quest IX earns its place by delivering a full-scale JRPG that still respects handheld play sessions. Its multiplayer and customization systems make it unusually social for a DS role-playing game, and that combination keeps it relevant for players who want a long adventure with party-building depth.
Best DS Games by Player Preference
- For RPG fans: The World Ends with You, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, and Dragon Quest IX are the strongest picks. Choose TWEWY for action-heavy combat, Pokémon for monster collecting and exploration, and Dragon Quest IX for classic party-based progression.
- For puzzle players: Professor Layton and the Curious Village is the safest choice, while Kirby: Canvas Curse is better if you want puzzles folded into action.
- For action and platforming: Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow and New Super Mario Bros. offer the best balance of pace, precision, and pick-up-and-play appeal.
- For strategy: Advance Wars: Dual Strike is the essential recommendation because it uses the DS format without compromising depth.
- For multiplayer and social play: Mario Kart DS is the easiest pick, while Dragon Quest IX is best if you want cooperative RPG sessions.
- For games that feel most “DS-specific”: The World Ends with You, Phantom Hourglass, and Kirby: Canvas Curse make the strongest use of touch controls and the dual-screen layout.
How to Choose What to Play First
If you want the single safest entry point, start with Mario Kart DS for immediate fun or Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver if you want the biggest long-term adventure. If you prefer a game that could only have worked well on this system, start with The World Ends with You or Kirby: Canvas Curse.
Choose by session length, too. Short bursts favor Professor Layton, Mario Kart DS, and New Super Mario Bros.. Longer sessions favor Dragon Quest IX, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, and Advance Wars: Dual Strike. If you want the most complete snapshot of the platform, mix one RPG, one puzzle game, one action game, and one multiplayer staple from this list.