Today, we’re taking a look at best DS games that have helped the console achieve its great popularity over the years. Nintendo’s original dual-screen handheld went out of production back in 2007, but the games still kept on coming even as newer revisions of the system were introduced. The interesting part here is that you’ll be able to play the titles listed below on the updated consoles like the DSi and 3DS models.
1. Mario Kart:
If it’s a Nintendo product, there has to be at least one Mario title on the list. Mario Kart DS is the fifth release in the combat racing series and it’s the first to support Nintendo Wi-Fi. Here, you’ll find many playable characters from the original franchise including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Wario, Bowser and Toad. You can dive into 5 different game modes including Grand Prix, Time Trials, VS and Missions.
Races take place on 30 courses and the title also offers mini-games and a Battle mode such as Balloon Battle and Shine Runners. In online multiplayer, up to 8 people can play together simultaneously.
2. Pokemon Black and White 2:
Nintendo’s handheld consoles are famous for their Pokemon releases. Black 2 and White 2 are basically sequels to the original and are set around 2 years in the future. Set in the Unova region, you’ll have access to various new locations which were unavailable in the previous titles. Like in all Pokemon games for the DS, you start off by acquiring your first Pokemon and set out to battle eight Gym Leaders followed by challenging the Elite Four and the Pokemon League.
On the way however, you will encounter various other things to do like stop Team Plasma and their dreaded plans as well as learn the mystery behind the Black Kyurem or White Kyurem, depending on which version of the game you get.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass:
Phantom Hourglass was launched back in 2007 and it is the fourteenth release in Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda lineup. The title takes place months after the events of The Wind Waker and it follows Link on an adventure while being lost at sea. The protagonist sets out to find a missing friend and defeat Bellum, the antagonist.
During your journey, you’ll spend a good amount of time at sea traveling to different islands, while you’ll also get to explore dungeons and other places on land. Movement and combat controls are carried out through the stylus on console’s second screen through simple gesture swipes. Multiplayer support has also been included.
4. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars:
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars earned a lot of praise when it was launched for the Nintendo handheld back in 2009. Unlike new titles in the GTA series, this one is more like the initial release which features a top-down view of the world, albeit the graphics are way better here. The game is set in Liberty City and it puts you in the shoes of Huang Lee who witnesses the murder of his father and sets out to ensure that his family regains control over the Triad gangs of Liberty City.
Like in all GTA releases, you can freely roam the world or play missions part of the narrative. Rockstar has also incorporated a replay feature which allows you to access complete missions, and co-op multiplayer support.
5. Professor Layton and the Curious Village:
If you’re looking for mind-boggling puzzles, then the Professor Layton series is amongst the most enjoyable on the DS handheld. And what’s better than starting off with the first release in the series? Curious Village made its debut in 2007 and it’s developed by Level-5. The main characters here are Professor Hershel Layton and his apprentice who set out to the village of St. Mystere to locate a hidden treasure.
The town folks will present you with a plethora of puzzles to solve which include brain teasers, mazes, riddles, sliding puzzles and logic. There are 130 challenges in total and many more can be downloaded with the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
6. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow:
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow is the first from the series to arrive on the DS. This title is the sequel to Aria of Sorrow and is one of the finest releases till date. The game continues to follow Soma Cruz, who’s the protagonist of the previous one as well. After killing Dracula and inheriting his powers, Soma somehow manages to refrain from becoming the next dark lord, but a mysterious cult isn’t happy with his decision and plans to resurrect the evil master once again.
This platformer also incorporates role-playing characteristics which include leveling up by gaining experience points and increasing statistics. You’ll even be treated to a good deal of weapons along with the Tactical Soul and Magic Seal systems. There’s the Julius Mode as well, where Soma becomes the dark lord. Here you’ll be able to play as Julius Belmont, Yoko Belnades or Alucard to stop the newborn evil.
7. New Super Mario Bros:
Super Mario Bros is certainly one of the most enjoyable and toughest titles in the series and Nintendo has taken things to a new level in the ‘New’ version. Along with fresh power-ups, bosses and moves, you’ll set foot in various new kingdoms to rescue Princess Peach. This side-scroller features 2.5D graphics and completely new experiences in 80 levels filled with secret locations and coins.
Nintendo has also included mini-games which offer around 20 playable environments that can be accessed along with up to 3 more players. Then there’s the Mario vs. Luigi mode where both brothers race through levels with a goal to collect the highest number of stars.
Conclusion:
Most of these best DS games were launched after the original handheld went out of production. Nevertheless, they will still run on the older as well as newer models. If you’ve got the original system, you can also play GBA titles, so if you’re interested in some enjoyable releases, head over to this link.