Best Games in Nintendo Ds (2026)

The Nintendo DS remains one of the most beloved handheld consoles ever made, and its library still offers hundreds of hours of clever, charming gameplay. Whether you are dusting off an old cartridge or emulating on modern hardware, the dual-screen design created experiences you simply cannot find anywhere else. This guide rounds up the very best titles worth revisiting today.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How We Picked the Best Games in Nintendo DS

Choosing the best games in Nintendo DS means balancing innovation, replay value, and how well each title used the console’s unique touch screen and stylus. The list below spans genres from puzzle to RPG to adventure, so every kind of player finds something to love.

Before we dive into each pick, remember that a comfortable setup makes retro handheld gaming far more enjoyable. If you are playing on modern hardware, check our best portable gaming monitor buying guide to pair emulation with a crisp screen.

The World Ends with You: One of the Best Games in Nintendo DS

Square Enix built The World Ends with You specifically around the DS hardware, and it shows. You control the protagonist Neku on the bottom screen with the stylus while a partner fights on the top screen using button inputs. It is a demanding dual-brain challenge, but the reward is a fashion-forward, emotionally rich story set in a stylized version of Tokyo’s Shibuya district. The soundtrack is unforgettable and the pin-based combat system offers enormous customization.

Mario Kart DS: Multiplayer Perfection

Mario Kart DS introduced online racing to the series and delivered a massive selection of new and retro tracks. The addition of a Mission Mode gave solo players structured challenges, while the snaking drift technique added surprising skill depth for competitive players. Even years later, local multiplayer with Download Play means a single cartridge can entertain a whole group of friends. For long sessions, consider our best gaming headset buying guide to hear every drift and item.

Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Widely regarded as the finest Pokemon remakes, these games revisit the Johto region with modern touches while preserving everything fans loved. The Pokewalker accessory let you carry a Pokemon on a real-world pedometer, and the ability to have your lead creature follow you added charm. With two full regions to explore and hundreds of creatures to catch, it remains one of the best games in Nintendo DS for RPG lovers.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

Phantom Hourglass proved a full Zelda adventure could work entirely with the stylus. You move Link, swing his sword, and solve puzzles all by touch, including drawing notes directly onto the map. The Temple of the Ocean King acts as a recurring dungeon that evolves as you gain new tools. It is a bold experiment that mostly succeeds and shows off the console’s creativity.

Advance Wars: Dual Strike

For strategy fans, Advance Wars: Dual Strike is essential. This turn-based tactical game uses both screens to manage battles across two fronts simultaneously, letting commanding officers unleash powerful dual strikes. The campaign is lengthy, the unit variety is deep, and the difficulty curve rewards careful planning. It is approachable for newcomers yet endlessly deep for veterans. Pair it with a comfortable grip from our best handheld gaming grip buying guide.

Professor Layton and the Curious Village

Professor Layton launched a franchise by combining a charming mystery narrative with hundreds of standalone brain teasers. Every puzzle, from logic riddles to sliding blocks, is beautifully hand-drawn and voiced. The gentle pacing makes it perfect for short bursts, and the surprisingly touching story keeps you invested between challenges. It is one of the most accessible best games in Nintendo DS for all ages.

Kirby: Canvas Curse and Chrono Trigger DS

Kirby: Canvas Curse reinvents the platformer by having you draw rainbow paths to roll Kirby through levels, never touching a directional pad. It is inventive and joyful. Meanwhile, Chrono Trigger DS is the definitive version of one of the greatest RPGs ever made, adding new dungeons and an extra ending to a timeless classic. Both prove the DS could host genre-defining experiences. To keep any handheld powered through marathon sessions, see our best portable power bank buying guide, and for storage of your cartridge collection our best game storage case buying guide helps keep everything organized.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Games in Nintendo DS

Are Nintendo DS games still worth playing in 2026?

Absolutely. The best Nintendo DS games hold up remarkably well thanks to timeless gameplay, clever touch controls, and deep content. Many titles like Chrono Trigger DS and Pokemon HeartGold are considered among the finest in their genres, offering dozens of hours of enjoyment that modern releases rarely match at the same value.

Can I play Nintendo DS games on newer consoles?

Nintendo DS cartridges are backward compatible with the original Nintendo 3DS and 2DS family of systems, so those handhelds play the entire DS library natively. Beyond that, many players use flashcarts or emulation on PC and mobile devices, though you should always own legitimate copies of the games you play.

Which Nintendo DS game is best for beginners?

Professor Layton and the Curious Village or Mario Kart DS are ideal starting points. Layton offers relaxed, self-paced puzzle solving with a friendly tutorial, while Mario Kart DS is instantly familiar and fun in short bursts. Both ease newcomers into the console’s controls without overwhelming difficulty or complex systems.

Do I need the stylus to enjoy DS games?

Many of the best games in Nintendo DS were designed around stylus input, so having one greatly improves the experience. Titles like Phantom Hourglass and Kirby: Canvas Curse rely almost entirely on touch controls. However, plenty of games like Mario Kart DS and Advance Wars play primarily with buttons, so a stylus is optional for those.