NDS Top 20 Games

These remakes of the beloved Generation II games are widely considered the best Pokémon remakes ever created. They strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and modern gameplay, featuring the Pokéwalker accessory for portable monster companionship, improved graphics, streamlined menus, online functionality, and quality-of-life improvements that set the standard for future remakes. The games sold exceptionally well and represent the pinnacle of the Pokémon franchise on DS.

Often cited as "the greatest JRPG of all time," this DS port of the SNES classic is considered the definitive version. It features enhanced graphics, touchscreen controls, bonus content including new dungeons and story elements, multiple endings, and best-in-class gameplay mechanics. The adaptation for dual screens preserves everything that made the original a masterpiece while modernizing it for handheld play.

The highest-rated DS game on Metacritic (93), this fully realized GTA experience on a portable platform was groundbreaking. It brought mature content to Nintendo's family-friendly console with cel-shaded top-down graphics, innovative touch screen mechanics for crime syndicate gameplay, and proved that complex open-world games could work on handheld systems. The game delivers a new level of interactivity to sprawling open environments.

The third best-selling DS game with over 23 million units sold, Mario Kart DS set new standards for racing games with tight mechanics, memorable tracks, and smooth controls. It was the first in the series to feature online Wi-Fi multiplayer (supporting up to 8 players), retro tracks from previous games, and Battle mode - features that became standard for the franchise. The game demonstrated how well traditional Nintendo franchises could adapt to portable play.

GamesRadar called this "hands down the best Zelda game to play on DS" for its exceptional use of the touchscreen. This cel-shaded sequel to Wind Waker features entirely touchscreen-based controls where players draw paths for Link and items, navigate using the touch screen map system, and solve innovative puzzles that couldn't exist on any other platform. It made excellent use of dual screens and proved Nintendo's innovative hardware could reshape classic franchises.

Called "the best Mario-and-Luigi action RPG ever made" and praised for having "one of the funniest scripts from Nintendo," this is the best-selling Mario RPG on the system. The dual-storyline gameplay has the Mario brothers operating inside Bowser's body using touch screen, microphone, and stylus mechanics across both screens. It perfectly blends humor, action, and timing-based combat while reminding players "why you loved playing video games in the first place."

Digital Trends called this "perhaps the most unique JRPG ever made." It features groundbreaking dual-screen battle mechanics where players control two characters simultaneously using both touch and button inputs, stylish J-pop aesthetics, frenetic real-time battles, a nuanced and dark storyline set in modern Tokyo, and incredibly flexible battle customization. The game was truly ahead of its time and remains one of the most stylish games you can play today.

This turn-based tactical game is "exceptionally solid" and showcases brilliant dual-screen design that "nearly eliminates the need to pause" gameplay. The touch screen enables intuitive strategic planning across varied terrain types with tag-team commanding officers, special CO powers, and a robust map editor. It set the bar for tactical strategy games on handheld systems.

Called "one of the higher watermarks in the Castlevania franchise's storied history," this is the first DS entry featuring plenty of Metroidvania goodness with a huge interconnected map. The soul-absorption system allows strategic power combinations with hundreds of unique moves, magic seal touch screen combat adds innovative boss mechanics, and wireless soul exchange features demonstrate forward-thinking multiplayer design. It has excellent gameplay and improved visuals over GBA predecessors.

Praised for substantial improvements over Diamond & Pearl, Platinum features refined gameplay with a second Giratina form, new areas including the Distortion World, dual battles, WiFi Plaza features, and expanded content that made it one of the finest entries in the series. It represents the perfected version of Generation IV before the innovative leap to Generation V.

Considered to have the "best storyline of the series" with excellent minigames, this point-and-click adventure combines Carmen Sandiego-style gameplay with brain teasers. The series is known for engrossing stories, superb voice acting, stunning graphics, and unique satisfying puzzles. This third entry brought everything together with the most emotionally resonant narrative in the franchise.

The best-selling game on the Nintendo DS with over 30 million copies sold worldwide, this title refreshed classic 2D Mario platforming for a new generation. It features tight, responsive controls, level design emphasizing secrets and challenging jump sequences, 3D graphics in a 2D perspective, dual-screen challenges, wireless multiplayer cooperation, and innovative design elements that revitalized the 2D platformer genre.

This "gripping experience" blends interactive novel elements with escape room mechanics to create a suspenseful mystery with multiple endings. Players must solve their own murder using puzzle mechanics and careful investigation. The dual-screen design is integral to the plot in ways that shocked players, making it a defining example of how the DS hardware could enhance storytelling in unprecedented ways.

An exclusive DS title featuring cel-shaded visuals, WiFi compatibility, four-player multiplayer adventure gameplay, and a massive quest system. It emphasizes NPC interaction over linear quests with poignant, personal storytelling and customizable character classes requiring strategic party composition. The action-oriented battles by Level 5 developers brought fresh energy to the Dragon Quest formula.

The third entry completing the original trilogy, this game features the most compelling cases and character development of the series. Players analyze evidence and identify witness contradictions in over-the-top court cases with wit and humor. The trilogy represents some of the best writing on the DS, with intelligent puzzle design and memorable characters that defined the visual novel genre for Western audiences.

Called "one of the best rhythm-based games" where players control a trio who helps people in difficult situations. The stylus-based rhythm gameplay requires tapping prompts following absurdist mission narratives with pop-rock soundtrack variety. It's a uniquely Nintendo take on rhythm games with personality and charm that makes it endlessly replayable.

Features a "brilliant control scheme" and innovative gameplay mechanics where players solve their own murder through possession-based puzzle mechanics with stylus interaction. The supernatural time manipulation creates unique challenges, and the game demonstrates Capcom's mastery of creating engaging narratives with innovative touch-based gameplay.

These games advanced the series with improved visuals, entirely new Pokémon roster (150+ new species), triple battles, rotation battles, seasonal mechanics, Dream World integration, and ethical storytelling that questioned the Pokémon formula itself. The sequels (Black 2/White 2) are direct continuations set two years later with 277 catchable Pokémon and new locations, representing "two of the finest entries in the series" with substantial refinements.

The first portable Animal Crossing entry brought village management with real-time day/night cycles, customizable homes, and "fairly robust online mechanics" to handheld gaming. Players build friendships with quirky residents while the real-time clock mechanics create a living, breathing village. It demonstrated how lifestyle games could work perfectly on portable systems and sold millions.

HAL Laboratory's remake features "high production values and all the charm you've come to expect" from the Kirby franchise. This enhanced version of the SNES classic includes all the original content plus new modes, mini-games, and abilities. The variety of game modes and co-op play make it one of the most content-rich platformers on the system.