The Nintendo DS, with its incredible sales of 150 million units, deserves more than just a typical top 10 list. In all the years I’ve been with Destructoid, there hasn’t been an article that has given me as much trouble as this one. Listicles are difficult, whether it’s ranking family games or condensing a console catalog into just ten spots. Writing articles like this can cause a type of frustration that no review or impressions piece can. But I do it because of my love for the Nintendo DS. In my opinion, it’s the greatest gaming device ever created by the company.
The Nintendo DS offered a unique combination of touch and classic controls, allowing developers to revolutionize the way we play games and interact with them. It was a perfect blend of the industry’s past and future. The DS offered gaming experiences that couldn’t be found anywhere else. Games like Feel the Magic: XX/XY, Cooking Mama, and Scribblenauts wouldn’t have had the same impact if they were tied to traditional controls. This is what makes ranking the best Nintendo DS games such a challenge. It would be easy to create a list of ten exceptional traditional games and call it a day. Chrono Trigger DS would probably be at the top of that list. However, the DS was not a conventional system, and disregarding its greatest experimental or “blue ocean” titles would be unfair to the system. That’s why I expanded this list to 15, to ensure it encompasses a wider range of games. I consulted with the full-time staff at Destructoid to create a list that represents the best games of the Nintendo DS catalog for the website as a whole. So please understand that if your favorite game is not included, it’s not a personal bias.
Now, let’s dive into the list of the best Nintendo DS games, starting with number 15.
15. WarioWare D.I.Y.
WarioWare D.I.Y. represents every artistic or creativity app created for the DS. The DS provided an excellent platform for people to showcase their creativity with games like Art Academy, KORG DS-10, and the innovative Electroplankton. Developers saw the DS stylus as more than just a gimmick and created a suite of edutainment titles that made players feel like artists, animators, or musicians. WarioWare D.I.Y. went a step further by allowing players to create and share their own microgames. With an intuitive game creation suite covering art, animation, music, and design, WarioWare D.I.Y. was the ultimate artistic app and one of the best games on the DS.
14. Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure
Henry Hatsworth in The Puzzling Adventure is a prime example of how the DS created unique gaming experiences. Developed by EA Tiburon, this game combines platforming with match-3 puzzles. Players control Henry as he navigates different worlds while simultaneously battling enemies in a puzzle realm on the bottom screen. This game may have been aimed at casual players, but it offers a challenging and satisfying experience for hardcore gamers as well. Henry Hatsworth deserved more recognition than it received, but it was overshadowed by other popular titles released around the same time.
13. Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor
Atlus, known for its dependable games on the DS, delivered an exceptional tactical RPG with Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor. Developed by Career Soft, Devil Survivor offers excellent map design, extensive customization options, and incredible replay value with its multiple endings. This game stands out as the best in the TRPG genre on the DS, surpassing other great titles like Etrian Odyssey and Trauma Center: Under the Knife.
12. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Trials and Tribulations
Capcom’s Ace Attorney franchise found immense success on the DS, with Trials and Tribulations being the pinnacle of the original trilogy. Shu Takumi’s brilliant writing shines through in this game, with memorable cases and captivating characters. Trials and Tribulations introduced players to Godot, a cocky and coffee-obsessed district attorney who became a fan-favorite. This game is a must-play for fans of the series.
11. Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver
Considered the best video game sequels, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver do justice to the original Gold and Silver titles while offering new features and improvements. These remakes by Game Freak are a testament to their ability to maintain the essence of the classic Pokémon experience while introducing exciting new elements. The addition of the Pokewalker, a step-tracking device, added another layer of fun and interactivity to the games.
10. Nintendogs
Nintendogs perfectly embodies Nintendo’s blue ocean strategy, attracting non-traditional gamers with its unique experiences. As someone who never had success with virtual pets like Tamagotchi, I was instantly drawn to Nintendogs. It offered a digital pet ownership experience that came close to the real thing. I spent hours raising and caring for my pups, taking them on walks, and even engaging in conversations with my handheld. Nintendogs captured the hearts of many and remains a defining game of the DS era.
(Screen shots via MobyGames)
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Eugen Boglaru is an AI aficionado covering the fascinating and rapidly advancing field of Artificial Intelligence. From machine learning breakthroughs to ethical considerations, Eugen provides readers with a deep dive into the world of AI, demystifying complex concepts and exploring the transformative impact of intelligent technologies.
