The Best Video Games Stuck On The Nintendo DS

The Nintendo DS is one of the most interesting handheld consoles ever released. Not only is it the only one to use two screens, but it also utilizes built-in touch mechanics and a microphone. This opened the door to some special entries in the console’s lineup that have since only ever been seen in that era.

Some games would spawn their own self-contained franchise for the console, while others offered the definitive way to experience a classic game. However, while some original games would become available later on, their remasters would remain trapped on the Nintendo DS system.

8 Pokemon Ranger

Capture On!

While the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon spin-off franchise would eventually move on from the Nintendo DS, Pokemon Ranger stays rooted within the system. This game switches up the rules of Pokemon by having it so you can’t catch Pokemon permanently.

Instead, you are merely calming them down and asking for their assistance to power up your Capture Styler or get rid of obstacles along the way. The whole game revolves around using the touch screen to draw circles around angry Pokemon without letting them touch the lines you draw. Considering the Nintendo Switch has both a touch screen and motion controls, it is surprising that Pokemon Rangers remains dormant and trapped in the Nintendo DS.

7 Kirby Superstar Ultra

Time For A Gourmet Race

The Nintendo DS has plenty of games for all ages and Kirby is one of the most enjoyable. Being able to copy abilities and float around the screen has always led Kirby to victory, whether you’re trying to get a piece of cake back or fighting the unimaginable cosmic horrors at the end of your journey.

Kirby Superstar Ultra is a remake of Kirby Superstar from the Super Nintendo Era. With updated graphics and using the touch screen interface, this is one game that has not been brought over to 3D. Race against King Dedede to eat the most snacks or play as Meta Knight to become the galaxy’s greatest warrior, with so many modes to choose from, it is a shame that the definitive version of Kirby Superstar is locked away.

6 Mario And Luigi Partners In Time

A Mario And Luigi Game Without A Remake

Mario And Luigi Partners in Time is the sequel to the original Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga. While the game didn’t take too much advantage of having a touch screen, it did take advantage of having a screen on the top for expanded battles.

This game is unique among the Mario and Luigi series since it brings together the baby versions of the characters who ride on their adult counterpart’s backs. They also have their unique abilities that help you explore more of each location. As the Mushroom Kingdom of the past is threatened by alien invaders, only the heroes of the future can go back and save the day.

5 Super Mario 64 DS

The Best Way To Play Super Mario 64

Super Mario 64 DS is almost an entirely new game with all the fresh content added to the original title. There are more rabbits that you need to catch to unlock special content, three new characters to play, each with their own unique abilities, and Yoshi, who can swap between all three hats to change shape.

This game also includes bonus levels not seen in the original Nintendo 64 game as well as a whole bunch of minigames that show off the touch screen. Is Yoshi feeling loved today? Can you beat Luigi at the casino? How about separating Bob-ombs? This game is the perfect combination of a long adventure as well as quick fun for small sessions.

4 Pokemon Conquest

Pokemon In The Feudal Era

Pokemon Conquest is one of the most experimental games in the franchise. It is also a Pokemon game that you can easily forget exists. This game has you moving Pokemon across a board to get them to strategic spaces. When you get close enough to an enemy, you can then attack it.

Like the mainline games, some Pokemon types are strong against others, which will affect who you choose to go after each enemy. There is also a whole new region and 17 kingdoms that need to be conquered. Each area provides unique obstacles, partners, and Pokemon. You will need to strategize and respond to your opponent’s every move if you want to unite the entire nation.

3 Elite Beat Agents

Tap To The Beat

Elite Beat Agents surfaced once during the Nintendo DS’s lifespan, then completely vanished from existence. The gameplay is as simple as it comes. All you need to do is time your taps to the beat and the icons that appear on the touch screen. This is a fantastic rhythm game with humorous scenarios going on in the background.

Is a babysitter being swarmed by kids she doesn’t want to take care of? Is there a child in need of reuniting with the ghost of their father? This is when the Elite Beat Agents are called in. Each scenario has multiple endings depending on your score.

2 WarioWare: Touched!

Touch To Win

WarioWare Touched is one of the best titles in the series due to the way it manages to utilize every game mechanic that the Nintendo DS has. When Wario’s Game Boy Advance falls into the sewers, an old man offers to give him back the console or a newer device.

Wario being greedy, decides to steal them both. However, using a console with two screens and no buttons, Wario starts cranking out microgames that force the player to sketch, slice, and tap their way to victory. This game also uses the microphone for some unique gameplay that requires the player to blow air to win. This innovative game was designed for the DS, so it makes sense that it can only be experienced on the handheld.

1 Super Princess Peach

Using The Power Of Emotions

Princess Peach: Showtime is not the only game where Princess Peach has taken center stage. In the Nintendo DS era, she was the star of her first handheld adventure, Super Princess Peach. This time, Mario and Luigi are both captured as Bowser attempts to create a summer home on Vibe Island.

Now, using the power of emotions, Peach must go through each level, find the missing Toads, and defeat bosses that block her progress. Vibes can be activated from the touch screen. Each one lets her do something different, such as floating through the air joyfully, becoming engulfed in burning rage, or unleashing the waterworks for some hydraulic puzzle-solving.