Best DS Games That Never Came To Nintendo Switch

In many ways, the Nintendo Switch seems perfect for DS ports, given its touchscreen and portability. Games like Castlevania Dominus Collection proved that dual-screen gaming could work on a TV, while remasters like Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective showed how to remake a DS game for a single screen. Despite that, very few titles from the classic handheld ever made it to Switch.

Related

The Best Single-Player Games On Nintendo Switch

Every game you need to take with you on your next solo vacation.

While the Wii U offered a wide selection of DS titles through the Virtual Console, the Nintendo Switch, sadly, provided no alternative when the Wii U eShop closed in 2023. The following games, in particular, would have been incredible to play on Switch, but they’re still stuck in the past.

8

Super Mario 64 DS

An Ambitious Remake

Super Mario 64 DS

Systems

Released

November 21, 2004

Developer(s)

Nintendo, Nintendo EAD

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

ESRB

e

As a DS launch title, Super Mario 64 DS attempted to show off what the handheld could do, delivering a full remake of the iconic N64 game with three new playable characters, brand-new levels, and a diverse library of minigames. It’s remarkable to see such a huge 3D platformer running on DS hardware.

However, the game comes with one fatal flaw. Super Mario 64 simply doesn’t work with the DS D-Pad, which makes movement feel frustratingly restricted. A Switch remake could have solved this problem, but it wasn’t in the cards.

7

999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors

Survive A Psychological Murder Mystery

Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors (999 for short) is a nail-biting psychological thriller and escape room simulator. Nine strangers are abducted and trapped on a sinking cruise ship, where they must solve a slew of puzzles to escape. The gripping mystery, excellent characters, and adrenaline-pumping action never fail to keep you on the edge of your seat.

The game was remade as part of the Zero Escape: The Nonary Games collection, featuring revamped animations, polished visuals, and full voice acting. Strangely enough, the remake is available on all major platforms except the Nintendo Switch.

6

Kirby Super Star Ultra

A Stunning Reimagining Of A Legendary SNES Game

Kirby Super Star Ultra

Platformer

Fighting

Adventure

Shooter

Systems

Released

September 22, 2008

Developer(s)

HAL Laboratory

Publisher(s)

HAL Laboratory

ESRB

e

Kirby Super Star Ultra is a dream come true for long-time fans, remaking the classic SNES game with better graphics and brand-new modes, including Meta Knightmare Ultra and The True Arena. It’s also the first appearance of fan-favorite bosses like Galacta Knight and Masked Dedede.

4:40

Related

The Best Free Nintendo Switch Games You Can Play Today

The Nintendo Switch is home to fantastic games like Super Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild, but there are some great free-to-play titles too.

It’s a stellar remake and is widely considered a must-play Kirby game. Sadly, it was never ported or remastered on Nintendo Switch. You’ll need to settle for the SNES original on NSO, which is still an excellent game in its own right.

5

Sonic Rush & Sonic Rush Adventure

The Blue Blur At His Best

Sonic Rush

Systems

Released

November 15, 2005

Developer(s)

Dimps, Sonic Team

Publisher(s)

Sonic Team, Sega

ESRB

e

The Sonic Rush games were a saving grace during a rough patch for the Blue Blur, proving that the series could still deliver top-notch high-speed platformers. The duology is famous for introducing the boost mechanic, as well as the fan-favorite character Blaze the Cat.

The premise involves Sonic and Blaze traveling across parallel dimensions to stop Eggman from conquering the multiverse. Both games feature fun gameplay mechanics and even better music, but neither were ever ported to Switch. You’ll need to dig out your DS to experience these thrilling adventures.

4

Mega Man Star Force Series

Why Don’t These Games Have A Collection?

Mega Man has plenty of collections on Nintendo Switch, allowing you to play everything from the classic series to the Battle Network games. However, the Star Force titles are a different story. This RPG trilogy follows fifth-grader Geo Stelar, who dons the iconic arm cannon while investigating his father’s mysterious death.

Similar to Pokemon, each Star Force title is divided into two or three slightly different versions, so a hypothetical Switch collection would contain many editions of essentially the same game. Regardless, it would’ve been great to have a more accessible way to play the trilogy, given how rare these games have become.

3

Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story

The Plumber’s Greatest RPG

Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story

Systems

Released

September 15, 2009

Developer(s)

AlphaDream

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

ESRB

E For Everyone due to Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence

The Switch has no shortage of fantastic Mario RPGs, but it’s missing one of the best: Bowser’s Inside Story. The journey begins when the Koopa King accidentally inhales the Mario Bros., forcing them to explore his insides to find a way out. While the premise is a bit silly, the gameplay is some of the best in the entire series.

Related

The Best Visual Novels On The Nintendo Switch

If you’ve got a Nintendo Switch and you’re into visual novels, you’re in luck! The Switch has quite a few, and these are the best ones to check out.

When the game finally received a remake in 2019, it strangely launched for 3DS instead of Switch – a bit baffling considering you could already play the original on the 3DS. Since then, there have been no signs of a port or remaster on Switch.

2

Professor Layton Series

Delve Into A World Of Mystery

Professor Layton is the king of DS puzzlers, starring in four mystery visual novels across the handheld’s lifespan. The series follows the titular crime-solver and his apprentice, Luke, as they investigate England’s most perplexing mysteries, ranging from chilling murders to time-traveling kidnappers.

The series is known for its head-scratching puzzles, gorgeous soundtracks, stellar voice acting, and fully animated cutscenes. Given how many DS visual novels made it to Switch, including Ace Attorney and Ghost Trick, you’d think the Professor Layton games were a shoo-in. Sadly, not a single one ever made it over.

1

Pokemon Black & White

The Best DS Pokemon Games

Systems

Released

March 6, 2011

ESRB

e

The DS was an outstanding era for Pokemon, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Black and White. This duology was a big step for the series, introducing triple battles, a seasonal cycle, full-animated sprites, and a whopping 156 new Pokemon to collect. It was a massive deal at the time, and it’s still just as good today.

While Diamond, Pearl, and Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team all received remakes on Switch, Black and White weren’t so fortunate. It’s a shame that Switch owners missed out on such an incredible generation, but you can always dust off your old DS to replay these fantastic RPGs.

Next

10 Best Third-Party Games On Nintendo Switch

Here are the best third-party games on Nintendo Switch.