The Nintendo DS redefined handheld gaming when it launched in the mid-2000s, offering dual screens, touch functionality, and a groundbreaking library of games. With millions of units sold and countless iconic titles released, the DS left a legacy that few handhelds can match. In this article, we’re counting down the Top 5 DS games of all time, celebrating the titles that not only defined the system but continue to influence gaming today.
Whether you're a nostalgic fan or someone discovering the DS for the first time, these games are essential picks for any collection.
1. Super Mario 64 DS
Developer: Nintendo
Genre: 3D Platformer
Release Year: 2004
Super Mario 64 DS is a brilliant remake of the N64 classic, updated with additional content and redesigned to fit the Nintendo DS’s dual-screen setup. More than just a port, this version includes new playable characters—Yoshi, Luigi, and Wario—each with unique abilities that expand the gameplay possibilities.
Touchscreen mini-games, graphical improvements, and the ability to collect all 150 Power Stars made Super Mario 64 DS a standout launch title. The game's combination of classic platforming and DS-exclusive content made it an instant favorite and a must-have for any fan of the genre.
Why It’s One of the Best Nintendo DS Games:
- Faithful remake with added features
- Multiple characters with distinct playstyles
- Excellent use of the DS hardware
- Still holds up as a top-tier 3D platformer
2. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Developer: Rockstar Leeds
Genre: Action / Open World
Release Year: 2009
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars brought Rockstar’s massive open-world franchise to a handheld platform—and it didn’t pull any punches. Set in a stylized version of Liberty City, the game offers a top-down perspective that pays homage to the original GTA games while adding new features tailor-made for the DS.
From touchscreen mini-games like hotwiring cars and assembling weapons to a dynamic drug-trading economy, Chinatown Wars was filled with inventive gameplay. Its sharp writing, slick presentation, and deep mechanics made it one of the most ambitious and replayable DS games ever created.
Why It’s One of the Best:
- Open-world gameplay optimized for handheld
- Touchscreen interactivity enhances immersion
- Mature, gripping storyline
- Unique visual style that blends retro and modern
3. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Genre: Action-Adventure
Release Year: 2007
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass stands as one of the most creative and charming entries in the Zelda series. It followed the events of Wind Waker and embraced the DS’s touch controls fully. Players guide Link entirely through the touchscreen—slashing enemies, solving puzzles, and sailing between islands with simple taps and strokes.
The stylus-based gameplay was more than a gimmick—it felt intuitive and helped bring a fresh feel to the traditional Zelda formula. The game also featured clever dungeon design, with the Temple of the Ocean King acting as a recurring puzzle that changed over time.
Why It’s a Classic DS Game:
- Innovative use of the touchscreen for full control
- Memorable characters and beautiful cel-shaded art
- Balanced mix of combat and puzzle-solving
- Unique approach to dungeon exploration
4. Animal Crossing: Wild World
Developer: Nintendo
Genre: Life Simulation
Release Year: 2005
Animal Crossing: Wild World took the beloved life sim to a whole new level by bringing it to the DS—and by extension, everywhere you went. For the first time, players could connect with friends via Wi-Fi, share letters, trade items, and visit each other’s towns, paving the way for the series' community-driven focus.
The game runs in real-time, with holidays, seasons, and daily events that unfold naturally. Players customize their homes, collect bugs and fish, and build relationships with quirky villagers in a world that never stops moving—even when you're not playing.
Why It’s One of the All-Time Great DS Titles:
- Endless replayability and personal expression
- First Animal Crossing to introduce online play
- Calming, addictive gameplay loop
- Real-time mechanics that create a living world
5. Mario Kart DS
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Genre: Racing
Release Year: 2005
Mario Kart DS brought the thrill of kart racing to the palm of your hands—and did it better than anyone expected. It was the first Mario Kart game to support online multiplayer, setting the standard for portable competitive gaming.
With 32 tracks (including retro circuits), a wide variety of characters and karts, and the addition of Mission Mode for solo players, Mario Kart DS delivered both depth and fun. The game’s tight controls, iconic power-ups, and balanced gameplay ensured it became a staple on the DS and is still beloved by Mario Kart fans today.
Why It Belongs on This List:
- First Mario Kart with online multiplayer
- Diverse track selection with classic throwbacks
- Engaging single-player and multiplayer modes
- Accessible and endlessly fun
What Makes These DS Games Timeless?
When we talk about the Top 5 DS games of all time, it’s not just about nostalgia. These games brought innovation, depth, and replayability to a handheld console, pushing the boundaries of what portable gaming could be. They each:
- Leveraged the DS’s unique hardware (dual screens, touchscreen, microphone)
- Delivered strong content with long-lasting gameplay
- Helped define genres on a handheld platform
- Introduced features (like Wi-Fi play and stylus controls) that felt revolutionary
Whether you were adventuring through Hyrule, managing your island town, racing on Rainbow Road, or exploring Liberty City, these games offered experiences that felt just as rich as their console counterparts.
Honorable Mentions
While this list focuses on the top five, it’s worth giving a nod to other DS classics that nearly made the cut:
- Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver – The ultimate Pokémon remakes
- Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow – A gothic masterpiece
- Metroid Prime: Hunters – A first-person shooter with DS innovation
- Professor Layton and the Curious Village – A brain-teasing adventure
Final Thoughts
The Nintendo DS was more than just a gaming handheld—it was a cultural phenomenon that introduced players to unforgettable stories, characters, and gameplay mechanics. These Top 5 DS games of all time stand out as pillars of what made the system great. Whether you're revisiting them or diving in for the first time, they're guaranteed to deliver timeless fun.
