Today marks the tenth anniversary of the Nintendo DS’ launch in North America. Nintendo reports that over 945 million software units have been sold to the install base of 154 million (across all versions of the DS hardware).
Last year, we published a list of the best games on the handheld, and today we’re sharing that with you once more. Now’s the perfect time to revisit on of these gems on your original DS, 3DS, or 2DS. For more, check out our editors discussing the best of the DS.
[This feature originally appeared in Game Informer issue #243]
25. Korg DS-10 Synthesizer (2008)
This one technically isn’t a game; it’s a piece of software that emulates Korg’s popular MS-10 synthesizer. Korg DS-10 is a music-making program done right, with great options and effects, an intuitive interface, and the ability to save and share your compositions. For music lovers, this is a must-have.
24. Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective (2011)
Sissel has lost his memory. To make matters worse, he’s also dead. That’s the set-up for the story-driven puzzle game, which has players possessing various objects to manipulate the world and nearby characters. The premise is interesting, but Ghost Trick also has charm to spare thanks to the outstanding writing, music, and animations.
23. Mario Kart DS (2005)
Mario Kart doesn’t change drastically between installments, but you have to admire the series for its consistency. This installment has the solid racing, cool tracks, and crazy action of its predecessors, but adds online multiplayer. This lets players fire off those awful blue shells without worrying about any real-world repercussions.
22. Picross 3D (2010)
An addictive puzzler in the vein of Sudoku and Minesweeper, Picross 3D challenges players to chip away cubes from a larger block to crate an image (like a dog, rocket ship, etc.). This title moves the concept into 3D, producing more challenging and rewarding puzzles than its 2D counterpart (also on DS). It also has a cool puzzle creator for you to test your own designs.
21. Okamiden (2011)
Okami was a standout title on the PS2, and many elements from that game make the transition to this handheld follow-up - especially the drawing. As the young wolf Chibiterasu, players use the Celestial Brush to battle foes and interact with the world. The mechanic is a natural fit for the DS, and a perfect reason to revisit Okami’s charming style.
20. Trauma Center: Under the Knife (2005)
Without the advent of the DS touchscreen, a game about a supernaturally gifted surgeon might never have happened. Thankfully, we don’t live in that world. Under the Knife features demanding gameplay that players performing delicate operations like extracting glass, defusing bombs, and fighting off lethal bioweapons.
19. Tetris DS (2006)
No puzzle game has endured like Tetris. The title has appeared in different iterations on multiple systems, and it’s fun every time. Tetris DS continues the trend, with new modes (some competitive) that add new layers to the block-dropping formula. Messing with perfections is risky, but Tetris DS strikes the right balance between old and new.
18. Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime (2006)
Of all the Dragon Quest titles to appear on DS, the most engrossing is the one that strays the furthest from series tradition. Rocket Slime is an action/adventure that puts players in charge of a little blue slime who rescues his comrades. He also collects ammunition to use in huge tank battles, leading to a lot of depth behind that slime’s dopey smile.
17. Metroid Pinball (2005)
Metroid Prime Pinball isn’t the traditional Metroid experience many fans were hoping for, but holding a grudge is hard when the final product is so much fun. Engaging pinball elements blend seamlessly with the touchstones from the Metroid universe, creating an excellent (if unlikely) combination that appeals to fans of Metroid and pinball alike.
16. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials & Tribulations (2007)
Trials & Tribulations completes the initial arc of defense attorney Phoenix Wright. Your participation is mainly reading text and selecting items from a menu, but the compelling and hilarious courtroom drama makes this stand out as the best in the series. To enjoy it to its fullest, you should also play the first two – a prospect that should raise no objections.
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