Nintendo DS: 30 Games to Relive the Handheld Magic
The Nintendo DS. Just the name conjures up images of dual screens, a stylus furiously scribbling, and countless hours lost (in the best way possible) to its captivating games. While the console might be gathering dust on some shelves, the magic it held remains. This list dives into 30 Nintendo DS games that are worthy of a revisit, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane and a chance to rediscover some hidden gems. Whether you're a seasoned DS veteran or a curious newcomer, get ready to relive the handheld magic!
Action & Adventure:
1. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass: A seamless transition from console to handheld, this Zelda adventure utilizes the touch screen brilliantly. 2. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow: A classic Metroidvania experience perfectly adapted for the DS, offering deep exploration and challenging combat. 3. Metroid Prime Hunters: Experience the intense first-person shooter action on the go, utilizing the DS's unique controls. 4. Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon: A strategic RPG that expertly blends challenging gameplay with a captivating story. Perfect for those who love a good tactical challenge. 5. Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies: A massive RPG with stunning visuals and an engaging multiplayer component. Explore a vast world with friends.
Puzzle & Brain Teasers:
6. Professor Layton and the Curious Village: The first in a beloved puzzle series, this game captivates with its charming characters, clever puzzles, and intriguing storyline. 7. 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors: A visual novel with escape room elements, this game will keep you on the edge of your seat with its captivating narrative and mind-bending puzzles. 8. Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day!: A unique title that focuses on brain training exercises, a fun way to improve cognitive skills. 9. Meteos: A fast-paced puzzle game with addictive gameplay and stunning visuals. Prepare for hours of puzzling fun. 10. Picross DS: A classic nonogram puzzle game with hundreds of puzzles to solve, perfect for those who enjoy logic puzzles.
RPG & Strategy:
11. Final Fantasy III: A classic Final Fantasy title reimagined for the DS, offering a rich story and captivating gameplay. 12. Chrono Trigger: A timeless RPG masterpiece, brought to the DS with enhanced visuals and gameplay. 13. Golden Sun: Dark Dawn: A sequel to the beloved Game Boy Advance title, this RPG expands on the series' strengths, adding new characters and mechanics. 14. Pokemon Black/White: A significant step forward for the Pokemon franchise, with a vast world and numerous new Pokemon to discover. 15. Radiant Historia: A unique RPG with time-travel mechanics and a compelling story that will keep you hooked.
Racing & Sports:
16. Mario Kart DS: The classic kart racer on the go. Race your friends and compete in intense online battles. 17. Super Mario 64 DS: A reimagining of the beloved Nintendo 64 classic, perfectly adapted for the DS. 18. New Super Mario Bros.: A platforming classic offering a fresh take on the Super Mario formula. 19. Ridge Racer DS: Enjoy exhilarating arcade racing action on the go. Prepare for some intense drifting. 20. EA Sports FIFA 08: A surprisingly good football game for its time.
Simulations & Life Sims:
21. Animal Crossing: Wild World: A charming life simulator where you can create your own town and interact with adorable animals. 22. Elite Beat Agents: A rhythm game with a unique control scheme that'll have you tapping away to the beat. 23. Cooking Mama: CookStar: A cooking simulator thatโs surprisingly fun and addictive.
Other Notable Titles:
24. Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective: A unique puzzle-adventure game with a captivating story and challenging gameplay. 25. Advance Wars: Dual Strike: A turn-based strategy game thatโs both strategic and engaging. 26. The World Ends With You: A stylish and unique RPG with a captivating story and soundtrack. 27. Ace Attorney: Apollo Justice: The fourth entry in the acclaimed Ace Attorney series. 28. Rhythm Heaven: A fun and addictive rhythm game with a variety of mini-games. 29. Hotel Dusk: Room 215: A visual novel that uses the DS's dual screens to create a unique immersive experience. 30. Trauma Center: Under the Knife: A surprisingly intense surgery simulator thatโll test your skills.
This list only scratches the surface of the incredible game library the Nintendo DS boasts. So, dust off your old DS, insert a game cartridge, and get ready to relive the magic! What are your favorite DS games? Share them in the comments below!