Zelda, Mario, Pokémon: An Objective Ranking of the Best Nintendo DS Games of the 2000s

While waiting for the new Nintendo Switch ,here is a list of the iconic Nintendo Games that Defined our Youth

Today, we’re focusing on the legendary Nintendo company, which is experiencing a new golden age with the record-breaking success of its Super Mario Bros. movie, the release of the new Zelda episode on the Switch, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and the highly anticipated release of Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

Introduced to the international market between 2004 and 2005, the Nintendo DS is the “little sister” of Nintendo’s legendary Game Boy. With its dual screens, including a touch screen, it was a significant revolution for its time. A strong competitor to Sony’s PSP, which was released at the same time, Nintendo’s dual-screen console managed to stand out and leave a lasting impression on the childhood and adolescence of many of us.

#10. Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training Program: How Old Is Your Brain? (2006)

Let it be known: releasing a game with that name is already commendable enough to earn its place in this ranking. The game theoretically allowed you to calculate your brain’s age through mini-games that challenged your cognitive and intuitive abilities. A game that has left its mark on entire generations and whose 3D digitalized face of Dr. Kawashima still haunts us at times during the rare instances of mental arithmetic encountered in our daily lives.

#9. Dragon Quest (2010)

A true institution in the world of video games, with the first installment released in 1986 and subsequently adapted for both Nintendo and PlayStation platforms, the Dragon Quest franchise shines for its classic appeal, embracing fantasy conventions with a colorful twist and an abundance of dragons.

#8. Animal Crossing: Wild World (2009)

Real revolutionizing the concept of time in games, Animal Crossing: Wild World evolved with the changing seasons and the time of day, bringing rain or sunshine depending on the in-game hour. The Nintendo DS’s innovative Wi-Fi technology, unprecedented at the time, was also cleverly utilized, allowing players within a certain range to visit each other’s villages.

#7. Pokémon Platinum (2008)

Few things have made us as addicted as the Pokémon franchise. Since its beginnings on the Game Boy with titles like Red Fire, Sapphire, or Emerald, the various Pokémon adventures have undeniably left their mark on our youthful years. Its introduction to the dual-screen format with the episodes Pearl, Diamond, and especially Platinum (the best one) has brought us lasting joy as we journeyed through the fictional city of Sinnoh.

#6. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (2007)

Longtime fans who had thoroughly enjoyed ‘The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker’ on the GameCube a few years prior were richly rewarded with the DS installment of Link’s adventures. The first game in the series to introduce an online multiplayer mode, it is undoubtedly responsible for the current excitement surrounding the game, which is reaching its zenith with ‘Tears of the Kingdom’ on the Switch.

#5. Mario Kart DS (2005)

Debuting in 1992 on the Super NES, the Mario Kart concept is probably one of those that has aged the best within the Nintendo stable. Today, it’s an essential title in a polished version on the Switch. Mario Kart also had its moment of glory on the Nintendo DS, introducing for the first time the iconic Bullet Bill and the Blooper, which hampers visibility. One small drawback was its almost non-existent use of the lower touch screen, which was limited to displaying the map, despite the potential for a much more engaging functionality.

#4. Professor Layton and the Curious Village (2007)

Undoubtedly the most stylish character in the history of Nintendo. Composed of puzzles and truly ingenious brain-teasers, the franchise of the hat-wearing gentleman has taken us from one adventure to another, from the mystery of the Golden Apple to the Master of the Mask. It offers not only simple and highly effective gameplay but, above all, brilliant storytelling.

#3. Nintendogs (2005)

Woof woof. There’s really no need to argue in defense of this game, which allowed all kids deprived of pets in real life to fully enjoy the pleasures of grooming and poop-scooping.

#2. New Super Mario Bros. (2006)

Of all Mario adventures, this is undoubtedly the one we cherish the most. This first episode on the DS holds the record for launch sales for a game on the console in Japan, and it’s well-deserved. While it deviates only slightly from the previous episodes on the Game Boy, with a 2D gameplay system, the DS version offers an aesthetic facelift to the early stages of 3D, giving the game the final touch before perfection.

#1. Chrono Trigger (2008)

Chrono Trigger is often ranked as one of the best SNES games, and the Nintendo DS version is the ultimate edition of this fantastic JRPG. Square Enix improved the translation, added new places and an arena mode, and even included a new thirteenth ending. Plus, it takes advantage of the DS touchscreen and lets you clear menus from the top screen.

It’s one of the greatest games ever, and it’s unlikely to be surpassed unless Square Enix decides to make a full remake. Even though the price has gone up recently, it’s still worth finding this version.