Tiny Screens, Big Possibilities
The Nintendo DS had a huge library, but it’s still fun to imagine how certain PlayStation classics could’ve worked on a dual-screen handheld. Come on, let’s be honest here—some games would’ve benefited from touchscreen menus, some would’ve looked great with smaller-scale visuals, and others simply had the kind of personality that could’ve made them exciting releases. Come with us as we share our top picks for what should have been in the pipeline!
1. Syphon Filter
Syphon Filter would’ve given the DS a tense stealth-action game with a more grounded PlayStation feel than most handheld shooters. Honestly, the biggest selling point is its slower, tactical pace; it would’ve suited the DS better than a twitchy action game.
2. Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid should have been on every console! It had the kind of sneaky, systems-driven design that could’ve worked surprisingly well on the DS. Not to mention, it’s easy to imagine tapping through codec conversations while Snake crawls through vents on the top screen. Basically, it would’ve been cool all around.
3. Gran Turismo 2
Gran Turismo 2 would’ve given the DS a serious racing showcase, and yet here we are. Alright, sure, the handheld couldn’t match the PlayStation’s presentation directly, but a smart portable version could’ve emphasized tuning, license tests, and quick races.
4. Silent Hill
We’ll admit it: a big part of why we wanted Silent Hill on DS is because we couldn’t handle it on a larger screen! In all seriousness, it could’ve leaned into mood, sound, and uncertainty rather than raw visual power. A smaller screen could’ve even helped the foggy streets feel more claustrophobic.
5. Alundra
Alundra would’ve been a terrific DS adventure! It has everything we wanted: puzzles, dungeons, and a dramatic story that could thrive on a handheld. Plus, a touchscreen could’ve made inventory use and all that note-taking much more convenient.
6. Bushido Blade
Bushido Blade could’ve been one of the most unusual fighting games on the DS, and that’s exactly why it should happen. When you think about it, the one-hit tension and open arenas were so different from standard arcade fighters that it’d be a great fit for quick matches, especially since every fight can turn around in a second.
7. Suikoden II
Suikoden II feels like it would’ve been a dream handheld RPG! The DS could’ve used the second screen to do all kinds of stuff, like track party members, army details, and relationship notes. In reality, a portable version would’ve made revisiting its political drama and massive cast feel even more inviting.
8. Xenogears
Okay, okay, we know—Xenogears feels ambitious for the DS. That’s no reason to count it out! We have a mix of martial arts combat, Gear battles, and dense storytelling, all of which could’ve benefited from a second screen. Even with simplified visuals, the game’s scale would’ve made it stand out.
9. Parasite Eve
Parasite Eve had a sharp blend of cinematic horror and RPG combat that, like it or not, could easily translate to the DS. The touchscreen would’ve helped with so much! We’re talking targeting, inventory selection, and managing Aya’s powers during tense fights. This one is pretty much a no-brainer.
10. Vagrant Story
With Vagrant Story, the weapon crafting and targeting systems are deep enough to benefit from extra screen space. We don’t know about you, but to us, it’s the kind of complex PlayStation classic that could’ve been more approachable with the right interface.
11. Ape Escape
Yes, we know that Ape Escape would’ve needed some creative control changes, but the DS still had enough quirks to make it an interesting challenge. Chasing monkeys across colorful levels? That sounds like exactly the kind of playful chaos the DS would’ve handled well.
12. MediEvil
MediEvil on the DS would have been a serious banger. We’d have slightly simplified gothic environments and a focus on its cartoonish personality, both on two little screens. And, the game’s tone would’ve been a natural match for quick handheld sessions.
13. Klonoa: Door To Phantomile
Klonoa: Door To Phantomile has the kind of bright, expressive side-scrolling design that would’ve looked awesome on the DS. Sure, the DS library had plenty of platformers, but Klonoa’s gentle style would’ve still felt special.
14. The Legend Of Dragoon
If only we had the flashy, traditional RPG we all wanted. Our biggest gripe is that the Addition attacks might’ve worked well with taps, making battles feel more hands-on without changing the whole structure. Though we’ll never know now.
15. Dino Crisis
Dino Crisis on DS could’ve offered survival horror with faster, sharper threats than your usual zombie story. Our breakdown’s like this: the lower screen would’ve been useful for maps, puzzle notes, ammo counts, and even emergency item use. A portable version might’ve also made its facility easier to navigate.
16. Tomba!
Tomba! would’ve been a colorful win for the DS because its quest-heavy platforming already rewards two things gamers love: curiosity and revisiting areas. Plus, let’s be real, its playful energy would’ve felt right at home on a system filled with creative handheld adventures.
KoshiMAX at Japanese Wikipedia on Wikimedia
17. Twisted Metal 2
We know what you’re thinking: who would want to play Twisted Metal 2 on such a small screen? We would have! The top screen could’ve handled the arena action, while the bottom screen showed weapon pickups, enemy positions, and damage details. Hey, we thought it was a good idea.
18. Wipeout XL
Wipeout XL could’ve looked slick on the DS if only it had been given the chance. The second screen could have focused on anything from ship status and weapon icons to a clean course map, all without cluttering the racing view.
Kitty the Random at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia
19. Um Jammer Lammy
Say what you want about it, but Um Jammer Lammy would’ve made a lot of sense on DS. Its weird humor and music-driven stages would’ve given the handheld something delightfully different, and somewhere, there’s an alternate universe where we had the chance to play it!
Lordcolus from Taoyuan country, Taiwan on Wikimedia
20. Brave Fencer Musashi
Brave Fencer Musashi would’ve brought a bright action-RPG style to the DS without feeling like a cut-down version of a bigger console game. The second screen could’ve tracked villagers, abilities, time, and objectives, which would’ve made its adventure structure easier to follow. It’s exactly the kind of cult favorite that deserved another chance.
