Why the DS Library Still Matters
The Nintendo DS library stands out because it supported a wide range of genres and made handheld games feel substantial without turning every release into a time commitment. Some titles delivered big, story-driven adventures, while others leaned into short sessions and smart touch controls that fit real life. If you’re looking for DS games that earned lasting praise and also put up serious sales numbers, this list covers the essentials.
1. Chrono Trigger
It moved about 1.10 million copies worldwide, which is impressive for a rerelease with serious expectations attached. Square Enix brought this legendary RPG to the DS in 2008, and it’s still an easy recommendation if you want a story that doesn’t waste your time. Crono and his party jump through different eras to stop Lavos, with the DS version adding extra content and refinements.
TheBigN2007 from DMV, USA on Wikimedia
2. Mario Kart DS
Released in 2005, this entry puts Mario characters into kart races across a mix of new tracks and classic returns. It sold around 23.60 million copies worldwide, which tells you how many people kept it in their case for years. The core hook is straightforward: win cups, unlock content, and use items at exactly the right time to sabotage your friends.
3. New Super Mario Bros.
Bowser Jr. and the Koopalings kidnap Princess Peach, so Mario runs, jumps, and stomps through classic side-scrolling stages to rescue her. Nintendo released it in 2006, and it landed as a modern “back to basics” Mario that still made room for new power-ups and secrets. Worldwide sales reached about 30.80 million, which is the kind of number reserved for games people recommend without hesitation.
4. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
These remakes landed in 2009 and managed to feel both nostalgic and genuinely upgraded, which is harder than it sounds. Game Freak and the team behind the series sharpened the pacing, expanded features, and gave you tons to do without bloating the experience. With roughly 12,720,000 copies moved worldwide, the demand clearly matched the love.
5. Pokémon Black and White
When these arrived in 2010, they weren’t afraid to shake up the Pokémon formula while still feeling like Pokémon. The new creature roster, stronger story focus, and more polished battles gave the DS generation a real late-era highlight. They sold about 15,640,000 copies worldwide, which is what happens when innovation actually lands.
6. Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
With about 17.67 million copies sold worldwide, this duo became a major DS-era staple for the series. Released in 2006, the story takes you through Sinnoh as you challenge gyms and push back Team Galactic’s plans. Online features and trading also helped the adventure stay active long after the credits.
The Pokémon Company on Wikimedia
7. Super Mario 64 DS
Nintendo launched this in 2004 and expanded the original adventure by adding more playable characters and additional content. The plot stays simple: Bowser steals the Power Stars, and you explore Peach’s castle to get them back. It sold around 11.06 million copies worldwide, which is a huge result for an early DS release.
8. Animal Crossing: Wild World
In 2005, this life-sim dropped you into a small town where your goals involve paying off your home, building friendships, and filling out a museum. Nintendo built it around daily routines, seasonal events, and a steady stream of collectibles. It reached about 11.75 million copies worldwide, making it one of the system’s biggest long-running time-sinks.
9. Brain Age
It sold roughly 19.01 million copies worldwide, which is an absurd number for a game focused on quick exercises. Released in 2005, it’s structured as daily training with short activities like math problems and memory tasks. Dr. Kawashima’s tests and progress tracking give it a clear loop that’s easy to return to.
10. Phantom Hourglass
Nintendo released this Zelda adventure in 2007, built around stylus controls that handle movement, combat, and puzzles. Link teams up with Linebeck to explore islands and dungeons while trying to rescue Tetra after a ghost-ship incident. It sold about 4.76 million copies worldwide, which is strong for a handheld action-adventure.
11. Spirit Tracks
Launched in 2009, this sequel follows Link as he travels by train and helps restore the Spirit Tracks that hold back a returning evil. Zelda plays a more active role, including assisting you as a spirit during puzzles and exploration. Worldwide sales reached about 2.96 million copies, showing the series still had plenty of momentum on DS.
12. Dragon Quest IX
Released in 2009, this RPG starts as a guardian who’s forced into the human world, where you search for eggs and uncover what’s happening to the realm. Character creation and co-op options help it stand out among traditional turn-based adventures. It sold about 5.5 million copies worldwide, which is a major handheld RPG result.
Bryan Ochalla from Seattle, WA, USA on Wikimedia
13. Layton: Curious Village
Released in 2007, this puzzle-adventure stands out because it treats its mysteries seriously while still keeping the vibe warm and charming. Level-5’s presentation, especially the animated sequences and music, makes solving riddles feel like a full experience instead of a menu of brainteasers. It sold about 3,170,000 copies worldwide, and it’s easy to see why so many people got hooked.
14. Layton: Diabolical Box
It moved around 3.88 million copies worldwide, which is a strong showing for a story-forward puzzle game. Released in 2007, the plot follows Professor Layton and Luke as they investigate a mysterious box tied to a professor’s death. The structure blends narrative chapters with touchscreen puzzles that reveal new clues and locations.
15. Layton: Unwound Future
In 2008, this entry pushes a higher-stakes mystery that centers on strange events in London and the idea of a “future” version of the city. The puzzle variety stays broad while the story leans more heavily into ongoing twists and revelations. Total worldwide sales hit about 3.02 million copies, which kept the series firmly in hit status.
16. Metroid Prime Hunters
Nintendo Software Technology released it in 2006, and it puts Samus Aran in the Tetra Galaxy, competing for powerful artifacts called Octoliths. Rival bounty hunters show up as recurring opponents, so the campaign is built around boss fights and shifting objectives. It sold about 1.08 million copies worldwide, which is solid for a handheld shooter in a traditionally niche series.
17. WarioWare: Touched!
This 2004 release is framed around Wario’s latest money-making scheme, which leads into a flood of touchscreen microgames. The whole point is rapid variety, with each tiny challenge demanding a different stylus action in seconds. It reached about 2.47 million copies worldwide, proving that short-form design can scale big.
18. Rhythm Heaven
Released in 2008, this game strings together rhythm microgames where you follow simple cues and nail the timing. The “plot” is basically a sequence of themed scenarios, each with its own rules and musical backing. It sold around 3.04 million copies worldwide, which is a great outcome for something this unusual.
19. Kirby Super Star Ultra
HAL Laboratory brought this to the DS in 2008 with a ton of content, bright visuals, and that classic Kirby feel that’s welcoming without being boring. It’s packed with modes, and the pacing makes it easy to play in short bursts or long sessions. It sold about 2,990,000 copies worldwide, making it one of the bigger Kirby successes of that era.
20. Tetris DS
Released in 2006, this version focuses on classic Tetris play while layering in Nintendo-themed modes and multiplayer options. The core objective stays the same: clear lines efficiently and manage speed as it ramps up. It sold around 2.74 million copies worldwide, which is exactly what a well-made portable puzzle game should do.
