Skip to Content
Tier
Tier Your gaming journal
Get
Best games

Best Nintendo DS games

The 55 best Nintendo DS games, ranked from 11,450 critic and player ratings.

The best Nintendo DS game right now is Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, with a critic score of 96/100 — updated November 2026.

How this ranking is built
  • Games are ranked on the aggregated critic score out of 100 imported from IGDB and Metacritic, never on Tier's own grades.
  • A game only enters the ranking with at least 80 external ratings, so a single enthusiastic review never outranks a proven classic.
  • Community grades from F to S are shown next to every game, and only stated as a fact above 5 Tier ratings.
  • Release window covered: 1970 to 2026.
  • 50 games are listed on this page, carrying 11,450 ratings between them.
  • Rankings are recomputed hourly; this one was last rebuilt on 13 November 2026.

Top 50

Played them? Give your tier with the + next to each game. No account needed to try — create one to keep your tiers.

01 Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story S Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story 2009 · 149 ratings · 1 Tier vote Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story is the third game in the Mario & Luigi series of games. Players control Mario and Luigi simultaneously in the side-scrolling platform environment of Bowser's body, while also controlling the Koopa King himself in the top-down world of the Mushroom Kingdom. Similar to games like Earthbound, enemy encounters are seen as actual enemies that players can avoid or attempt to strike early. The actual battles are a combination of turn-based menu attacks, and timed reactions to enemies during battle. By watching the way an enemy reacts, you can anticipate their attack and avoid it or counterattack. 96 /100
02 Cut the Rope Cut the Rope 2010 · 94 ratings Cut the Rope is a series of physics-based puzzle video games developed by ZeptoLab for several platforms and devices. The objective of the Cut the Rope games is to feed candy to a little green creature named Om Nom while collecting stars. In each level, the candy hangs by one or several of the titular ropes which the player must cut with a swipe of their finger using the device's touchscreen. Using various objects such as floating bubbles and bellows, the candy must also be manipulated around obstacles to get to Om Nom's mouth. Each level pack introduces new challenges. Levels are scored with a zero to three star rating, according to how many stars the player picked up, and a point score depending on the number of stars collected and the amount of time taken to complete the level. Game received multiple award, for example: Apple Design Award 2011, British Academy Video Games Awards 2011 and many others. 93 /100
03 Professor Layton and the Unwound Future Professor Layton and the Unwound Future 2008 · 100 ratings As with previous Professor Layton games, Unwound Future is an adventure game where the player solves puzzles offered by local citizens to progress the story forward, through dialogue and around 32 minutes of full motion video. The player moves about the game through still images of locations. The player can use the DS touchscreen to tap on non-player characters to start a dialog or to obtain a puzzle, and also can search anywhere on the background for hint coins, with some areas needing to be tapped several times to reveal a secret hint coin or puzzle. Puzzles are brainteasers of many varieties, including visual, math, and logic. There is no time limit to solve puzzles, and the player can get up to 3 hints at a cost of one hint coin each; a new feature in Unwound Future is a "super hint", costing 2 coins, that can only be bought after the other 3 hints have been revealed, but that nearly reveals the puzzle's solution. If the player is correct in solving the puzzle, they gain a number of "Picarats", a form of currency within the game. Guessing the incorrect answer will reduce the number of picarats the player can get on subsequent attempts. Players can visit certain areas in order to play undiscovered or unsolved puzzles that are left behind as the story progresses. 93 /100
04 The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks 2009 · 194 ratings The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is the second Zelda game for the Nintendo DS. The art direction is still cel-shading, but the game have notable changes from Phantom Hourglass with more puzzles and a new mode of transportation by train. You have to draw your route to the next area on the map and then let the train run its course. While the train is moving, caution will be needed to avoid obstacles, animals and enemies on the tracks. In certain dungeons, both Link and Zelda will be playable as they will need to work together to solve puzzles. 92 /100
05 Mario Kart DS A Mario Kart DS 2005 · 415 ratings · 1 Tier vote Mario Kart DS is the continuation of the long running racing game series that began on the Super Nintendo. It features 16 new tracks as well as 16 tracks from the previous 4 games, with each set split up into the Nitro and Retro Grand Prix respectively. Eight racers are initially available, each with two go-karts to choose from. A number of characters and additional karts are also available to unlock. New items have been added to the arsenal, including a Blooper squid that squirts ink onto the screens of other players and a Bullet Bill power up that transforms the player into a giant, fast-travelling bullet on autopilot. 91 /100
06 The World Ends With You DS The World Ends With You DS 2007 · 105 ratings In the game, Neku Sakuraba and his allies are forced to participate in a game that will determine their fate. The battle system uses many of the unique features of the Nintendo DS, including combat that takes place on both screens, and attacks performed by certain motions on the touchscreen or by shouting into the microphone. Elements of Japanese youth culture, such as fashion, food, and cell phones, are key aspects of the missions. 91 /100
07 Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time 2005 · 130 ratings The famous Mario Brothers return in this sequel to the humorous Superstar Saga. In this adventure, Princess Peach takes a trip in a time machine, but when it returns, there's only a monster inside! The heroic brothers travel back in time only to discover that evil alien life forms known as the Shroobs have taken over the Mushroom Kingdom, and no-one is safe! They soon meet up with their younger selves, and set out to stop the alien menace, not to mention rescue the Princess! 91 /100
08 Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow 2005 · 116 ratings Draw the correct magic seal quickly, or your enemies will never die! Fight and explore through one of the largest castles ever seen in the series! Race another player through custom-made castle rooms in versus mode! A year has passed since Soma Cruz discovered the evil of Dracula hidden inside his body. Now, a mysterious cult wants to release the power of the Lord of Darkness. As Soma, you must do everything in your power to stop them before it's too late. 90 /100
09 Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story 2009 · 98 ratings 90 /100
10 The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass 2007 · 284 ratings The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is the first Zelda game for the Nintendo DS and a direct sequel to The Wind Waker. The art direction is the same cel-shaded style as the Wind Waker but is displayed from a classic top-down perspective. The gameplay is structured similarly to other games in the series and is divided into two major gameplay sections: sailing between islands and exploring the islands and their dungeons on foot. The touch screen is used to make Link move and attack instead of buttons, you can also make notes of secret treasures and items on the map simply by writing them down. The game received critical acclaim from reviewers, who agreed that the game was a worthy sequel to The Wind Waker. 89 /100
11 New Super Mario Bros. A New Super Mario Bros. 2006 · 417 ratings · 1 Tier vote 89 /100
12 Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars 2009 · 181 ratings 89 /100
13 Pokémon Black, White A Pokémon Black, White 2010 · 371 ratings · 2 Tier votes 88 /100
14 Professor Layton and the Curious Village Professor Layton and the Curious Village 2007 · 201 ratings 88 /100
15 Plants vs. Zombies GOTY Edition S Plants vs. Zombies GOTY Edition 2010 · 733 ratings · 2 Tier votes · finished by 21% 87 /100
16 GRID (2008) GRID (2008) 2008 · 531 ratings · finished by 6% 87 /100
17 FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS 2007 · 98 ratings 87 /100
18 Animal Crossing: Wild World Animal Crossing: Wild World 2005 · 156 ratings 86 /100
19 Pokémon HeartGold, SoulSilver S Pokémon HeartGold, SoulSilver 2009 · 357 ratings · 1 Tier vote 86 /100
20 Pokémon Diamond, Pearl Pokémon Diamond, Pearl 2007 · 351 ratings 85 /100
21 Super Mario 64 DS Super Mario 64 DS 2004 · 217 ratings 85 /100
22 Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia 2008 · 95 ratings 85 /100
23 Pokémon SoulSilver Version C Pokémon SoulSilver Version 2009 · 394 ratings · 3 Tier votes 90 /100
24 Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors 2009 · 199 ratings 90 /100
25 Pokémon Diamond Version Pokémon Diamond Version 2006 · 336 ratings 83 /100
26 Pokémon Platinum Pokémon Platinum 2009 · 278 ratings 83 /100
27 Pokémon Black Version 2 Pokémon Black Version 2 2012 · 196 ratings 82 /100
28 Chrono Trigger S Chrono Trigger 1995 · 494 ratings · 1 Tier vote 82 /100
29 Sonic Rush Sonic Rush 2005 · 89 ratings 82 /100
30 Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box 2007 · 108 ratings 85 /100
31 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney − Trials and Tribulations Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney − Trials and Tribulations 2004 · 197 ratings 81 /100
32 WarioWare: Touched! WarioWare: Touched! 2004 · 105 ratings 81 /100
33 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations 2007 · 186 ratings 84 /100
34 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice for All Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice for All 2006 · 192 ratings 80 /100
35 Pokémon Black 2, White 2 Pokémon Black 2, White 2 2012 · 180 ratings 80 /100
36 FIFA 08 FIFA 08 2007 · 108 ratings 80 /100
37 Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin 2006 · 93 ratings 80 /100
38 Pokémon Platinum Version Pokémon Platinum Version 2008 · 431 ratings 79 /100
39 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney 2005 · 313 ratings 80 /100
40 Ace Attorney Investigations - Miles Edgeworth Ace Attorney Investigations - Miles Edgeworth 2009 · 81 ratings 78 /100
41 Pokémon White Version Pokémon White Version 2010 · 285 ratings 80 /100
42 Kirby Super Star Ultra Kirby Super Star Ultra 2008 · 90 ratings 77 /100
43 Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days 2009 · 126 ratings 77 /100
44 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney − Justice for All Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney − Justice for All 2002 · 182 ratings 76 /100
45 Might and Magic Clash of Heroes Might and Magic Clash of Heroes 2009 · 89 ratings 76 /100
46 Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney 2007 · 137 ratings 74 /100
47 Mario Party DS Mario Party DS 2007 · 94 ratings 72 /100
48 Plants vs. Zombies Plants vs. Zombies 2009 · 676 ratings · finished by 40% 71 /100
49 Quantum of Solace Quantum of Solace 2008 · 133 ratings 67 /100
50 UNO UNO 2016 · 265 ratings · finished by 5% 66 /100

By genre

Best Action games on Nintendo DSBest Adventure games on Nintendo DSBest Arcade games on Nintendo DSBest Platformer games on Nintendo DSBest Puzzle games on Nintendo DSBest RPG games on Nintendo DSBest Strategy games on Nintendo DS

By year

Best Nintendo DS games of 2010Best Nintendo DS games of 2009Best Nintendo DS games of 2008Best Nintendo DS games of 2007Best Nintendo DS games of 2006Best Nintendo DS games of 2005

Other platforms

Best PC gamesBest PlayStation 4 gamesBest Xbox One gamesBest Mac gamesBest PlayStation 3 gamesBest Xbox 360 gamesBest Nintendo Switch gamesBest Linux gamesBest PlayStation 5 gamesBest Xbox Series X|S gamesBest iOS gamesBest Android games

Catalog statistics

Most abandoned gamesMost completed games

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Nintendo DS game?

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story currently tops the ranking with a score of 96/100 across 149 ratings. Ranking updated November 2026.

How is this ranking built?

Games are ranked on their aggregated critic score out of 100, with a minimum vote threshold so a single glowing review never outranks a proven classic; the Tier community's own F-to-S grades are shown alongside each game.