Best games
Best Nintendo DS games of 2006
The 10 best Nintendo DS games released in 2006, ranked from 2,257 critic and player ratings.
The best Nintendo DS game of 2006 is New Super Mario Bros., with a critic score of 95/100 — updated September 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: 2006.
- 10 games are listed on this page, carrying 2,257 ratings between them.
- Rankings are recomputed hourly; this one was last rebuilt on 29 September 2026.
Top 10
01
New Super Mario Bros.
New Super Mario Bros. is a side-scrolling 2.5D action-adventure platformer game for the Nintendo DS, starring Mario and Luigi. The game features a solo story mode with Mario or Luigi, a two-player wireless game Mario Vs. Luigi, as well as a minigame mode for up to four players. The gameplay of New Super Mario Bros. is very much like that of the classic 2D platformers, mostly Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 3, and substantially builds upon them to create gameplay both classic and contemporary. As the game is on DS, the touch screen allows players to store an additional power-up and view the distance still to go in a level.
95
/100
02
Pokémon Diamond Version
Pokémon Diamond Version and Pearl Version are role-playing games (RPGs) developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. With the enhanced remake Pokémon Platinum, the games comprise the fifth installment and fourth generation of the Pokémon series of RPGs. First released in Japan on September 28, 2006, the games were later released to North America, Australia, and Europe over the course of 2007. Like previous Pokémon games, Diamond and Pearl chronicle the adventures of a young Pokémon trainer as he/she trains and battles Pokémon while also thwarting the schemes of a criminal organization. The games add many new features, such as Internet play over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and changes to battle mechanics and Pokémon Contests, along with addition of 107 new Pokémon. The games are independent of each other but feature largely the same plot and while both can be played separately, it is necessary to trade between them in order to complete the games' Pokédexes.
83
/100
03
Pokémon Pearl Version
Pokémon Pearl Version and Diamond Version are role-playing games (RPGs) developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. With the enhanced remake Pokémon Platinum, the games comprise the fifth installment and fourth generation of the Pokémon series of RPGs. First released in Japan on September 28, 2006, the games were later released to North America, Australia, and Europe over the course of 2007. Like previous Pokémon games, Diamond and Pearl chronicle the adventures of a young Pokémon trainer as he/she trains and battles Pokémon while also thwarting the schemes of a criminal organization. The games add many new features, such as Internet play over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and changes to battle mechanics and Pokémon Contests, along with addition of 107 new Pokémon. The games are independent of each other but feature largely the same plot and while both can be played separately, it is necessary to trade between them in order to complete the games' Pokédexes.
82
/100
New Super Mario Bros.
New Super Mario Bros. is a side-scrolling 2.5D action-adventure platformer game for the Nintendo DS, starring Mario and Luigi. The game features a solo story mode with Mario or Luigi, a two-player wireless game Mario Vs. Luigi, as well as a minigame mode for up to four players. The gameplay of New Super Mario Bros. is very much like that of the classic 2D platformers, mostly Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 3, and substantially builds upon them to create gameplay both classic and contemporary. As the game is on DS, the touch screen allows players to store an additional power-up and view the distance still to go in a level.
95
/100
02
Pokémon Diamond Version
Pokémon Diamond Version and Pearl Version are role-playing games (RPGs) developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. With the enhanced remake Pokémon Platinum, the games comprise the fifth installment and fourth generation of the Pokémon series of RPGs. First released in Japan on September 28, 2006, the games were later released to North America, Australia, and Europe over the course of 2007. Like previous Pokémon games, Diamond and Pearl chronicle the adventures of a young Pokémon trainer as he/she trains and battles Pokémon while also thwarting the schemes of a criminal organization. The games add many new features, such as Internet play over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and changes to battle mechanics and Pokémon Contests, along with addition of 107 new Pokémon. The games are independent of each other but feature largely the same plot and while both can be played separately, it is necessary to trade between them in order to complete the games' Pokédexes.
83
/100
03
Pokémon Pearl Version
Pokémon Pearl Version and Diamond Version are role-playing games (RPGs) developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. With the enhanced remake Pokémon Platinum, the games comprise the fifth installment and fourth generation of the Pokémon series of RPGs. First released in Japan on September 28, 2006, the games were later released to North America, Australia, and Europe over the course of 2007. Like previous Pokémon games, Diamond and Pearl chronicle the adventures of a young Pokémon trainer as he/she trains and battles Pokémon while also thwarting the schemes of a criminal organization. The games add many new features, such as Internet play over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and changes to battle mechanics and Pokémon Contests, along with addition of 107 new Pokémon. The games are independent of each other but feature largely the same plot and while both can be played separately, it is necessary to trade between them in order to complete the games' Pokédexes.
82
/100
04
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice for All
The second game in the popular court room battle series from Japan introduces four new cases featuring new characters, plot twists and gameplay features. Players resume the role of Phoenix Wright, a defense attorney who must prove his client's innocence against the toughest of odds and most ruthless of adversaries. Players must exercise their legal prowess as they collect evidence, examine witnesses, analyses testimonies and seek the truth to ensure that justice prevails.
80
/100
05
FIFA 07
Enhanced Xbox 360 version of FIFA 07.
72
/100
06
Need for Speed: Carbon
Need for Speed: Carbon, also known as NFS Carbon or NFSC, is an Electronic Arts video game in the Need for Speed series. It is the tenth installment and was the first game in the series to gain the PEGI rating of 12+. The game is a sequel to 2005's Need for Speed: Most Wanted.
70
/100
07
Rayman Raving Rabbids
Rayman Raving Rabbids marks the return of the iconic video-game hero, Rayman, in his funniest and zaniest adventure ever. When the world of Rayman is threatened by a devastating invasion of crazed, out-of-control bunnies Rayman must rise up against his furry foes to foil their wicked plans. Utilizing an array of amazing new abilities, and with the help of magical creatures, Rayman must break out all the moves to save his world from these delirious bunnies and their hare-raising antics.
70
/100
08
Final Fantasy III
Final Fantasy III is a remake and a complete overhaul of the 1990 version with the same title. This allowed western players to finally experience the classic Final Fantasy game localized for the very first time. The graphics are rendered in full 3D and various changes have been implemented.
64
/100
09
Pokémon Ranger
Pokémon Ranger is an action role-playing video game developed by HAL Laboratory and Creatures Inc. and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS video game console. The game was released at various dates, varying between continents. The game was first released in Japan on March 22, 2006 and was later released in North America and Australia during the remainder of 2006. The game's final release date was in Europe in April 2007. Pokémon Ranger is compatible with Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold and SoulSilver allowing players to transfer the egg of the legendary Pokémon Manaphy to those games. This game is set in the Fiore region.
55
/100
10
Pro Evolution Soccer 6
The Nintendo DS version of Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 includes gameplay modes like Exhibition Matches, World Tour (where players guide a team through matches against national teams), and a Cup competition. It features 57 national teams and 10 licensed clubs, though some player names are fictional due to licensing. The game supports local multiplayer via the Nintendo DS's wireless capabilities but does not include online play through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The controls are adapted for the DS, utilizing the directional pad and buttons without significant touchscreen integration.
51
/100
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice for All
The second game in the popular court room battle series from Japan introduces four new cases featuring new characters, plot twists and gameplay features. Players resume the role of Phoenix Wright, a defense attorney who must prove his client's innocence against the toughest of odds and most ruthless of adversaries. Players must exercise their legal prowess as they collect evidence, examine witnesses, analyses testimonies and seek the truth to ensure that justice prevails.
80
/100
05
FIFA 07
Enhanced Xbox 360 version of FIFA 07.
72
/100
06
Need for Speed: Carbon
Need for Speed: Carbon, also known as NFS Carbon or NFSC, is an Electronic Arts video game in the Need for Speed series. It is the tenth installment and was the first game in the series to gain the PEGI rating of 12+. The game is a sequel to 2005's Need for Speed: Most Wanted.
70
/100
07
Rayman Raving Rabbids
Rayman Raving Rabbids marks the return of the iconic video-game hero, Rayman, in his funniest and zaniest adventure ever. When the world of Rayman is threatened by a devastating invasion of crazed, out-of-control bunnies Rayman must rise up against his furry foes to foil their wicked plans. Utilizing an array of amazing new abilities, and with the help of magical creatures, Rayman must break out all the moves to save his world from these delirious bunnies and their hare-raising antics.
70
/100
08
Final Fantasy III
Final Fantasy III is a remake and a complete overhaul of the 1990 version with the same title. This allowed western players to finally experience the classic Final Fantasy game localized for the very first time. The graphics are rendered in full 3D and various changes have been implemented.
64
/100
09
Pokémon Ranger
Pokémon Ranger is an action role-playing video game developed by HAL Laboratory and Creatures Inc. and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS video game console. The game was released at various dates, varying between continents. The game was first released in Japan on March 22, 2006 and was later released in North America and Australia during the remainder of 2006. The game's final release date was in Europe in April 2007. Pokémon Ranger is compatible with Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold and SoulSilver allowing players to transfer the egg of the legendary Pokémon Manaphy to those games. This game is set in the Fiore region.
55
/100
10
Pro Evolution Soccer 6
The Nintendo DS version of Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 includes gameplay modes like Exhibition Matches, World Tour (where players guide a team through matches against national teams), and a Cup competition. It features 57 national teams and 10 licensed clubs, though some player names are fictional due to licensing. The game supports local multiplayer via the Nintendo DS's wireless capabilities but does not include online play through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The controls are adapted for the DS, utilizing the directional pad and buttons without significant touchscreen integration.
51
/100
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Nintendo DS game of 2006?
New Super Mario Bros. currently tops the ranking with a score of 95/100 across 402 ratings. Ranking updated September 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.