The Nintendo DS, launched in 2004, remains one of the most iconic handheld gaming consoles ever created. With its unique dual-screen setup and touchscreen functionality, it offered a groundbreaking gaming experience that captivated audiences worldwide. The console’s innovative design allowed for creative gameplay mechanics, from stylus-based puzzles to in-depth simulation experiences, all of which catered to a wide demographic of players. Over its lifespan, the DS became a cultural phenomenon, eventually selling over 154 million units and paving the way for future portable gaming systems like the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Switch.
The DS’s immense popularity can be attributed not only to its inventive hardware but also to its extensive library of engaging and diverse games. Nintendo developed several genre-defining titles for the DS, and numerous third-party developers jumped on board to reach the DS’s growing audience. The console’s library included everything from platformers and RPGs to educational games and pet simulators, all of which resonated with players and kept them coming back for more. In this post, we’ll take a look at the top 10 best-selling Nintendo DS games of all time, each of which left a lasting impact on the gaming world and contributed to the DS’s legendary status.
10. Super Mario 64 DS
Release date: November 21, 2004
Developer: Nintendo
Units Sold: 11.06 million
Genre: Platform
Super Mario 64 DS brought the beloved 3D platformer from the Nintendo 64 to the handheld format, offering fans a new way to experience this classic adventure. With enhanced graphics, additional characters, and mini-games that made use of the DS’s touchscreen, this remake appealed to both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Players could control not only Mario but also Luigi, Yoshi, and Wario, each with unique abilities that opened up new gameplay possibilities and secret areas.
The DS version also included a multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete in mini-games and collect stars in real time. This added a social element to the game that wasn't available in the original. With its engaging gameplay, familiar characters, and impressive innovations, Super Mario 64 DS quickly became a must-have title, helping to solidify the DS as a powerful contender in handheld gaming.
9. Animal Crossing: Wild World
Release date: November 23, 2005
Developer: Nintendo
Units Sold: 11.75 million
Genre: Social Simulation
Animal Crossing: Wild World introduced players to a peaceful virtual life in a small village, populated by charming anthropomorphic animal neighbors. In this social simulation game, players could fish, catch bugs, plant trees, decorate their homes, and interact with villagers who had their own unique personalities. Wild World was one of the first DS games to offer online multiplayer, allowing players to visit friends' towns—a feature that became a hallmark of the Animal Crossing series.
The game's real-time clock and seasonal events kept players engaged throughout the year, as their villages changed with the seasons and holidays. With its relaxed gameplay and delightful world, Animal Crossing: Wild World became a cultural phenomenon and paved the way for future titles in the franchise, resonating deeply with fans of cozy and creative gaming.
8. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Release date: September 12, 2009
Developer: Game Freak
Units Sold: 12.72 million
Genre: Role-playing
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver are enhanced remakes of the beloved Pokémon Gold and Silver games from the Game Boy Color era. These games allowed players to revisit the Johto region with improved graphics, touch-screen features, and the addition of the Pokéwalker, a pedometer accessory that let players train their Pokémon on the go. HeartGold and SoulSilver gave players access to both Johto and Kanto regions, offering nearly twice the content compared to a typical Pokémon game.
These remakes included updated battle mechanics and new ways to connect with friends, making them a hit among both longtime Pokémon fans and newcomers. With its nostalgic elements and enriched gameplay experience, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver sold over 12 million copies and remain fan favorites to this day.
7. Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day!
Release date: December 29, 2005
Developer: Nintendo
Units Sold: 14.88 million
Genre: Puzzle
Building on the success of Brain Age, Brain Age 2 continued to captivate players with brain-teasing puzzles and mental exercises designed to keep the mind sharp. This installment introduced new activities, such as Piano Player and Word Scramble, which encouraged cognitive exercise in a fun, accessible format. The game's daily challenges and "Brain Age" test motivated players to train their brains consistently, making it feel like a daily mental fitness routine.
Brain Age 2 was part of the DS's strategy to appeal to a broader, often non-gaming audience. With its mix of educational value and entertainment, Brain Age 2 became a bestseller and helped to reinforce the DS as a platform for both games and brain training.
6. Pokémon Black and White
Release date: September 18, 2010
Developer: Game Freak
Units Sold: 15.64 million
Genre: Role-playing
Pokémon Black and White took players to the Unova region, introducing over 150 new Pokémon and a storyline focused on the ethical treatment of Pokémon—a refreshing twist for the series. These titles featured enhanced graphics and gameplay mechanics, such as Triple Battles and Rotation Battles, adding new depth to the traditional turn-based system. With these additions, Pokémon Black and White reinvigorated the series and pushed it into new territory, keeping it fresh for veteran fans.
The game also introduced the Pokémon Global Link, which allowed players to connect online for competitive battles and trades, expanding the social aspect of the franchise. Pokémon Black and White resonated with fans due to its narrative depth and gameplay innovation, solidifying its place among the best-selling titles on the DS.
5. Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
Release date: September 28, 2006
Developer: Game Freak
Units Sold: 17.67 million
Genre: Role-playing
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl introduced players to the Sinnoh region, adding 107 new Pokémon to the growing roster. These games featured updated graphics, new Wi-Fi capabilities, and the Global Trade Station, which allowed players to trade Pokémon with friends across the world. For the first time in Pokémon history, players could experience the thrill of online battles, which became a crucial aspect of the series going forward.
The games also introduced new mechanics, like Physical/Special attack differentiation, which added strategic depth to battles. With its fresh take on Pokémon gameplay, Diamond and Pearl quickly became fan favorites, paving the way for future DS Pokémon titles.
4. Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day!
Release date: May 19, 2005
Developer: Nintendo
Units Sold: 19.01 million
Genre: Puzzle
Brain Age was a revolutionary title designed to engage players in daily mental exercises aimed at improving cognitive skills. Inspired by the work of neuroscientist Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, the game provided puzzles and exercises that purported to help sharpen memory and attention. This title became a massive hit, especially among adults who may not have been traditional gamers, due to its perceived health benefits and easy-to-use format.
The success of Brain Age demonstrated the DS’s versatility as both an entertainment and educational device, opening up a new demographic and boosting the console's popularity around the world.
3. Mario Kart DS
Release date: November 14, 2005
Developer: Nintendo
Units Sold: 23.60 million
Genre: Racing
Mario Kart DS brought the chaotic fun of kart racing to the DS, allowing players to race against friends or AI in exciting, colorful courses filled with obstacles and power-ups. It was the first Mario Kart title to feature online multiplayer, which became a defining aspect of the game and increased its replayability significantly. Players could race against anyone in the world, enhancing the competitive aspect and encouraging friendly rivalry.
With its smooth graphics, thrilling tracks, and familiar characters, Mario Kart DS quickly became one of the best-selling games on the DS, showing just how much players loved portable racing fun.
2. Nintendogs (all versions)
Release date: April 21, 2005
Developer: Nintendo
Units Sold: 23.96 million
Genre: Pet-raising simulation
Nintendogs allowed players to raise and care for virtual puppies, using the DS’s touchscreen and microphone to interact with their pets in innovative ways. Players could teach their dogs tricks, take them for walks, and enter them in competitions, creating a pet simulator that was both charming and deeply engaging. The game’s use of the DS’s hardware was revolutionary, as players used voice commands and stylus controls to train and play with their pets.
With its unique appeal and ability to reach a wide audience, Nintendogs became a cultural sensation and remains one of the DS's most successful titles.
1. New Super Mario Bros.
Release date: May 15, 2006
Developer: Nintendo
Units Sold: 30.80 million
Genre: Platform
Topping the list is New Super Mario Bros., a game that brought Mario back to his 2D roots with updated graphics and fresh gameplay mechanics. Players loved the nostalgic feel of the classic side-scrolling platformer combined with modern graphics and controls. This game introduced new power-ups, including the Mega Mushroom, which allowed Mario to grow to enormous proportions and crush everything in his path.
Its combination of new and classic elements made New Super Mario Bros. an instant hit, appealing to both veteran gamers and new fans alike. Its immense popularity cemented Mario’s role as Nintendo’s mascot and set a new standard for platforming games on handheld consoles.
Each of these games made the Nintendo DS a powerhouse of fun, creativity, and innovation, drawing players of all ages into its world. Whether you’re nostalgic for these titles or discovering them for the first time, these games showcase the best of what Nintendo DS had to offer.