Best Nintendo DS Spin-Off Games

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Summary

  • The Nintendo DS revolutionized handheld gaming in 2004 with its unique features and backwards compatibility.
  • Spin-off games were often smaller experiences than their mainline counterparts.
  • The Nintendo DS was the second best-selling console of all time, behind Sony’s PlayStation 2.

For decades, Nintendo has been a leading force in the handheld gaming market. Starting from its early days, it has held a significant share. However, it particularly shone during the 1990s with its Game Boy series. But what really revolutionized portable gaming was Nintendo’s introduction of the groundbreaking Nintendo DS in 2004.

Featuring dual screens, touchscreen capabilities, and the ability to play Game Boy Advance games, the Nintendo DS was a groundbreaking device for portable gaming during its time. Despite being technologically advanced, handheld consoles were no match for the more powerful console hardware available at home. Consequently, when it came to adapting console titles for the portable platform, developers often opted to create spin-off games with a limited scope, and the DS had several excellent ones throughout its lifespan.

In simpler terms, a “spin-off” is a new game that’s related to a series you already know, often featuring different storylines or game mechanics compared to the original games.

Entries will be limited to one game per series.

9. Call Of Duty: Black Ops (2010)

Long Before The Days Of COD Mobile

Indeed, it’s true that the initial release of Call of Duty: Black Ops in 2010 did have a spin-off specifically designed for Nintendo’s handheld console, the DS. Interestingly, the first-person shooter series produced spin-offs for its mainline games on the DS from 2007 to 2011. Most of these spin-offs turned out to be quite enjoyable.

Similar to other spin-off games in the series that are designed for handheld devices, Black Ops offers a separate storyline but is set during the same Vietnam era as its console version counterpart. Players will navigate through locations like Cuba and Vietnam, using the same first-person shooter (FPS) gameplay adapted for the DS. The spin-off also introduced local multiplayer and even a rendition of the popular Call of Duty: Zombies side mode. Despite some difficulty in distinguishing distant objects due to the lower resolution of the DS, its visuals were still commendable for a handheld device. Additionally, using the console’s touch functions for general gameplay felt surprisingly intuitive.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but acknowledge that the handheld spin-offs didn’t quite match up to the grandeur of the mainline Call of Duty titles. However, it’s undeniable how impressively the DS games, particularly Call of Duty: Black Ops, managed to deliver content and polish. This game, in my opinion, truly shone and earned praise from its players for its exceptional performance.

8. Okamiden (2010)

A Spin-Off To The Artistic PS2 Classic

In simpler terms, “Okamiden” is a 2010 spin-off game for handheld devices, following from the popular PS2 title, “Okami.” It maintains the third-person action-adventure gameplay and distinctive, beautiful art style of the original game, but has been adapted to work on a portable platform.

The story is played through the eyes of Chibiterasu, the son of the original game’s protagonist.

In this new version, players embark on a fresh tale aimed at saving the nation of Nippon, maintaining the original’s distinctive emphasis on Japanese folklore and culture. The title is Okamiden, which effectively leveraged Nintendo’s innovative touchscreen capabilities through its “Celestial Brush” feature. This enabled players to pause time and draw using a stylus, modifying the environment in both combat and puzzle scenarios. The seamless integration of this touchscreen functionality with the game’s captivating hand-painted art style made Okamiden stand out distinctively.

As fans eagerly anticipate another primary installment for the series, playing _Okamiden_ as an interim option is definitely a rewarding choice. Much like its PS2 precursor, this spin-off showcases a one-of-a-kind and endearing blend of gameplay mechanics and visual aesthetics that will surely captivate players.

7. Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (2009)

A DS Adaptation For The Beloved Disney-Infused RPG

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days is an enjoyable portable spin-off from the cherished action role-playing game joint venture by Square Enix and Disney. It retains the enchanting, familiar allure that marked its PS2 counterparts.

In the same vein as previous games in the series, players control Roxas as he journeys through Disney worlds alongside Organization XIII members. The handheld version introduces an innovative mechanic called the “panel” system, enabling players to select their equipment and abilities according to the chosen panel, providing customization options and demanding strategic thinking for each fight.

Although it doesn’t heavily utilize the touchscreen of the DS console, the traditional hack-and-slash gameplay in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days feels very natural and comfortable. Visually, it isn’t too different from its PlayStation 2 versions. Overall, this portable entry in the series was praised for being enjoyable and visually appealing. It provides a convenient way to enjoy the classic Kingdom Hearts experience on-the-go.

6. Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime (2005)

Slimes Engaging In Tank Battles Is Pretty Fun

In the popular Role-Playing Game (RPG) series, Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime marks a unique departure, being the initial spin-off for the console in the series’ extensive history. Akin to its Japanese precursor, Slime Mori Mori Dragon Quest, Rocket Slime offers players an alternative experience by allowing them to control the franchise’s beloved Slime mascot instead of the traditional human characters from the mainline games.

Instead of the usual turn-based fights found in this series, Rocket Slime offers a more action-packed experience where players gather different components to construct tanks, participate in battles, and save their fellow Slimes. Similar to its predecessor, the game doesn’t heavily utilize the handheld’s touch features, but it effectively makes use of both screens to present an orderly gameplay and interface setup.

The game titled Rocket Slime is both distinctive and endearing in its entirety, often praised by Dragon Quest (DQ) enthusiasts who frequently rank it among the finest spin-offs within the Dragon Quest franchise.

5. Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire Of The Rift (2007)

The Tactics Spin-Off Series Comes To The DS

The series based on Final Fantasy’s Tactics is likely the most beloved among the numerous spin-offs, and Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift was an impressive adaptation for the DS. As a follow-up to Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, it retains the traditional aspects such as turn-based strategic combat and job systems, but this time around, it significantly builds upon these mechanics.

The story revolves around a boy named Luso, who is rescued by a clan leader named Cid following his mysterious teleportation to the realm of Ivalice. As he journeys, Luso forms a group and fights off foes to return home. The narrative pattern mirrors that of other spin-offs in the series, featuring strategic, turn-based combat on a grid. With over 50 character roles, each with unique abilities, gameplay is rich and immersive. Notably, for its western release in 2008, developers incorporated additional touchscreen functions, an improvement not present in the original Japanese version from the previous year.

Although it didn’t receive quite as much affection as the original PlayStation version, Grimoire of the Rift was warmly welcomed into the Tactics series and quickly became a top-seller in Japan during its debut week. To put it simply, when it comes to tactics games on the DS,

4. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers Of Sky (2012)

A Great Enhancement To The Previous DS Games

The game “Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky” is an upgraded version from 2012, based on the earlier “Mystery Dungeon” titles for Nintendo DS. By now, Pokemon has become a household name due to its trading card game, manga, anime series, numerous video game adaptations, and various spin-offs over the years. Among these, “Explorers of Sky” stands out as one of the top-notch spin-off games in the Pokemon universe.

Unlike many other series where you play as trainers, the Mystery Dungeon games give players the unique perspective of controlling a human transformed into a Pokémon. In these games, you lead a team of Pokémon on an adventure to explore dungeons and save fellow Pokémon. The combat system remains turn-based, enabling you to use basic attacks, moves, and items during battles with other Pokémon. Not only does Explorers of Sky incorporate elements from the first two games, but it also offers fresh content such as new locations, gameplay mechanics, and additional Pokémon to rescue and fight against.

Building upon the foundations laid by the initial releases, Explorers of Sky offers the ultimate Mystery Dungeon adventure on the DS, making it an essential game to play on this console platform.

3. Metroid Prime Hunters (2006)

A Downright Impressive First-Person Shooter For The DS

Metroid Prime Hunters” serves as an exceptional portable sequel within the “Metroid Prime” series, filling in the narrative gap between the initial installments that debuted on the GameCube.

Just as anticipated, gamers will assume the role of the legendary galactic bounty hunter Samas Aran, who embarks on a quest to unravel a puzzling telepathic message. The game maintains familiar FPS mechanics from the previous Metroid Prime console editions, yet manages to do so with minimal adjustments for the handheld device. However, its graphics are arguably its standout feature, garnering acclaim for being exceptionally impressive for the DS platform according to many reviewers.

In the mid-2000s handheld gaming world, Metroid Prime Hunters stood out as a remarkable spectacle, often hailed as the most visually stunning game ever released for the Nintendo DS.

2. Mario Kart DS (2005)

How Could Anyone Forget The Classic?

Despite not making the cut because it’s a remake (port), Mario Kart DS does qualify. It introduced the popular kart racing series, along with its beloved cast of characters and iconic tracks, on Nintendo’s latest handheld device.

In a surprising twist, the DS edition of Mario Kart offered an abundance of content – a mix of old favorites and fresh additions. It boasted 13 selectable racers, 32 diverse tracks, and all the familiar items and kart styles from past games. Notably, it debuted the Shell, Banana, and Leaf Cups in Grand Prix races. Additionally, this Mario Kart game marked its entry into the realm of online gaming, utilizing Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to enable multiplayer sessions with friends.

In much the same way as other games in the series, Mario Kart DS received widespread critical praise and was a major hit for Nintendo. This game, released in 2005, has since become the console’s third top-selling title, with an impressive 23.6 million copies sold. To put it simply, its timeless, proven, and downright hilarious gameplay in a portable format speaks for itself.

1. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (2009)

Reintroducing GTA’s Classic Top-Down View

For the first time on a Nintendo console since “Grand Theft Auto Advance” in 2004, we have “Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars” as the handheld entry for the franchise. This game revives the top-down perspective from the original series, but with a fresh, comic book-style art design this time around.

In the game titled “Chinatown Wars“, players step into the role of Huang Lee, a triad member who finds himself in Liberty City after being unexpectedly attacked and thrust into a conflict with other gangs inhabiting the city. The gameplay is similar to that found in the GTA series, with players having freedom to explore a slightly scaled-down rendition of iconic Liberty City. The game’s mechanics are primarily controlled via face buttons, but it creatively incorporates the touchscreen for its various minigames and functions such as the PDA and GPS.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d say I still hold GTA: Chinatown Wars in high regard, with numerous publications consistently rating it as the top DS game ever made. It was more than just a spin-off; it was a brilliant extension to an already acclaimed series.

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2025-03-26 10:35