Best Mario Games On The Nintendo DS

Highlights

• Mario games on DS catered to both casual and hardcore gamers due to their varied genres and challenging gameplay.
• Fans await the potential revival of more titles from Nintendo’s iconic console.
• Titles like Super Mario 64 DS and New Super Mario Bros. were critical successes and showed the enduring popularity of the Mario franchise.

As a longtime fan of the Super Mario series, I wholeheartedly agree with this analysis. The nostalgia-inducing remake of Super Mario 64 DS and the fresh take of New Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo DS were truly groundbreaking for me as a gamer.

Almost every Mario game on the Nintendo DS is a recommended purchase for both casual and devoted gamers. Casual players were drawn to the variety of genres and levels of difficulty that the widely popular franchise provided. Meanwhile, dedicated fans who spent countless hours gaming appreciated the challenge offered by its platformers and RPGs.

It’s high time to open the old DS and play the best Mario titles on Nintendo’s iconic console if one hasn’t already. Here’s how every Mario release on the DS ranks up.

One significant point is that the primary Mario series has seen numerous releases since New Super Mario Bros., including spin-offs like Super Princess Peach which received a follow-up titled Princess Peach: Showtime! Additionally, Super Mario 64 was re-introduced as part of Super Mario 3D All-Stars. Given Nintendo’s history of republishing popular titles, it’s plausible that we might see additional Mario games for the Nintendo DS emerge from their archives in the future.

To make this list accessible, the table below lists all Mario Nintendo DS games covered by this list.

17 Itadaki Street DS (2007)

Japan-Exclusive Dragon Quest X Mario Monopoly Crossover

In “Itadaki Street” (also known as “Fortune Street”), cherished characters from “Dragon Quest” and “Mario” come together for a digital board game experience. Drawing inspiration from the classic game “Monopoly”, players can invest in and trade stocks on property spaces, influencing their worth. The excitement stems from maneuvering the market and amassing enough wealth to emerge victorious by visiting the bank at the end of the game.

Regrettably, while both “Super Mario” and “Dragon Quest” are widely loved, they can only be played exclusively on the Nintendo DS in Japan. However, supporters of these franchises will be glad to know that “Itadaki Street” has an English version available on the Wii.

16 Dr. Mario Express (2009)

Classic Dr. Mario Tetris-Like Puzzle Gameplay

The most recent game featuring Dr. Mario was launched in 2019, marking a ten-year gap since the exclusive release of Dr. Mario Express on the DSi. Known as “A Little Bit of… Dr. Mario” in Australia and Europe, Dr. Mario Express was the inaugural Dr. Mario title for the Nintendo DS Lite. It was one of only two Dr. Mario games developed for any model of the DS console; the second being Dr. Mario: Miracle Cure, released on the Nintendo 3DS in 2015.

Dr. Mario Express brings the traditional one-player challenge of Dr. Mario in a touchscreen format. The Classic mode and CPU vs. mode offer varying levels of complexity and speed for experienced players, but its lack of multiplayer functionality and console ports may hinder it from achieving the popularity it should have.

15 Mario Vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again! (2009)

Outmaneuver Donkey Kong In Puzzle Programming Game

Title “Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini’s March Once More” introduces mini versions of characters like Princess Peach, Toad, and Donkey Kong into the gameplay mix. In this DSi version, players are required to collect all stage or floor-ending bonuses in order to progress. At the conclusion of each floor, you’ll encounter Donkey Kong who must be defeated by launching Mini’s at him.

For those with a knack for creativity, “Minis March Again” provides the Creative Workshop. While this level editor may be less sophisticated than the renowned “Super Mario Maker”, it still packs enough complexity to accommodate 140 stages.

14 Mario Hoops: 3-On-3 (2006)

Fun Mascot DS Basketball Action

As a dedicated fan, I’ve always appreciated the unique blend that Mario Hoops: 3-on-3 brought to the table, unlike its counterparts who received solo sports sequels. It masterfully merged basketball rules with the exciting elements of Mario Party and Kart, offering an unparalleled gaming experience. The game allowed us players to shatter ?-panels for items and coins, all while nailing dunks from close range or long-range shots. The multiplayer aspect, when available, added depth to the various game modes it supported, making each match even more enjoyable.

Characters from Final Fantasy were also included, offering a variety of stylish costumes. Although the game did have some peculiarities, it was often perceived as just another gimmicky Mario-style game.

13 Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games (2008)

Enjoyable Party Game With Big Mascots

Instead of using motion controls on the Nintendo Wii, the DS version of Mario & Sonic switched to touchscreen gestures like swipes, taps, and drawing. While it still offered multiplayer options, gamers noted that the DS sacrificed portability for a more engaging gaming experience compared to the Wii.

Some people who assessed and played the game found that sticking too closely to Olympic rules took away some of the enjoyment. However, it still garnered enough interest for a follow-up. Furthermore, the success of games like “Mario & Sonic,” “Mario + Rabbids,” and “Mario vs. Kong” demonstrates that Mario is capable of competing with other prominent franchises.

12 Mario Party DS (2007)

Closest To Mario Party Mobile

Similar to how the Mario Olympics games adapted for portability, Mario Party DS swapped out traditional gameplay for a more mobile experience. However, it allowed up to four players to share a single game card wirelessly. The microphone, touch screen, and buttons were all put to good use in both solo and split-screen challenges.

Simultaneously, its single-player experience proved unexpectedly engaging, turning the game into a delight to play on your own. With over 70 mini-games available, players could enjoy a wide range of activities when navigating Party and Minigame Modes.

11 Yoshi Touch & Go (2005)

Fun Mario Game To Play With Kids

In the mini-game style auto-runner of Yoshi Touch & Go, players would safeguard Baby Mario by tapping strategically to dodge hazards, adversaries, and treacherous terrains.

Originally conceived as a demo, I found that this game lacks a traditional narrative structure. However, what it lacks in storytelling, it more than makes up for with its diverse modes. You can easily switch between these modes at your leisure. Interestingly enough, it also features a competitive VS. mode where two players can race each other on different tracks to determine who reaches the finish line first.

10 Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Winter Games (2009)

Iconic Mario Vs. Sonic Game Turn To Winter Sports

The Mario-themed sports game made enhancements to its formula by introducing a winter sports theme on the Nintendo DS. Similarly to the initial Olympic title, it adhered tightly to rules and focused heavily on presentation, given that it was an officially licensed game for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

Strict rule following was softened by an Adventure Tour that showcased various tales from the Mario and Sonic universe. The multiplayer feature was reintroduced, adding longevity to the game’s mini-games.

The game directly beneath “Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis” is there because it introduced mechanics that were carried over to later titles. Notably, the ability for players to design their own levels was a key feature in “Super Mario Maker”. Even though the “Mario & Sonic Olympic Games” series had sequels, during the same period, the Mario franchise released superior multiplayer games.

9 Mario Vs. Donkey Kong 2: March Of The Minis (2006)

Lemmings-Like Programming Puzzle Game

In this follow-up, the Mini-Marios, who were key figures in the Game Boy Advance precursor, became the central puzzle elements. Players interact with the game by using the touch screen to move the Mini-Marios and modify their surroundings to guide as many of them as possible towards the exit. Various obstacles such as barriers, chasms, and even other Marios obstructed the wind-ups’ paths.

As a devoted fan, I’d say that “My Journey with the Mini Mavens” catered more towards patient and strategic puzzle enthusiasts instead of rapid-fire swipers. While the puzzles weren’t exceptionally complex, the built-in level design tool empowered players to create their own intricate challenges.

8 Super Princess Peach (2005)

Princess Peach: Showtime Found Its Roots Here

In 2024, it was Princess Peach’s turn to take center stage once more in a new Mario game, marking almost two decades since her last leading role. Fans have eagerly awaited this development, which may have been sparked by the box-office success of the 2023 Super Mario Bros. film.

2005’s title showcased Peach rescuing Mario, Luigi, and Toad from Bowser with the help of the Vibe system. By activating Joy, Rage, Gloom, and Calm, players enabled abilities that assisted Peach in solving puzzles and overcoming adversaries. Additionally, Perry, a talking umbrella, provided aid by transforming into various transportation methods for Peach.

7 Yoshi’s Island DS (2006)

Perfectly Simple Gameplay For Commuting

The Nintendo DS version of “Yoshi’s Island” was an up-to-date adaptation designed for modern times. Instead of just Baby Luigi, various babies could be saved, and the stages appeared simultaneously on both screens. Additionally, the control system featured two settings tailored to cater to diverse playstyles.

In Yoshi’s game, Yoshi demonstrated the gameplay and transformations, while the babies showcased distinctive skills. The necessity of switching babies at Stork Stops was emphasized due to these special abilities. Yoshi’s utilization of enemies as weapons, the babies’ enhanced mobility skills, the formation of combos, and combat strategies, along with creative levels, added a layer of strategy to this game.

Despite Yoshi’s Island outscoring several games further down the list, it falls in the mid-tier of Mario games. Although an impressive reboot of a classic game, other games on this list showcased more significant advancements as remakes. Some titles introduced unique mechanics tailored for the DS or presented innovative gameplay that set new standards.

6 Mario Vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem (2010)

Action Puzzle Platformer With Dynamic Level Editor

A significant factor behind the popularity of this game is Nintendo’s challenge mode, where both players and aspiring level designers create levels based on themes provided by Nintendo within the Construction Zone of Mini-Land Mayhem. These levels are selected periodically by Nintendo for other players to vote on in an online poll.

The foundation for the success of both Super Mario Maker 1 and 2 was undeniably laid by its user-friendly design, interactive features, and robust construction element. Beyond that, the core game is an enhanced version of the earlier Mini game, but with a greater emphasis on creating a secure route for the Mini-Marios instead.

5 Mario Kart DS (2005)

Limited Remake Of Classic Mario Kart Title

In the instance of Mario Kart DS, the portability offered through its Wii controls was beneficial. As one of the initial Nintendo DS games to support online play, it opened up the path for multiplayer gaming in the Mario Kart series. Additionally, the DS Download Play feature enabled players to compete against up to eight opponents, rather than being limited to four when using Wi-Fi.

As a devoted gamer, I couldn’t resist diving back into the game over and over again, all thanks to the thrilling Mission mode. This special feature offered me a fresh perspective with each playthrough, as it introduced brand-new levels and challenges on distinctive tracks that were only accessible through this mode.

As a dedicated fan, I’d say my experience with Mario Kart DS wasn’t as stellar as other versions due to its shortcomings compared to its console counterparts. The AI in this game is challenging, making it a tough ride for casual players unless you’re willing to invest substantial time. Sadly, the lack of online and LAN play took away one of the reasons I initially loved this game.

4 Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time (2005)

Structured Chaos With Neat Tag Team Mechanics

In a twist on the traditional gaming pattern, this role-playing game defied the longstanding practice of creating easier games for North America by making enemies more challenging in the North American version. It’s nearly essential to clear out entire rooms, effective management of inventory and items is vital, and understanding enemy attack patterns becomes crucial.

In addition to navigating through the game, players were tasked with handling a pair of sibling characters in this unique blend of action and turn-based role-playing. The intricate plot, endearing narrative, and cooperative map exploration made it one of the most iconic Mario games on the DS console.

In contrast to Mario Kart DS, Partners in Time offers a more straightforward experience as all its playable content can be accessed easily without requiring downloads or complex workarounds, making it more accessible to players. This simplicity paved the way for future Mario & Luigi games and potentially influenced true split-screen gaming mechanics.

3 Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story (2009)

Full Utilization Of Nintendo DS’s Dual Screens

As a die-hard fan, I’ve often found myself admiring Mario’s courage and heroics in our favorite video games, which makes it seem like he’s always the one saving the day between us brothers. However, titles like “Bowser’s Inside Story” have shown that Luigi is no slouch when it comes to rescuing his sibling! These games are also known for their challenging bosses that require unwavering focus and skill.

As a fan, I relished the addition of Bowser as a playable character, bringing a delightful array of combat options to the table. The game offered not only traditional battles but also kaiju-style skirmishes and an assortment of entertaining minigames. Yet, it was the harmonious interaction between Mario, Luigi, and even Bowser that truly stole the show. Their actions, from shaping the overworld to navigating the intricacies of Bowser’s own body, made the game experience unforgettable.

Despite having a higher metascore than the previous two instalments, Super Mario 64 DS and New Super Mario Bros., these games marked significant milestones in the series’ evolution. Specifically, Super Mario 64 DS demonstrated Nintendo’s ability to reimagine classic titles for newer audiences, much like their revival of Super Mario RPG. Meanwhile, New Super Mario Bros. served as a long-awaited sequel to the original formula that many fans had eagerly anticipated for years.

2 Super Mario 64 DS (2004)

Superb Remake Of Classic Super Mario Entry

A top list for the finest Mario game on the Nintendo DS typically features Super Mario 64 DS, as it enhances the timeless classic from the Nintendo 64.

In this game, Yoshi, Luigi, and Wario were all playable characters. Each character’s unique abilities were used to enhance gameplay features, and every classic level had unexpected changes. Plus, players could switch between standard/control pad, touch, and dual-hand control modes at any time. Additionally, it included a multiplayer mode reminiscent of Mario Party, making the game even more enjoyable.

1 New Super Mario Bros. (2006)

First New Mario Title Opens DS With Critical Success

After quite some time, the tenth installment in the series served as the initial direct follow-up to the primary storyline of the main series.

The wait was worth it, as the 2.5D platformer blended classic Mario controls with the exciting possibilities of touch controls. Top and bottom screens were also utilized for all stages without disrupting the classic feel of a side-scrolling Mario game. It also successfully introduced and reworked items and new bosses that felt like natural additions to the franchise.

The game titled “New Super Mario Bros.” marked a triumphant comeback, demonstrating that the classic Mario design continues to captivate audiences just as strongly as before.

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2024-08-21 01:55