The Most Popular DS Game: Revealing the Top Choice

Choose the game you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Jun 16, 2023 10:18 (Updated on Nov 20, 2023 07:43)
Step right up, Nintendo DS enthusiasts! We at StrawPoll know how much you adore your DS games, and now is your chance to make your voice heard. Join our exciting ranking of "What is the most popular DS game?" by casting your vote for your all-time favorite or suggesting a hidden gem that deserves the spotlight. This thrilling face-off features thousands of polls and rankings on a diverse array of topics, and your one vote could make all the difference. So, don't just sit on the sidelines; dive into this nostalgic showdown and help us crown the ultimate DS game champion. Remember, every vote counts, and your favorite game needs your support! Click through to participate in this epic battle of handheld gaming legends!

What Is the Most Popular DS Game?

  1. 1
    74
    votes

    Mario Kart DS

    Nintendo
    This classic racing game is a fan favorite and has sold over 23 million copies worldwide. It features classic Mario characters, exciting courses, and addictive gameplay.
    Description
    Mario Kart DS is a popular racing video game developed by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS handheld gaming console. It features the iconic characters from the Super Mario franchise competing in a series of kart racing challenges. Players can choose from a variety of playable characters and race on a wide range of imaginative tracks inspired by the Mario universe. The game supports both single-player and multiplayer modes, allowing for thrilling races against computer-controlled opponents or friends.
    • Platform: Nintendo DS
    • Genre: Racing
    • Release Date: November 14, 2005 (NA)
    • Players: Up to 8 players
    • Game Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
    Mario Kart DS in other rankings
  2. 2
    30
    votes
    These games were released in 2010 and received critical acclaim for their updated graphics, new Pokémon, and engaging storyline. They sold over 15 million copies worldwide.
    Description
    Pokémon Black/White is a role-playing video game developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo. It was released for the Nintendo DS console in 2010 and served as the fifth generation of the Pokémon series. Set in the new Unova region, the game features a new cast of Pokémon species and an engaging storyline. Players embark on a journey to become the Pokémon Champion, battling and capturing various Pokémon along the way.
    • Platform: Nintendo DS
    • Release Year: 2010
    • Game Generation: Fifth
    • Region: Unova
    • Pokémon Species: New cast
    Pokémon Black/White in other rankings
  3. 3
    21
    votes
    This game was a reboot of the classic Super Mario Bros. and introduced new power-ups, enemies, and levels. It sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
    Description
    New Super Mario Bros. is a popular side-scrolling platform video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS handheld game console. It offers a classic 2D Mario experience with updated graphics and gameplay elements.
    • Platform: Nintendo DS
    • Genre: Platformer
    • Players: 1-4
    • Release Date: May 15, 2006 (NA)
    • Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
  4. 4
    20
    votes
    This game was marketed as a brain-training tool and included various puzzles and activities. It sold over 19 million copies worldwide.
    Description
    Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day! is a popular Nintendo DS game that aims to provide players with a series of puzzles and activities to help train and stimulate their brain. The game is designed to be played for just a few minutes each day, making it a convenient and accessible way to exercise mental agility and improve cognitive abilities. It offers a variety of tests and challenges across different areas such as math, memory, logic, and language.
    • Platform: Nintendo DS
    • Release Date: May 19, 2005
    • Genre: Education, Puzzle
    • Modes: Single-player
    • Age Rating: Everyone
  5. 5
    10
    votes
    This life simulation game allows players to create and manage their own town and interact with a variety of animal characters. It sold over 11 million copies worldwide.
    Description
    Animal Crossing: Wild World is a critically acclaimed life simulation game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS handheld console. It invites players to create their virtual life in a charming village inhabited by anthropomorphic animals. The game offers a relaxed and open-ended gameplay experience.
    • Release Date: November 23, 2005
    • Genre: Life Simulation
    • Platform: Nintendo DS
    • Players: 1-4
    • Multiplayer: Local and Online
  6. 6
    13
    votes
    This action-adventure game features classic Zelda gameplay and puzzles, with the added feature of using the DS's touch screen for controls. It sold over 4 million copies worldwide.
    Description
    The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is an action-adventure game for the Nintendo DS handheld gaming console. It is the direct sequel to The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and continues the story of the protagonist, Link. The game follows Link's quest to rescue his friend Tetra from the Ghost Ship and defeat the evil Bellum. It features a unique control scheme that utilizes the DS's touchscreen and stylus for navigation and combat.
    • Platform: Nintendo DS
    • Genre: Action-adventure
    • Release Date: June 23, 2007
    • Modes: Single-player
    • Developer: Nintendo EAD
  7. 7
    9
    votes

    Mario Party DS

    Nintendo
    This party game features mini-games and challenges for up to four players, making it a popular choice for group play. It sold over 9 million copies worldwide.
    Description
    Mario Party DS is a popular party video game for the Nintendo DS handheld console. It offers a collection of mini-games and board game-style gameplay, where players compete against each other in various challenges and activities.
    • Genre: Party
    • Platform: Nintendo DS
    • Release Date: November 8, 2007
    • Number of Players: Up to 4 players
    • Multiplayer Mode: Yes
    Mario Party DS in other rankings
  8. 8
    9
    votes
    This puzzle game features the titular Professor Layton as he solves mysteries and puzzles in a quaint English village. It sold over 3 million copies worldwide.
    Description
    Professor Layton and the Curious Village is a puzzle-solving adventure game for the Nintendo DS. It follows the story of Professor Hershel Layton and his young apprentice, Luke Triton, as they investigate the mysterious village of St. Mystere.
    • Genre: Puzzle-solving, Adventure
    • Platform: Nintendo DS
    • Release Date: February 15, 2007
    • Developer: Level-5
    • Publisher: Nintendo
  9. 9
    6
    votes

    Dragon Quest IX

    Level-5
    This role-playing game was released in 2009 and features classic RPG gameplay and a variety of customizable characters. It sold over 5 million copies worldwide.
    Description
    Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies is a role-playing video game developed by Level-5 and published by Square Enix. It was released for the Nintendo DS handheld console in 2009. The game is set in the world of mortals and follows a celestial guardian who must save the world from a dark force. Players create their own customizable character and embark on a journey filled with quests, battles, and exploration. With its engaging storyline, vibrant visuals, and multiplayer features, Dragon Quest IX has become one of the most popular DS games of all time.
    • Platform: Nintendo DS
    • Genre: Role-playing
    • Release Year: 2009
    • Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
    • Customization: Create and customize your own character
  10. 10
    6
    votes

    Kirby Super Star Ultra

    HAL Laboratory
    This platformer game features the lovable pink puffball Kirby as he embarks on various adventures in Dream Land. It sold over 2 million copies worldwide.
    Description
    Kirby Super Star Ultra is a platforming game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo. It is an enhanced remake of the original Kirby Super Star for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The game features a collection of various sub-games and offers a deep gameplay experience for Kirby fans.
    • Platform: Nintendo DS
    • Genre: Platformer
    • Release Date: September 22, 2008
    • Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
    • Number of Sub-Games: 8
    Kirby Super Star Ultra in other rankings

Missing your favorite game?

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Ranking factors for popular game

  1. Critical acclaim
    Reviews and ratings from gaming websites, magazines, and professional critics can provide valuable information about a game's quality and appeal. A game with an average high review score is more likely to be popular among players.
  2. Player reviews and ratings
    Reviews and ratings provided by the people who have played the game are essential in determining its popularity. Player feedback can be found on various online forums, social media, and websites like Metacritic, where players can rate and share their experiences with the game.
  3. Awards and recognition
    Popular DS games may have received prestigious awards and recognitions from the gaming industry. Award-winning games are often highly regarded, which can contribute to their popularity.
  4. Brand or franchise popularity
    A game associated with a popular brand, franchise, or intellectual property (such as Pokémon, Mario, or Legend of Zelda) may already have a large fan base, which can contribute to the overall popularity of the game.
  5. Accessibility and user-friendliness
    A popular DS game is likely to be easy to pick up and play, even for casual gamers or younger players. The more accessible a game is, the wider its potential audience, and the more likely it is to be popular.
  6. Replay value
    Games that offer replay value through different game modes, multiple difficulty settings, or unlockable content can keep players coming back for more, contributing to their popularity.
  7. Multiplayer options
    Many popular DS games offer a multiplayer component, either through local or online play, where players can compete or cooperate with others, making the game more engaging and appealing.
  8. Cultural impact
    A game can be considered popular if it has had a significant cultural impact. This could be due to the game's unique gameplay mechanics, storyline, or characters, which resonated with players and contributed to the game's popularity.
  9. Longevity
    A popular DS game may have an active player community and support from the developers, with updates, expansions, and downloadable content that keep the game fresh and relevant even years after its initial release.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular DS game. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or game is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1984 views
  • 198 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each game once every 24 hours. The rank of each game is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular ds game

The Nintendo DS was a handheld gaming console that was released back in 2004. It was a revolutionary device that allowed players to experience gaming in a completely new way. With its dual screens, touch screen, and stylus, the DS opened up a whole new world of gaming possibilities. There were many great games released for the DS over the years, from puzzle games to RPGs to action titles. But which one was the most popular? We've gathered data from thousands of polls and rankings to find out. Read on to discover the top DS games according to our users.

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