The Nintendo DS ushered in a golden age for handheld 2D and 3D platformers. Thanks to its advanced capabilities compared to prior Game Boy models, developers had new tools to craft imaginative, genre-pushing platformers specifically tailored for DS hardware.
In this guide, I‘ve selected the absolute cream of the crop when it comes to Nintendo DS platformers. These are all critical darlings praised as the best platforming experiences you could enjoy on the go during the mid-2000s era. After reading, you‘ll discover why Nintendo DS ended up home to some of the most fun, creative, and enduring platformers ever made!
Why Nintendo DS Platformers Ruled
Before diving into the games, it helps to understand why Nintendo DS proved such fertile ground for outstanding platformers compared to past handhelds. While Game Boy Advance hosted some great franchise entries, Nintendo DS took things further by enabling:
- More advanced 3D graphics alongside sprite-based 2D visuals
- Dual screens for extra gameplay real estate
- Touch controls that sparked inventive platforming mechanics
- Local wireless multiplayer with up to 4 systems
These capabilities let developers realize genre visions not possible on Game Boy Advance. Platformers could tap into 3D worlds, require quicker reflexes, implement touch-based puzzles, and enable co-op adventures.
As you‘ll see, dual screens and touch functions especially brought fresh flavor. Series mascots like Mario and Kirby saw radical reimaginations thanks to developers exploiting DS strengths. Alongside beloved franchise continuations, multiple innovative new IPs launched too.
The following games demonstrate just how far platformers came on Nintendo DS. I‘ve analyzed critical reception and sales data to pick the true cream of the crop. So rest assured you’re getting expert advice on the most fun, influential, must-play Nintendo DS platformers!
1. New Super Mario Bros
Release Year: 2006
Metacritic Score: 89
Total Sales: 30+ million
Overview
New Super Mario Bros. earns the top spot for resurrecting the classic 2D Mario formula in spectacular fashion. It also inspired conventions used in all later "New" Mario games on future Nintendo hardware. Both critics and gamers rightly praised this DS megahit for honoring Mario’s roots while pushing the franchise forward.
Key Qualities
- Vibrant graphics using DS capabilities to bring Mario’s world into 2.5D
- Approachable level design welcoming fans of all skill levels
- Creative implementations of wall jumping and touch screen power-ups
- Local multiplayer supporting competitive and cooperative play
Lasting Impact
New Super Mario Bros. merits recognition as the game responsible for sparking a 2D Mario renaissance. Prior home console entries like Super Mario Sunshine underwhelmed fans, but New Super Mario Bros. proved everyone still loved traditional sidescrolling adventures. Its contributions got the entire Mario franchise back on track for phenomenal success across all Nintendo platforms moving forward.
2. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
Release Year: 2005
Metacritic Score: 89
Total Sales: ~2 million
Overview
Dawn of Sorrow stands tall as the best Castlevania game on Nintendo DS, no small feat given the competition. As the riveting direct sequel to fan favorite Aria of Sorrow, it expanded the acclaimed handheld Castlevania trilogy started on Game Boy Advance in wondrous fashion for DS owners.
Key Qualities
- Anime-inspired graphics and cinematics pushing DS visuals
- Clever touch screen integration via the Magic Seal mechanic
- Deep combat and character progression systems
- Sequel hook that built anticipation for future games
Lasting Impact
Dawn of Sorrow set conventions that guided the DS Castlevania trilogy, notably the Magic Seal mechanic requiring precise stylus input. The Glyph system also provided an addicting means of player advancement that kept fans motivated with its rewards. Later DS sequel Order of Ecclesia even built upon Dawn’s foundations. Konami kept producing great handheld Castlevania games thanks to the high bar set here.
3. Kirby Canvas Curse
Release Year: 2005
Metacritic Score: 86
Total Sales: ~1.3 million
Overview
Kirby Canvas Curse stands as one of Nintendo DS’s most creative titles, ditching conventions to craft a wildly innovative adventure. Transforming Kirby into a ball controlled via touch screen drew acclaim for exploiting DS features better than nearly any 2005 launch game. Both critics and Kirby fans praised the fresh direction after a middling prior entry.
Key Qualities
- Unique touch controls manipulating Kirby’s movement
- Colorful, alluring graphics brought to life by stylus painting
- Challenging level designs requiring puzzle solving and reflexes
- Charming musical score pairing nicely with vibrant aesthetic
Lasting Impact
Canvas Cursemaking such a drastic departure from typical Kirby platformers was very risky. Thankfully the clever mechanics and control scheme paid off tremendously. Later touch screen-focused Kirby games on DS and 3DS clearly followed in Canvas Curse‘s footsteps. Nintendo recognized the value of diversity for Kirby following this breakthrough adventure.
4. Super Mario 64 DS
Release Year: 2004
Metacritic Score: 85
Total Sales: ~11 million
Overview
The Mario series went 3D on a handheld for the first time with Super Mario 64 DS. Launching alongside the DS itself, this remake of the seminal 1996 hit introduced new playable characters with unique abilities. It also took advantage of DS capabilities for an enhanced portable version many consider definitive.
Key Qualities
- Four playable characters with varied movesets for diverse gameplay
- Clever dual screen utilization aiding camera control and inventory management
- Buttery smooth analog controls that felt natural despite handheld form factor
- Download play and local wireless multiplayer supporting up to four people
Lasting Impact
Super Mario 64 DS brought console-quality 3D platforming to gamers’ hands for the first time. Fluidly controlling Mario‘s tricky jumps made 3D handheld adventures feel entirely feasible. Developers realized DS could support expansive 3D experiences, paving the way for later standouts like The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass using similar principles.
5. Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin
Release Year: 2006
Metacritic Score: 85
Total Sales: ~850,000+
Overview
The second DS Castlevania following Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin adopts a storytelling approach reminiscent of beloved classic Castlevania III. Protagonists Jonathan Morris and Charlotte Aulin even draw inspiration from the iconic vampire hunting pair of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades.
Key Qualities
- Expert fusion of gothic horror and wartime fiction motifs
- Strategic tweaks via the dual character swapping system
- Gorgeous haunting locales themed after sinister mystic paintings
- Storytelling love letter to early franchise lore
Lasting Impact
Portrait of Ruin earns admiration for revamping traditional designs in fresh fashion. The companion mechanic brought something novel for its day while building fan hype through nostalgic narrative nods. Later games would continue the DS trilogy, but this entry acted like a bridge to the past that long-time fans adored.
6. Castlevania Order of Ecclesia
Release Year: 2008
Metacritic Score: 85
Total Sales: ~450,000
Overview
Order of Ecclesia closed out the esteemed DS Castlevania trilogy by combining the best qualities of its predecessors into one stellar package. The deep glyph system and added focus on ability combinations made it the most hardcore game in the series up to that point.
Key Qualities
- 100+ glyphs for vastly diverse combat potential
- RPG-esque character building and customization depth
- Emphasis on skillful glyph fusion attacks for toppling gigantic bosses
- Extremely varied locales with greater exploration than past games
Lasting Impact
As the third DS entry, Order of Ecclesia had massive shoes to fill. It succeeded with the most content-rich and rewarding Castlevania ever released for a handheld. Later non-linear Castlevanias like Harmony of Despair continued relying on ability combinations during combat. However, Order still hasn‘t been dethroned for shear customization flexibility.
7. Shantae: Risky’s Revenge
Release Year: 2010
Metacritic Score: 82 (DSiWare), 87 (Director‘s Cut)
Total Sales: Unknown, but well over 400,000+
Overview
After humble beginnings on Game Boy Color, half-genie hero Shantae finally got her due with Risky‘s Revenge on DSiWare. Brimming with magic, dancing, and monster battles, Shantae‘s gorgeously animated adventure demonstrated WayForward‘s exemplary craft. As a critical darling, it paved the way for Shantae achieving mainstream appeal through equally impressive sequels.
Key Qualities
- Gorgeous hand-drawn 2D animation with unbelievable fluidity
- Creative monster transformations via magical belly dancing
- Whip-smart dialogue befitting its lighthearted Arabian fantasy universe
- Challenging level designs requiring thoughtful exploration
Lasting Impact
Risky‘s Revenge makes the list by proving Shantae could headline a successful franchise. As WayForward’s first self-published title, it also helped the company grow considerably. Shantae herself now ranks among gaming’s most beloved heroines partially thanks to foundations built here. Later multi-platform Director’s Cut re-releases also let modern fans play this gem with numerous enhancements.
The critical and commercial triumphs achieved by games like New Super Mario Bros. demonstrated Nintendo DS as an ideal platform for remarkable platformers. Thanks to its innovative feature set enabling new play styles, the DS library became filled with extremely creative genre entries you couldn‘t find anywhere else.
While future Nintendo handhelds continued building on their legacies, the games spotlighted here executed their visions best and first. Their responsive controls, vibrant artistic designs, and senses of magic endure through outstanding game design standing the test of time.
So the next time you hear someone falsely claim Nintendo “kiddy” games lack sophistication, just point them towards classics like Order of Ecclesia and Dawn of Sorrow. The Metroidvania Castlevania adventures prove Nintendo’s portables host more than Mario’s innocent adventures!
I hope evaluating the apex of Nintendo DS platformers convinces you to try these games if you haven’t already. Let me know which ends up becoming your personal favorite after some playtime! I’m happy to provide more recommendations as well for broadening your Nintendo handheld library.
