If you're a fan of the Pokémon world who has just played Sword & Shield or another current title and want to go back farther in the series' release history, you should absolutely give Diamond & Pearl a shot. Although Diamond and Pearl are not usually regarded as among the finest Pokémon games, the innovative gameplay mechanics introduced expanded on the well-received foundation laid by Sapphire and Ruby (on the Game Boy Advance).

Similar to prior releases, you begin Diamond and Pearl as a young trainer eager to collect, meet, and become acquainted with Pokémon and the region (Sinnoh). The gameplay is identical to previous releases, featuring one-on-one or team-based conflicts and fighting mechanisms that are exclusively turn-based. Collect and capture Pokémon while battling other trainers and climbing the ladder. However, you will be tempted to explore as much of Sinnoh as possible - with practically every inch of the area apparently bursting at the seams with life and intrigue, there will be an infinite amount for you to do and discover.

Diamond & Pearl is primarily a game for Pokémon fans searching for another interesting and intriguing trip to go on. Although Diamond & Pearl lacks many original or innovative ideas, it has secured the basis that keeps Pokémon players excited for the following game. Diamond & Pearl is an intense and beautiful game that will keep you engrossed as you learn which Pokémon is your favorite.

Link to buy: amzn.to/3yTvpMv

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is an excellent addition to the Zelda franchise. As the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass for the Nintendo DS, all of the original title's flaws and shortcomings have been entirely overhauled and improved.

The graphic design will immediately catch the eye of fans of The Wind Waker (a previous Zelda title published on the Gamecube and then re-released on the Wii U). Combat and cutscenes are fluid and seamless as you explore the magnificent environment of this game, thanks to the gorgeous and familiar cel-shaded graphic design.

In Spirit Tracks, unlike many previous Zelda games, Link travels by high-powered steam train, which carries him to and from locales at breakneck speed. The DS's touchscreen is used for gameplay, with users manipulating Link, objects, and the environment with the stylus. You'll fall in love with this rendition of Link and the kingdom of Hyrule as you journey from one destination within the worlds of Spirit Tracks to the next. Unlike its predecessor, Spirit Tracks features pretty difficultly puzzle-solving and temple exploring, so if you're searching for a more hard game, you should certainly give Spirit Tracks a try.

Link to buy: amzn.to/3PESfxk

Chinatown Wars, the thirteenth installment in the Grand Theft Auto series, is a game that builds on prior games while adding wholly new and distinct gameplay aspects of its own. The gameplay is novel and combines touchscreen controls in a number of various settings and in-game interactions as a title that was launched for the DS, PSP, iPhone, and Android.

In this game, you play as Huang Lee, a Triad member who is wandering about Liberty City looking for a weapon. As he searches for the thieves who stole this blade, he unwittingly becomes entangled in the continuing feuds of the Liberty City Triads and is forced to participate in the drug trade as a result.

In Spirit Tracks, unlike many previous Zelda games, Link travels by high-powered steam train, which carries him to and from locales at breakneck speed. The DS's touchscreen is used for gameplay, with users manipulating Link, objects, and the environment with the stylus. You'll fall in love with this rendition of Link and the kingdom of Hyrule as you journey from one destination within the worlds of Spirit Tracks to the next. Unlike its predecessor, Spirit Tracks features pretty difficultly puzzle-solving and temple exploring, so if you're searching for a more hard game, you should certainly give Spirit Tracks a try.

Link to buy: amzn.to/3sSashm

Rhythm Heaven is a terrific and original rhythm game that will keep you and your friends and family entertained for hours. As the sequel to the Rhythm Heaven series, Nintendo SPD (the developers) has worked diligently to improve on every gameplay feature that fans of the previous title adored.

This game's controls and gameplay are a little unusual at first, with players holding the DS sideways (i.e., vertically rather than horizontally) and using the stylus to tap, drag, and flick on the screen to the speed of each level's melody. This game has fifty distinct levels divided into 10 sets. Although this may not appear to be a large number of levels, it will become apparent as you strive for perfect scores on the tougher difficulty levels. Furthermore, the levels are smoothly and beautifully designed, assuring that you'll be just as delighted to return and play them a second, third, and fourth time!

This game will provide unlimited hours of entertainment for everyone who likes music and rhythm games. Rhythm Heaven lacks a lengthy story option and is not heavily narrative-based, but its eccentricities and complex gameplay make it a one-of-a-kind gaming experience. If you've been seeking a DS game that you can play both alone and with friends and family, you should certainly give Rhythm Heaven a shot. From the time you start on your DS, this adorable and infectiously funky game will have you moving!

Linkto buy: amzn.to/3am2SW1

Super Mario 64, which debuted on the Nintendo 64, is one of the most innovative and forward-thinking 3-D platforming games ever created. Super Mario 64's stunning and wide vistas, immersive realms and fights, and apparently unlimited number of objectives all contributed to a memorable and spectacular experience for millions of players. For many Nintendo fans, the abrupt announcement of a version of Super Mario 64 on the Nintendo DS was startling.

Super Mario 64 DS takes set in the now-familiar Mushroom Kingdom and begins with Mario reading a message from Peach. However, the plot diverges from that of the original Nintendo 64 release beyond this point. Instead of playing as Mario, you start as Yoshi, searching and battling your way through Peach's castles in pursuit of Mario, Wario, and Luigi.

The gameplay consists of platforming and exploring as you attempt to acquire all of the castle's'stars' - prizes obtained by completing stages. Jumping through paintings in Peach's palace allows players to visit colorful levels known as "worlds". Each planet is completely explorable and contains a range of quests to fulfill as well as opponents to defeat. Super Mario 64 DS stands out as more than simply a recreation, with enough added material, plot, and gameplay components to be deemed a unique product, with a total of 150 stars and four distinct characters to play as.

Linkto buy: amzn.to/3LE3lj2

If you enjoy the Mario Kart series or have been wanting to test a title from the series, you should certainly consider playing Mario Kart DS. Mario Kart DS is a superb game with a diverse range of characters, circuits, and karts that truly elevate it to the ranks of the greatest Mario Kart games of all time (plus it's portable)!

If you've played Mario Kart on the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, Gamecube, or any other system before the DS, you'll be familiar with the controls and gameplay style. Play as well-known characters from the Super Mario Bros world. Choose from a number of four-track cups in the Grand Prix and race to the top of each one! In Time Trial, race through familiar tracks at high speeds to set a new personal best time. VS and Battle are multiplayer modes that focus on racing and assaulting with in-game objects, respectively. Finally, Mission is a mode in which you focus on fulfilling specified objectives within time constraints or under certain environmental circumstances.

Mario Kart DS is a game that shines brightest when played in multiplayer mode. The lack of variation in its single-player options might make the game feel rather tedious when played alone, but this game is endlessly fascinating when played with others. So, if you're searching for a new racing game to play with your friends and family, why not give Mario Kart DS a shot today?

Link to buy: https://amzn.to/3NmlUts

Final Fantasy IV is a brilliant and pioneering entry in the Final Fantasy series that, while unanimously lauded, receives little attention due to its release before the series' more successful entries (e.g., Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII, Final Fantasy X, etc.). Nonetheless, Final Fantasy IV is a wonderful and stunning RPG with a surprisingly relevant and time-resistant gameplay style.

Final Fantasy IV, which was first launched on the SNES, was recreated and re-issued for the Nintendo DS. Final Fantasy IV's tale takes set on Earth, with a cast of twelve characters (all of whom have various classes/abilities). Each character is distinct and defined, making the conversation and character-building components feel as intricate and complicated as the universe in which they exist. Cecil, the main character, works with his 11 comrades to prevent the adversary, Golbez, from destroying the earth.

If you like Final Fantasy, or if you like RPGs or JRPGS, you should absolutely give Final Fantasy IV a try. Although the game was published more than 20 years ago, its original gameplay and forward-thinking narrative have certainly weathered the test of time. Let's hope that if you decide to give Final Fantasy IV ago, it ends up becoming one of your new favorite Final Fantasy games, as well as one of your favorite Nintendo DS games.

Link to buy: amzn.to/3sNkRLa

Chrono Trigger is frequently cited as not only one of the best video games on the Nintendo DS but also one of the best games ever developed. Although Chrono Trigger was first launched in 1995 and has subsequently been transferred and re-issued on numerous platforms (including the Nintendo DS), it is a game that has outlived its initial release date. Chrono Trigger was created by a group of now-famous people, including Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball), Nobuo Uematsu (composer for Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts), and Hironobu Sakaguchi as a designer (creator of the Final Fantasy series).

Chrono Trigger's six main protagonists all hail from various time periods and take place on an Earth-like planet. Lucca, Marle, and Crono appeared in 1000 AD, followed by Robo in 2300 AD, then Frog and Magus in 600 AD. The narrative begins with Lucca and her father demonstrating their new teleport, then moves on to other characters experiencing this time travel technology as their stories begin to intersect and become interwoven in strange ways.

It's difficult to express the beauty of Chrono Trigger's plot without giving anything away, so if you appreciate JRPGs and turn-based gameplay, and have played and liked titles like Final Fantasy and Shin Megami Tensei, you should absolutely give Chrono Trigger a try. This game, being one of the finest JRPGs and games ever developed, is an exceptionally long and entertaining experience that you're bound to enjoy from beginning to end.

Link to buy: amzn.to/3lFPL40

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is a now-cult classic series that follows the main protagonist, Phoenix Wright, as he works tirelessly to establish his client's innocence. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is likely to be a game you never forget, with amazing dialogue, a fascinating plot, and explosive music!

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is a one-of-a-kind game that includes gameplay not seen in most other games at the time of its debut. Players will interact with two separate gameplay areas — murder scenes and courtrooms — as they gather evidence and begin to craft their argument as an amateur defense attorney named Phoenix. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is a one-of-a-kind game that includes gameplay not seen in most other games at the time of its debut. Players will interact with two separate gameplay areas — murder scenes and courtrooms — as they gather evidence and begin to craft their argument as an amateur defense attorney named Phoenix.

The DS version of this game has a number of new features. Because the DS, unlike its predecessor (the Game Boy Advance), has a touchscreen, touch controls were added to the game to make inquiry sequences more engaging and intuitive (i.e., you may tap directly on ambient components and things instead of having to click/choose and drag them). Furthermore, a new case has been introduced to the game since the DS enabled developers to integrate more varied gameplay components.

Link to buy: amzn.to/3GatOnb

Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin is a lovely game with a number of pleasant features. If you enjoy the Castlevania series, or simply metroidvanias (platforming and adventure games), you should certainly give Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin a shot. Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin is a sequel to Castlevania: Bloodlines, focusing on all of the greatest parts of the previous release while introducing new, intriguing components that keep the gameplay fresh and interesting.

Portrait of Ruin, like previous Castlevania games, is a side-scrolling platformer in which you race through numerous stages and adversaries as you make your way through Dracula's castle. You take on the roles of Jonathan Morris and Charlotte Aulin, two individuals who are distantly connected to families portrayed in previous titles (the infamous Belmont clan and the Belnades clan). You may switch between these two characters as you fight your way through Dracula's castle, and you'll need to use each of their distinct powers to solve complex puzzles and defeat formidable adversaries.

The graphical style and soundtrack, like many previous Castlevania titles, are stunning, with the look of Dracula's castle being chillingly filled with sorrow. There are 155 distinct sorts of adversaries to face, as well as five different game modes. The tale contains four distinct single-player modes, providing gamers with not just a long but also continually diverse gameplay experience.

Link to buy: amzn.to/3MMA9rK

The game’s layout is very similar in structure to Super Mario 3 or Super Mario World – each of the 8 worlds in New Super Mario Bros. has an overhead map that lays out all of the levels. By completing the different levels, the path will open up to the next available level. If you’re looking to plow through the game from beginning to end credits, it won’t take long. Four or five hours is all that’s needed to finish the game at its bare minimum. It’s also not a difficult thing to do thanks to the abundance of extra life opportunities throughout the game – Nintendo’s designers are very generous with the green mushrooms this time around.

The more things change in this new game, the more they stay the same: the goal of New Super Mario Bros. is – you won't believe it - to save the princess. Mario will just have to bounce from level to level in order to reach each challenge's castle while collecting money and trampling Koopas, Goombas, and any other Mushroom Kingdom inhabitant.

Link to buy: amzn.to/3PD8ZoH

The last time portable players could join the Mario Party was on the Game Boy Advance in one of the series' lamest iterations: Mario Party Advance. It had some value, but eventually, while having the same development studio as the console versions, it just couldn't keep up with the rest of the Hudson Designs (long live Mario party 6 for the GameCube).

Mario Party DS, on the other hand, represents a significant improvement over the previous portable edition, putting the on-the-go version in line with what has been created for the Nintendo 64, GameCube, and Wii consoles. And perhaps this is what keeps the DS game in the realm of "decent": it's just more Mario Party, a decade-old tradition of different quality mini-games strung out in a board game presentation, but now with touchscreen and microphone-blowing mini-games. Mario Party DS, like the rest of the Mario Party series, is a series of Mario-themed board games in which four players, either human or computer AI, roll the dice and roam the field accumulating points and competing in action or chance tasks.

The Nintendo DS version is one of the first to incorporate an overarching "theme" to its universe: all of the heroes have been shrunk down (by Bowser, of course), and the board designs and mini-games take advantage of this concept. Players will explore massive gardens, libraries, and even a large pinball machine, competing in tasks that take place in sinks, remote-controlled toy vehicles, dining tables, and other locations.

Link to buy: amzn.to/3PFgX0Q