A game changer in the world of portable gaming, the Nintendo DS was released in 2004 and the dual-screen portable console forever altered the handheld gaming experience. The DS swiftly became a hallmark of the industry with its innovative touch-screen technology and a library that made The Great Library of Alexandria look insignificant.
The console brought a mix of modern gaming experiences with its touch screen and also helped traditional gaming catch up to more recent technological advancements. As the years went by, several games on the console gained a cult following that still follows Nintendo to this day. The system retains its value in the gaming industry perfectly, as evidenced by the prices for some of the most expensive Nintendo DS games.
All prices were taken from PriceCharting.com and were accurate at the time of publication.
7 Commando: Steel Disaster ($201)
Loose | $63 |
|---|---|
Complete In Box | $201 |
New | $350 |
Commando: Steel Disaster is a side-scrolling run-and-gun shooter that keeps the player on the edge of their seat. The game was released for the DS in 2008 and was popular among players because of its easy-to-understand controls, action-packed gameplay, and immersive storyline.
In the game, the player controls Storm, who is on a mission through a most treacherous environment and must be guided through lethal hazards and enemies. The game is considered a beautiful classic in its genre, and many similar games still populate the indie gaming industry, which proves the success of Commando: Steel Disaster.
6 Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow ($205)
Loose | $80 |
|---|---|
Complete In Box | $205 |
New | $325 |
Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow is an action RPG game within the Blue Dragon series, which includes both an anime adaptation and numerous video games. The title was loved for its real-time combat and strategic gameplay. In the game, the player controls a customizable character, along with friends and their shadows, which are powerful creatures that grant abilities to their owners.
Together, they must embark on an adventure to save the world from an oncoming disaster. This entry of the franchise was praised for its delightful mix of strategy, action, and deep character customization. Although not as rare as some of the other expensive DS games, Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow can still set collectors back quite a bit.
5 Sideswiped ($240)
Loose | $60 |
|---|---|
Complete In Box | $240 |
New | $456 |
Sideswiped is a racing game that was developed for the Nintendo DS and released in August 2009. The game offers several different game modes such as a classic racing mode, in which the player must complete laps around a certain path while the vehicles around them explode.
There is also an arena mode that enables the player to just let the monster out and bash in the engines of other vehicles in an arena. The game is often compared to the Burnout and Blur games, though didn't sell anywhere near as well, which is in part what led to it becoming one of the most expensive DS games.
4 Powerbike ($293)
Loose | $91 |
|---|---|
Complete In Box | $293 |
New | $558 |
Powerbike is a classic bike racing game that was released for the DS, and despite being a game that is not widely known, it is relatively rare to come by. It features a wide range of bikes for players to choose from and lets them speed through oncoming traffic on various highways.
Although it is fun to step on the gas while cars are whizzing from left and right, it is advised that this behavior only stays on the console, and does not spill out onto real highways. Of course, those who want to play the game will need to invest a pretty penny, as its price has skyrocketed in recent years.
3 Solatorobo: Red The Hunter ($319)
Loose | $182 |
|---|---|
Complete In Box | $319 |
New | $603 |
Solatorobo: Red The Hunter is an action role-playing game in which the player takes on the role of a Caninu named Red Savarin. The story takes place in a world where dog-like creatures called Caninu and their feline counterparts live on islands in the sky.
The game received positive reviews for its original story, unique world, and engaging gameplay. It was also praised for its original character design and wonderful soundtrack. The game blends aspects of several genres successfully, such as platformer, action-adventure, and role-playing games.
2 Shepherd's Crossing 2 ($344)
Loose | $212 |
|---|---|
Complete In Box | $344 |
New | $655 |
Shepherd's Crossing 2 is a farming life-simulator game that was released for the Nintendo DS. The game is often compared to similar farm life games like the Harvest Moon series, and although it may seem similar at first, it actually features several different mechanics.
In the game, players take part in daily farm chores such as taking care of their animals, looking after the crops, and interacting with the townsfolk. The game emphasizes social interaction as much as farming, offering players quests to strengthen the bond between themselves and their favorite farm dwellers.
1 Veggy World ($388)
Loose | $60 |
|---|---|
Complete In Box | $388 |
New | $738 |
In Veggy World, the player controls a strawberry-shaped spaceship through various environments full of broccoli and turnips while trying to shoot down fruit and vegetable-themed enemies. The game is family-friendly, and it adds to the usual gaming experience on the Nintendo DS.
Veggy World is an incredibly rare game, so even coming across a listing for it is a miracle. Although the game does not cost as much as those released for some of the older Nintendo handheld consoles, it still requires a hefty amount of money for a Complete In Box version and is one of the rarest DS games around.