The current COVID-19 pandemic has sent countries around the world into total lockdown. With Stay-at-Home guidelines keeping people inside, everyone is looking for ways to pass the time. For those searching for a positive way to spend their free time, nostalgia might just be the perfect solution. What better way to distract yourself from 2020 than to bask in the glory of the early 2000s? For many people, the Nintendo DS was their first introduction to many popular gaming franchises and characters. Now, revisiting some throwback Nintendo games can be a great way to make quarantine a little bit easier.
10 Mario Kart DS
One of the best-selling Nintendo DS games of all time, Mario Kart DS has long been a staple for gamers of all ages. The series has gotten a few updates in the past few years, but this DS version improved upon the previous installments.
Mario Kart DS allowed for Wi-Fi connection so that players could race with their friends. Also, the game included a single-player mode for users to enjoy the iconic series without having to worry about the competition. This iconic title provides a fun, fast-paced game that everyone can remember playing as a kid.
9 Pokémon Black and White
Before Pokémon Go captivated the world in 2016, the famous series had many versions of the game on the Nintendo DS. PokémonBlack and White was one of the most popular of these installments and brought fresh content to the beloved franchise.
Taking place in the NYC-inspired Unova region, Black and White expanded on everyone's favorite features of Diamond and Pearl while breathing new life into the gameplay. The popular role-playing game is considered one of the best of the franchise and remains relevant for gamers in 2020.
8 Cooking Mama 2: Dinner with Friends
The sequel to the original DS game, Cooking Mama 2 is a relaxing and wholesome opportunity to spend a few hours cooking up virtual delicacies. Where other installments have more features, this simple cooking simulator provides simple gameplay to make the game accessible for everyone.
In a world where everyone has to stay six feet apart, the joy of making dinner with your friends is something people need right now. Now, the warm world of Cooking Mama is a comforting and sweet supplement for distanced communities.
7 Super Princess Peach
A unique entry on this list, Super Princess Peach follows Mario's love interest and goes on a mission to save him from Bowser. Using four emotions to fight her way to the castle, Peach becomes the hero after spending decades in distress.
Another best-seller, Super Princess Peach made Peach and her story a new favorite. Fans have often called for a reboot to this fun departure from the classic series. This makes Super Princess Peach a great game to revisit while waiting for a sequel.
6 LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga
Before LEGO video games and movies exploded, the original LEGO Star Wars for Nintendo DS was everything. Following the storylines of the franchise's original and prequel trilogies, LEGO Star Wars became an instant classic.
The simplistic charm of LEGO games has lasted for years, and this installment is no exception. On the popular app Tik Tok, the game's characters are often featured in videos or used as account profile pictures. LEGO Star Wars remains relevant in pop culture and replaying it can still provide hours of fun.
5 The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Before Breath of the Wild took Switch by storm, Link and company dominated the Nintendo DS. This action-adventure game picks up where The Wind Waker left off with Link sailing the seas to save Tetra from the villain Bellum.
Phantom Hourglass is one of the best-selling DS games of all time and for good reason. Fans loved the unique mechanics and classic storyline. For those who love the newest Legend of Zelda game on Switch, this DS staple is a fun way of looking back on the series.
4 Brain Age
Unlike other games on this list, Brain Age is a puzzle-based game not linked to Nintendo's most famous characters. However, this didn't make Brain Age any less successful or entertaining.
Designed to be played every day, Brain Age uses word and number games to improve critical thinking skills and memory. Though this game is not action-based, people of all ages loved the sudoku puzzles and tongue twisters of Brain Age. When you're bored in quarantine, these brain teasers can help you stay sharp while you stay home.
3 Animal Crossing: Wild World
It's no secret that Animal Crossing: New Horizons has captivated the Internet. But before that, the Animal Crossing series had a long history on the Nintendo DS.
Animal Crossing: Wild World altered the format of the original versions with the addition of wireless connection for users to play with friends. This, along with more detailed updates to the games, laid the foundation for the current installment of the series. If you like New Horizons, Wild World remains a classic and beloved memory for Animal Crossing fans.
2 Nintendogs
No list of Nintendo DS games is complete without the legendary Nintendogs. The pet simulation game lets every user experience the joy of getting a new puppy without ever leaving the house.
This wholesome game brought many new users to the Nintendo brand and was a big hit with kids. Although the graphics may seem dated today, the gameplay is less about skill or strategy and more about having fun with pets. Nintendogs will always be adored by audiences and is a nostalgic way to brighten your day.
1 New Super Mario Bros.
New Super Mario Bros. changed the game, literally. This installment of the Mario series was the best-selling game for the Nintendo DS console and one of the best-selling video games of all time.
The platformer game kept everything fans loved about the previous side-scrolling games. In addition, New Super Mario Bros. alters the original mechanics to give users new experiences. With updated graphics, this chapter of Mario's story led to countless sequels. In 2020, gamers can enjoy the predecessor to more recent fan-favorites and still play a solid game.