Nintendo DS is a prime candidate for bringing to Nintendo Classics via Nintendo Switch Online. Today I want to look at which games will come to the service, as I run down some of my favourite Nintendo DS games of all time, and games I hope to play soon on Nintendo Switch 2.

The natural progression of Nintendo Switch Online is to add the missing consoles. We have NES, SNES, Gameboy, Gameboy Advance and most recently Gamecube. Nintendo DS should be next, and I would expect it to arrive on Switch 2 pretty soon.

Without firther delay, here’s some of my favourite DS games I expect to come to Nintendo Classics on Nintendo Switch 2.

New Super Mario Bros.

Compared to its 3D Mario successors on the Switch, Wii, and 3DS, it’s easy to overlook just how vital New Super Mario Bros. was for the Nintendo DS. Before its release, 2D Mario games felt like a thing of the past, overshadowed by the Nintendo 64’s 3D revolution. NSMB reminded both gamers and Nintendo that classic side-scrolling Mario still had a place—and that 2D and 3D Mario could thrive side by side, each appealing to different audiences. With its simple, familiar level design, the game rekindled fond memories while introducing new generations to the magic of Mario. Though it’s a bit easy, even veteran players will enjoy revisiting a time when reaching the flagpole was the ultimate goal.

Kirby: Mass Attack

The Kirby franchise’s greatest strength—and most consistent trait—has always been its versatility. Kirby: Mass Attack exemplifies this by introducing a unique twist: instead of controlling a single character, players command a squad of Kirbys who must work together to overcome obstacles and avoid harm. The touch controls are seamlessly integrated, making the gameplay intuitive and engaging. With a clever approach to difficulty that rewards careful strategy and coordination, the game strikes a fine balance between creativity and challenge. Released late in the Nintendo DS’s lifespan, Mass Attack quickly established itself as not only a standout in the system’s library, but also one of the most inventive and memorable entries in the entire Kirby series.

Picross DS

While the Nintendo DS thrived on innovative games and strong sequels, its casual titles were key to reaching a wider audience. Games like Art Academy, Brain Age, and Personal Trainer: Cooking introduced gaming to parents and grandparents with accessible, unorthodox experiences. Yet Picross DS stands above the rest. Its simple grid-based puzzles became an addictive habit for thousands, and with a massive trove of content, it’s a Touch Generations standout still played today.

Tetris DS

Nintendo handhelds and Tetris have been linked since the Game Boy era, thanks to the iconic pack-in release. But Tetris DS does more than honor that legacy—it reinvents it. With touch-based modes, creative twists on classic gameplay, and a nostalgic wrap of vintage Nintendo sprites and music, it stands as one of the finest versions of one of gaming’s all-time greats.

Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon

Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon is a faithful remake of the original game that helped define tactical RPGs. With updated visuals, intuitive touch controls, and smart use of the DS’s dual screens, it modernizes the classic while staying true to its roots. It also introduces online multiplayer to the series for the first time, adding a competitive edge. Marth’s timeless tale of reclaiming his kingdom still resonates, making Shadow Dragon both a respectful tribute and a standout DS title.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

“Objection!” Few catchphrases in gaming are as iconic as Phoenix Wright’s, delivered with a pointed finger, spiky hair, and sharp blue suit. First introduced on the GBA in Japan, the Ace Attorney series gained worldwide fame on the DS with its blend of courtroom drama, crime scene investigation, and quirky humor. With memorable characters and clever storytelling, it quickly became a cult favorite. Its lasting appeal led to the release of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy in 2019, bringing the original and its two sequels to modern platforms.

Advance Wars: Dual Strike

When Nintendo announced the DS would feature a touch screen and stylus, many gamers immediately saw the potential for strategy games—and luckily, Nintendo had one ready to go. Advance Wars: Dual Strike may not fully rely on the stylus for its main campaign, but it shines in the map creation mode, where players can effortlessly paint battlefields instead of tapping squares one by one. The classic tactical gameplay of leading the Orange Star Army remains as engaging as ever, made even richer by the dual-screen design and complex mission layouts.

Animal Crossing: Wild World

When a console game makes the jump to a portable system, it often struggles to translate—but Animal Crossing: Wild World is a rare success story. In fact, many argue it’s the best entry in the series, even surpassing New Horizons. The core charm remains: the relaxing cycle of improving your town, befriending quirky animals, and collecting treasures. Playing on the go only enhances this experience—whether you’re sipping coffee at the Roost during a quick break or dropping off fossils for Blathers while waiting in line. The addition of online multiplayer and portability took an already addictive game to a whole new level.

Elite Beat Agents

If a game’s success can be measured by how many imitators it spawns, then Elite Beat Agents stands as one of Nintendo’s most influential creations. Its rhythm-based gameplay—tapping icons, tracing lines, and staying perfectly in sync with the music—sparked a wave of similar titles from numerous publishers. This isn’t a criticism of those games, but a testament to Nintendo’s lasting role as a pioneer of gameplay innovation.

Professor Layton and the Last Specter

Professor Layton and his trusty assistant Luke first unraveled the mysteries of the Curious Village, then boarded a train to crack the case of the Diabolical Box. Their trilogy concluded with a time-traveling adventure in The Unwound Future. Each game captivated us with clever puzzles and engaging stories—but then came a surprise fourth entry. Professor Layton and the Last Specter brought one final, exceptional puzzle-filled journey before the series moved to the 3DS. Not only does it boast top-notch gameplay and puzzles, but it also tells the origin story of how Layton and Luke first met, launching a fresh trilogy of adventures for our favorite British duo.

Mario Kart DS

Though the Mario Kart franchise has been around for over thirty years, recent Nintendo entries have made it more popular than ever. Mario Kart DS sticks to the classic formula but moves the series forward with one major innovation: online multiplayer. Few Nintendo games are better suited for global competition, and Mario Kart is definitely one of them. With smooth gameplay and well-designed tracks, the DS version is widely considered one of the best in the series.

Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time

As the sequel to the hilarious Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga on Game Boy Advance, Partners in Time builds on the original’s charm with a fresh adventure featuring aliens, babies, and time travel. Packed with the series’ signature humor, it introduces the innovative partner system, adding new strategic depth to the action RPG gameplay. Watching Mario, Luigi, and Peach team up with their baby selves brings endless laughs, complemented by Yoko Shimomura’s fantastic music. The result is a hilarious, memorable experience that ranks among the DS’s best.

Pokémon: The DS Generations

Pokémon remains one of the most influential franchises in gaming and a cornerstone of Nintendo’s portable success. With the move to the DS, Game Freak preserved the series’ classic RPG and collecting roots while dramatically enhancing player connectivity and interactivity. Features like online trading and touch-based commands brought subtle but impactful improvements. Though visually familiar, the DS Pokémon games operate in ways that feel fresh and engaging—key reasons why the series continues to break sales records and remains vital to Nintendo’s portable gaming legacy.

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks

Nintendo first brought The Legend of Zelda to the DS with Phantom Hourglass, a sequel to Wind Waker that preserved the Toon Link style while introducing an all-touch control scheme. While Phantom Hourglass had some quirky design choices—like repeatedly revisiting a central temple—our top Zelda pick for the DS is Spirit Tracks. Building on its predecessor’s touch controls, Spirit Tracks improves the formula and adds memorable features like train travel across Hyrule and a unique take on Princess Zelda, who accompanies Link as a ghostly spirit able to possess armored foes. It’s a fantastic adventure and a smooth ride from start to finish.

Let me know what you think in the comments.