Introduction
When Nintendo launched the Nintendo DS in 2004, it ushered in a new era of handheld gaming. One of the most iconic gaming franchises in the world, Super Mario, made a strong presence on this dual-screen handheld console. Known for its innovation and rich library of games, the DS became the perfect platform for Mario’s timeless adventures to evolve while preserving their classic charm.
Throughout the lifespan of the Nintendo DS and its iterations like the DS Lite and DSi, several Super Mario titles were released that catered to both longtime fans and new players alike. These games ranged from classic platformers and racing titles to puzzle games and role-playing adventures. This blog dives deep into all Super Mario DS games, revisiting what made each title special and why they remain beloved by players even years after their release.
Super Mario 64 DS: A Classic Reimagined
Super Mario 64 DS was a launch title for the Nintendo DS and a remake of the groundbreaking Nintendo 64 game, Super Mario 64. This version not only revived the magic of the original 3D platformer but also expanded it significantly. The game included new playable characters like Yoshi, Luigi, and Wario, each with their unique abilities, which opened up new ways to solve puzzles and reach hidden stars.
The game offered 150 Power Stars, compared to the 120 in the original, giving players even more content to explore. Its use of the DS’s touch screen for character movement was innovative at the time, although some players preferred traditional controls. Still, the inclusion of mini-games and multiplayer features made it a robust package. Super Mario 64 DS became a definitive way for a new generation to experience one of the most influential 3D platformers ever made.
New Super Mario Bros.: The Return To 2D Glory
New Super Mario Bros., released in 2006, marked Mario’s triumphant return to his 2D side-scrolling roots. This game revitalized the classic gameplay with updated graphics, new power-ups like the Mega Mushroom and Mini Mushroom, and inventive level designs. It was the first side-scrolling Mario platformer on a handheld since Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins, and it reignited excitement for fans who had grown up with the NES and SNES classics.
The game featured eight worlDS with various themes, including deserts, forests, icy mountains, and lava-filled castles. It also introduced wall jumps, ground pounDS, and other mechanics that had previously been seen in 3D Mario games. New Super Mario Bros. was a massive success, selling millions of copies and leading to a sub-series of its own across future Nintendo platforms.
Mario Kart DS: Portable Racing At Its Finest
Mario Kart DS brought the adrenaline-fueled action of kart racing to handheld devices with incredible results. Released in 2005, it was the first Mario Kart game to feature online multiplayer through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The game included new and retro tracks, allowing players to race through circuits from previous Mario Kart titles like the SNES, N64, GBA, and GameCube.
It introduced the mission mode, a single-player experience that challenged players with specific tasks like collecting coins or defeating bosses. With tight controls, a strong selection of characters and karts, and the competitive element of online racing, Mario Kart DS quickly became a fan favorite. It remains one of the most polished and feature-rich entries in the series, demonstrating the DS’s capabilities and Mario’s versatility beyond platforming.
Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time – A Time-Traveling RPG
While many Mario games focus on jumping and running, the Mario & Luigi series took a different route by embracing role-playing mechanics and humor-driven storytelling. Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time, released in 2005, was the second game in the series and the first on the DS. The game featured time travel as its central mechanic, allowing players to control both the adult and baby versions of Mario and Luigi.
This setup led to creative puzzles and battle strategies where coordination between the four characters was essential. The game’s turn-based combat required timing and precision, and its quirky dialogue and charming characters added to its appeal. The dual-screen feature was used effectively to display maps and information without cluttering the action. Partners in Time solidified the DS as a platform not just for platforming, but also for deeper narrative experiences within the Mario universe.
Yoshi’s Island DS: A Sequel That StanDS On Its Own
While technically starring Yoshi, Yoshi’s Island DS is undeniably part of the Mario lineage. This 2006 title followed the original Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island on SNES, and brought the baby-carrying dinosaur back to center stage. In this installment, Yoshi carries multiple baby characters—Baby Mario, Baby Peach, Baby Donkey Kong, and more—each with special abilities that affect gameplay.
The art style retained its storybook charm, while the dual screens allowed for vertically expansive levels not possible in the original. Yoshi’s Island DS was praised for its challenge, creativity, and dedication to the spirit of its predecessor. Though it offered a slightly steeper difficulty curve, it was appreciated by platforming purists and fans of the Yoshi subseries within the Mario universe.
Mario Party DS: Mini-Games And Big Fun
Mario Party DS shrunk down the board game madness of the console versions and packed it into a handheld experience. Released in 2007, the game featured a full party mode with five different boarDS and over 70 mini-games. It retained the essence of the Mario Party formula—rolling dice, collecting stars, and competing in fast-paced mini-games—with a few DS-specific twists.
Touch screen, microphone, and dual-screen mechanics were cleverly integrated into the gameplay. Mario Party DS also included a story mode where Mario and frienDS were shrunken down to miniature size, adding a whimsical context to the party antics. Local wireless multiplayer made it possible for up to four frienDS to play together with just one game card, a feature that significantly boosted its popularity. It remains one of the best-selling Mario Party games and a standout multiplayer experience on the DS.
Mario Vs. Donkey Kong 2: March Of The Minis
This 2006 sequel to the Game Boy Advance title Mario vs. Donkey Kong shifted the focus from action-puzzle gameplay to more of a strategic puzzle experience. Players guided Mini Marios, wind-up toy versions of Mario, through increasingly complex levels by using the stylus to manipulate the environment.
This marked the beginning of the “March of the Minis” subseries, which emphasized indirect control and thoughtful planning. The level editor was a particularly notable addition, allowing players to create and share their own challenges. With a charming aesthetic, catchy music, and a gradual difficulty curve, Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 offered a refreshing change of pace in the Mario game lineup and demonstrated the DS’s potential for creative game design.
Super Princess Peach: A Heroine Takes The Spotlight
Although not starring Mario as the playable character, Super Princess Peach deserves mention as part of the DS Mario catalog. This game flipped the script by having Princess Peach rescue Mario from Bowser, a welcome twist to the usual damsel-in-distress trope. Released in 2006, it was a colorful and whimsical platformer that used Peach’s emotions—joy, rage, gloom, and calm—as gameplay mechanics to solve puzzles and defeat enemies.
The game utilized the DS’s touch screen for certain abilities and mini-games, offering an experience that was both unique and satisfying. Super Princess Peach received positive reviews for its vibrant presentation and accessible gameplay, and it was praised for giving Peach a rare moment in the spotlight. Though not as challenging as other Mario games, it holDS a special place in the DS library.
Mario Hoops 3-On-3: A Slam Dunk For Mario Sports Fans
Mario Hoops 3-on-3, developed by Square Enix and released in 2006, was a basketball game featuring Mario characters and some surprising guest stars from the Final Fantasy universe. The game used the stylus for all movements and shots, creating a gameplay experience that was both innovative and divisive. It had a full tournament mode, unlockable characters, and multiple courts with unique hazarDS and themes.
The inclusion of items, special moves, and Mario-themed courts kept the game rooted in its whimsical universe while still delivering a competitive sports experience. Though not as polished as other Mario sports titles, Mario Hoops 3-on-3 remains a fun and quirky part of the DS Mario lineup.
Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games: Friendly Competition
Though technically a crossover, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games was a huge milestone for both franchises. Released for the DS in 2008, this title allowed players to compete in various Olympic events using characters from the Mario and Sonic universes.
Events ranged from track and field to swimming and gymnastics, all controlled through stylus swipes, button taps, and clever use of the DS hardware. The game offered single-player and multiplayer modes, with character stats influencing performance. It was both a celebration of athletic prowess and a symbolic moment in gaming history, as two former rivals came together in the spirit of friendly competition.
The Legacy Of Mario On Nintendo DS
The legacy of Super Mario games on the Nintendo DS is vast and varied. From nostalgic remakes to bold new experiments, Mario’s presence on the DS platform showcased the franchise’s adaptability and timeless appeal.
These games highlighted different aspects of the Mario universe—platforming, puzzle-solving, racing, role-playing, sports, and party games. Each title utilized the DS’s unique features in different ways, whether it was the dual screens, touch controls, or wireless connectivity.
The Nintendo DS proved to be a fertile ground for expanding the Mario brand, introducing new gameplay ideas while honoring classic formulas. Whether you’re revisiting these titles or discovering them for the first time, the Mario DS library remains an essential part of any Nintendo fan’s collection.
Conclusion
All Super Mario DS games contributed significantly to the Nintendo DS’s reputation as one of the best-selling handheld consoles of all time. They demonstrated how a beloved franchise could successfully transition into new formats and engage players across a variety of genres. Whether through the nostalgic wonder of Super Mario 64 DS, the modern flair of New Super Mario Bros., or the inventive puzzle design of Mario vs.
Donkey Kong 2, each title offered something unique. The DS era of Mario games not only entertained millions but also laid the foundation for future handheld and hybrid titles. It remains a golden chapter in Mario’s illustrious journey, proving that no matter the platform, the magic of Mario endures.