Summary
Nearly everyMariogame on the Nintendo DS is a must-buy for casual and hardcore gamers alike. Casual players appreciated the range of genres and difficulty the giant, media-defying franchise offered. On the other hand, more dedicated fans who spent hours in games loved the challenge its platformers and RPGs posed.
It’s high time to open the old DS and play the bestMariotitles on Nintendo’s iconic console if one hasn’t already. Here’s howeveryMariorelease on the DS ranks up.
Updated June 22, 2025 by Rie Takumi: Every Mario game on the Nintendo DShas its fair share of fans. Most also have releases on other consoles, or received sequels and remakes that update the DS version. If not, fans found ways to play these games without shelling out thousands of dollars for copies and working DS’s.
For one thing, the mainline Mario games have had dozens of entries since New Super Mario Bros. Spin-off games like Super Princess Peach received a sequel in Princess Peach: Showtime!, while Super Mario 64 was re-released again as part of Super Mario 3D All-Stars. With Nintendo releasing new versions of their greatest hits, it’s not impossible to have more Nintendo DS Mario games come out of the vault in the future.
To make this list accessible, the table below lists allMarioNintendo DSgames covered by this list.
Nintendo 3DS
Single platform
Metascore
TBD
Itadaki Street(orFortune Street)combines beloved characters fromDragon QuestandMarioina virtual board game. Borrowing elements fromMonopoly, players can buy and sell stocks in property spaces to affect their value. The fun lies in manipulating this market while accumulating enough wealth to win the game upon returning to the bank.
Sadly, despite the popularity of bothSuper MarioandDragon Quest, the title remains locked on the Nintendo DS exclusively in Japan. Fortunately for fans of either franchise,Itadaki Streethas an English entry available on the Wii.
76% (Based on 7 Critic Reviews)
The lastDr. Mariogame was released in 2019, a full decade after the DSi-exclusiveDr. Mario Express. Also known asA Little Bit of… Dr. Marioin Australia and Europe,Dr. Mario Expresswas the first Mario game for the Nintendo DS update. It was also one of twoDr. Mariogames released for any DS console, the second beingDr. Mario: Miracle Curein 2015 for the Nintendo 3DS.
Dr. Mario Expressdelivers classicDr. Mariosingle-player action in touch format. Classic mode and Vs. CPU mode offers different difficulty and speed levels for veterans. Unfortunately, a lack of a multiplayer mode and ports to other consoles keeps this game from experiencing the popularity it deserves.
82% (Based on 12 Critic Reviews)
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!adds miniature Princess Peach, Toad, and Donkey Kong into the Mini’s rotation. The DSi title also makes it mandatory to acquire all end-of-level bonuses to proceed through a stage or floor. Donkey Kong waits at the end of each floor and must be defeated by shooting Minis at the ape.
For creative types,Minis March Againoffers the Construction Zone. This level editor is definitely primitive compared toMario Makerbut offers enough depth and slots for 140 stages.
69% (Based on 40 Critic Reviews)
Mario Hoops: 3-on-3never got asolo sports sequellike its other kin, but it gelled basketball andMario PartyandKartmechanics effectively. Players could break ?-panels to get items and coins while also dunking and sinking shots from downtown. Multiplayer was possible and enhanced the multiple game modes it supported.
Final Fantasycharacters were also available along with neat costume variations. However, while the game had its quirks, it ultimately passed on as one of many gimmickyMariogames.
69% (Based on 78 Critic Reviews)
The DS version ofMario & Sonicsubstituted the Nintendo Wii’s motion controls with touchscreen flicks, taps, and drawing. Multiplayer was also present, though players were quick to point out that the DS traded portability for the Wii’s immersive gameplay.
Some reviewers and players felt the strict adherence to Olympic rules drained some fun out of it. Nevertheless, it was popular enough for a sequel. Moreover,Mario & Sonic,Mario + Rabbids, andMario vs. Kongwere proof thatMariocan tangle with rival franchises.
72% (Based on 27 Critic Reviews)
Like the Mario Olympics games,Mario Party DStraded full-motion gameplay for portability. On the flip side, up to four players could use one game card via wireless mode. The mic, touch screen, and buttons were also fully utilized in single and dual-screen challenges.
At the same time, its story mode was surprisingly fun, which made it an enjoyable game even when flying solo. Withmore than 70 minigames, players had a ton of variety while playing through Party and Minigame Mode.
73% (Based on 41 Critic Reviews)
Yoshi Touch & Gohad players carrying baby Mario to safety in this mini-game style auto-runner. Players had to skillfully tap to navigate obstacles, enemies, and tricky terrain.
As it was originally a demo for the DS, it doesn’t have a story mode. Instead, it has four modes players can swap through. Its VS. mode also allowed two players to compete in various courses to see who could get to the end first.
72% (Based on 55 Critic Reviews)
ThisMariosports gameimproved on the formula to bring the winter games to the DS. Much like the first Olympics title, it was strict about rules and presentation as it was an official game of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
The stringent adherence to rules was offset by an Adventure Tour that featured multiple character stories from theMarioandSonicfranchise. Multiplayer mode also made a successful return to extend the shelf life of its mini-games.
It comes right belowMario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minisbecause the latter had mechanics brought over to later titles. Letting players design their own levels became the main conceit ofSuper Mario Maker. Although theMario & SonicOlympic Gameswould have sequels, the Mario franchise released superior multiplayer games around the same time.
76% (Based on 32 Critic Reviews)
This sequel took the Mini-Marios from its GBA predecessor and made them the main puzzle component. Players used the touch screen to manipulate the Mini-Marios and their environment to lead as many of themto the exit. Barriers, gaps, and even other Marios stood in the way of the wind-ups.
March of the Minisrewarded slow and methodical puzzle solvers over speedy swipers. Its puzzles weren’t particularly advanced, but the bundled level designer allowed players to make their own challenges.
Princess Peach became the main character of aMariogameagain in 2024, nearly two decades after her second title. For fans, the project is long overdue, and likely influenced by the success of the 2023Super Mario Bros.movie.
The 2005 title featured Peach saving Mario, Luigi, and Toad from Bowser using the Vibe system. Players triggered Joy, Rage, Gloom, and Calm for abilities that helped Peach navigate puzzles and defeat enemies. Perry the talking umbrella also aided Peach by transforming into a useful mode of transportation.
