Nintendo has been creating legendary franchises for decades and the Nintendo DS is no exception. The handheld system allowed players to take their favorite games on the go, and experience the adventures of iconic characters like Mario and Zelda wherever they went. With the introduction of Nintendo DS ROMs, it’s now possible to relive those classic moments on your computer. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best franchises in Nintendo DS history that are now available in ROM form, and why these games continue to capture the hearts of gamers worldwide.
The first franchise that comes to mind when it comes to Nintendo DS gaming is, of course, Mario. Super Mario Bros. has been around since the 80s, and it remains one of the most beloved franchises of all time. Some of the standout games in the series for the DS include Super Mario 64 DS, New Super Mario Bros., and Mario Kart DS. These games are still as fun to play today as they were when they were first released, and the inclusion of touch screen controls only adds to the experience.
Another legendary franchise that owes its success to the DS is The Legend of Zelda. The touch screen was utilized in innovative ways in games like The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass and The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks. Both games feature puzzles that require the player to draw specific shapes or lines on the screen, adding a level of interactivity that had never been seen before in a Zelda game. The storytelling and gameplay are also top-notch, making these games a treat for any Zelda fan.
Pokemon is another franchise that has enjoyed immense success on the DS. The mainline games in the series, such as Pokemon Diamond and Pearl and Pokemon Black and White, were all released on the Nintendo DS, and they remain some of the best games in the franchise. The games offered improved graphics and added new features that made the games even more engaging, and the ability to trade and battle with other players worldwide only added to the appeal.
Animal Crossing is a franchise that has always been associated with Nintendo consoles, and the DS version was no exception. Animal Crossing: Wild World was released in 2005 and was a big hit with both critics and fans. The game allowed players to create their own avatar and explore a small town, interacting with various animal characters along the way. The game’s real-time clock meant that certain events would only happen at specific times of the day or year, adding a level of realism that really drew players in.
Finally, we have the Kirby franchise. Kirby: Canvas Curse was a standout game on the DS that utilized the touch screen in interesting ways. Instead of controlling Kirby directly, players had to draw lines on the screen to guide Kirby through the levels. The game was praised for its clever use of the touch screen and for its beautiful graphics. Kirby Mass Attack was another great game in the series that made use of the touch screen for gameplay mechanics. With its charming characters and fun gameplay, the Kirby franchise continues to be a fan favorite.
Conclusion: Nintendo has a long history of creating franchises that stand the test of time, and the Nintendo DS was no exception. From Mario to Zelda and everything in between, the DS was home to some of the best games in gaming history. With the advent of ROMs, it’s now easier than ever to experience these classic games once again. Whether you’re reliving your childhood or discovering these franchises for the first time, there’s never been a better time to dive into the world of Nintendo DS gaming.

