Top 5 Dream Nintendo DS Games We Wish Had Been Released

The Nintendo DS, released in 2004, established itself as one of the most successful handheld gaming platforms of all time, boasting an eclectic library that appealed to a wide range of players.

While the system received a steady stream of high-profile releases from both Nintendo and third-party developers, many fans and industry observers often compiled wish lists of iconic titles that, for one reason or another, never made their way to the Nintendo DS.

This enduring fascination with "games we'd like to play" on DS was notably highlighted by eToyChest, a leading voice in gaming retrospectives.

Their editorial featured a compelling rundown of games that enthusiasts collectively yearned to experience on Nintendo’s dual-screen hardware.

Fans were encouraged to join the discussion and offer their own picks of classics that deserved a DS adaptation. Among eToyChest’s selection, the following five games stood out as the most coveted titles that the Nintendo DS never received: 5.

Katamari Damacy: The inventive, physics-driven gameplay of Katamari Damacy would have felt right at home on the DS with its touchscreen controls.

Although the franchise’s offbeat charm captivated players on PlayStation platforms, it remains absent from Nintendo handhelds, leaving fans curious about what could have been. 4.

Magic Pengel: The Quest for Color: Originally developed by Garakuta-Studio, Magic Pengel allowed players to draw and bring to life their own creatures in a vibrant adventure.

The DS stylus seemed tailor-made for such creativity-focused experiences, but Magic Pengel never arrived on the system, despite strong fan interest. 3.

Okami: Capcom’s visually stunning action-adventure, inspired by traditional Japanese art, drew international acclaim after its PlayStation 2 release.

Its painterly mechanics and celestial brush would have been an exceptional fit for the Nintendo DS touchscreen, but Okami’s official DS debut ultimately never materialized. 2.

Loom: LucasArts’ classic point-and-click adventure, famous for its innovative use of music and narrative, was another prime candidate for a DS adaptation.

The system’s portability and input style could have introduced Loom to an entirely new generation of players. 1.

Paper Mario: The quirky, story-driven RPG series from Nintendo has delighted fans since its Nintendo 64 origins.

Despite robust demand, Paper Mario never received an original Nintendo DS installment—leaving this creative franchise near the top of many wish lists for the device. Notably, fans also voiced desires for arcade classics like BurgerTime, spotlighting the diverse range of genres that might have thrived on the DS.

As the Nintendo DS era is fondly remembered, these "dream picks" serve as a testament to the platform’s enduring appeal and the boundless creativity of its gaming community.

Whether through re-releases, remakes, or spiritual successors, these titles remain a source of inspiration for both players and developers alike.