Nintendo DS

Simulating and "Unofficially Demoing"

 * I have no DS, can I still play these games? Yes, but compatibility will not be perfect. We recommended DeSmuME or no$gba with no$zoomer, both of which can be found on 4chan's /rs/ just go to emulator-zone.com so that way you know for sure you're completely updated. Several apps can be found in this thread, including frontends, skins, and a program to fix the crackling audio in New Super Mario Bros and others.
 * I have a DS, now tell me how to Pirate "Unofficially Demo"! You are going to have to buy a flash card. The top of the line is the Supercard DSTwo, followed by the Acekard 2i , then finally the  Original R4DS only. The Supercard DSTwo intelligently circumvents anti-piracy, and has the best ROM compatibility of anything in the range of flashcarts out there. Acekard users should upgrade their firmware to AKAIO to increase compatibility and anti-piracy features. If you have an R4, it is recommended you use the Wood R4 custom firmware to bump up its compatibility to Acekard 2i levels. Though it is not recommended to buy an R4DS these days, some websellers explicitly state if the R4DS is Wood R4 compatible, making for a cheaper solution than even the Acekard 2i. Another decent choice to consider would be the EZFlash, which is not strictly top of the line but holds a high compatibility standard and is updated fairly frequently enough that becoming a diehard fan of the card itself is not difficult. Plus, the 3-in-1 is something to consider should you be a GBA fan. Don't bother with anything else!
 * Avoid these flashcarts:
 * M3i Zero (shitty support, DLDI **auto-patching doesn't work worth a damn)
 * G6lite (Outdated)
 * DSTT ( shitty support  Retrogamefan YSmenu updates are acceptable)
 * CycloDS (overpriced and outdated by DStwo)
 * iEdge (CycloDS clone, discontinued)
 * iSmart MM (inferior DSTwo imitation)
 * EX4iDS (inferior DSTwo imitation)
 * any R4DS clone such as SDHC, Gold, Ultra, King, III, etc.
 * For more detailed information on Homebrew & Flashcards, read the DS Homebrew article
 * Notice: DSi and DSi XL have no GBA slot. They also supposedly have more "robust" anti-copyan features; in reality, the most you're going to need to do is update your card's firmware, which will require a couple extra unzips/patches on your part. Please plan accordingly when choosing a handheld. If you plan on playing GBA games on your DSi, buy a Supercard DSTWO!

Upcoming Games
For upcoming games click here.

Cartridge Based
[http://vsrecommendedgames.wikia.com/index.php?title=Nintendo_DS&oldid=31473 Here is a slightly different list that helps you find recommended games released recently (2011-2010) with a year of release column. Do not edit this list.]

Edutainment and/or Non-games
Since the beginning of times, every platform has had some titles that are sorta kinda games, but not quite. Call it edutainment, interactive toys or non-games, all those games were there, quietly selling and entertaining lots of people. With the DS wild success among people that usually wouldn't play games, the non-games got the push they needed to become relevant again, resulting in a plethora of non-traditional games. Some of them are quite good, and this section is for them.

Nintendo DSiWare


DSiware started with the DSi and continued with the 3DS. These are essentially small file-sized games to be played and stored digitally. Some are meant for quick-fire play, but others have more depth. Longevity varies per title, obviously.

If you have a DSi versus a 3DS, there's still plenty of games and options available. It will also be supported for a little while longer, so you might want to keep your eye out for some future releases anyway. Of course, the 3DS gets you charged sales tax, so there might be some perk to using DSi points for a little while longer.

DSiWare is downloadable and transferable with the 3DS. However, you won't be able to keep any of your save data (due to Nintendo's legal bullshit). That said, all you have to do is download a free application off of the DSiWare Shop (the 3DS already has the means to do so without said app). Have both plugged in (or you'll get a fuckton of warning messages), set up a full or custom transfer (the full is much more convenient), and Pikmin will transfer all your data. If you get an error message, whatever was in the middle of being transferred will have to re-transfer, but everything else will already be sent over, and won't start all the way over.

Nintendo DS Homebrew
Chances are, you're from /v/, you like DS, you have a flashcart.

So load up with some homebrew, it can be pretty worth while.