Two-Player Nintendo DS Games: Finding the Right Co-op/Competitive Title

The DS has hundreds of two-player games. To narrow recommendations, consider:

Preference Questions

• Genre: Platformer, puzzle, RPG, racing, fighter, strategy, shooter?
• Mode: Local wireless (multi-cart/download play), online (defunct officially, via Wiimmfi), shared screen?
• Co-op vs. Versus: Working together or against each other?
• Difficulty: Casual, moderate, hardcore?

Standout Categories & Examples

• Local Co-op (Download Play—1 cart): New Super Mario Bros., Mario Kart DS, Tetris DS, Clubhouse Games.
• Local Versus (Multi-cart): Pokémon (battle/trade), Advance Wars, Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (Boss Rush), Bomberman.
• Online (via Wiimmfi revival): Mario Kart DS, Pokémon Gen 4/5, Animal Crossing: Wild World, Tetris DS.
• Shared Screen (Pass-and-play): Hotel Dusk, Professor Layton, Phoenix Wright, 999.

Share your preferences for a curated shortlist!