Best Nintendo DS Multiplayer Games: Local & Wireless Essentials

The DS library is a treasure trove of local multiplayer via Download Play, Multi-Card, and (formerly) Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Here are the highlights by genre.

Action / Platformer

• New Super Mario Bros. (VS Mode): 2–4 players, Multi-Card or Download Play (limited levels).
• Kirby Super Star Ultra: 2-player co-op (Helper system) – full game.
• The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition (DSiWare): 2–4 players, Download Play, co-op puzzle dungeons.

Racing

• Mario Kart DS: 2–8 players (Local Wireless: 2–4 Multi-Card, 2 Download Play; Nintendo WFC: 8). Gold standard.
• Crash Boom Bang!: 4-player party racing.

Shooter / Action

• Metroid Prime Hunters: 4-player local wireless / Wi-Fi. FPS with morph ball.
• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare / MW2 / Black Ops: 6-player local wireless (ad-hoc), full online.
• Brothers in Arms DS: 4-player tactical.

RPG / Strategy

• Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time: 4-player co-op (local wireless / Wi-Fi), cross-play with Wii.
• Dragon Quest IX: 4-player co-op (local wireless), guest party members.
• Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon: 2-player VS (local wireless), 5v5 teams.
• Advance Wars: Dual Strike: 2–4 player VS (Multi-Card), maps, COs.

Puzzle / Party

• Clubhouse Games (42 All-Time Classics): 2–4 players (cards, board, billiards, darts, etc.) – Download Play supported.
• WarioWare: Touched! / Snapped!: 2–4 player microgame madness.
• PictoChat: Not a game, but legendary local wireless drawing/chat.

Download Play Stars (1 Cart, 2–4 Players)

Mario Kart DS, New Super Mario Bros., Clubhouse Games, Tetris DS, Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum (Union Room), Advance Wars: Dual Strike, Animal Crossing: Wild World (visiting).

Note: Nintendo WFC (online) shut down 2014. Use AltWFC / pretendo (homebrew) for restored online on original hardware, or stick to local wireless.