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Top 10 games for Nintendo DS Lite

The recession-friendly Nintendo DS Lite offers opportunities for great gaming.

Published Feb. 10, 2009

Recently, my friend Lyndsie told me she was thinking about purchasing a Nintendo DS Lite. And with the Japanese video game company's new iteration of the device, the DSi, coming out in April, the still-fantastic DS Lite will soon see a price drop. This makes it a perfect portable for someone on a budget. But after getting your DS on the cheap, you'll be looking for some software to drop that extra coin on. Here are the top 10 games that will keep you entertained on the go (in no particular order):

1. "Mario Kart DS"

While the new Wii version of "Mario Kart" has become too hectic and random, the DS release is hands down the best game of the "Kart" series. With great new tracks as well as old favorites, "Mario Kart DS" will definitely impress.

2. "Space Invaders Extreme"

The "Space Invaders" franchise has gotten revitalized with "Extreme," which brings the classic gameplay into the new millennium with fancy, retro-styled graphics and a faster pace. There are also a few twists that make this even better than the original.

3. "Metroid Prime: Hunters"

One of the earliest DS games, "Hunters" is still the best first-person shooter available on the platform. The single player is great, but the amazing multiplayer that you can participate in over Wi-Fi, or even in CPU-controlled "bot" matches. After about an hour, your hand will start to cramp, but it's the most satisfying cramp you'll ever get.

4. "Professor Layton and the Curios Village"

If you're not so much into the twitch-style gameplay of "Metroid" or "Space Invaders," the DS still has plenty to offer. "Professor Layton" is a mystery game, one filled with interesting brainteasers and tough puzzles. It's excellent for anyone who enjoyed Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys novels.

5. "New Super Mario Bros."

Much more forgiving than it's predecessors, "New Super Mario Bros." still has that old-school feel while being new and shiny: a must-buy for all DS owners.

6. "Advance Wars: Days of Ruin/Advance Wars: Dual Strike"

One of the best strategy series on any machine, "Advance Wars" has seen two games on DS and both, surprisingly, are equally great in different ways. "Days of Ruin" (the newer one) has a grittier feel and revamps the series, but "Dual Strike" is the pinnacle of the series' cartoony roots.

7. "Meteos"

To any "Tetris" or "Bejeweled" addict: "Meteos" will be your next fix. Taking full advantage of the stylus, Meteos will continue to have you coming back for more. Play alone or against friends in one of the best puzzlers you can take with you.

8. Chrono Trigger

One of the best traditional Japanese RPGs ever created. The legendary game has been perfectly ported from the Super Nintendo. Any fan of "Final Fantasy" or "Golden Sun" will find "Chrono Trigger" to be an absolute dream.

9. "Trauma Center: Under the Knife"

So cool, so unique and so well done, Trauma Center has all the campy story of a soap opera, but keeps all the action of "ER." Squeamish people shouldn't worry: The manga art style will allow you to keep your food down.

10. "Phoenix Wright/Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Series"

Another game that is unlike anything you've ever played, the "Phoenix Wright" series has you play the role of the titular defense attorney. A sharp eye and a creative mind are imperative to solve the cases. Beating any of these games should get you bonus points on the Bar exam.

Honorable Mention: "Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum"

"A Pokémon game? Are you serious?" Yeah, I know, but if you can get over the idea that this is a "Pokémon" title, you'll find an amazingly deep RPG that has plenty of strategy and fun. The newest, "Platinum," is slated for this March if you can hold off on a "Poke" purchase.