How Many DS Games Were Made?
The Nintendo DS is a legendary handheld console that was first released in 2004 and went on to become one of the best-selling consoles of all time. With its unique dual-screen design and innovative gaming experiences, the DS has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. One of the most striking aspects of the DS is the sheer number of games that were developed for it. 3467 games, to be exact. But what’s even more remarkable is that these games come from a diverse range of developers, including major publishers like Nintendo and Ubisoft, as well as smaller independent studios.
The Numbers Game
Before we dive into the specifics of DS games, let’s take a look at some impressive numbers. 1791 games were released for North America alone, and the console has sold 154.02 million units worldwide. That’s a staggering amount of games and players! With a library of games spanning over a decade, the DS has cemented its place as one of the most iconic and beloved gaming platforms.
Best-Selling DS Games
But which DS games stood out from the crowd and became best-sellers? New Super Mario Bros. takes the top spot, with an astonishing 31 million units sold worldwide. Other notable best-sellers include Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Mario Kart DS, and Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day. These games not only showcased the console’s capabilities but also contributed to its widespread popularity.
Top 5 Best-Selling DS Games
| Game Title | Units Sold |
|---|---|
| New Super Mario Bros. | 31 million |
| Pokémon Diamond and Pearl | 23 million |
| Mario Kart DS | 18 million |
| Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day | 14 million |
| Nintendogs | 11 million |
How Many DS Games Are Left to Play?
Now that we’ve looked at the sheer number of games and the best-sellers, the question remains: how many DS games are left to play? With the Wii U eShop closure in March 2023, the last remaining option for buying DS games was the Nintendo eShop, which shut down in October 2020. As a result, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find and purchase DS games, especially rare or harder-to-find titles.
Are DS Games Rare Now?
With the Wii U eShop closure and the decline of physical game sales, the rarity of DS games has increased exponentially. The landscape of eBay is now dominated by outrageous prices and resellers taking advantage of the demand. This has made it difficult for gamers to access the DS library without breaking the bank. As the demand for DS games continues to rise, the rarity and scarcity of these games will only increase.
The Future of DS Games
While the future of DS games may seem bleak, there is still hope for gamers and collectors. Indie developers are still creating new content for the console, and online marketplaces like Nintendo eShop and Game Boy Advance allow players to access and download classic DS games. Additionally, RetroPie and other emulation systems enable players to play DS games on modern consoles. These options may not be as seamless as having a physical copy, but they do offer a way to experience the magic of DS games.
Conclusion
The Nintendo DS has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry, with an impressive 3467 games and over 154 million units sold worldwide. The best-sellers and top-performing games showcased the console’s capabilities and popularity. As the Wii U eShop closure and physical game sales decline, the rarity of DS games has increased, making it more challenging for gamers to access the library. While the future of DS games may be uncertain, indie developers and online marketplaces offer glimmers of hope for fans and collectors alike.