Summary
In many ways, theNintendo Switchseems perfect for DS ports, given its touchscreen and portability. Games like Castlevania Dominus Collection proved that dual-screen gaming could work on a TV, while remasters like Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective showed how to remake a DS game for a single screen. Despite that, very few titles from the classic handheld ever made it to Switch.
While the Wii U offered a wide selection of DS titles through the Virtual Console, the Nintendo Switch, sadly, provided no alternative when theWii U eShop closed in 2023. The following games, in particular, would have been incredible to play on Switch, but they’re still stuck in the past.
As a DS launch title, Super Mario 64 DS attempted to show off what the handheld could do, delivering a full remake of the iconic N64 game with three new playable characters, brand-new levels, and a diverse library of minigames. It’s remarkable to seesuch a huge 3D platformerrunning on DS hardware.
However, the game comes with one fatal flaw. Super Mario 64 simply doesn’t work with the DS D-Pad, which makes movement feel frustratingly restricted. A Switch remake could have solved this problem, but it wasn’t in the cards.
Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors (999 for short) is a nail-biting psychological thriller and escape room simulator. Nine strangers are abducted and trapped on a sinking cruise ship, where they must solve a slew of puzzles to escape. The gripping mystery, excellent characters, and adrenaline-pumping action never fail to keep you on the edge of your seat.
The game was remade as part of the Zero Escape: The Nonary Games collection, featuring revamped animations, polished visuals, and full voice acting. Strangely enough, the remake is available on all major platforms except the Nintendo Switch.
Kirby Super Star Ultra is a dream come true for long-time fans, remaking the classic SNES game with better graphics and brand-new modes, including Meta Knightmare Ultra and The True Arena. It’s also the first appearance of fan-favorite bosses like Galacta Knight and Masked Dedede.
It’s a stellar remake and is widely considered a must-play Kirby game. Sadly, it was never ported or remastered on Nintendo Switch. You’ll need tosettle for the SNES original on NSO, which is still an excellent game in its own right.
The Sonic Rush games were a saving grace during a rough patch for the Blue Blur, proving that the series could still delivertop-notch high-speed platformers. The duology is famous for introducing the boost mechanic, as well as the fan-favorite character Blaze the Cat.
The premise involves Sonic and Blaze traveling across parallel dimensions to stop Eggman from conquering the multiverse. Both games feature fun gameplay mechanics and even better music, but neither were ever ported to Switch. You’ll need to dig out your DS to experience these thrilling adventures.
4Mega Man Star Force Series
Why Don’t These Games Have A Collection?
Mega Man has plenty of collections on Nintendo Switch, allowing you to play everything from the classic series to the Battle Network games. However, the Star Force titles are a different story. This RPG trilogy follows fifth-grader Geo Stelar, who dons the iconic arm cannon while investigating his father’s mysterious death.
Similar to Pokemon, each Star Force title is divided into two or three slightly different versions, so a hypothetical Switch collection would contain many editions of essentially the same game. Regardless, it would’ve been great to have a more accessible way to play the trilogy, givenhow rare these games have become.
The Switch hasno shortage of fantastic Mario RPGs, but it’s missing one of the best: Bowser’s Inside Story. The journey begins when the Koopa King accidentally inhales the Mario Bros., forcing them to explore his insides to find a way out. While the premise is a bit silly, the gameplay is some of the best in the entire series.
When the game finally received a remake in 2019, it strangely launched for 3DS instead of Switch - a bit baffling considering you could already play the original on the 3DS. Since then, there have been no signs of a port or remaster on Switch.
2Professor Layton Series
Delve Into A World Of Mystery
Professor Layton isthe king of DS puzzlers, starring in four mystery visual novels across the handheld’s lifespan. The series follows the titular crime-solver and his apprentice, Luke, as they investigate England’s most perplexing mysteries, ranging from chilling murders to time-traveling kidnappers.
The series is known for its head-scratching puzzles, gorgeous soundtracks, stellar voice acting, and fully animated cutscenes. Given how many DS visual novels made it to Switch, including Ace Attorney and Ghost Trick, you’d think the Professor Layton games were a shoo-in. Sadly, not a single one ever made it over.
The DS was an outstanding era for Pokemon, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Black and White. This duology was a big step for the series, introducing triple battles, a seasonal cycle, full-animated sprites, and a whopping 156 new Pokemon to collect. It was a massive deal at the time, and it’s still just as good today.
While Diamond, Pearl, and Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team all received remakes on Switch, Black and White weren’t so fortunate. It’s a shame that Switch owners missed out on such an incredible generation, but you can always dust off your old DS to replay these fantastic RPGs.
