When theNintendo DSlaunched in 2004, there was nothing quite like it available on the market. As a successor to the Game Boy Advance, the DS improved upon its predecessor by offering players a dual top and bottom screen layout with touch functionality on the bottom screen. The revolutionary technology of theNintendo DShelped it achieve the rank of best-selling handheld console of all time, as well as second best-selling of any console trailing only the PS2. While some of Nintendo’s most popular franchises have entries on the DS, there are a few that have never appeared outside the system.
Iconic franchises from the DS era such asNintendogs,Advanced Wars,and theMario and LuigiRPG series have all seen new entries on future Nintendo consoles. The DS also featured new entries in long-running franchises likeThe Legend of Zelda,Pokemon, andFire Emblemthat have since continued on as well. However, there are a few notable series that captured the essence of the DS, but have yet to see a resurgence or even a re-release on a future console.
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The Legendary Starfy
Released in 2009 in North America,The Legendary Starfyis a charming platformer set in depths of the ocean and sees the starfish-like hero, Prince Starfy on an adventure in pursuit of the rabbit Bunston. Although it is the fifth entry in the series,The Legendary Starfywas the only one to release outside of Japan. The game drew a lot of comparisons to theKirbyseries with its cute, playable protagonist and easy platforming levels. While it has seen representation in theSuper Smash Bros.series, there hasn’t been a new game in the series since this title.
Elite Beat Agents
While the DS is not necessarily known for itsrhythm-based games, one such entry in its library stands out as a classic of the genre.Elite Beat Agentsreleased in 2006 to critical acclaim, however its poor sales were definitely a blow to a potential sequel. The game features the use of the touch screen and requires players to tap or slide the stylus across it in time with the rhythm of music as they play through levels as a group of government agents sent to assist people in need by motivating them through dance. Despite the poor sales, the wacky antics of the agents and solid rhythm-based gameplay has earnedElite Beat Agentsa cult classic status among fans.
Electroplankton
While less of a game and more of an interactive experience,Electroplanktonhas made a big enough impact on the DS' library to earn a stage in theSuper Smash Bros. series. The game was first released in Japan in 2005 with a later North American release in 2006 and features the ability to create different audio and visual experiences by touching the various plankton-like creatures on the screen. This is far from the deepest gameplay, but as an artistic showcase of the DS' hardware, it was memorable enough to warrant re-release on theeShop as DSiwarein 2009. However, it has yet to receive any sequels or re-releases on hardware outside the DS family.
Super Princess Peach
As a spin-off from theSuper Mariofranchise,Super Princess Peachwas the first game on a Nintendo console to feature the princess as the sole playable character. Following the sidescrolling platforming gameplay of the mainline series,Super Princess Peachflips the script on the traditional damsel in distress trope by having Peach set off to rescue Mario and Luigi from Bowser’s clutches. What makes this game unique to Peach, aside from her parasol side-kick Perry, is her vibe powers that stem from the four emotions of joy, rage, gloom, and calm. Despite thisNintendo DSgame receiving generally positive reviews and selling over a million copies, it hasn’t had a sequel or re-release since its initial 2006 North American launch.
