The epiphany of every 2000’s child was to play on our DS or 3DS and you cannot convince me otherwise. Ever since iPhones and Nintendo Switches have been released, people have spent less and less time on DS’s and 3DS’s. However, I still remember some of my nostalgic games from my childhood. These were some of my favorite ones growing up below. 

• Cooking Mama (DS)

This game taught every kid under the age of 12 how to cook a meal. This was one of my favorite games growing up because of how interactive it was. There were a variety of meals to cook and you would get ratings on them based on how well you performed. Overall, this was a very engaging game for me and I loved playing it. 

• Zhu Zhu Pets (DS)

“Zhu Zhu Pets” was a fun and interactive game based on the popular toy franchise. In this game, players take the role of a pet owner, caring for and guiding their pets through various adventures. This game also lets players customize their pets and take them through fun mini games. This style of game was perfect for anyone who loves pets and wanted one of their own. 

• My Sims Kingdom (DS)

The older “My Sims” games were always such classics, especially when it came to the style of the characters. This game, known for its charming life simulation, lets players create, customize and build their own kingdom. The game tasks you with helping to restore a kingdom by completing challenges and quests. This game was a pure dose of nostalgia for those who grew up loving the “My Sims” franchise. 

• Super Mario Bros (DS)

This classic game brought the Mario Bros. franchise to life. In this game, players control Mario or Luigi as they navigate towards a series of challenging obstacles, such as enemies and obstacles. This exciting gameplay retained the core mechanics that fans know and love. This game was a staple for anyone who grew up in the 2000’s, as the Super Mario brothers were everywhere. 

• Mario Kart (3DS)

Another game from the Mario Bros. franchise, this game was loved by all. This game, being the first of its kind, featured a fun and face paced game with all the original characters that you love. Players race through different environments and use different power ups such as shells and bananas to surpass their opponents. This game also supports multiplayer gameplay, which is perfect when wanting to play with your friends. 

• Luigi’s Mansion (3DS)

“Luigi’s Mansion” is a spooky yet action packed game that follows Luigi on a quest to rescue his brother from the haunted mansion. The entire premise of this game follows Luigi being trapped in a house with a bunch of different ghosts. Players must solve puzzles, explore different rooms and face off against powerful boss ghosts in order to save the day. If you love creepy games with a touch of adventure, this one’s for you. 

• Animal Crossing: New Leaf (3DS)

“Animal Crossing: New Leaf” has to be one of my favorite games of all time. In this game, players take the role of the town’s mayor and take care of all the townsfolk. In this peaceful and immersive world, you move into this new village with a house of your very own and meet the other villagers. Players have the ability to customize their own character and work on projects such as bridges and buildings. Overall, if you want a game that is very calm and relaxing, this game is perfect for that. 

• Tomodachi Life (3DS)

“Tomodachi Life” is a fun simulation game where you can create and manage an island full of unique and customizable mii characters. The game invites you to manage the lives of your characters, as you can dress and accessorize them however you want. You can also dictate what they eat, who they marry/date and more. This quirky game is perfect for anyone who grew up loving mii characters. 

• Paper Mario Sticker Star (3DS)

My favorite DS game of all time, “Paper Mario Sticker Star,” is a game that takes you on a colorful adventure. This game combines traditional Mario gameplay with  sticker mechanics, giving the game a unique reputation. Set in a world made of paper, Mario sets out on a mission to rescue Princess Peach and restore the shattered sticker star. Along the way, players have to explore vibrant environments, complete challenges and fight enemies. If you are a very creative individual, this game would be perfect for you.