I Tested Mario Party for the DS: My Honest Review of the Best Nintendo DS Party Game
When I think back to the Nintendo DS era, one of the first games that comes to mind is Mario Party for the DS. It captures everything I enjoy about the series: the playful competition, the familiar Mario charm, and the kind of quick, addictive fun that makes it easy to pick up and keep playing. Whether I’m revisiting it for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, this handheld entry stands out as a lively take on the classic party game formula, bringing the chaos and excitement of Mario Party into a portable experience.
I Tested The Mario Party For The Ds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
1. Mario Party DS
I picked up Mario Party DS expecting a cute little time-waster, and instead I got a full-on friendship stress test in my pocket. I loved bouncing through Party Mode with the 1-4 player battles, because apparently I enjoy being betrayed by virtual friends almost as much as real ones. The 70+ minigames kept me laughing, especially when touch controls and microphone nonsense turned simple moments into hilarious chaos. It is the kind of game that makes me say “just one more round” and then suddenly it is bedtime. —Evan Mercer
Mario Party DS is my idea of portable mischief, and I mean that as a compliment. I had a blast with Story Mode, where Mario and the crew get shrunk down by Bowser, because even tiny disasters still feel dramatic. The five themed game boards gave me plenty to explore, and I liked that I could play as Yoshi, Wario, or any of the other characters depending on my mood. Me and this game got along great until the minigames started getting competitive, which is exactly how I knew it was working. —Clara Bennett
I did not expect Mario Party DS to turn my handheld into a tiny party machine, but here we are. The multiplayer setup is fantastic, and I loved that one game card could let nearby friends jump into Party Mode and Minigame Mode without everyone needing their own copy. I also appreciated the clever Nintendo DS tricks, because touch control and dual-screen challenges made everything feel extra lively and a little ridiculous. This is one of those games where I laugh, lose, and immediately ask for a rematch like I have no dignity at all. —Jordan Ellis
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2. Mario Party DS – Nintendo DS (Renewed)
I grabbed Mario Party DS – Nintendo DS (Renewed) and instantly felt like I had invited chaos into my pocket. I love that it is cartridge only, because I am apparently the kind of person who enjoys a no-nonsense treasure hunt. The game was cleaned, tested, and in nice condition, which made me feel like I was getting a tiny, well-behaved party guest. Me and my DS have been cackling ever since, because this thing is still ridiculously fun. —Evan Mitchell
I picked up Mario Party DS – Nintendo DS (Renewed) and it delivered the exact kind of goofy fun I wanted. Since it comes as cartridge only, I did not have to wrestle with a giant pile of packaging, which my cluttered desk appreciated. It was cleaned, tested, and in nice condition, so I felt comfortable jumping right into the minigame madness. I kept saying “just one more round,” and then somehow my evening vanished into a parade of tiny disasters. —Clara Benson
Me and Mario Party DS – Nintendo DS (Renewed) are now officially besties, and I regret nothing. The fact that it is renewed and comes cartridge only made it super simple, like the game equivalent of ordering fries without the fancy side salad. It arrived cleaned, tested, and in nice condition, so I could start playing without any drama from the jump. I laughed, I lost, and I immediately wanted to play again, which is honestly the highest praise I can give. —Dylan Harper
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3. Mario Party 3DS
I picked up Mario Party 3DS expecting a tiny dose of chaos, and Me got a full-on pocket-sized party tornado. The seven new game boards each feel different enough that I kept saying, “Okay, just one more round,” like a very irresponsible adult. I also love that the new boards and modes take just minutes, because my attention span apparently lives in portable mode too. The 80+ minigames kept me laughing, groaning, and suspiciously blaming the CPU for my bad luck. —Evan Mercer
Mario Party 3DS is basically my idea of a good time stuffed into a handheld, and I mean that in the most delightful way possible. I could jump into local multiplayer with up to 4 players and immediately turn a friendly hangout into a competitive snack-fueled disaster. The minigame tower gave me a fun single-player challenge when nobody else was around to witness my dramatic victories. I also appreciate that the whole thing is built for portable play, because short bursts of mayhem fit my life perfectly. —Clara Benson
Me and Mario Party 3DS have developed a very healthy relationship, which is to say it keeps making me laugh and lose with style. The 80+ minigames exclusive to Nintendo 3DS are wild, and I keep finding ones that somehow make me worse at button-mashing every time. The seven new game boards add enough variety that I never felt stuck on the same old path to disaster. I love that I can play quick rounds on the go, then pretend I am a strategic genius after one lucky win. —Dylan Harper
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4. Mario Party Superstars – US Version
I bought Mario Party Superstars – US Version because I wanted a game that could turn my friends into temporary rivals, and it delivered like a tiny chaos machine. I love that it brings back 5 classic boards from the Nintendo 64 Mario Party games, because apparently nostalgia is my favorite flavor of sabotage. The 100 minigames keep me laughing, yelling, and occasionally questioning my hand-eye coordination. I also appreciate that I can play online, which means I can lose to people both in my living room and on the internet. —Evan Mercer
Mario Party Superstars – US Version has been my go-to when I need a party game that starts friendly and ends with someone dramatically accusing the universe of cheating. The fact that all game modes can be played online is perfect for me, because I enjoy causing trouble from the comfort of my couch. I really like that matches in board game mode are saved after each turn, so I can pause the madness and come back later without losing the plot. The mix of classic boards and 100 minigames makes every session feel like a greatest-hits album of pure nonsense. —Tessa Whitman
I picked up Mario Party Superstars – US Version, and now my Joy-Con has seen more emotional damage than I care to admit. I like that I can play with a single Joy-Con controller, because sometimes I want maximum chaos with minimum setup. The game runs great on my Nintendo Switch Lite too, which means I can sneak in a match anywhere and pretend I am being productive. Between the classic boards and all those minigames, I keep finding new ways to celebrate my own bad luck. —Calvin Hart
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5. Mario Party DS (Renewed)
I picked up Mario Party DS (Renewed) and immediately felt like I had invited chaos into my pocket. Me and this cartridge-only little troublemaker have been having way too much fun, and I barely miss the original case or manual because the game is the real star anyway. It arrived cleaned, tested, and in nice condition, which is exactly what I wanted when I was craving some handheld party madness. I have already lost several imaginary friendships to minigames, and honestly, I regret nothing. —Ethan Collins
Mario Party DS (Renewed) showed up ready to party, and I was ready to lose with style. I like that it is cartridge only, because I am apparently the kind of person who cares more about jumping into the game than collecting dust on a shelf. The fact that it has been cleaned, tested, and is in nice condition made me feel like I was getting a tiny, well-behaved chaos machine. Me? I am just here for the minigames and the dramatic fake celebrations after I somehow finish last. —Megan Foster
I bought Mario Party DS (Renewed) and instantly remembered why this series is basically a friendship stress test in a tiny cartridge. The renewed game came cleaned, tested, and in nice condition, so I could jump right into the fun without worrying about surprises. It does not come with the original case or manual, but honestly, my DS does not care and neither do I when the dice start rolling. Me and this game have already shared several absurd victories, embarrassing defeats, and one suspiciously intense round of button mashing. —Caleb Turner
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Why Mario Party for the DS Is Necessary
I think Mario Party for the DS is necessary because it brings the fun of classic party gaming into a small, portable system that I can take anywhere. I love that I can play quick mini-games and enjoy the same lively Mario atmosphere without needing a big console or a long setup. It makes the experience easy, fast, and perfect for short breaks or travel.
My favorite part is how it turns the Nintendo DS into a shared social game. I can play with friends and family, and the simple controls make it easy for almost anyone to join in. That kind of accessibility is important because it makes gaming feel more inclusive and fun for everyone, not just experienced players.
I also feel that Mario Party on the DS is necessary because it keeps the series fresh while still staying true to what made it popular. The mix of mini-games, competition, and lighthearted chaos gives me a reason to keep coming back. For me, it is more than just a game—it is a portable way to create fun memories with people I care about.
My Buying Guides on Mario Party For The Ds
What I Look For in Mario Party for the DS
When I shop for a Mario Party game on the DS, I first think about how much fun I’ll get from the mini-games. For me, the best version is one that keeps the gameplay fast, simple, and entertaining whether I’m playing alone or with friends. I also look for how easy it is to pick up and play, since I want something I can enjoy without spending too much time learning complicated controls.
Why I Consider the Game’s Condition
If I’m buying a physical copy, I always check the cartridge condition carefully. I want to make sure it works properly, loads without issues, and has no visible damage. If I’m buying used, I also pay attention to whether the seller mentions the game being tested. In my experience, a clean and working cartridge saves me from disappointment later.
Features I Prefer
I like Mario Party games that offer a good mix of boards, mini-games, and multiplayer options. For the DS version, I look for a game that makes good use of the handheld system and still feels exciting on its own. I also appreciate if the game supports local multiplayer, because that makes it more fun when I want to play with others.
Price and Value
When I compare prices, I don’t just look for the cheapest option. I think about value for money. If the game is in great condition and includes the original case or manual, I may be willing to pay a little more. For me, a fair price is one that matches the game’s condition and completeness.
Who I Think This Game Is Best For
I believe Mario Party for the DS is a great choice if I want a light, casual game that works well on the go. It’s especially appealing if I enjoy short play sessions and party-style fun. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes Nintendo games, mini-games, and portable multiplayer entertainment.
My Final Thoughts Before Buying
Before I buy, I always read the product details carefully and check reviews if they’re available. I want to know exactly what I’m getting. In my experience, taking a few extra minutes to compare listings helps me choose the best copy and enjoy the game more once it arrives.
Final Thoughts
I think Mario Party DS stands out as a fun, portable take on the classic party game formula. My favorite part is how it makes great use of the DS features while still keeping the gameplay easy to jump into with friends. Overall, I’d say it’s a charming and memorable entry that delivers a lot of entertainment in a small package.
Author Profile
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Most evenings, Dorothy Metzger is the person still reading the back of a packet after everyone else has moved on. Her work with young people in Athens, Georgia has made her practical about food, supplies, and the little things that can derail a busy day. She notices whether something opens easily, travels well, lasts, and earns another purchase.
At home, she cooks simply, saves useful receipts, and keeps a running note of products that surprised her for the right reasons. Power of Peanuts grew from that habit: sharing plainspoken thoughts about the everyday items that quietly become part of people’s lives.
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