If you’re a fan of classic Pokémon games, there’s a good chance the Nintendo DS era holds a special place in your heart. From remakes of the original regions to bold new adventures, the DS gave us some of the best Pokémon games ever made.
We asked our retro gaming community to rank the greatest Pokémon DS games of all time—and the results brought all the nostalgia. Whether you're a collector or just want to revisit the games that defined a generation, here's our list of the top Nintendo DS Pokémon games, ranked by real fans.
🎮 #5 — Pokémon Black
Pokémon Black marked a bold shift in the series. It was the first game to lock players into using only new Pokémon until reaching the post-game, giving the Unova region a fresh and unfamiliar vibe. This decision challenged players to step outside their comfort zone and build entirely new teams.
It also introduced Team Plasma, a morally complex villain group that questioned the ethics of Pokémon training. With dynamic battle animations and a story that took things deeper than before, Pokémon Black is still one of the most unique Pokémon games to date.
🎮 #4 — Pokémon White 2
Often overshadowed by its predecessor, Pokémon White 2 is one of the most underrated Pokémon games on the DS. Rather than being a slight upgrade, it delivered a completely new story, added new areas, and brought a much stronger post-game experience.
One of the standout features was the Pokémon World Tournament, which let you battle iconic gym leaders and champions from every past generation. If you’re looking for a fresh yet nostalgic experience, White 2 deserves a spot in your collection.
🎮 #3 — Pokémon Black 2
Pokémon Black 2 was the other half of the Gen 5 sequel duo and arguably one of the best Pokémon games in the series. It continued the Unova storyline but with a new protagonist, new cities, and major gameplay improvements.
It also introduced new challenge modes, hidden grottos, and even offered different starter areas depending on which version you played. For players who love RPGs and world-building, Black 2 offered a sequel that felt fully realized.
🎮 #2 — Pokémon Platinum
Pokémon Platinum is widely considered the definitive version of the Sinnoh region. It took the solid foundation of Diamond and Pearl and polished it into a near-perfect experience.
Platinum introduced the eerie and atmospheric Distortion World, added new characters, and made legendary Pokémon like Giratina central to the plot. It also brought back the Battle Frontier, making it one of the most content-rich Pokémon DS games ever released.
🎮 #1 — Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver Versions
Topping the list are two of the most beloved Pokémon games of all time—HeartGold and SoulSilver. These games didn’t just update Gen 2 for the DS—they elevated it. With full DS touchscreen functionality, refreshed visuals, and the Pokéwalker accessory, these games delivered an unmatched level of charm.
You got two regions, 16 gym badges, an epic post-game, and the ability to catch nearly every legendary Pokémon from previous generations. Whether you’re a die-hard collector or a first-time player, HeartGold and SoulSilver are the ultimate retro Pokémon experience.
👉 Grab HeartGold & SoulSilver Here
Why These Pokémon Games Still Matter
In the era of remakes and mobile adaptations, there’s something timeless about playing the original Nintendo DS cartridges. These classic Pokémon games represent a golden age—when handheld gaming was at its peak and the stories felt rich, deep, and rewarding.
For collectors, these titles are getting harder and harder to find in good condition. And for fans, they’re some of the most replayable and nostalgic games ever made.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're building your Pokémon collection, looking to replay your childhood favorites, or discovering these DS titles for the first time—these games deserve a spot in every Pokéfan’s library.