The Best Nintendo DS Fighting Games
If you owned a Nintendo DS at any time during your life, then it's safe to say there were probably a few fighting games in your collection. With challenging combos and finishing moves to pull off, fighting games are some of the best multiplayer games you can get your hands on. Franchises like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat made the genre famous, but today there are a plethora of others that are just as fun.
With so many great options to choose from, there was never a shortage of games to play for fans of the genre. Since some games were much better than others, we've decided to rank the best Nintendo DS fighting games of all time.
This list will feature the top, most popular, and best-selling fighting games that were released for Nintendo DS. While many of these games were console exclusive, we're allowing non-exclusives to be a part of the list as well. This poll contains classic games like Bleach: Dark Souls and Jump Ultimate Stars. Vote for your favorite video games below,.
- 1
In an over-the-top homage to notable manga series, Jump Ultimate Stars sends players jumping into epic fights against different manga characters. The gameplay is all about the high-stakes, frenzied battles where strategic team assembly and mashing buttons work hand in hand to clinch victory. This unorthodox blend of manga and fighting games left a notable impact, enticing manga fans to dip their toes in the gaming world.
- Developer: Ganbarion
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From early childhood Goku to Super Saiyan 3, this game weaves a powerful tale of growth and sacrifice, exactly in line with the anime series. The gameplay is supercharged, focusing on the phenomenally fast and powerful fight sequences Dragon Ball is known for. In the realm of Dragon Ball games, Ultimate Butoden achieved cult status among the fans for its faithful storytelling and engaging fights.
- Developer: Game Republic
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- 3
Bleach: Dark Souls
2007Delving deep into the Bleach universe, this game spins an intricate web of conflicts and camaraderie among the Soul Reapers. The gameplay is a heart-pumping blend of skirmishes and tactics that carry the weight of the looming dark threat. With its compelling narrative and a blend of strategic combat, Dark Souls has carved a lasting place for itself in fans' hearts.
- Developer: Treasure
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- 4
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
1995This beloved arcade classic has a straightforward revenge plot with a lot of depth and intensity. The brutal and fast-paced gameplay is defined by its infamous fatalities, babalities, and brutal combos. The game's impact was out of left field, transforming the gaming industry's view of graphic violence and pushing the envelope for future fighting games.
- Developer: Eurocom Entertainment Software
Also ranks #1 on The 50+ Best Sega Genesis Fighting Games, Ranked- Also ranks #1 on The Best Midway Games List
- Also ranks #5 on Every 'Mortal Kombat' Game, Ranked By Fans
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- 5
Dragon Ball Z: Super Sonic Warriors 2
Nov 20 2005True to the DBZ essence, this game takes players on a rollercoaster ride of non-stop adrenaline-rushing battles. With its flashy and exhilarating airborne fights, the gameplay is nothing short of electric. Its success doesn't come out of thin air; this game cemented its place in DBZ lore by delivering high octane combat and authentic storyline.
- Developer: Cavia, Arc System Works
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- 6
One Piece: Gigant Battle! 2 - New World
2011As an extension to the grand One Piece narrative, this game spins an engaging tale about friendship, dreams, and the relentless pursuit of One Piece. The gameplay gives center stage to expansive roster battles featuring trademark One Piece humor and characters. The game's enormous popularity echoed through the world of anime lovers and gamers, setting it apart from other One Piece titles.
- Developer: Ganbarion
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- 7
Jump Super Stars
2005This mash-up of popular manga series unfolds a nostalgic story filled with familiar faces. Gameplay is flush with strategic team-building and action-packed crossover battles. This game hit the ground running, causing a massive stir and sparking a demand for more manga crossover games.
- Developer: Ganbarion
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- 8
Guilty Gear Dust Strikers
2006With its fast-paced narrative revolving around magic and technology, this game keeps its fans on the edge of the seat. The gameplay is marked by rapid-fire fights, which are both in-your-face and absurdly eccentric. Dust Strikers struck a chord with players and critics balancing heavy metal aesthetics with frantic fights.
- Developer: Arc System Works
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- 9
Draglade
2007Set in a beautiful world where battling using magical musical weapons is a way of life, Draglade takes players on an emotionally charged journey. The gameplay is dancingly charming, blending rhythm-based mechanics with a fighting game formula. It has left its footprints for its heartwarming narrative and unique gameplay blend, setting a benchmark for future music fighting games.
- Developer: Dimps
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- 10
Bleach: The Blade of Fate
2006Engaging in the eternal struggle between the Soul Reapers and Hollows, this game exudes the same exotic charisma as the Bleach series. Highly tactical gameplay shines through, allowing players to orchestrate complex chains of attacks, truly embodying the tactical essence of Shinigami battles. This game was a breath of fresh air, providing both a unique story and deep gameplay that resonated strongly with Bleach fans.
- Developer: Treasure
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- 11
Shrek SuperSlam
2005This animated, light-hearted beat-em-up game casts players into the whimsical world of Shrek. Gameplay pins players against each other in chaotic, fun-filled brawls, capturing the essence of the movies' humor. The game blazed a trail not only for other movie-inspired titles but also for comedic fighters, proving that you can pack a punch while delivering a laugh.
- Developer: Amaze Entertainment
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- 12
Naruto: Shinobi Retsuden puts you in the shoes of strong shinobi warriors, gripping the bull by its horns to save their world. An engaging fighting game, you're expected to make hay while the sun shines, knocking out opponents using special powers and executing combo moves. Its challenging gameplay and authentic portrayal of the Naruto universe make it a must-play for both fans and action game enthusiasts.
- Developer: DreamFactory
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- 13
Custom Beat Battle: Draglade 2
2007Custom Beat Battle: Draglade 2 is a rhythmic action fighting game, where you play as dazzling fighters moving in perfect cadence, pushing the envelope of playability alongside a cool storyline filled with gripping turn of events. The gameplay fuses music and combat, leading to a unique rhythm-beat experience that keeps the ball rolling. Its multifaceted mix of music and combat play, combined with unique cartoonish graphics, gives gamers an unforgettable and groovy gaming experience.
- Developer: Dimps
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- 14
Windy X Windam is a 2D fighting game that invites players to step into a world where powerful warriors with unique abilities battle it out for supremacy. The gameplay revolves around intense, fast-paced combat where strategic character selection and mastering move sets are crucial for victory. With its diverse roster of characters, each with their own special attacks and combo chains, the game offers a variety of playstyles. This unconventional blend of manga-inspired art style and traditional fighting game mechanics has left a significant mark, enticing fans of both genres to engage in thrilling battles.
- Developer: Ninja Studio
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- 15
One Piece: Gear Spirit features famous pirates navigating their wind to find the ultimate treasure, and embarking on a thrilling adventure. Gameplay involves strategic 2D combat mechanics, pulling out all the stops in its a-typical storyline which is a cut above the rest. It has managed to sail high through its immersive world, making waves in the realm of shōnen game adaptations.
One Piece: Gear Spirit is a fighting game for the Nintendo DS based on the manga and anime, One Piece.- Developer: Matrix Software
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WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 packs a punch with its edgy storyline, putting you in the wrestling ring with WWE's finest. The game lets you call the shots and knock your opponent's lights out through its intuitive control scheme and challenging gameplay mechanics. Its groundbreaking 'Story Designer mode' has left an indelible impact, offering players unprecedented creative control over the WWE experience.
- Developer: Yuke's
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3: Mutant Nightmare takes you on a gnarly adventure with your favorite pizza-loving, crime-fighting turtles. The bean-spilling gameplay is an action-packed beat 'em up extravaganza with nostalgia hitting you like a ton of bricks. The game significantly pulls at the heartstrings of the TMNT fans and has a throwback effect through its retro style, making an influential mark in the beat 'em up genre.
- Developer: Konami
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Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects brings the world of Marvel comics to life and features original characters going head-to-head with renowned Marvel heroes. An action-packed fighting game, players navigate through rooftop battles and experience the thrill of executing power moves. The game's rousing storyline and groundbreaking gameplay mark a significant chapter in Marvel-based gaming.
- Developer: EA Canada
- Also ranks #14 on The Best GameCube Fighting Games of All Time, Ranked
- Also ranks #22 on The Best Spider-Man Video Games Ever Made
- Also ranks #23 on The Best Original Xbox Fighting Games, Ranked by Fans
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- 19
Doodle Hex
2008Doodle Hex amplifies the magic of sketching and spell-casting in a kookie battle royale, revolving around a school of magic run amok. Players must think on their feet, drawing complex runes with swift precision to cast enchanting spells on their opponents. This game breaks new ground for its ingenious use of DS stylus, leaving a trailblazing impact on the touchscreen gaming world.
- Developer: Tragnarion Studios
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- 20
Xiaolin Showdown is a vivid, action-packed journey that ushers you into a world of young martial artists clashing with evil forces. The gameplay tests put your combat skills to the grindstone with tricky puzzles and multiple opponents. Its unique blend of puzzle-solving and fighting elements has carved out its niche in the world of animated adaptations.
- Developer: BottleRocket Entertainment
- Also ranks #57 on The Best PSP Adventure Games
- Also ranks #71 on The Best PS2 Fighting Games Of All Time, Ranked
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- 21
Godzilla: Unleashed Double Smash
Nov 20 2007Godzilla: Unleashed Double Smash roars onto the screen, throwing players right into the heart of the action as Godzilla or other famous Kaiju. This side-scrolling beat-em-up/platformer ramps up the heat, allowing players to wreck havoc on cities and battle other monsters. It unleashes a significant tremor in monster game genre, presenting a guilty pleasure for Godzilla fans around the world.
- Developer: Santa Cruz Games
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- 22
Godzilla: Unleashed paves the way for a monster fighter game, smashing through previous conventions to offer an unfettered city destruction spree. Being in the driver’s seat of iconic kaiju, you pound your foes into submission, while dealing with the collateral city damage. Its destruction driven gameplay and mammoth epic battles break the mold and offer a monstrous dose of fun.
- Developer: Pipeworks Software
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