The Nintendo DS remains one of the most beloved handheld consoles ever made, boasting a massive library of games across every genre imaginable. While millions of copies of popular titles are still easy to find, some DS games have quietly become rare collector’s items over the years. Limited print runs, late-generation releases, niche appeal, and low initial sales have all contributed to certain titles becoming surprisingly hard to track down today. As retro game collecting continues to grow in popularity, these elusive cartridges have skyrocketed in value and demand. Here are eight of the rarest Nintendo DS games that collectors are still hunting for.
1. Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64 revolutionized 3D platforming and set the foundation for nearly every 3D Mario game that followed. While completing the main story requires 70 Power Stars, true completion demands collecting all 120 Stars, and that’s where the real challenge begins. Many of the later Stars require mastering Mario’s movement system, including precise triple jumps, wall kicks, long jumps, and careful camera control, something that can be particularly tricky due to the game’s early 3D camera mechanics. Certain missions, like “100 Coin Stars,” force players to gather every possible coin in a level without making fatal mistakes. Falling near the end of a long coin run can mean starting the entire process over again.
2. Solatorobo: Red the Hunter
Launching late in the DS lifecycle in 2011, Solatorobo: Red the Hunter suffered from limited distribution despite a strong critical reception. This action RPG featured detailed visuals, voice acting, and a heartfelt story, but its niche audience and small production run made it easy to miss at retail. As interest in late-era DS titles has grown, demand for this game has surged among collectors. Today, finding a complete copy can be challenging, and prices continue to climb, solidifying its status as one of the rarest and most sought-after DS releases. Its growing cult following has only increased long-term value.
3. Little Red Riding Hood’s Zombie BBQ
Released in 2008, Little Red Riding Hood’s Zombie BBQ is one of the strangest and most collectible shooters on the Nintendo DS. Developed as an arcade-style run-and-gun game, it blended fairy tale characters with over-the-top zombie action, creating a bizarre but memorable experience. The game received very limited distribution in North America, and many retailers only carried small quantities. Because it wasn’t tied to a major franchise, it flew under the radar at launch. Over time, however, its rarity and quirky concept attracted collectors. Complete copies are now increasingly difficult to track down, and prices continue to rise as demand grows among DS enthusiasts.
4. Dokapon Journey
Launched in 2009, Dokapon Journey combined board game mechanics with RPG elements, offering a competitive multiplayer experience unlike most DS titles. Players battled monsters, collected treasure, and sabotaged friends in a lighthearted but strategic adventure. Despite its fun concept, the game had a small print run in North America and received limited marketing support. Its niche appeal meant many gamers overlooked it during release. As retro collecting has expanded, interest in unique multiplayer titles has increased significantly. Today, finding a complete copy in good condition can be challenging, and its scarcity has made it one of the most valuable and sought-after DS games.
5. Commando: Steel Disaster
Released in 2008, Commando: Steel Disaster delivered a fast-paced, retro-inspired run-and-gun experience reminiscent of classic arcade shooters. Featuring intense side-scrolling action, detailed sprite work, and explosive boss battles, it appealed strongly to fans of old-school gameplay. However, the game received a very limited North American release and minimal marketing support, which kept it off many players’ radars at launch. As a result, few physical copies circulated in stores. Over time, collectors began seeking it out due to its quality and scarcity. Today, complete copies are increasingly difficult to find, and their value has steadily climbed among Nintendo DS enthusiasts.
6. Bangai-O Spirits
Launched in 2008, Bangai-O Spirits quickly earned a cult following thanks to its chaotic gameplay and unique level design tools. Developed by Treasure, the game allowed players to unleash massive missile barrages while solving creative action-based puzzles. Although it received praise for innovation, it was never widely marketed and had a modest print run in North America. Its niche appeal meant it didn’t achieve mainstream success during its initial release. As interest in cult classics has grown, demand for physical copies has increased significantly. Today, complete versions are harder to secure, and collectors often pay premium prices to add this distinctive DS title to their shelves.
7. Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns
Released in 2009, Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns is one of the rarest RPGs on the Nintendo DS. As a sequel to a niche dungeon-crawling title, it catered to a dedicated but relatively small audience. The game featured traditional roguelike mechanics, challenging difficulty, and charming anime-style presentation. However, its limited North American print run and specialized appeal meant it never saw widespread distribution. Over time, Atlus-published RPGs became known for rising in value due to scarcity. Today, complete copies of Izuna 2 are difficult to locate, and collectors often pay high prices to secure this hard-to-find handheld adventure.
8. Pokémon Black Version 2 & White Version 2
Released in 2012, Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 arrived near the end of the Nintendo DS era. While part of a massively popular franchise, these sequels were produced in smaller quantities compared to earlier Pokémon releases. Many fans had already shifted their attention toward the Nintendo 3DS, which limited overall demand at launch. Over time, interest in completing Pokémon collections has driven up prices significantly. Authentic cartridges in good condition are increasingly sought after, and complete copies have become harder to find, making these late-generation titles surprisingly valuable among DS collectors.