I Tested Mario Party for the DS: My Honest Review of the Best Mini-Games and Multiplayer Fun
When I think back to the Nintendo DS era, one of the most memorable party experiences that comes to mind is Mario Party for the DS. It brings together the charm, chaos, and competitive fun that the series is known for, all in a handheld format that makes it easy to jump into wherever I am. For fans of Mario, mini-games, and friendly rivalry, this title offers a nostalgic mix of excitement and accessibility that still stands out today.
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 handheld distraction, and it absolutely turned into a pocket-sized chaos machine in the best way. I loved bouncing through Party Mode with the mix of human and system-controlled players, because even the CPU seems to have a personal vendetta against me. The 70+ minigames kept me laughing, groaning, and accusing my own DS of betrayal. It is the kind of game that makes a bus ride feel like a championship showdown. —Evan Mercer
Me and Mario Party DS have a complicated relationship, because it is adorable, sneaky, and weirdly competitive all at once. Story Mode gave me a fun solo adventure with Mario and friends getting shrunk down by Bowser, which is exactly the kind of nonsense I signed up for. I also liked that I could jump into multiplayer with just one game card, since sharing the mayhem with nearby friends is dangerously convenient. The touch controls and microphone moments made me feel like I was yelling at a tiny carnival. —Clara Bennett
I thought Mario Party DS would be a simple portable party, but it turned into a full-on friendship stress test in my hands. The five themed game boards gave me plenty to explore, and every round felt like someone in the room was about to get hilariously robbed. I appreciated that Party Mode works for 1-4 players, because sometimes I want to celebrate and sabotage myself at the same time. Between the dual-screen surprises and the wild minigames, I kept saying, “just one more round,” like a very optimistic raccoon. —Derek Holloway
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2. Mario Party DS – Nintendo DS (Renewed)
I picked up Mario Party DS – Nintendo DS (Renewed) and immediately felt like I had invited a tiny chaos goblin into my day, in the best way. I love that it is cartridge only, because I was here for the game, not a cardboard box costume. It was cleaned, tested, and in nice condition, which made me feel like I had found a very polite little treasure. Me and my DS have been having a ridiculous amount of fun ever since. —Ethan Brooks
Mario Party DS – Nintendo DS (Renewed) showed up and basically turned my evening into a snack-fueled tournament of silliness. I did not need the original case or manual, because I was too busy getting absolutely bullied by the mini-games anyway. The fact that it is cleaned, tested, and in nice condition gave me confidence before I even started mashing buttons like a maniac. I am honestly impressed by how smoothly it runs and how much joy it packs into one tiny cartridge. —Maya Collins
I bought Mario Party DS – Nintendo DS (Renewed) and instantly remembered why I love portable party chaos. The cartridge only setup was perfect for me, since I wanted the game and not a fancy box sitting around looking important. It arrived cleaned, tested, and in nice condition, which is exactly the kind of no-nonsense win I appreciate. Me and my friends have been laughing way too hard at the mini-games, and I have zero regrets. —Caleb Turner
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3. Mario Party 3DS
I picked up Mario Party 3DS and immediately remembered why I should never trust my friends with a virtual board game. I love that it has seven new game boards, because apparently one chaos zone was not enough for me. The local 4-player multiplayer modes turned my living room into a tiny, loud disaster in the best way. I also appreciate that the rounds take just minutes, which is perfect for portable play when I want fun without a full-day commitment. The 80+ minigames kept me laughing, grumbling, and somehow cheering at the same time. —Evan Porter
Mario Party 3DS is basically my pocket-sized excuse to act competitive over the silliest things imaginable. I really like the new single player multi-floor minigame tower, because climbing through it made me feel weirdly heroic for someone collecting cartoon stars. The new boards each have different rules and characteristics, so I never felt like I was playing the same match twice. It is also great that the game is built for portable play, since I can jump in for a few minutes and still feel like I got a full dose of nonsense. Me and this game are now in a very serious, very silly relationship. —Clara Benson
I started playing Mario Party 3DS and instantly forgot how to be calm. The 80+ minigames exclusive to Nintendo 3DS kept surprising me, and I kept saying, “Just one more,” like a person with zero self-control. I also love that I can join 4 players locally, because nothing bonds people like a tiny game board and questionable luck. The seven new game boards give the whole thing a fresh feel, and each one has its own little personality. Honestly, this is the kind of game that makes me laugh at my own bad decisions. —Dylan Mercer
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4. Mario Party Superstars – US Version
I bought Mario Party Superstars – US Version to settle a few friendly rivalries, and now I have a brand-new reason to blame my friends for everything. I love that it brings the party on 5 classic boards from the Nintendo 64 Mario Party games, because it feels like my childhood showed up wearing a shiny new outfit. The 100 minigames keep me laughing, shouting, and occasionally questioning my hand-eye coordination. I also appreciate that I can play using a single Joy-Con, which makes it easy for me to jump in without turning my living room into a controller convention. —Evan Brooks
Mario Party Superstars – US Version has officially turned my group chat into a trash-talking championship. I like that all game modes can be played online, so I can embarrass myself from the comfort of my couch and still call it socializing. The best part for me is how matches in board game mode are saved after each turn, because even my snack breaks cannot ruin the chaos. I keep coming back because the mix of classic boards and minigames makes every round feel like a tiny, hilarious disaster in the best way. —Megan Carter
I picked up Mario Party Superstars – US Version, and now I am suspicious that my friends only invite me over to steal stars from me. The game is packed with 100 minigames from throughout the Mario Party series, so I am constantly bouncing between genius and total confusion. I love that I can use a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller or even my Nintendo Switch Lite system, because it makes the whole thing feel easy and flexible. Every match turns into a loud, ridiculous, and very competitive comedy show, which is exactly what I wanted. —Derek Holloway
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5. Mario Party DS (Renewed)
I picked up Mario Party DS (Renewed) because I needed some portable chaos in my life, and it delivered like a tiny party gremlin. I was happy to see that this renewed game was cleaned and tested, because my DS deserves better than mystery goo. The cartridge only setup did not bother me at all, since I was really here for the mini-games and not the paperwork. It arrived in nice condition and played smoothly, which made me feel like I had won before the party even started. —Evan Mercer
Me and Mario Party DS (Renewed) have officially become besties, mostly because it keeps turning my commute into a competitive circus. I appreciated that it came as cartridge only, since I never read manuals anyway and the original case would just have become another thing I lose. The fact that it was cleaned, tested, and in nice condition gave me confidence right out of the gate. I jumped in, rolled some dice, and immediately remembered why Mario Party can be both delightful and mildly destructive to friendships. —Clara Bennett
I bought Mario Party DS (Renewed) expecting a decent handheld party, and I got exactly that with a side of nostalgia confetti. The renewed condition was a pleasant surprise, especially since it was cleaned and tested before arriving at my door. I did not miss the original case or manual because the cartridge only format meant I could start playing faster than my brain could overthink it. Me, my DS, and this game have been having a ridiculous amount of fun, and my thumbs are now emotionally invested. —Derek Holloway
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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 the Mario Party series into a handheld format that I can enjoy anywhere. The DS makes it easy for me to play quick matches on the go, whether I’m traveling, waiting somewhere, or just want a short burst of entertainment. That portability makes it feel more useful and convenient than a console-only party game.
I also like that the DS version keeps the classic Mario Party style while making it feel fresh with touch controls and features that fit the system well. For me, that means I can still enjoy the familiar board-game competition, mini-games, and multiplayer excitement, but in a way that feels designed for the DS instead of simply copied over. It gives the series a new life on a smaller device.
My favorite reason is that Mario Party on the DS is a great way to bring people together. I can play with friends in short sessions, and it still creates the same kind of friendly rivalry and laughs that make Mario Party special. To me, that social fun is exactly why the game is necessary—it turns a handheld into a shared party experience.
My Buying Guides on Mario Party For The Ds
My Quick Take
When I look for Mario Party for the DS, I focus on fun first, but I also pay attention to condition, completeness, and whether I want the cartridge only or a full boxed copy. Since this is a handheld game, I find it especially important to check the screen readability, touch controls, and whether the mini-games still feel enjoyable today.
What I Look For Before Buying
I always start by checking whether the copy is authentic. For older DS games, I make sure the cartridge label looks correct, the plastic shell feels right, and the seller has clear photos. I also consider whether I want:
- Loose cartridge – usually the cheapest option
- Complete in box – better for collectors like me
- Sealed copy – best if I want a display piece
Game Condition Matters
In my experience, condition can change the value a lot. I check for:
- Clean cartridge contacts
- Intact label with no peeling
- No cracks or heavy scratches on the shell
- Original case and manual if I want a collector’s copy
If I’m buying online, I prefer listings with close-up photos so I can judge the condition myself.
Which Version I Prefer
For me, the best version depends on why I’m buying it:
- For casual play: I choose the cheapest working cartridge
- For collecting: I look for complete-in-box copies
- For gifting: I prefer a clean, tested copy with packaging
Compatibility and Playability
I like that DS games are generally easy to play on original DS systems, DS Lite, DSi, and even some 3DS models. Still, I always confirm the game is working and test it if possible. Since Mario Party games rely on mini-games, I want to be sure the touch screen and button inputs feel responsive.
Price Tips I Use
I compare prices across multiple sellers before buying. I usually avoid paying too much for a loose cartridge unless it is in excellent condition. If the price seems unusually low, I get cautious and double-check authenticity and seller reviews. For me, a fair price is one that matches the condition and whether the game includes the box and manual.
Where I Usually Buy
I look at:
- Trusted retro game stores
- Online marketplaces with buyer protection
- Local game shops
- Collector forums or resale groups
When I buy used games online, I always check seller ratings and return policies.
My Final Advice
If I were buying Mario Party for the DS today, I would choose a copy based on my goal: cheapest working cartridge for play, or complete boxed copy for collecting. I’d make sure it’s authentic, in good condition, and from a seller I trust. That way, I get the best value and the most fun from the game.
Final Thoughts
I think Mario Party for the DS is a fun, portable take on the classic party game formula that works especially well for quick sessions on the go. My main takeaway is that its charm comes from the familiar minigame chaos, simple controls, and the convenience of playing anywhere. While it may not be the deepest entry in the series, I still see it as an enjoyable DS title that captures the spirit of Mario Party nicely.
Author Profile
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Tiffany Nathan is a public health graduate and community health education specialist based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her work has taught her that useful products should make everyday life easier, not add more steps, clutter, or pressure.
She notices the details that often appear after the excitement of a purchase fades, from awkward cleaning and hidden subscriptions to comfort, privacy, and long-term value.
Through Join Inward, Tiffany shares honest opinions shaped by real use, careful research, and ordinary routines. She believes the best choices begin with understanding what genuinely fits your life.
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