Nintendo DS Games for Kids of 2011

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With so much variety in the available Nintendo DS games, there is something that’s sure to appeal to everyone. From fashion designing games, Harry Potter inspired adventures, and games that build math skills, let’s take a look at the most intriguing choices that are both loved by children and approved by parents.

2011′s 5 Best Nintendo DS Games

Professor Layton and the Last Specter: With tons of levels and different games, this is one of the best toys that will continue to be fun for years to come. The game includes puzzles, brain teasers, riddles and conundrums, but players also have access to new weekly downloadable puzzles once the game has launched. A built in help system ensures that game play is a breeze, even for new players. This is the first game in a series that will eventually include 5 Professor Layton games. A bonus role-playing game can be unlocked, in which players see Professor Layton and other characters from the series “Little London.”

Beyblade: Metal Masters: As inspired by the enormously popular Beyblade TV series, this game brings 37 characters from the show, while players can battle it out in a last-man standing style competition. Kids must learn to time their attacks, customize their moves and otherwise master the game as they play against their friends. This is a truly customizable game that allows users to play numerous battle modes and to customize the settings in each competition. They’re also able to challenge their friends in multi-player mode for a truly interactive experience. Kids love to use the combos and special moves that will help them defeat their opponents.

Kirby Mass Attack: This is one of the Nintendo DS games for kids that incorporates classic games with modern game play. In this all-new game, players can control several Kirbys at the same time with both their stylus and touch screen. In fact, Kirby can be moved in numerous ways, either individually or by moving all to a single point. Throughout the game, players are put to the test with unique challenges that require a specific number of Kirbys and specific series of actions. Kids love the medal system that offers them rewards for their successes, and that reveals new mini-games when they reach certain goals.

Wappy Dog: Wappy Dog is a game that kids can really personalize to a level of interaction not seen in many other Nintendo DS games for kids. Each dog can be personalized not just in the game – but out of it as well. In fact, this game offers a level of interaction with their pet toy and DS Simulation that hasn’t been seen before. Kids can play cooperative, competitive and supportive mini-games that will improve their friendship with their pet. The data exchange system between the toy and the game allows kids to take Wabby Dog anywhere and still save their progress.

Fossil Fighters: Champions: This is the perfect game for kids interested in dinosaurs or archeology, as players are able to actually hunt for and clean fossils. Once they’ve got them all cleaned up, they can then revive them and watch them battle it out with one another. The fossil park has many large scale tournaments that let players enter different dinosaurs they’ve created into fierce competition. Players can hook up to three other Nintendo DS owners wirelessly, and together they can work to clean the fossils. The cleaner they get the fossils, the stronger and better the dinosaurs will perform in the final battle.

Other Great New Nintendo DS Games for Kids

Plants Vs Zombies: With 5 different game modes available, kids can play this game in a variety of ways. They may choose to play against a friend in 2-player mode, they can play unlimited replayable action, or in one of several other ways. They also have the option of creating their own unique zombie with the Zombatar. This game has won the coveted Game of the Year award and is a favorite of many – kids and adults alike. Bonus features include the option to zonk even more zombies in mini-games that are only available on the Nintendo DS version of the game.

Pokemon White: Many of the favorite Nintendo DS games for kids are role-playing games (RPGs), of which Pokemon White is often the favorite. It is offered alone or as a companion with the Pokemon black, and gives kids a classic yet challenging role playing adventure. Their goal: capture wild Pokemon and use them in challenges against other trainers. This is jam packed with extra features, including: full access to Legendary Pokemon, 3 starter Pokemons for players to choose from, brand new diverse game area called Unova, better graphics than ever before, several battle modes including multiplayer choices, and the option to trade Pokemon wirelessly.

Pokemon Black: Pokemon Black is similar to Pokemon White, but it has a few key differences. First, the visual theme is starkly contrasting. While the White version takes place in areas with more grass, clouds, and plants, the Black version takes place in more urbanized locations. Each of the games has 5 special battles, but these battles are different in each game. While the Black version has more rotational battles, the White version has more triple battles. Of course, as with all Pokemon products, each game includes Pokemons that are unique to it. Kids who want to collect every Pokemon will love having both options available to them.

Monster High: Ghoul Spirit: This is one of the Nintendo DS games for kids that’s geared more towards girls than boys. Players are able to create a ghoul and then attend Monster High, where they can complete tasks, build a reputation amongst the other ghouls, and compete for the ultimate title of Scream Queen. Kids can customize their outfits, hairstyles, and skin tones. Players who have a Dsi camera can even snap their own picture and ghoulify themselves. Tasks include becoming an ogre achiever by attending classes, performing hair cuts, and mingling with other students. Each time a player plays this game, they will get to enjoy a unique experience.

Power Rangers Samurai: In this exciting, action packed game, players are given the responsibility to protect the world from evil, as they join the newest generation of Power Rangers. Once they’ve mastered the mystical and ancient Samurai Symbols of Power, they’re able to control fire, water, sky, forest and earth to battle evil in all its incarnations. Players can use their DS Stylus and Wii Remote to master symbols and morph into their rangers. Teamwork is stressed in this game, as the martial arts training and fitness of each player come together to defeat the opponents. The game is chock full of secret passageways, hidden levers and mystical pathways.

The Adventures of Tintin: This game utilizes scenes and environments from the movie to bring kids an action-packed game. They can initially choose between playing as Tintin, Snowy, or Captain Haddock, but can later unlock three additional secret characters, each with their own strengths and personalities. This is a great toy to play in groups, as together friends can relieve their favorite moments from the movie, like sword fighting or flying a plane. They can play either against one another or in 2 player cooperative mode. The film making team was in close collaboration with the game developers, and it shows in the high-quality graphics and characters.

LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7: Player set out to duel and defeat Voldemort’s Death Eaters, with the final showdown against Voldemort himself. Kids can learn new charms and spells like the Unforgivable Curses, which they then use during battle. A total of over 80 characters can be unlocked, and kids can play alone or with friends and family. 24 story events take place, with the final battles back at Hogwarts. This is a game that can be used with wireless 2-player simultaneous support, so group play is even more dynamic. Kids who love Harry Potter, LEGOs or both will appreciate this exciting and extremely interactive game.

I Spy Castle: These days, Scholastic does more than just create mesmerizing books – they also make Nintendo DS games for kids. I Spy Castle takes kids through a magical journey, where they play three different logic puzzles and solve riddles to unlock new rooms throughout the puzzle. There is a lot more than meets the eye here, as players are on the search for upwards of 400 objects in a total of 36 different I Spy riddles. Through a series of mini-games, kids will reveal the castle’s secrets to eventually beat the game. This is a magical, mystical journey that imaginative kids will love.

Team Umizoomi: One of the best toys for kids who love math or those who need a little extra help in the subject, Team Umizoomi encourages kids to use their math powers to complete a total of over 25 exciting missions. The game focuses on both pre-kindergarten and kindergarten math skills such as counting, matching, sorting, identifying, adding and subtracting. Advanced functions take it to the next level with functions like dividing, measuring and comparing. This game was created first and foremost for kids to enjoy, but it was also designed in collaboration with educational experts to ensure that it’s an effective learning aid.

Pillow Pets: Kids familiar with the toy line of Pillow Pets will love this video game version that’s based on the characters in the toy line. The game was designed to be both simple and accessible, and the story takes place in the wondrous world of Dreamland. Players must seek out the Pillow Pets who’ve found themselves stuck in Dreamland. Kids are able to unlock and collect 16 Pillow Pets in total, and each pet is hilariously and adorably animated. There are also an additional 16 expansive levels and 4 different environments. Children have a choice of different modes and can unlock fun accessories as well.

Imagine Fashion Designer: This is a game that lets kids get truly creative! They can create their own clothing line by combining different cuts, patterns and colors. Their models can be styled, including getting their hair done, makeup applied, nails painted, and accessorized with jewelry and other accessories. Once the models and clothes have been created, users can show their collection in both a photo shoot and catwalk show, which can be shared with friends. There’s also an Office mode, which lets kids learn what it’s like to run a boutique agency, as they learn to meet the demands of a variety of clients.

These Nintendo DS games for kids are fun, interactive, and may just teach them a few things along the way. No matter what a child’s skill level or particular interests are, there is a DS game on this list that will appeal to each kid – and one they will treasure for years to come.

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