3 Great Nintendo DS RPGs That Deserve a Switch Revival

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The Nintendo DS was a fantastic time for RPGs on the go. Games like Pokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver were huge hits, and Square Enix released several popular RPGs too, including The World Ends With You. The DS had a lot of creative and memorable role-playing games that are still enjoyed today. However, despite the success of the Switch and the popularity of remakes, many of these classic DS RPGs are difficult to play because the original hardware is becoming rare. This is a shame for both longtime fans and those who might be discovering these games for the first time.

Bringing these classic games back wouldn’t just mean keeping them as they are – it would mean making them even better. Updates like easier controls, sharper graphics, full orchestral music, and widescreen support could revitalize these already charming and creative worlds. Plus, with the Nintendo Switch and its upcoming sequel being so popular for RPGs, now is the perfect time to rediscover and remake these hidden DS treasures.

3) Nostalgia

Despite being largely forgotten, Nostalgia on the Nintendo DS had everything needed to become a beloved RPG. It featured exciting airship exploration, a sweeping global adventure, and a charming sense of wonder reminiscent of classic 90s Japanese RPGs like Skies of Arcadia and Final Fantasy IV. Created by Matrix Software and published by Tecmo, the game took players to a unique alternate version of the early 1900s, filled with magical ruins, lost civilizations, and pirates who sailed the skies. Nostalgia’s world was lively and full of adventure, and it focused more on sparking players’ curiosity than on grim storylines.

This game uniquely combined strategic ground battles with exciting airship fights, offering a bigger and more dynamic experience than many games on the DS. The towns were delightful, the dungeons were fun without being overly long, and the characters created a genuinely heartwarming and hopeful story. While ambitious for the DS, a remake on the Switch could really take it to the next level. Picture improved air combat with better visuals, a beautifully re-done soundtrack, and a larger screen to fully showcase the expansive world map.

Because it never received a sequel or re-release, the charming DS RPG Nostalgia is in danger of being forgotten. Despite being a truly enjoyable classic RPG experience, it hasn’t reached a wide audience. A remaster for the Switch would be a great way to reintroduce players to this unique game, which captures the spirit of old-school JRPGs with a creative, aerial setting. If you love adventures featuring airships and epic stories, Nostalgia is definitely worth revisiting.

2) Soma Bringer

Had it been released outside of Japan, Soma Bringer would likely be considered one of the Nintendo DS’s greatest RPGs. Created by Monolith Soft – the team behind Xenoblade Chronicles – it offered an action RPG experience that was remarkably innovative for its time. The game featured a quick, thoughtful combat system that allowed for extensive customization of character classes, skills, gear, and team combinations. Combined with beautiful sprite-based graphics and a memorable soundtrack by Yasunori Mitsuda, best known for Chrono Trigger, Soma Bringer was a shining example of how to design a handheld RPG.

The game centers around the Pharzuph Division, who are investigating strange energy problems connected to Soma. Unlike many handheld games, it focused heavily on story and characters, exploring ideas about who we are, what we remember, and the meaning of power. Despite the limitations of the DS system, Monolith Soft built a vibrant, immersive, and detailed world that really showed off their skills.

Bringing Soma Bringer to the Switch would be a major success. The game is particularly well-suited for the platform’s strengths in action RPGs, and could benefit from smoother gameplay, improved visuals, and updated controls. A Switch version could also reintroduce local and online co-op in a big way, letting new and old fans play together. Importantly, it would finally offer an official English translation for Western players, who have previously relied on fan-made versions. Given the large and dedicated fanbase Monolith Soft has built, a remake would be a relatively straightforward project to tackle before they begin work on the next Xenoblade game.

1) Radiant Historia

Radiant Historia is considered one of the best RPGs for the Nintendo DS and deserves to be played by a wider audience today. While it was updated for the 3DS, both versions are still only available on older handheld consoles that many people don’t have anymore. This is unfortunate, as Radiant Historia features a remarkably complex and well-written story—a blend of time travel, impactful decisions, and a detailed, immersive world—making it a standout in the JRPG genre.

In Radiant Historia, you play as Stocke, an agent who can jump between different timelines. This isn’t just a cool trick; it’s the heart of the game. Stocke uses this ability to fix errors, reveal hidden plots, and try to save the world from turning into a desert. Your choices have real consequences, and even failures help you learn. The game makes you feel connected to the story and gives you meaningful control, handling player agency with a level of grace rarely seen in RPGs.

The battle system is a highlight, taking place on a grid where you can strategically move, combine, and attack enemies. It’s quick, feels great to play, and was ideal for the DS. Bringing it to the Switch would not only enhance the experience with better graphics, but also introduce this fantastic RPG to a new generation of players. Of all the classic DS RPGs deserving a comeback, Radiant Historia is the most important. Its story still feels fresh, its gameplay is still unique, and it remains powerfully moving even after all these years.

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2025-11-16 00:13