15 Best Co-op Games On The DS & 3DS

Summary

• Handheld consoles like the Nintendo DS and 3DS offer unique and enjoyable co-op gaming experiences, contrary to popular belief.
• Some of the best co-op games on these systems include Metroid Prime: Federation Force, Super Smash Bros., and New Super Mario Bros. 2.
• These games provide fun multiplayer experiences and the opportunity to play with friends, offering endless hours of entertainment.

When conversations about the best cooperative games come up, a lot of people tend to forget about the handheld consoles. Nintendo’s list of iconic handheld consoles has been home to countless gems of every genre, and that extends to co-op experiences. Two of the best systems for co-op are the always legendary Nintendo DS and the 3DS.

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Some have argued that handheld consoles simply offer watered-down gaming experiences of fuller games, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Some of the best platformers and adventure game experiences that can be had with one or more friends were some of the most unique games put on the DS and 3DS.

Updated on October 12, 2023, by Cameron Miller: There are just too many great co-op games for you to give a try on your favorite handheld devices. While the prime of these systems may be in the rearview mirror, that doesn’t mean that you can’t still track down and enjoy these great games on the Nintendo DS and 3DS.

15 Metroid Prime: Federation Force - 3DS

While there was a lot of backlash upon the release of Metroid Prime: Federation Force, the game was a fairly fun multiplayer experience. The issue most people had was the way the game departed from the style of the rest of the series, but when played with a group of friends, it's a fun, action-packed experience.

The entry in the series does seem intended for younger gamers, but that shouldn’t be a reason not to give it a shot. Being able to play a Metroid game with four other players at the same time is something that many people have been waiting quite a while for.

14 Super Smash Bros. - 3DS

The instantly accessible gameplay of the Super Smash Bros. series was always waiting to be translated into a handheld format. Thanks to the 3DS, you were able to get that classic, chaotic action in with a few friends by your side – either against them or on a team.

It may not be the most beloved entry in the series, but the fact that you could play the game wherever and whenever for the first time was a huge draw for most people. There’s never a bad time to pick your favorite stage and your favorite character and throw everything you’ve got at your friends.

13 New Super Mario Bros. 2 - 3DS

It’s hard to go wrong when you pick up any Mario game. Whether played on your own or with a friend, New Super Mario Bros. 2 is always going to be a fun experience. It’s Mario at his simplest, classic 2D side-scrolling.

The real beauty of the game is being able to experience all the fun gameplay along with a friend. Some of the levels can be challenging, but taking them on with Luigi by your side is likely to give you the drive you need to make it to the very end.

12 Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes Of Time - DS

While Echoes of Time isn’t a traditional Final Fantasy experience, that doesn’t hinder the gameplay at all. In fact, there are plenty of people who are happy to call this game their favorite handheld Final Fantasy game.

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Rather than standard turn-based combat, you can play alongside a few friends in active combat. It’s not the most complex RPG around, but many people were just happy to play a fun Final Fantasy game with a group of friends by their side. The game even features some basic character-creation tools, too.

11 Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon - 3DS

The Scarescraper multiplayer mode in Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon is a mode that can be infinitely replayable with the right group of friends. The randomly generated cooperative experience can go on endlessly for those seeking a serious challenge.

You'll work together to complete given missions on each floor. Once you and your friends succeed, you continue your climb. It’s a mode filled with chaos and plenty of laughs as you do what you can to keep climbing together. Even better, the mode can be played locally or online, depending on your needs.

10 Pokemon Diamond & Pearl - DS

While the whole purpose of the game is to catch ‘em all, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little help along the way. When playing through Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, you’ll be able to help your friends out at any point through trading.

Making some trades is far from the only cooperative or multiplayer aspect of the games, as you can also explore the underground of the region, make bases to show off, and even engage in battles. The Pokemon experience is always better when you have a few friends to help out.

9 Kirby Super Star Ultra - DS

Anyone looking for a classic Kirby experience to enjoy with a friend will love playing through Kirby Super Star Ultra. Rather than one single experience to be played with a friend, there are tons of different games to play through.

One of the most famous games is the Gourmet Race, something that can be taken on with two players. While the game itself isn’t all that difficult, it’s still an experience that is a ton of fun for two friends to take on together; just make sure you both have a copy of the game to play.

8 Mario Party DS - DS

There isn’t much explanation needed when it comes to Mario Party DS. It’s Mario Party on the DS. You and some friends can pick your favorite character and laugh your way through a bunch of fun mini-games. Rather than remastering classic games, Mario Party DS did something unique.

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Many of the mini-games actually utilize the unique DS features, creating plenty of new and exciting mini-games to try out. You’ll know exactly what you’re in for if you've played a Mario Party game board before, but this entry being handheld makes it one that everyone should give a try at least once.

7 Mario Kart DS - DS

While this isn’t the only Mario Kart game on the systems, this one might just be the most memorable. Still serving as one of the most successful Mario Kart releases, Mario Kart DS is a ton of fun whether you play alone or with some friends.

This simple little kart racer stands out as one of the best games on the Nintendo DS, thanks to it translating the classic gameplay of the series to a portable format. You and your friends would have to decide on your own teams outside the game for some co-op, but that doesn’t mean the game isn’t great for cooperative play.

6 Kirby: Planet Robobot - 3DS

While Kirby: Planet Robobot is already a ton of fun on your own, the game features one of the best mini-games in the franchise that can be played with a group of friends. The chaotic mode lets you and a group of friends take on a wave of Kirby bosses.

That may sound like it would make an already easy game a whole lot easier, but the chaos created on screen can make playing quite tough. You’ll be laughing out loud while you work with your friends to combat the baddest bosses Kirby can throw at you. It’s a simple mode, but a fantastic one.