Here I've compiled a list of game recommendations for anyone looking for something new to try! I've left out the more obvious choices (such as Smash or the mainline Mario, Pokémon, and Zelda titles), though you'll find some notable spin-offs from those series included.

// last updated: June 6th, 2026

Kirby & the Amazing Mirror
Kirby & the Amazing Mirror (2004)

Has to be my all time favorite Kirby Game. There's just something about the World Hub that brings me so much nostalgia.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team (2005)

There's been some great editions to the PMD collection, but I always come back to Red Rescue Team. Maybe it's for the simplicity of the GBA.

Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire
Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire (2003)

Best pinball game imo, also let's talk about the cartridge's built-in rumble pak?

WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames!
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames! (2003)

I think we're all sleeping on the Wario Ware series.

Amazing Island
Amazing Island (2004)

Did anybody else even know about this game? Make your own monster to play in minigame tournaments. Genuinely ahead of its time.

Wario World
Wario World (2003)

Staple.

Wave Race: Blue Storm
Wave Race: Blue Storm (2001)

I don't even know how I acquired this game, but I feel like we all either did, or had a friend who owned it. The water physics obsession of the early 2000s games will always warm my heart.

Digimon World DS
Digimon World DS (2006)

One of the best, could never get into the others beyond this.

Drawn To Life
Drawn To Life (2007)

You literally draw your own hero sprite and then play as it, and the town you restore actually looks different based on what you draw. Legend tier for the DS.

Kirby: Canvas Curse
Kirby: Canvas Curse (2005)

My favorite gimmick of the Kirby series, amazing utilization of the touch screen.

Magician's Quest: Mysterious Times
Magician's Quest: Mysterious Times (2009)

Basically Animal Crossing if your town also had magic spells and a school you attended. The seasonal events are genuinely charming and it's a shame I don't see this one talked about more.

Ōkamiden
Ōkamiden (2011)

Great spiritual successor to a perfect game.

Pokémon Conquest
Pokémon Conquest (2012)

I'm not generally drawn to games like these, but somehow the Pokémon coat of paint has brought me back for a couple playthroughs!

Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia (2008)

Best Ranger game in the series imo.

The Sims 2
Sims 2, The (2005)

Unrelated to the PC game. I'm not here to defend The Sims' handheld disasters, but you HAVE to experience Beelzebeef.

Spore Creatures
Spore Creatures (2008)

A litttttle stripped down from the PC game but more fun because it's on a handheld, right? You build your creature part by part and the touch screen controls for combat feel great. A true hidden gem.

WarioWare: Touched!
WarioWare: Touched! (2005)

Once again screaming about WW from the rooftops. I love a hardware showcase. Every single microgame is touch or mic based, which translates pretty well.

Fantasy Life
Fantasy Life (2014)

Hours and hours and HOURS into this game. Has to be one of my favorite games of all time.

Nintendogs + Cats
Nintendogs + Cats (2011)

I feel like the addition of cats speaks for itself, but I do appreciate this basically update to the game. +1000 points for Pomeranians being introduced, I'm featuring the Toy Poodle & New Friends boxart since you get them as a starter breed.

Pokémon Rumble Blast
Pokémon Rumble Blast (2011)

I always really loved the Rumble spin offs. This one is the best in my opinion besides the original WiiWare game.

Tomodachi Life
Tomodachi Life (2014)

Legendary placement in my recs, and justice for the concert hall. If you like Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream on Switch, you definitely have to revisit this masterdistasterpiece.

MySims
MySims (2007)

Extremely charming. I will always adore my time spent with this game, especially on the Wii.

Ōkami
Ōkami (2008)

Best game on the Wii, and only should be played on the Wii.

Pokémon Battle Revolution
Pokémon Battle Revolution (2006)

Makes Pokémon Champions look like it's the 20 year old game.

Miitopia
Miitopia (2021)

Always will have a place in my heart. Simple yet couldn't put it down. Shoutout to all the Mii creators out there that allowed everyone to play to the fullest potential!

New Pokémon Snap
Pokémon Snap (2021)

Please don't fight me when I say that besides nostalgia factor, this is better than the original.

Destroy All Humans
Destroy All Humans (2005)

Gem gem gem. The dialogue, the plot, the camp of it all. Timeless game.

Enter the Matrix
Enter the Matrix (2003)

As a Matrix fan this is a must. I won't say it's good, just a must. Includes actual movie footage directed by the Wachowskis, and fills in parts of Reloaded!

Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga
Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga (2007)

Do I even have to recommend? If you somehow haven't played this or even a Star Wars fan, I still think this is an amazing game.

The Simpsons: Hit & Run
Simpsons, The: Hit & Run (2003)

I don't think I ever completed this game, but have sunk so many hours just causing chaos. I love this game so much and definitely deserves a Hall of Fame placement on any platform.

The Sims 2
Sims 2, The (2005)

Probably a nostalgia pick, but I do think this is a great (still different) alternative to the PC version.

SSX Tricky
SSX 2: Tricky (2001)

I'm sure you've put on that drum and bass jungle mix video on YouTube. If you haven't crossed paths with this, I highly suggest!

Tony Hawk's Underground 2
Tony Hawk's Underground 2 (2004)

Was I ever into or interested in skateboarding? No. Is this game a staple to your gaming catalogue? Absolutely. Story mode has the guys from Jackass doing pranks as part of the skateboarding objectives, which is such a specific early 2000s thing to do.

// console pixel pack
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