Mario Party DS

When I first started playing Mario Party DS, I was honestly curious how well the chaotic, couch-multiplayer energy of the Mario Party series would translate to a handheld console. After several full board playthroughs and dozens of mini-games—both solo and with friends—I can confidently say that this entry captures the spirit of the series surprisingly well, even on a smaller screen.

The story mode sets up a fun premise: Bowser shrinks Mario and his friends down to miniature size, turning everyday household environments into massive game boards. Suddenly, a tabletop becomes an adventure zone, and a bookshelf transforms into a towering stage. This “shrunk down” concept adds personality to the boards and gives the game a unique visual identity compared to other entries in the series.

At its core, Mario Party DS sticks closely to the classic formula. You move around themed boards, collect coins, purchase Stars, and try to sabotage your opponents whenever possible. The turn-based structure remains intact, and luck still plays a role, but strategy matters too. Deciding when to spend coins, which paths to take, and how to manage items becomes surprisingly important over longer matches.

The boards themselves are well-designed. Each one feels distinct, with unique mechanics and layout variations. I appreciated how they weren’t overly complicated but still offered enough branching paths and special spaces to keep things interesting. Some boards introduce interactive elements, like changing star locations or environmental hazards, which add unpredictability.

The heart of any Mario Party game, of course, is the mini-games. Mario Party DS includes a large selection, and I was impressed by the creativity on display. Some mini-games use traditional button controls, while others incorporate the DS touch screen or microphone. Stylus-based mini-games often require quick tapping, drawing, or dragging motions. Most of the time, these controls feel responsive and intuitive.

There’s a strong balance between skill-based and luck-based mini-games. Some reward precise timing and reflexes, while others level the playing field so everyone has a fair shot. I found that this mix keeps sessions entertaining, especially when playing with friends of varying skill levels.

One thing that surprised me was how solid the single-player experience is. While Mario Party is traditionally known for multiplayer chaos, Mario Party DS includes a structured Story Mode with boss battles. Each board ends with a boss mini-game that feels slightly more elaborate than standard challenges. These boss fights give the single-player mode a sense of progression and purpose beyond just collecting Stars.

Multiplayer is where the game truly shines. Thanks to DS Download Play, only one copy of the game is required for local multiplayer sessions. That feature alone made it incredibly convenient to play with friends. The wireless connection works smoothly, and matches retain that classic Mario Party tension—celebrating lucky dice rolls and groaning at last-minute Star steals.

Visually, the game looks colorful and clean. Character animations are expressive, and the miniature-world theme gives the environments extra charm. While the DS hardware limits graphical complexity, the art style fits perfectly within those boundaries.

If I had to point out a downside, it would be that matches can still be long, even on a handheld. A full 20-turn board session requires commitment. Also, like any Mario Party title, luck can sometimes overshadow skill, which may frustrate more competitive players.

Still, Mario Party DS succeeds in delivering a complete Mario Party experience in portable form. It doesn’t feel stripped down or compromised. Instead, it feels carefully adapted for handheld play.

Looking back, playing Mario Party DS felt like carrying a pocket-sized party wherever I went—full of rivalry, laughter, and those unforgettable last-turn surprises that define the series.