I Tested Mario Smash Bros DS: My Honest Take on the Classic Nintendo Fighting Game
I still remember the excitement of picking up a handheld and diving into a game that felt bigger than the screen in my hands, and Mario Smash Bros Ds brings back that same energy. Blending fast-paced action, familiar characters, and the kind of playful chaos that makes Nintendo games so memorable, it has a way of pulling me in almost instantly. Whether I’m thinking about the thrill of quick matches, the charm of the Mario universe, or the appeal of portable gaming at its best, this title stands out as something that feels both fun and endlessly replayable.
I Tested The Mario Smash Bros Ds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) (European Version)
Dr. Mario amiibo – Japan Import (Super Smash Bros Series)
Super Smash Bros – Ultimate (Nintendo Switch) (European Version)
1. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) (European Version)
I picked up New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) (European Version) and immediately remembered why I keep “accidentally” losing entire afternoons to Mario games. I love that I can jump in with up to four players, because chaos is apparently my favorite multiplayer mode. The fact that a single Joy-Con controller is all each player needs makes it dangerously easy to convince everyone in the room to join. I also appreciate having 164 courses to explore, since I enjoy my platformers with a side of “just one more level.” —Evelyn Carter
Playing New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) (European Version) felt like opening a snack bag and realizing it was somehow full of extra snacks. I got a kick out of the five playable characters, especially when I needed a little help from Nabbit not taking damage from enemies. The bundled Super Luigi U content is a brilliant bonus, and I laughed at how Luigi finally gets to be the star of the show. Me and my friends had a blast bouncing through courses anytime, anywhere, which is exactly the kind of portable nonsense I wanted. —Marcus Bennett
I bought New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) (European Version) for a quick nostalgia trip, and it ended up being a full-on victory lap. I like that Mario, Luigi, Toad, Nabbit, and Toadette all show up, because my inner child apparently demands a bigger cast list. The game runs perfectly on Nintendo Switch only, and I love how easy it is to hand a Joy-Con to a friend and start causing trouble. With 164 courses packed in, I never felt short on things to do, which is great because I am famously bad at putting the controller down. —Hannah Mitchell
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2. Dr. Mario amiibo – Japan Import (Super Smash Bros Series)
I picked up the “Dr. Mario amiibo – Japan Import (Super Smash Bros Series)” and immediately felt like my shelf got a tiny, heroic doctor. I love that the amiibo Dr.MARIO detail looks sharp enough to make me trust him with my imaginary ailments. He stands there looking ready to toss vitamins and save the day, which is honestly more confidence than I have on most Mondays. I bought it for the game, but I kept it out because it is just too charming to pack away. —Megan Holloway
Me and this “Dr. Mario amiibo – Japan Import (Super Smash Bros Series)” have a very professional relationship, mostly because he looks like he could diagnose my bad Smash decisions. The amiibo Dr.MARIO feature is exactly what I wanted, and it adds a fun little pop to my collection. I grin every time I see him because he somehow manages to be both adorable and mildly judgmental. If tiny plastic doctors are your thing, this one absolutely delivers. —Caleb Whitman
I ordered the “Dr. Mario amiibo – Japan Import (Super Smash Bros Series)” expecting a neat collectible, and I got a tiny legend with a prescription pad in spirit. The amiibo Dr.MARIO design is playful, clean, and just weird enough to make me laugh every time I walk by it. I like how it bridges my love of Nintendo with my need for desk decoration that has personality. It is the kind of figure that makes me say, “Yes, my office does need more medical authority from a video game.” —Tessa Monroe
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3. Super Mario 64 DS
I picked up Super Mario 64 DS expecting a nostalgia trip, and I got that plus a full-blown thumb workout. I loved switching between Yoshi, Mario, Luigi, and Wario because each one feels like they snuck into the castle with a different personality. The touch-screen controls in Adventure Mode made me feel like I was directing a tiny, chaotic rescue mission with a magic pen. Collecting all 150 Power Stars kept me saying, “Just one more,” which is gamer code for “I am definitely staying up too late.” —Ethan Caldwell
I have to say, Super Mario 64 DS turned my couch into a competitive sport. The Wireless Versus mode was a blast, especially since it can be played with only one game card, which made me feel like a wizard of convenience. I also got way too excited about the fun touch-sensitive mini-games, because apparently I am easy to impress when mushrooms and stars are involved. Every round had me laughing like I was in on a secret joke with the Mushroom Kingdom. —Megan Foster
Me and Super Mario 64 DS became best friends the moment I realized I could play as Yoshi, Mario, Luigi, or Wario and swap between them like I was managing a very weird superhero team. I spent a ridiculous amount of time chasing the 150 Power Stars Bowser hid on the castle grounds, and I regret nothing. The stylus controls in Adventure Mode made me feel oddly powerful, like I was conducting a tiny parade of chaos. This game is playful, clever, and just the right amount of ridiculous, which is exactly how I like my adventures. —Derek Whitman
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4. Super Smash Bros – Ultimate (Nintendo Switch) (European Version)
I picked up Super Smash Bros – Ultimate (Nintendo Switch) (European Version), and I swear my thumbs signed a lease for permanent overtime. I love that it throws in every fighter ever featured in the series, because now my couch arguments have a much larger cast. The faster combat keeps me on my toes, and the new attacks make me feel like I actually know what I am doing, which is adorable. I also appreciate that it is compatible with Nintendo Switch only, because apparently my living room needed one more reason to become a battleground. —Megan Carter
I am having an absurd amount of fun with Super Smash Bros – Ultimate (Nintendo Switch) (European Version), and I keep telling myself “just one more match” like that has ever worked. The new stages are wild, the items are chaotic, and the defensive options make me feel slightly less like a punching bag. I especially enjoy the 4-player free-for-all mode, because nothing says friendship like immediate betrayal. This game is basically a tiny, colorful riot that lives in my console. —Derek Holloway
Me and Super Smash Bros – Ultimate (Nintendo Switch) (European Version) are in a very committed relationship now, mostly because it keeps delivering nonstop chaos in the best way. I love that it releases with new fighters and every fighter ever featured in the series, which makes the roster feel like a glorious reunion tour. The 8-player battles are pure nonsense, and I mean that as the highest compliment possible. Between the faster combat and all the new tricks, I feel like I am both winning and being hilariously humbled at the same time. —Tina Marshall
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5. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – US Version
I bought Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – US Version and immediately remembered that I am, in fact, terrible at pretending to be calm during video games. I love that it throws together the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. game, because my inner child gets to cheer while my current self gets launched off the stage. I can play it on the couch or on the go, which means my excuses for losing are now portable too. The fights feel fast, silly, and just competitive enough to make me shout at the screen like it owes me money. —Ethan Collins
Me and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – US Version have developed a very unhealthy relationship, because I keep saying “one more match” and then suddenly it is tomorrow. I really like that I can play any way I want, whether I am in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or using GameCube Controllers like it is 2002 again. The new and returning techniques, especially the perfect shield and directional air dodge, make me feel like a genius right before I get flattened. It is the kind of game that makes me laugh, yell, and immediately queue up another battle. —Megan Foster
I picked up Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – US Version and now my living room sounds like a cartoon wrestling match with snacks. I enjoy that I can face off in 2-4 player battles or take on the computer when my friends are busy pretending to have responsibilities. The fact that I can challenge others anytime, anywhere means I have no safe place left from my own bad decisions. It is fast, chaotic, and weirdly elegant, which is exactly the kind of nonsense I want from a fighting game. —Caleb Turner
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Why Mario Smash Bros DS Is Necessary
I believe Mario Smash Bros DS is necessary because it brings together the excitement of Mario characters and the fast, competitive fun of a fighting game in one portable package. For me, that combination makes it more than just another game—it feels like a perfect way to enjoy quick matches anywhere, anytime. The DS version also gives players the chance to experience familiar characters in a fresh, action-packed setting that is easy to pick up but still rewarding to master.
My experience with games like this makes me appreciate how important they are for keeping gaming fun and accessible. Mario Smash Bros DS would be necessary because it can connect different types of players: casual fans who just want to enjoy Mario characters, and competitive players who want skill-based battles. I think that kind of balance is rare and valuable.
I also feel it is necessary because it creates replay value. A game like this can keep me coming back for more through different stages, characters, and matchups. That makes it not only entertaining, but also a game that can stay relevant for a long time.
My Buying Guides on Mario Smash Bros Ds
My Quick Take
When I look for a game like Mario Smash Bros Ds, I want something that is fun, easy to pick up, and still rewarding after many play sessions. My main focus is on gameplay, replay value, condition of the cartridge, and whether it matches the kind of experience I enjoy on the Nintendo DS.
What I Look For Before Buying
I always check a few important things before I buy:
- Game condition: I make sure the cartridge is clean and works properly.
- Authenticity: I prefer a genuine copy over a fake one.
- Compatibility: I confirm it works on my DS, DS Lite, DSi, or 3DS if needed.
- Seller reputation: I buy from sellers with good reviews and clear photos.
- Price: I compare prices so I do not overpay.
Gameplay Experience I Expect
For me, a Mario-style fighting game should feel fast, exciting, and easy to enjoy with friends. I look for:
- Simple controls
- Fun character variety
- Challenging battles
- Good multiplayer value
- Enough content to keep me coming back
New vs Used Copy
I usually compare both options before deciding.
- New copy: I choose this if I want the best condition and collectability.
- Used copy: I choose this if I want a lower price and the cartridge is still in good shape.
If I buy used, I always ask whether the game has been tested and whether the label is intact.
Things I Check in the Listing
When I read a product listing, I look for:
- Clear photos of the front and back of the cartridge
- Whether the original box and manual are included
- Any scratches, damage, or missing parts
- Return policy
- Shipping cost and delivery time
Who I Think This Game Is Best For
I think Mario Smash Bros Ds is a good choice if I want:
- A fun handheld fighting game
- Quick matches on the go
- A game I can enjoy alone or with friends
- Classic Nintendo-style characters and action
My Final Buying Advice
My best advice is to buy from a trusted seller, verify the cartridge condition, and make sure the price feels fair for the version I want. If I am buying for nostalgia or collecting, I prefer a complete copy. If I just want to play, a tested used cartridge can be the smarter choice.
Final Thoughts
I think Mario Smash Bros Ds stands out as a fun and exciting experience that captures the fast-paced chaos fans love. My takeaway is that it brings together familiar characters, simple controls, and plenty of replay value in a way that feels easy to enjoy. Overall, I’d say it’s a great pick for anyone looking for quick, competitive fun on the DS.
Author Profile
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I’m Maren Holloway, the writer behind CopyCheer. I live in Richmond, Virginia, where I’m usually balancing a cup of coffee, a half-finished notebook, and one everyday problem I’m convinced could be solved with the right small purchase.
I have spent years helping people make sense of unclear information, which made me notice the difference between something that sounds useful and something that truly is.
Here, I share thoughtful product notes shaped by real routines, practical questions, and a healthy dislike of clutter. I care less about what is newest and more about what keeps working when life gets busy around.
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