The Sims 2 DS box art

Nintendo DS · Simulation

The Sims 2

Certified classic

SystemNintendo DS
GenreSimulation
DeveloperMaxis
PublisherElectronic Arts
Players1–2 players
CommitmentWeekend project (Roughly 6–20 hours)
SeriesThe Sims
LegacyCertified classic · legacy score 13

Developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts, The Sims 2 arrived on the Nintendo DS as a simulation game.

Among the 89 DS simulation games in our database, it ranks #6 by legacy score.

It is part of the The Sims series; on the DS you can also try The Sims 3, The Sims 2: Apartment Pets and The Sims 2: Pets. The series also appears on other systems with The Sims 2 (GBA) and The Sims 2: Pets (GBA). Maxis also made Spore Hero Arena and Spore Creature Keeper for the DS.

The Sims 2 supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.

Pick it if…

  • you want to think and plan
  • you have time for a weekend project (roughly 6–20 hours)
  • you have a friend to play against
  • you want to experience one of the DS's defining games

Maybe skip it if…

  • you want clear goals and a defined ending

What playing The Sims 2 is like

Simulation games model a system and let you play inside it, whether that means building a city, flying a plane, raising a pet or running a business.

Tip for newcomers: Simulations are often open-ended. Set yourself small goals and enjoy experimenting with the systems.

The Sims 2 gameplay screenshot on DS
In-game screenshot (DS)

The Sims 2 walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for The Sims 2.

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Playing DS games today

Many DS games rely on the touchscreen and stylus, so they play best on original hardware, a 3DS, or an emulator with mouse or touch input such as Rec0m88. The library is enormous, which makes a recommendation engine especially handy.

The Sims 2 FAQ

Who made The Sims 2?

It was developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts.

Is The Sims 2 multiplayer?

Yes. The Sims 2 supports up to 2 players.

How long does The Sims 2 take to play?

As a simulation game, The Sims 2 typically falls into the "Weekend project" category: roughly 6–20 hours. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about The Sims 2 on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

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