Zoo Tycoon DS DS box art

Nintendo DS · Simulation

Zoo Tycoon DS

Certified classic

SystemNintendo DS
Released2005
GenreSimulation
DeveloperTHQ
PublisherTHQ
Players1 player
CommitmentWeekend project (Roughly 6–20 hours)
SeriesZoo Tycoon
LegacyCertified classic · legacy score 8

Zoo Tycoon DS is a simulation game released in 2005 for the Nintendo DS, developed by THQ.

It came out in the DS's second year on the market. Other notable DS releases from 2005 include Mario Kart DS, Nintendogs and Super Mario 64 DS. Among the 89 DS simulation games in our database, it ranks #17 by legacy score.

It is part of the Zoo Tycoon series; on the DS you can also try Zoo Tycoon 2 DS. THQ also made Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Burning Earth, Baby Pals and Tak: Mojo Mistake for the DS.

Zoo Tycoon DS is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.

Pick it if…

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

Maybe skip it if…

  • you want clear goals and a defined ending
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing Zoo Tycoon DS 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.

Zoo Tycoon DS gameplay screenshot on DS
In-game screenshot (DS)

Zoo Tycoon DS cheats & codes

2 codes on file (Action Replay DS). Here are a few Action Replay DS codes to start with:

Max/Infinite Money020CDEB0 0098967F 020CDEB4 0098967F
All Stages120CDEC0 0000FFFF 220CDEC2 000000FF

See all Zoo Tycoon DS cheats

Zoo Tycoon DS walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Zoo Tycoon DS.

If you like Zoo Tycoon DS, the Matrix also picks…

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.

Zoo Tycoon DS FAQ

When did Zoo Tycoon DS come out on the DS?

Zoo Tycoon DS was released for the Nintendo DS in 2005.

Who made Zoo Tycoon DS?

It was developed by THQ.

Is Zoo Tycoon DS multiplayer?

No. Zoo Tycoon DS is a single-player game.

How long does Zoo Tycoon DS take to play?

As a simulation game, Zoo Tycoon DS 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 Zoo Tycoon DS 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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