Best Nintendo DS strategy games

The Matrix has 52 strategy games on file for the Nintendo DS, released between 2005–2012. 34 of them support multiplayer, including 1 with co-op. They're ranked below by legacy score, so the games that shaped the genre on the DS come first, with lesser-known picks further down.

Strategy games reward planning over reflexes: command armies, manage resources and outthink opponents on turn-based or real-time battlefields.

Typical commitment: weekend project (roughly 6–20 hours). Tip: Read the manual or tutorial if one exists: retro strategy games often assume you know their rules. Save between missions.