The Nintendo DS had a fantastic library of turn-based RPG games, many of which are highly popular and beloved by gamers. Here are the top 10 turn-based RPG games for the Nintendo DS, along with a brief description of why they're so good, in no particular order because they're all pretty awesome.

1. Pokemon HeartGold & Soul Silver

These games are revered by fans for their nostalgia and depth. They not only offer the classic Pokémon experience but also feature the beloved Johto region with an added Pokéwalker accessory for real-life interaction.

"Pokemon HeartGold" and "SoulSilver" have garnered immense popularity due to their successful fusion of nostalgia and innovation. As remakes of the beloved "Pokemon Gold" and "Silver" games from the Game Boy Color era, these titles offer a significant dose of nostalgia for players who grew up with the original games. However, they don't rely solely on nostalgia to capture hearts; instead, they introduce new features and enhancements that bring the classic Johto region to life. The inclusion of a day-night cycle, the ability to have your lead Pokemon follow you in the overworld, and the engaging Pokewalker pedometer feature all added depth and immersion to the gameplay. These games effectively catered to both long-time fans and new players, creating a blend of classic and contemporary Pokemon experiences.

Furthermore, "HeartGold" and "SoulSilver" provided an expansive adventure by allowing players to explore not just one but two regions: Johto and Kanto. The inclusion of legendary Pokemon like Ho-Oh and Lugia, improved graphics and sound quality, and a rich post-game content, including battles with iconic trainers like Red, all contributed to the games' appeal. The blend of nostalgia, innovative gameplay enhancements, and a vast world to explore made "HeartGold" and "SoulSilver" stand out as a remarkable and enduring part of the Pokemon franchise, making them highly popular and beloved by fans.

2. Chrono Trigger

A timeless classic (pun intended), Chrono Trigger is known for its compelling story, memorable characters, and innovative time-travel mechanic, making it one of the best RPGs of all time.

Chrono Trigger for the Nintendo DS is highly regarded for several reasons, making it a standout title in the role-playing game genre. It's celebrated for its exceptional storytelling, character development, and time-travel narrative, which offers multiple branching story paths and endings, giving players a sense of agency over the plot. The game's unique battle system seamlessly blends turn-based and real-time elements, creating engaging and dynamic combat encounters. Additionally, the DS version introduced animated cutscenes, additional content, and an improved interface, enhancing the overall experience. With a captivating storyline, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay, Chrono Trigger for the Nintendo DS continues to be cherished by gamers and is often considered a classic in the RPG genre.

3. Fire Emblem: Awakening

This game revitalized the Fire Emblem series, introducing a gripping story, well-developed characters, and a rewarding tactical battle system that kept players engaged for hours on end.

Fire Emblem Awakening gained immense popularity for revitalizing and expanding the Fire Emblem series. Its compelling characters, emotionally charged storyline, and a well-balanced mix of strategy and role-playing elements drew in both long-time fans and newcomers. The game's innovative "casual mode" allowed players to enjoy the story without the permanent death of characters, making it more accessible. The introduction of the marriage and child system added depth to character relationships and strategic possibilities, further immersing players in the game world. These features, combined with high-quality graphics and voice acting, solidified "Fire Emblem Awakening" as a fan-favorite title within the series, helping it reach a broader audience and rejuvenating interest in the franchise.

4. The World Ends With You

Unique and stylish, this game combined urban fantasy with an innovative dual-screen battle system and a memorable soundtrack, offering an unforgettable experience.

The World Ends with You stands out as an exceptional game due to its unique blend of innovative gameplay, stylish art, and a compelling narrative. Its dual-screen combat system, requiring players to simultaneously control characters on both the top and bottom screens, offered a fresh and challenging experience that was both fun and rewarding. The game's vibrant art style, set in the bustling streets of Tokyo's Shibuya district, added a distinctive and visually captivating element to the story. Coupled with its complex and thought-provoking plot revolving around themes of self-discovery and the supernatural "Reaper's Game," "The World Ends with You" delivers a memorable and immersive experience that resonated with players, earning it critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

5. Dragon Quest IX: Sentinel's of the Starry Skies

Known for its charming art style, engaging storytelling, and cooperative multiplayer, Dragon Quest IX is a standout in the series and the genre.

Dragon Quest IX is often considered one of the best games ever due to its masterful execution of classic RPG elements. The game successfully blends a compelling storyline, memorable characters, and deep world-building with accessible and engaging gameplay, making it accessible to both longtime RPG enthusiasts and newcomers. The ability to create a customizable party with character classes and the innovative multiplayer component added depth and social interaction to the experience. Its charming and timeless art style, along with the iconic Akira Toriyama character designs, added to its visual appeal. This game's combination of classic RPG virtues with modern enhancements makes it a beloved and enduring title that has left a lasting impact on the genre.

6. Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor

With its mature themes and demon-fusing mechanics, Devil Survivor was a breath of fresh air for fans of darker RPGs and tactical gameplay.

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor is highly regarded for its distinct blend of tactical RPG and traditional SMT elements, making it a standout title in the series. The game excels in providing players with meaningful choices that directly impact the storyline and character development, leading to multiple branching paths and endings, emphasizing the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonists. The fusion of tactical strategy gameplay with the demon negotiation system, a hallmark of SMT games, allows for a high degree of customization and strategy in battles. Its dark and immersive narrative, along with memorable characters, adds depth and emotional weight to the experience, making it a compelling and memorable entry in the Shin Megami Tensei franchise.

7. Advance Wars: Dual Strike

While not a traditional RPG, Dual Strike is a top-notch turn-based strategy game with deep gameplay, offering players an addictive and challenging experience.

Advance Wars: Dual Strike is celebrated for its exceptional turn-based strategy gameplay, offering a deep and satisfying tactical experience that challenges players to think critically and make strategic decisions. The game's intuitive interface and well-balanced mechanics make it accessible to both newcomers and long-time strategy enthusiasts. Dual Strike introduced the innovative 'Dual Screen' feature on the Nintendo DS, allowing for simultaneous two-front warfare and adding an extra layer of complexity to battles. The inclusion of a diverse cast of COs (Commanding Officers), each with unique abilities and strategies, added depth and replayability. Its challenging campaign, engaging multiplayer modes, and timeless pixel art style all contribute to making "Advance Wars: Dual Strike" a beloved title in the turn-based strategy genre.

8. Golden Sun: Dark Dawn

The long-awaited sequel to the Golden Sun series, Dark Dawn continued to deliver an epic adventure with impressive graphics and puzzles.

Golden Sun: Dark Dawn received mixed reviews and opinions from players and critics. Some of the reasons why some players may appreciate the game include its continuation of the beloved Golden Sun series, which features a rich and expansive world with intricate puzzles, magic, and elemental-based combat. The game retains the series' signature Djinn system, offering strategic depth in battles, and introduces a new generation of characters and storylines. While it may not reach the same level of acclaim as its predecessors, "Golden Sun: Dark Dawn" still carries the essence of the franchise, making it appealing to fans looking for more adventures in the world of Weyard.

9. Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift

Building on the success of its predecessor, this game offered a rich and strategic experience with the beloved Final Fantasy lore.

Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift is highly regarded for its deep and engaging tactical gameplay set in the beloved Final Fantasy universe. It offers a captivating story with memorable characters and an intricate job system, allowing players to customize their units and strategize in diverse ways. The game boasts an expansive world to explore, providing a sense of adventure beyond the battlefield, and a plethora of side quests and activities to keep players engrossed. Its charming art style and music, along with the satisfaction of successfully navigating challenging battles, make "Final Fantasy Tactics A2" a beloved entry in the tactical RPG genre that has continued to captivate fans.

10. Radiant Historia

Praised for its intricate time-traveling narrative and meaningful choices, Radiant Historia provided a compelling story and strategic turn-based combat.

Radiant Historia earns its reputation as one of the best RPGs ever due to its masterful storytelling and time-travel mechanics that engage players in a complex and morally charged narrative. The game's dual-screen grid-based combat system adds strategic depth, and the ability to manipulate time in-game not only impacts the story but also introduces dynamic gameplay elements. Its richly developed characters, immersive world-building, and exceptional soundtrack create a deeply emotional and atmospheric experience. The branching storyline with multiple endings encourages replayability, and the sense of consequence for player choices contributes to a gripping narrative. These elements, along with its beautiful hand-drawn art style, make "Radiant Historia" a standout in the RPG genre that has garnered a dedicated and appreciative fanbase.

These games not only captivated players with their compelling stories and unique gameplay mechanics but also showcased the capabilities of the Nintendo DS. Each title brought something special to the table, making them highly popular among RPG enthusiasts.