Chrono Trigger review

Chrono Trigger has the strongest pedigree on this list, and the DS cartridge is a version collectors seek out. Nintendo's listing calls it a remake of the 1995 SNES RPG made for the DS, following Crono as a malfunction at a fair sends his friend Marle back in time and starts a chase across eras. It uses the Active Time Battle system, has multiple endings and a soundtrack by Yasunori Mitsuda. The DS release adds a new dungeon and DS Wireless Play, and players can use the touch screen or switch to a classic mode with the original controls. The price is the catch: DKOldies lists the cartridge at $159.99 before sales, which pulls down its value score. For playing rather than collecting, Square Enix sells Chrono Trigger on Steam, where its store page lists the Dimensional Vortex and Lost Sanctum dungeons. It ranks fifth because of price, not quality.

Who it is for

RPG fans who want the definitive handheld version of a genre classic and accept a collector price.

Price

Used DS cartridge from $159.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $159.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Remake of the 1995 SNES RPG, made for Nintendo DS
• Active Time Battle system with strategic skills
• New dungeon added for the DS version
• Touch screen controls, or a classic mode with the original controls
• Multiple endings and a soundtrack by Yasunori Mitsuda

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Adds new content to the original game
• Strength: Classic control mode for purists
• Strength: Square Enix still sells Chrono Trigger on Steam for players who just want to play
• Weakness: Regular used price of $159.99 is the third highest here
• Weakness: Long RPG that asks for many hours
• Weakness: Turn-based battles take time to learn for action fans

Key facts

• Publisher: Square Enix
• Developer: Square Enix
• EU release: February 6, 2009
• Players: 1 to 2
• Age rating: PEGI 12

Where it ranks

Chrono Trigger is No. 5 in our Best Nintendo DS Games of All Time verdict and No. 9 in Best Turn-Based RPGs.