The World Ends with You review

The World Ends with You is the most DS-specific game on this list. Square Enix's description on Nintendo's UK page puts you in the role of Neku, a graffiti artist who wakes up to a message saying he will cease to exist in seven days unless he completes a mission, and who must outlast a group called the Reapers. Battles play out across both screens at once, with special attacks triggered by stylus motions on the touch screen or by shouting commands into the DS microphone. Fashion matters too, since what Neku wears affects his performance in battle. Chance Encounter mode traded data with nearby players, and up to four players can join minigames. The control scheme is the hardest to learn here, and item trading over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection ended in 2014. DKOldies lists a used cartridge at $98.99 before sales, which places it ninth overall despite its strong capabilities score.

Who it is for

RPG players who want something stylish and unusual and can handle a demanding control scheme.

Price

Used DS cartridge from $98.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $98.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Neku has seven days to complete a mission or cease to exist
• Battles take place across both DS screens
• Special attacks triggered by stylus motions or by shouting into the microphone
• What you wear affects your performance in battle
• Up to four players in wireless minigames

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Uses the DS hardware more than any other game here
• Strength: Distinctive visual style and soundtrack
• Strength: Multiplayer minigames for up to four players
• Weakness: Two-screen combat has the steepest learning curve on the list
• Weakness: Regular used price of $98.99
• Weakness: Item trading over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection no longer works

Key facts

• Publisher: Square Enix
• Developer: Square Enix
• EU release: April 18, 2008
• Players: 1 to 4
• Age rating: PEGI 12

Where it ranks

The World Ends with You is No. 10 in our Best Nintendo DS Games of All Time verdict.