Top 10 Nintendo Switch ROM Hacks You Need to Play
Nintendo DS ROM hacks offer a fresh and exciting way to experience classic games, often with new features, storylines, and gameplay mechanics. Here are the 10 best Nintendo DS ROM hacks that stand out for their creativity and enhancements.
1. Super Mario: Endless Earth
This ROM hack of New Super Mario Bros. transforms the traditional level-based gameplay into a vast, open-world adventure. Players explore a non-linear world, complete with cutscenes, multiple routes, and fortresses to conquer. The game's storyline is significantly different from the original, drawing inspiration from Super Mario Galaxy. The visuals and music have been polished to match more recent Mario games, making this hack a must-play for any Mario fan.
2. Pokemon Light Platinum
This hack is based on HeartGold and offers a unique storyline with enhanced visuals and animations. The game includes Pokémon from various generations, making it more diverse than its GBA counterpart. Key features include a larger map, Pokémon that follow you, and a roster that extends up to Generation 6.
3. Pokemon Omega Paradox
Built on the Volt White hack, Omega Paradox continues the story with new gym leaders and trainers. It features a mix of starter Pokémon from different generations and includes mega evolutions. The game also introduces new trainer classes, adding a fresh layer of complexity to the gameplay.
4. Pokemon Silver Yellow
This hack of SoulSilver starts you off with Pikachu as your starter Pokémon, reminiscent of Pokémon Yellow. You can later obtain Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur through the story. The game includes mega evolutions and new locations, making it an interesting blend of classic and modern elements.
5. Castlevania: Rondo of Ruin
A hack of Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin, this game offers a new story, items, sprites, weapons, and music. Most of the game's areas have been modified, providing a significantly different experience from the original. This hack is ideal for fans looking for a fresh take on the Castlevania series.
6. Pokemon Sacred Gold and Storm Silver
These hacks of HeartGold and SoulSilver increase the game's difficulty and introduce some new elements. The games require the corresponding ROMs (Gold for Gold, Silver for Silver) and offer a slightly harder experience with some altered aspects of the original games.
7. Mario Kart Nitro Revolution
This hack brings content from Mario Kart Wii to Mario Kart DS, offering a more extensive and varied racing experience. The goal is to enhance the DS version with features and tracks from the Wii game, making it a must-play for Mario Kart enthusiasts.
8. CTGP Nitro
Another Mario Kart DS hack, CTGP Nitro is one of the most ambitious ROM hacks available. It includes a wide range of new tracks, characters, and gameplay mechanics, making it a standout for its sheer scope and quality.
9. Pokemon Renegade Platinum
Based on Platinum, this hack offers a new storyline and significant changes to the game's world. It includes a diverse Pokémon roster and various quality-of-life improvements, making it a compelling alternative to the original Platinum game.
10. Rhythm Heaven Touchless
A hack of Rhythm Heaven, this game modifies the original to make it less physically demanding by removing the need for touchscreen input. It retains the quirky rhythm action gameplay with 50 rhythm games, making it a great option for those who enjoy music-based games but prefer a more relaxed experience.
How to Play These ROM Hacks
To play these Nintendo DS ROM hacks, you will need a DS emulator compatible with your device. For Windows users, DeSmuME is recommended; for Mac users, OpenEmu; for iOS, iNDS; and for Android, DraStic DS Emulator.
Patching DS ROM Hacks
Patching DS ROM hacks can be tricky but is usually straightforward with the right tools. Most hacks come with a "read me" file that includes patching instructions. You will need the original DS ROM file, the ROM hack patch file, and a patching application like Xdelta. Patching cannot be done on mobile devices; it requires a computer.
Recommended Emulators
- Windows: DeSmuME
- Mac: OpenEmu
- iOS: iNDS
- Android: DraStic DS Emulator
These ROM hacks offer a fresh spin on classic games, providing new challenges, stories, and gameplay mechanics that enhance the original experiences. Whether you're a Pokémon fan or a Mario enthusiast, there's something here for everyone.