While the world was busy tapping their styluses on Nintendogs and having Pokémon battles, Japan’s handheld scene was brewing something else—anime-powered brawlers and action-packed tie-ins that would make any otaku’s heart race.
These Japan-only DS anime games didn’t just slap familiar faces onto generic gameplay. They were crafted with care, blending fast-paced combat, deep character rosters, and fan service done right.
You’ll now discover five anime-inspired DS games that never left Japan—but deserve a spot in your collection.
Jump Ultimate Stars
Building on the foundation of its predecessor, Jump Ultimate Stars refined the 2D platform-fighter formula with tighter mechanics, smoother controls, and a significantly expanded character roster.
Featuring over 300 characters from Shonen Jump’s legendary lineup—Dragon Ball, Naruto, One Piece, Bleach, Hunter x Hunter, and more—this game was a dream come true for manga fans. A unique blend of fighting and deck-building strategy. Players construct battle decks using “Koma,” which represent characters and abilities, allowing for creative team compositions and dynamic gameplay.
Why It’s Worth Playing: Despite its immense popularity, licensing issues kept this gem from reaching international shores. Its exclusivity transformed it into a cult classic among import gamers—still discussed and revered in fighting game circles to this day.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! DS Flame Rumble XX: Kessen! Real 6 Chouka
Built around the fan-favorite Katekyo Hitman Reborn! anime and manga, this fighting game taps directly into the franchise’s unique world of mafia intrigue and explosive battles.
Players can unleash signature techniques like Tsuna’s X-Burner or Hibari’s hedgehog-based strikes, making every match feel ripped straight from the anime. Featuring characters from the series’ climactic storylines, it delivers a power-packed lineup, letting fans recreate the high-stakes showdowns from the manga’s later chapters.
Why It’s Worth Playing: Capturing both the charm and the chaos of the series, the game strikes a balance between satisfying brawling and faithful character representation, making it both a collector’s piece and a genuinely fun fighter.
Pen 1 Grand Prix: Penguin no Mondai Special
Based on the delightfully absurd anime Penguin no Mondai, this game flips the fighting genre on its head with wacky characters and ridiculous special moves.
Expect the unexpected—comedic power-ups, slapstick attacks, and chaotic free-for-alls where penguins (yes, penguins) brawl like seasoned pros. It blends humor with fast-paced fighting, appealing to players who want their brawls served with a side of laughs.
Why It’s Worth Playing: While many anime fighters lean into drama and spectacle, Pen 1 Grand Prix offers a rare fusion of silliness and scrappy action. It’s the kind of game that flies under the radar but leaves a lasting impression—a hidden delight for players craving something different.
One Piece: Gigant Battle! 2 New World
The game zeroes in on the Post-War Arc and Fish-Man Island Arc—two pivotal storylines in One Piece lore—while sprinkling in content from earlier arcs.
With 45 playable characters and 97 support characters, this is a swashbuckling all-star cast. Expect favorites like Luffy, Zoro, and Trafalgar Law, alongside deep cuts like Hody Jones. Taking cues from Jump Ultimate Stars, it features fast-paced 2D arena battles—letting up to four characters throw down in chaotic, high-flying clashes.
Why It’s Worth Playing: While other handheld entries like One Piece: Gear Spirit had their moments, Gigant Battle! 2 reigns supreme with its massive character pool and refined combat. With unlockables, team-based strategies, and faithful anime visuals—it’s a One Piece celebration wrapped in a robust fighting experience.
Naruto Shippuden: Shinobi Retsuden III
Set in the Naruto Shippuden universe, this fully 3D arena fighter lets players dash across stages and unleash cinematic jutsu.
Naruto, Sasuke, Kakashi, and more—can use signature moves like Rasengan and Chidori, alongside ultimate techniques that light up the screen. Its stages offer verticality and movement freedom, making battles feel fluid and acrobatic, a step beyond standard side-scrolling fighters.
Why It’s Worth Playing: For those seeking more than button-mashing, it offers layered mechanics, making it a rewarding challenge for series veterans and import enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
From the all-star brawls of Jump Ultimate Stars to the chaotic comedy of Pen 1 Grand Prix, these games capture the creativity and charm that made the DS era so unforgettable. Each title represents more than just a fighter—they’re snapshots of a time when anime fandom and handheld gaming collided in the best possible way.
