So someone gave me a free DS...

When you say you hate handhelds, what exactly do you mean by that? It's hard to recommend anything based on that descriptor, since DS games are handheld games.

Anyway, I still firmly believe that Kirby: Canvas Curse is the best game on the system. Perfect example of something that could never be done on any other system, applied to a deep, varied game design that rises high above tech demos like Yoshi Touch & Go.

And by the way, who the hell gave you a free DS?

Hmm..

Luminous Arc is probably my favourite thing on the system. I also really liked...

Nope, that's about it.

Bangai-O Spirits is a must-have. Unless you hate shooters, in which case it's probably best to avoid it!

I got a DS from a friend who just got the new one that came out. It's the old model but still works fine.

About handhelds, I just don't like playing them at all (haven't played one since Oracle of Seasons/Ages on Gameboy Color) but I'm being open minded here and willing to give it a try.

I'm willing to try anything that's not an RPG. Definitely getting Bangai-O spirits, is contra 4, Ninja Gaiden and the Zelda game any good?

Contra 4 is OK, maybe a 7/10. The stages are fairly exciting, but the bosses are mediocre. I would say that it's definitely worth getting, but don't expect it to be as fun as Hard Corps (if you've played that). It's A LOT better than Contra 3, though. Plus it has a challenge mode that suits the DS (because you can play for five minutes then go do something else... like play your 360. Just kidding).

EmP didn't like Cotra 4?

Contra 4's a hard game, but fun. I really suck at it, though, so I can't really say much.

You also get the original Contra game, too, as part of it, but you could also just emulate that.

The unlockable stuff's cool, though. I dunno.

The only other DS game I've played was one of the Pokemon ones. =x Haha. Call me childish if you want, but they do have some serious strategy involved, so... there.

Not played Contra 4 on the DS.

Phantom Hourglass is one of the worst Zeldas. They all suffer from mornoic and constant backtracking, but Hourglass takes this unenjoyable trait, pumps it full of steriods and then fashions the entire game around it. It also has the worst sailing section ever made -- a heady claim after Wind Waker.

Trauma Center series is highly recommended and i love the Phoenix Wright games.

I second the recommendation for Phoenix Wright. I also find the DS a delicious system for tactical RPGs or old school dungeon crawls (such as the remade Dragon Quests).

In fact, it was the "simple RPG" style game that got me into handheld gaming to begin with, starting with the GBA. I never expected I'd be able to fit handheld gaming anywhere in my schedule, or how I could enjoy the more simplistic ganes and the tiny screen when I was used to consoles. But as soon as I made a habit of playing 20-30 mins of this RPG or another before bed, then saving or quicksaving and switching it off, I was sold.

My gaming is in peaks, sometimes I make a lot of progress and sometimes I never get anywhere. But the one constant is I'll always get a little handheld action in before I go to sleep.

It also has the worst sailing section ever made -- a heady claim after Wind Waker.

How is that even possible?

Two words: Crono Trigger, Baby!

Wait. That's three words... still, that game kicks ass. I've heard good things about the Lunar game, Age of Empires and Fire Emblem. My girl also got Brain Age two and she loves it.

However, my strongest recommendation would be things like Nintendogs and um... the Barbie games so that you end up hating the DS so bad, you're willing to sell it to me at a decent price.

:D