Itadaki Street DS

Mario meets Dragon Quest in a board game showdown

Released in 2007, Itadaki Street DS brought the beloved Itadaki Street series to Nintendo’s dual-screen handheld. Developed by Armor Project and published by Square Enix, this unique board game crossover featured characters from both the Mario and Dragon Quest franchises, making it a must-play for fans of either series.

Monopoly-style strategy with a twist

The game followed the classic Itadaki Street formula, which played similarly to Monopoly but with added depth. Players moved around various game boards, buying and investing in properties while collecting money from opponents who landed on their spaces. Unlike Monopoly, players could also invest in their properties to increase value and trade stocks in different districts, adding a layer of financial strategy to the gameplay.

A dream roster of characters

For the first time in the series, Itadaki Street DS featured both Mario and Dragon Quest characters in a single game. Players could choose from iconic faces like Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach, or battle it out as Dragon Quest favourites such as Slime, Bianca, and Yangus. The game’s boards were themed around locations from both franchises, further enhancing the crossover appeal.

A Japan-exclusive gem

Despite its strong lineup and engaging gameplay, Itadaki Street DS was never released outside Japan. However, its popularity led to later entries like Fortune Street on the Wii, which finally introduced the series to a global audience. For those who enjoy a mix of luck, strategy, and Nintendo charm, Itadaki Street DS remains a fascinating and fun piece of gaming history.

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