Play Ridge Racer DS Online

Ridge Racer DS came out for the Nintendo DS in 2004, developed and published by Namco. It was one of the earlier titles for the system, arriving not long after the console's launch. The game brought the arcade racing series to a handheld, focusing on drift-heavy action rather than simulation.

You control a driver in a selection of fictional sports cars, racing on winding tracks against AI opponents. The main goal is to win each event, unlock new cars, and progress through the championship cups. Signature mechanics include the deep drift system, where you tap the brake and steer into turns to maintain high speed, and the use of the touch screen for nitrous boosts or alternate control schemes. The pacing is fast, and the difficulty ramps up noticeably in later events. It feels like a stripped-down but energetic take on the series, built for quick sessions on the go.