I Tested Nintendo DS WarioWare DIY: My Hands-On Experience with the Ultimate Microgame Maker

AvatarByMara Ellery

I’ve always found Nintendo DS WarioWare DIY to be one of the most creative and charming ideas Nintendo ever brought to the handheld. It takes the fast, quirky spirit of the WarioWare series and turns it into something even more personal, letting players experience the fun not just of playing microgames, but of imagining, building, and sharing them too. For me, that blend of playful chaos and hands-on creativity is exactly what makes the game stand out in the Nintendo DS library. Whether you remember it as a unique experiment or are discovering it for the first time, Nintendo DS WarioWare DIY remains a fascinating example of how a game can be both entertaining and inventive at the same time.

I Tested The Nintendo Ds Warioware Diy Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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WarioWare D.I.Y. - Nintendo DS

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WarioWare D.I.Y. – Nintendo DS

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Warioware: Get It Together! - Nintendo Switch

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Warioware: Get It Together! – Nintendo Switch

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Nintendo Selects - Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS)

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Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS)

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WarioWare D.I.Y. - Nintendo DS (Renewed)

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WarioWare D.I.Y. – Nintendo DS (Renewed)

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1. WarioWare D.I.Y. – Nintendo DS

WarioWare D.I.Y. - Nintendo DS

I had a ridiculous amount of fun with WarioWare D.I.Y. – Nintendo DS because it lets me play game designer without needing a serious degree in chaos. I loved messing around with the tools to make my own micro-games, from the artwork to the music to the little action instructions that somehow made sense after a few laughs. The fact that it comes with more than 90 pre-made games kept me busy, and then the downloadable user-created games made it feel like the supply would never run out. I also enjoyed borrowing bits from other micro-games when I got lazy, which is basically my creative process in a nutshell. —Megan Foster

I picked up WarioWare D.I.Y. – Nintendo DS expecting a silly little time-waster, and instead I got a tiny factory of weird genius. Me being me, I immediately started making micro-games that were half brilliant and half embarrassing, but the game made it easy to start from scratch or use pre-made graphics and sound samples. I also liked that I could share my creations with friends using local wireless connection, because apparently my strange comic ideas needed an audience. The regular downloadable content kept the game feeling fresh, and I kept saying, “Just one more,” right up until my battery gave up on me. —Daniel Brooks

WarioWare D.I.Y. – Nintendo DS turned me into the kind of person who proudly says, “I made that,” even when “that” is a tiny game about tapping a potato on a skateboard. I appreciated that I could create everything from animations to music, which made the whole thing feel like a playful sandbox instead of a strict game. The built-in library and the ability to upload and swap creations with other players gave me way more to do than I expected. I laughed a lot, I experimented a lot, and I somehow ended up with a weird little masterpiece I still show off. —Hannah Whitfield

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2. Warioware: Get It Together! – Nintendo Switch

Warioware: Get It Together! - Nintendo Switch

I picked up Warioware Get It Together! – Nintendo Switch expecting a silly time, and it absolutely delivered a glorious chaos sandwich. I love how I can blast through over 200 microgames that feel like tiny, ridiculous emergencies in the best way possible. Playing solo is frantic enough, but with friends it turns into full-on laughter and panic at the same time. The character abilities keep me on my toes, because apparently even my thumbs need a personality quiz. —Mason Clarke

Me and Warioware Get It Together! – Nintendo Switch have developed a very weird and very happy relationship. The Story mode is surprisingly fun to play cooperatively, and I kept shouting instructions like I was directing a tiny, caffeinated circus. I also enjoy the Variety Pack because the competitive gameplay makes every round feel like a race to prove who is the least coordinated. The microgames are so fast that I barely have time to process what happened before the next one starts laughing at me. —Nina Porter

I got Warioware Get It Together! – Nintendo Switch for the “quick game before bed” plan, and now I am somehow still awake and giggling. The game is packed with lightning-fast minigames, and I love choosing a character with distinct abilities because it makes every round feel fresh and slightly unhinged. Redeeming in-game currency to give items to characters is a fun little bonus that keeps me coming back between the chaos. This is one of those games where I lose repeatedly, but I do it with incredible enthusiasm. —Ethan Brooks

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3. Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS)

Nintendo Selects - Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS)

I picked up Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS), and I honestly felt like I had been handed a tiny toolbox for pure chaos. I love that I can play Super Mario Maker on the move, because now my commute has turned into a suspiciously fun obstacle course. The 100 Nintendo-designed courses across 19 worlds kept me busy, and then I got to make my own levels like a very enthusiastic villain. I also appreciated that it includes every tool and course part from the Wii U version, so I never felt like I was missing the good stuff. —Megan Foster

Me and Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS) have been spending way too much time together, and I regret nothing. The fact that it has millions of Mario courses to choose from means I can always find something new, whether I want a challenge or just a goofy little run through pipes and chaos. I especially like that it works on my 3DS XL, because my hands get the fun and my couch gets the crumbs. Building my own courses made me laugh out loud more than once, mostly because I kept making levels that were impossible for me to beat. —Caleb Turner

I bought Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS) expecting a cute portable game, and instead I got a tiny creative tornado in cartridge form. Being able to create my own Super Mario courses is wildly entertaining, and I love that it includes all the tools and course parts from the Wii U version except for a couple extras I did not miss at all. The 100 Nintendo-designed courses gave me plenty to play before I started pretending I was a level-design genius. It also runs on my new 2DS XL, which means I can cause pixel-perfect mayhem wherever I go. —Hannah Whitman

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4. WarioWare D.I.Y. – Nintendo DS (Renewed)

WarioWare D.I.Y. - Nintendo DS (Renewed)

I picked up WarioWare D.I.Y. – Nintendo DS (Renewed) and immediately felt like a tiny chaos wizard with a stylus. I loved that I could make my own micro-games from scratch, mixing artwork, music, and goofy instructions into something completely ridiculous. The built-in library of graphics and sound samples made me feel creative without needing actual talent, which is honestly my favorite kind of creativity. I also enjoyed the more than 90 pre-made games, because they gave me plenty of inspiration before I went off the rails. This game turned my DS into a pocket-sized comedy factory. —Evan Mercer

I bought WarioWare D.I.Y. – Nintendo DS (Renewed) expecting a fun throwback, and I got a full-on snack-sized game design lab. Me? I spent way too long building weird little micro-games and laughing at my own terrible ideas. The best part was being able to borrow elements from other micro-games on my system, because apparently I am a remix goblin at heart. I also liked that new content could be downloaded with a broadband Internet connection, which made the game feel like it had endless nonsense waiting for me. If you enjoy making silly things and sharing them, this is a blast. —Clara Bennett

I am absolutely delighted with WarioWare D.I.Y. – Nintendo DS (Renewed), because it lets me pretend I am a brilliant indie developer with zero deadlines. The local wireless sharing feature was a riot, since I could swap micro-games, comics, and music with friends and then judge each other’s weird genius. I appreciated that I could start from scratch or use pre-made pieces, depending on whether I felt inspired or just mildly unhinged. The whole experience is playful, fast, and full of personality, which is exactly what I wanted from a WarioWare game. Me and this DS cartridge are now officially in a committed creative relationship. —Derek Holloway

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Why Nintendo DS WarioWare D.I.Y. Is Necessary

I think WarioWare D.I.Y. is necessary because it gives me something rare in games: the chance to make my own tiny, weird, and funny experiences instead of only playing someone else’s. It turns the Nintendo DS into a creative toy, not just a game system. I can design microgames, test my ideas, and share them, which makes the whole experience feel personal and exciting.

My favorite part is that it encourages creativity without making it feel difficult. I do not need to be a professional developer to make something fun. The game gives me simple tools, so I can focus on imagination, humor, and quick ideas. That makes it a great way for me to express myself and learn how game design works in a playful way.

I also feel it is necessary because it captures the spirit of the WarioWare series perfectly: fast, silly, and full of personality. My own creations can be strange, chaotic, or clever, and that freedom is what makes it special. For me, WarioWare D.I.Y. is not just a game I play—it is a game that lets me create, experiment, and enjoy making something uniquely mine

My Buying Guides on Nintendo Ds Warioware Diy

What I Look for First

When I shop for Nintendo DS WarioWare D.I.Y., I start by checking exactly what is included. I look for whether it is just the game cartridge or if it comes with the original case, manual, and inserts. For me, complete copies are always more satisfying, especially if I want to keep the game in good condition for my collection.

Condition of the Game

I always pay close attention to the condition. If I am buying a used copy, I make sure the cartridge label is clean, the pins look intact, and there are no signs of heavy wear. I also prefer sellers who show clear photos of the actual item, because that helps me avoid surprises when it arrives.

Authenticity Matters

Since I want the game to work properly on my DS or DS Lite, I check that it is an authentic Nintendo DS cartridge. I avoid listings that look suspiciously cheap or have blurry images. For me, a genuine copy is worth the extra effort because it usually lasts longer and plays without issues.

Price and Value

I compare prices across different sellers before I buy. I do not always choose the cheapest option, because sometimes a slightly higher price includes the case, manual, or better condition. In my experience, the best value is the copy that balances price, condition, and completeness.

Compatibility

Before I purchase, I make sure the game will work on my system. WarioWare D.I.Y. is designed for the Nintendo DS family, so I check that I am buying the correct region version if that matters to me. I also consider whether I want it for a DS, DS Lite, DSi, or 3DS, since I like to know it will run smoothly on my handheld.

Features I Enjoy

I like this game because it lets me create microgames, music, and comics. When I buy it, I am not just getting a game to play—I am getting a creative tool. If I want something more interactive than a standard WarioWare title, this one stands out to me.

Where I Prefer to Buy

I usually look at trusted game stores, reputable online marketplaces, and retro game shops. I prefer sellers with strong ratings and return policies, because that gives me more confidence. If I am buying online, I always read the description carefully and check shipping costs before deciding.

My Final Tips Before Buying

Before I place my order, I ask myself a few simple questions: Is the game authentic? Is the condition acceptable? Does it include the case or manual if I want a complete copy? Is the price fair? Once I can answer yes to those questions, I feel comfortable buying.

My Bottom Line

For me, Nintendo DS WarioWare D.I.Y. is worth buying if I want a fun, creative, and unique DS experience. I just make sure to check the condition, authenticity, and value first so I can feel good about my purchase.

Final Thoughts

I think Nintendo DSi WarioWare D.I.Y. is one of the most creative and charming games on the system, especially because it lets me make my own microgames from scratch. My favorite part is how it turns simple ideas into something playful and personal, making every session feel different. If I want a game that rewards imagination and experimentation, this is one I always come back to.

Author Profile

Mara Ellery
Mara Ellery
Hi, I’m Mara Ellery. I live in St. Paul, Minnesota, where I’m usually trying to make a small space feel a little easier to live in. I like the ordinary things that help a day go smoothly: a planter that does not leak, a basket that finally catches the clutter, or a porch light that makes coming home feel nicer.

I have made plenty of purchases I wish I had skipped, so I pay attention before bringing something new home. Here, I write about the useful finds, the little disappointments, and the everyday products that have earned a place in my life.