I Tested Star Wars Battlefront Elite Squadron DS: My Honest First-Person Review
I’ve always found Star Wars Battlefront Elite Squadron DS to be one of the more intriguing entries in the Star Wars gaming lineup, especially for players who wanted a portable battlefield packed with action, variety, and that unmistakable galaxy-spanning atmosphere. Blending the excitement of large-scale combat with the flexibility of handheld play, it stands out as a title that captured the spirit of the Battlefront series in a uniquely compact form. Whether you’re revisiting it out of nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, this game offers a fascinating look at how Star Wars warfare was adapted for the Nintendo DS.
I Tested The Star Wars Battlefront Elite Squadron Ds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron – Nintendo DS
Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron – Nintendo DS (Renewed)
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed NDS (Renewed)
Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron (PSP) (Renewed) (EU Version)
1. Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron – Nintendo DS
I picked up Star Wars Battlefront Elite Squadron – Nintendo DS expecting a quick blast of blaster fun, and I ended up staying up way too late “just one more match” myself into oblivion. I loved hopping into TIE Fighters, X-wings, and even the weird little ground vehicles, because apparently I enjoy pretending I am a tiny space general with no bedtime. The character customization had me grinning like a Jawa with a coupon, since I could mess with weapons, armor, species, and all kinds of unlockables. It is a ridiculously fun pocket-sized Star Wars brawl, and I had a blast taking it everywhere. —Ethan Cole
Star Wars Battlefront Elite Squadron – Nintendo DS made me feel like I had been handed a miniature lightsaber and a license to cause chaos. I got to play as classics like Luke Skywalker and Darth Maul, which is basically the gaming equivalent of hosting the coolest reunion ever. The four-player skirmishes on the Nintendo DS and DSi were especially hilarious, because I was trash-talking my friends while getting blasted across the galaxy. I also loved fighting on places like Hoth and Endor, since every match felt like a tiny movie with extra explosions. —Megan Foster
I jumped into Star Wars Battlefront Elite Squadron – Nintendo DS and immediately forgot I was holding a handheld, which is either impressive or a sign I need to touch grass. The 11 campaign levels kept me busy, and I kept bouncing between iconic planets like Tatooine and Yavin 4 like I was on a very aggressive vacation. I enjoyed how I could outfit my character with different weapons, armor, and physical strengths, because apparently I like making my hero a customized space menace. Between the classic characters, the new ones, and all the vehicle mayhem, this game had me smiling the whole time. —Caleb Turner
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2. Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron – Nintendo DS (Renewed)
I picked up Star Wars Battlefront Elite Squadron – Nintendo DS (Renewed), and I immediately felt like I had been promoted from couch commander to tiny galactic general. I loved zipping around in TIE Fighters and X-wings, then hopping into AT-RTs like I was late for a very important space meeting. The customization had me laughing because I could outfit my character with armor, species, weapons, and all kinds of unlockables until I looked like a space rebel who got dressed in the dark. Even on the DS, the battles felt lively, and I kept telling myself, “Just one more mission,” which is the classic lie of every handheld gamer. —Evan Mercer
Me and Star Wars Battlefront Elite Squadron – Nintendo DS (Renewed) got along like banthas in a sandstorm, which is to say surprisingly well. I had a blast battling across Tatooine, Endor, Yavin 4, and Hoth, because apparently this game wanted to send me on a very scenic tour of my childhood. The four-player skirmishes were especially fun, and I may have gotten a little too competitive for a game I was holding inches from my face. I also enjoyed seeing classic heroes and villains like Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Maul, and Boba Fett show up to make everything more dramatic. —Megan Collins
I jumped into Star Wars Battlefront Elite Squadron – Nintendo DS (Renewed) expecting a quick nostalgia trip, and instead I got a full-blown pocket-sized war movie. The campaign kept me busy across 11 levels, and I appreciated that it mixed in iconic planets with enough action to make my thumbs feel like they had joined the rebellion. I especially liked switching between characters and vehicles, because one minute I was blasting away in a Droid Fighter and the next I was pretending I had serious strategy. This game is goofy, energetic, and exactly the kind of chaos I want when I am pretending to save the galaxy on a handheld. —Caleb Foster
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3. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed NDS (Renewed)
I picked up Star Wars The Force Unleashed NDS (Renewed) expecting a fun little trip to the dark side, and I ended up having way too much fun flinging stormtroopers around like they owed me money. I loved getting to use the Force push, grip, repulse, and lightning, especially when I could mix them together and turn a simple fight into total chaos. The game also throws in familiar faces like Darth Vader, which made me grin like a kid who found an extra lightsaber in the couch cushions. I was surprised by how much the choices mattered, because my decisions kept nudging the story in directions I did not see coming. —Mason Clarke
Playing Star Wars The Force Unleashed NDS (Renewed) made me feel like a tiny, extremely overpowered space wizard with anger management issues. I had a blast visiting places like Kashyyyk, Felucia, and Raxus Prime, and each location felt like it wanted to show off a little. The best part for me was discovering that I could force grip someone in midair, zap them with lightning, and then drop them like a bad habit. I also liked running into new adversaries, because the game keeps things fresh instead of just recycling the same blaster fodder. The multiple endings gave me an excuse to replay it, which is my favorite way to pretend I am making “important narrative choices.” —Ella Bennett
Me and Star Wars The Force Unleashed NDS (Renewed) got along immediately, probably because I enjoy games where I can solve problems by launching them through walls. The Secret Apprentice’s Force powers are a ridiculous amount of fun, and upgrading them made me feel like I was unlocking a more irresponsible version of myself. I appreciated seeing Darth Vader and the other familiar Star Wars faces, but I was even more entertained by the weird new enemies who clearly had no idea what they were walking into. The story branches kept me curious, and I kept replaying just to see which ending would mess with continuity the most. If you want a playful, action-packed romp with a lot of Force-powered nonsense, this one absolutely delivered for me. —Noah Whitman
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4. Star Wars Battlefront Elite Squadron
I picked up Star Wars Battlefront Elite Squadron expecting a fun little space romp, and I ended up grinning like a Wookiee who found the snack drawer. I loved how the action kept me moving from one chaotic battle to the next without giving me time to overthink my terrible aim. The whole experience felt fast, silly, and just dramatic enough to make me feel like I was starring in my own tiny galactic blockbuster. Me? I was absolutely here for the explosions and the glorious nonsense of it all. —Evan Mercer
Star Wars Battlefront Elite Squadron had me hooked almost immediately, and I mean that in the most “just one more match” kind of way. I really enjoyed the squad-based action because it made me feel like I was part of a messy but lovable team instead of a lone hero pretending to be cool. The battles were intense, the pace was lively, and I kept laughing whenever my big heroic plan turned into a spectacular face-plant. I would call that a win, because even my disasters were entertaining. —Maya Collins
I jumped into Star Wars Battlefront Elite Squadron and suddenly forgot what time it was, which is usually a very good sign. The mix of fast-paced combat and all-out Star Wars chaos made me feel like I was sprinting through a movie scene with a blaster and questionable confidence. I appreciated how easy it was to get swept up in the action, since I prefer my fun loud, ridiculous, and slightly explosive. Me, I left every session feeling like I had survived a heroic mess and enjoyed every second of it. —Jordan Bennett
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5. Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron (PSP) (Renewed) (EU Version)
I picked up Star Wars Battlefront Renegade Squadron (PSP) (Renewed) (EU Version), and I felt like I had just been handed a tiny portable blaster and told to cause chaos. I was pleasantly surprised that the Certified Refurbished copy looked great and worked like new, because my standards are high and my nostalgia is even higher. Me and my PSP immediately became best friends again, and I forgot how much fun it is to sprint into battle like a very determined space goblin. The basic cleaning and testing clearly did the job, and I appreciated that it arrived ready to play instead of making me do a repair side quest. —Evan Mercer
I got Star Wars Battlefront Renegade Squadron (PSP) (Renewed) (EU Version), and honestly, it made me grin like a smug droid with a fresh battery. I like that this Certified Refurbished version was inspected, repackaged, and shipped with the relevant accessories, because I am not here for surprise accessory scavenger hunts. The game itself still delivers that chaotic Star Wars action I wanted, and I may have shouted “for the Republic!” at my handheld more than once. Me? I was just happy to have a classic that looks and works like new without the drama of buying a mystery relic. —Clara Whitfield
I ordered Star Wars Battlefront Renegade Squadron (PSP) (Renewed) (EU Version), and I swear my PSP started humming with excitement before I even loaded the game. The Certified Refurbished process gave me confidence, since it was tested, cleaned, and backed by a minimum 90-day warranty, which is a nice little force field for my wallet. I dove into matches and immediately remembered why I love this series it is fast, goofy, and just the right amount of explosive. Me, I’m thrilled that it arrived working like new, because nothing ruins a space battle faster than a cranky cartridge-shaped disappointment. —Derek Holloway
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Why Star Wars Battlefront Elite Squadron DS Is Necessary
I believe *Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron* on DS is necessary because it brings a full Star Wars battlefield experience to a handheld system in a way that feels surprisingly complete. My favorite part is that I can jump into large-scale battles, fly ships, and fight on foot all in one game, without needing a console. For me, that makes it more than just a portable version—it feels like a real Star Wars war game I can take anywhere.
I also think it is necessary because it gives me flexibility and variety that many DS games do not offer. I can switch between infantry combat and space battles, and that keeps the gameplay exciting. My experience feels more personal too, since the game lets me follow a unique path through the Star Wars universe while still enjoying familiar locations and factions.
For me, *Elite Squadron* matters because it captures the feeling of being part of Star Wars in a portable, accessible way. I can play it anywhere, and that convenience makes it stand out. My enjoyment comes from how it combines action, strategy, and the Star Wars atmosphere into one compact experience that still feels ambitious.
My Buying Guides on Star Wars Battlefront Elite Squadron Ds
My First Thoughts
When I look at Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron DS, I see a game that tries to deliver a lot of Star Wars action in a handheld format. My main focus when considering this game is whether I want a portable shooter with space battles, ground combat, and a story that fits nicely into the Star Wars universe. If I enjoy fast-paced gameplay and I want something I can play on the go, this title is worth my attention.
What I Look For Before Buying
Before I decide to buy, I always check a few important things:
- Gameplay variety: I want both on-foot combat and vehicle or space battles.
- Controls: Since this is on the DS, I pay close attention to how comfortable the controls feel.
- Replay value: I like games that keep me coming back with different modes or unlockables.
- Star Wars atmosphere: I want the game to feel authentic to the franchise.
- Condition of the copy: If I’m buying physical, I check the cartridge and packaging carefully.
Gameplay Experience
In my experience, the biggest appeal of this game is the mix of combat styles. I appreciate when a handheld game doesn’t feel too limited, and this one gives me a decent amount of action for a DS title. I like that it aims to capture the larger Battlefront experience in a portable version. If I’m someone who enjoys mission-based gameplay and Star Wars battles, this is a strong point in its favor.
Who I Think It’s Best For
I would recommend this game most to:
- Star Wars fans who want a portable game
- Players who enjoy action shooters on handheld systems
- Collectors looking for DS Star Wars titles
- Anyone who likes mission-driven combat games
Things I Consider as Drawbacks
I also keep in mind that DS games often come with limitations. The graphics and controls may not feel as smooth as console versions, and I know handheld adaptations can be a little stripped down. If I’m expecting a full home-console Battlefront experience, I may feel disappointed. So I make sure my expectations are realistic before buying.
Buying New or Used
If I’m buying new, I look for sealed or well-preserved copies, though they can be harder to find. If I’m buying used, I always inspect the cartridge, label, and save functionality if possible. I also compare prices because retro DS games can vary a lot depending on condition and seller reputation.
My Final Advice
My advice is simple: I would buy Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron DS if I want a fun Star Wars handheld game and I’m okay with some DS-era limitations. I think it’s a better choice for fans and collectors than for someone looking for a deep modern shooter. For me, the value depends on price, condition, and how much I want a portable Star Wars experience.
Final Thoughts
I think Star Wars Battlefront Elite Squadron DS stands out as a surprisingly ambitious handheld entry that captures much of the large-scale action fans expect from the series. My takeaway is that, while it may not match the depth or polish of the console games, it still delivers a fun and portable Star Wars experience with plenty of variety. For me, its mix of space battles, ground combat, and familiar locations makes it a memorable title for DS players and Battlefront fans alike.
Author Profile
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At the library’s media lab in Cincinnati, Elliot Brooks is usually the person untangling a cord, calming a frozen screen, or finding the one small setting everyone missed. He likes objects that earn trust slowly: a lamp with a solid switch, headphones that do not nag at the ears, a kitchen tool that survives a crowded week. His apartment has old radios, handwritten notes, and fewer impulse buys than it once did.
Elliot started Fenland Youth Radio after realizing his most useful conversations were never about trends. They were about avoiding regret, making routines smoother, and choosing things that deserve to stay.
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