Bangai-O Spirits is a handheld remake of the original, this version has the player take the role of two Bangai-O pilots, Riki and Mami, as they fly in an omni-directional path across environments, blasting away bad guys. The game is a mix of action, shooter and strategy, as the player can use ten different weapons (Napalm Missiles, Homing Missiles, Bounce Missiles, Break Missiles, Direct Missiles, Freeze, Reflect, Sword, Bat and Shield) with the ability to choose from two different Bangai-O suit classes, each with their own strengths and weakness.

The main game is at the bottom of the dual-screen while the top is used for a map, so the player can track their place in the game. Players can also pick up power ups along the way while avoiding vast amount's of bad guys and avoiding special themed traps for each level. There are over 160 levels to play as well as a level editor that the player can use any of the other levels as a template.

Players can also play 4-way co-op using Wi-Fi and players can also share data, scores, levels among others using Sound Load technology, where the info is converted into a sound file that is recognized and decoded by other DS' using its microphone and uploaded on the internet where the player can download information through audio devices and played to their own DS' microphone to download the information.