This game is very similar to its computer counterpart. There are three main modes in Zoo Tycoon 2 DS, the campaign mode, the sandbox mode and the multiplayer mode.
In the multiplayer mode, there are two different modes, Trade a Zoo and Tycoon Showdown. In Trade a Zoo, you can trade zoos with other players. In Tycoon Showdown, you can compete against another person to create the best zoo. You have a time limit and are scored on criteria such as number of guests, animals and money spent.