Nanostray is a vertical-scrolling shooter with 3D graphics, similar in style and spirit to Shin'en Multimedia's Iridion games for GBA but utilizing the DS' extra power for smoother, deeper graphics. Players pilot their lone spaceships against relentless swarms of enemy ships and giant, screen-filling bosses. A variety of weapons and power-ups become available, and the lower touch screen can be used to switch between them on the fly. Screen-clearing smart bombs are also available, but in very short supply, so they should be reserved for only the most desperate situations.