Ultimate Brain Games is a no-nonsense collection of eight classic board games, including chess, checkers, backgammon, mahjong, dominoes, reversi (Othello), 4-in-a-row (Connect Four), and sink ships (Battleship). Players can create an alter ego and customize his or her face and clothing before competing against one of 12 computer personalities with five adjustable skill levels. Two-player support is also available via Game Link Cable, with only one cartridge required for play.
Each game can be played using a flat 2D view or an angled 3D view on a choice of decorative backgrounds. Over one hour of music is included with a modifiable play list from the menu screen. For those experiencing some of the games for the first time, onscreen help and instructions are available within a menu-style interface. A demo of each game is also included to show how it is played. Built-in battery backup lets players save their progress as well as track the total number of wins, losses, and overall winning percentage for each game.