In SimCity DS, players manage a city using a combination of resources, technology, and people. Resources can be bought or mined, while technology allows the player to see all the areas they are living in. The player can also trade goods and services for other items and services, or increase production by adding new minerals or vegetables. The player can also develop their city through its resources, or move people and goods to other areas to create a more sustainable city. Players can also improve their city by winning competitions, developing their city's resources, and of course, winning and losing. There is a good amount of strategy involved in playing the game, and players will want to keep their city in top condition so they can compete in the international market.