One of the most notable aspects of the online multiplayer mode was the competitive scene it fostered. Players could test their skills against opponents from around the world, leading to a vibrant community and a sense of camaraderie among fans of the Bleach series. This feature was particularly appealing to players who had mastered the game's mechanics and were seeking new challenges beyond the single-player modes.

However, the online multiplayer experience was not without its controversies. One of the primary issues was connectivity. Many players reported frequent lag and connection drops, which significantly affected the gameplay experience. These technical difficulties were a common frustration in the early days of online gaming on handheld consoles, but they were particularly detrimental to fast-paced fighting games like Bleach DS, where timing and precision were crucial.

Another major controversy arose from gameplay imbalances. Some characters were perceived as overpowered, leading to debates within the community about fair play and competitive integrity. Characters with certain abilities or combinations of moves could dominate matches, making it difficult for other players to compete on equal footing. This imbalance led to calls for patches or updates to address these issues, but the limited capacity for post-release updates on the DS platform meant that these concerns were never fully resolved.

The competitive nature of the online multiplayer mode also highlighted differences in player skill levels. While this was expected in any competitive game, the stark contrast between casual players and more experienced or skilled opponents could be discouraging for newcomers. Some players felt that the steep learning curve and the presence of highly skilled competitors made it difficult to enjoy the multiplayer experience, leading to a divide between casual and hardcore fans.

Despite these challenges, the online multiplayer mode of the Bleach DS games contributed significantly to their overall appeal. It provided an additional layer of depth and replayability that kept players engaged long after completing the single-player content. The controversies and issues that arose from connectivity problems and gameplay imbalances were not unique to Bleach DS but were part of the broader growing pains of early online gaming. Ultimately, the online multiplayer experience helped to cement the Bleach DS games as memorable and influential titles within the genre.