* The anime opening from the PSX version of the game plays when the game is loaded; this can be skipped by touching the bottom screen.
    
* The game can be played in either of two modes - 'DS Mode' and 'Classic Mode'. DS Mode allows for dual screen and touch screen gameplay (although the directional pad and buttons can still be used instead), while Classic Mode allows the game to be played in the style of the original SNES version. This setting is chosen at the beginning of a new game and can be altered later in the menu's settings.
    
* The game's settings have been expanded to allow for choosing between 'Walk' and 'Run' as an example, as well as containing several options exclusive to both DS and Classic modes.
    
* The game contains several new dungeons, including 'Dragon's Sanctuary' and 'Lost Sanctum'.
    
* Upon completion of the game, a new ending referred to as the 'Dimensional Distortion' is unlocked. This is supposedly an entirely new dungeon that contains a new final boss.
    
* The anime sequences return from the PSX version (note that the load times are gone). These can be switched off in the settings.
    
* The Japanese version of the game includes the English script as a selectable option in the settings. The game will automatically start in English if the DS console is set to that language. Note that no languages besides Japanese and English are included.
    
* The element 'Lightning' has become 'Light', to reflect the original name 'Heaven'.
    
* Party members' elements are now displayed with nameless icons (e.g. Water has a blue droplet) on the menu screen rather than an image with the element's name on it.
    
* Item name changes have been made to reflect the original Japanese version of Chrono Trigger - e.g. 'Tonic' has become 'Potion', and the various stat-enhancing 'Tab' items of the game have become 'Capsule' items (for example, 'Strength Capsule').
    
* The game's sprites and music have been noticably improved, although not vastly changed from the original. In some instances, different (albeit not new) sprite animations are used. An example of this is Robo and Frog's stances when entering a Gate.
    
* The character Magus, originally referred to as a 'dark wizard', is now referred to as the 'Fiendlord'; the race of creatures known as Mystics are now known as Fiends.
    
* The 'Arena' and 'Extras' features become unlocked upon saving the game once. These are accessed from the title screen.