Unlike the home console versions, the Nintendo DS version of Over the Hedge was created as a separate game by Vicarious Visions. Game writer Evan Skolnick noted the original goal was to make a simple tie-in game with the film, but the development team was soon instructed by Activision to "knock this one out of the park".
This version of Over the Hedge differed from its home console counterparts in that it was developed separately by Vicarious Visions. According to Evan Skolnick, the initial goal was to create a straightforward tie-in game with the film, but the development team was soon instructed by Activision to "outshine" this one.