Editing Mario Kart: Double Dash!!

{{italic title}}
{{FA}}
{{game infobox
|title=Mario Kart: Double Dash<nowiki>!!</nowiki>
|image=[[File:Mario Kart Double Dash!!.jpg|255px]]
|developer=[[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development|Nintendo EAD]]
|publisher=[[Nintendo]]
|release={{flag list|Japan|November 7, 2003|Australia|November 14, 2003<ref>(November 14, 2003). [https://web.archive.org/web/20031202222005/http://www.nintendo.com.au/nintendo/news/index.php DASH INTO STORES NOW!!] ''Nintendo Australia''. Retrieved May 27, 2024.</ref>|Europe|November 14, 2003|USA|November 17, 2003<ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2004/040129e.pdf CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Nintendo Co., Ltd. and Consolidated Subsidiaries]. ''nintendo.co.jp''. Retrieved April 5, 2020.</ref>|South Korea|2003<ref>[http://scanlines16.com/collection/mario-kart-double-dash-kor/ ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' (KR)]. ''Scanlines16.com''. Retrieved April 29, 2018.</ref>}}
|languages={{languages|en_us=y|es_es=y|fr_fr=y|de=y|it=y|jp=y}}
|genre=[[Genre#Racing|Racing]]
|modes=Single-player, multiplayer
|ratings={{ratings|esrb=E|pegi=3|cero=A|usk=0|acb=g}}
|platforms=[[Nintendo GameCube]]
|format={{format|gcn=1}}
|input={{input|gcn=1}}
|serials={{flag list|Japan|DOL-GM4J-JPN|South Korea|DOL-GM4E-KOR|USA|DOL-GM4E-USA|Europe|DOL-GM4P-EUR}}
}}
'''''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''''' is a [[Genre#Racing|racing]] game developed and published by [[Nintendo]] for the [[Nintendo GameCube|GameCube]] and the fourth entry in the [[Mario Kart (series)|''Mario Kart'' series]]. It was released in November 2003 worldwide, being released in Japan first and later being rereleased as a [[Player's Choice]] title in Australia and New Zealand.<ref>Vuckovic, D. [https://www.vooks.net/mario-kart-double-dash-now-players-choice/amp/ Mario Kart Double Dash now Players Choice]. ''Vooks''. Retrieved January 9, 2022.</ref> The game, while retaining many aspects of the previous ''Mario Kart'' games, such as selecting a [[Super Mario (franchise)|''Super Mario'' franchise]] character as the player's driver and the familiar item-based weaponry that the series employs, introduces a feature that is unique to this entry in the ''Mario Kart'' series: the two-person karts, hence the title of the game. Two characters handle a single kart, where one character drives and the other uses items, and they can switch positions at any time if necessary. This is the only game in the franchise where two players can play cooperatively in one kart, with each player handling a single character, though the option to play in separate 2-person karts for each player is still available. In addition, the game introduces [[Special Item (Mario Kart series)|Special Items]], items that are exclusive to a pair of characters. The game is one of the few games to take advantage of LAN Mode via the [[Nintendo GameCube#Nintendo GameCube Broadband Adapter|Nintendo GameCube Broadband Adapter]], which allows up to sixteen players to participate in a single race.

''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' is the first ''Mario Kart'' game in the series to employ 3D graphics for characters and items, as opposed to ''Mario Kart 64'' using pre-rendered sprites to display these objects. The game also introduces a larger variety of karts to select from depending on the character combo's weight class rather than the standard [[Pipe Frame|go-kart]] being the sole vehicle all racers use, and this variety of vehicles has been retained in all the ''Mario Kart'' games since.
==New features==
As with every new ''Mario Kart'' game, ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' incorporates several new features, granting a new style of playing for the users. Apart from that, there are two characters per kart; the number of playable characters was increased to join the race. As implied in various ''Super Mario'' franchise games, ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' contains many elements to unlock as well. By beating the cups available in every engine level, the player unveils other hidden levels, [[kart]]s, and other playable characters in the game. Furthermore, there is a very dynamic selection of karts: every kart has specific stats that distinguishes from the others, as well as capturing their respective character's style; for instance, [[Mario]]'s kart, the [[Red Fire]]. In the first three games, there was only one kart that the players could use, which was what ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' and games after this would eventually call the [[Pipe Frame]].

When breaking [[Item Box]]es, characters can receive any standard [[List of items|item]] or a [[Special Item (Mario Kart series)|Special Item]], a new type of item unique to a specific pair of characters. Additionally, items dropped on the course, including Bananas, Shells, Mushrooms, and Stars, instantly affect the first kart that touches it. The effects of certain items have changed considerably as well.

Another notable change featured in the game is the point system given to the racers after a competition in Grand Prix mode. It resembles a hybrid of the point systems used for {{wp|Formula One}} from 1991-2002 (10-6-4-3-2-1) and from 2003 onwards (10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1), whereas earlier ''Mario Kart'' games use a point system resembling the one used for Formula One from 1962-1990 (9-6-4-3-2-1). Additionally, players cannot retry a failed race in Grand Prix mode, as opposed to the first three games. Users have to continue racing until finishing a cup to see the overall results. This new system is used for all ''Mario Kart'' installments since this game. The following chart shows the difference of the point spreads from the previous games to ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''
{|class="wikitable"style="text-align:center;max-width:60em;margin:1em auto"
|-
!colspan="9"style="background:#e0e0e0"|Point spread comparisons
|-
!||1st!!style="width:2.5em"|2nd!!style="width:2.5em"|3rd!!style="width:2.5em"|4th!!style="width:2.5em"|5th!!style="width:2.5em"|6th!!style="width:2.5em"|7th!!style="width:2.5em"|8th 
|-
|'''''Super Mario Kart''<br>''Mario Kart 64''<br>''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'''''||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"|9||style="background:#CF0"|6||style="background:#CF0"|3||style="background:#CF0"|1||0||0||0||0
|-
|'''''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'''''||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"|10||style="background:#CF0"|8||style="background:#CF0"|6||4||3||2||1||0
|}
This is also the first ''Mario Kart'' game that can be played in multiple languages, besides English and Japanese, and to feature live-rendered 3D models for the characters and items instead of the pre-rendered sprites seen in previous installments.

However, more than the new point system, ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' also added important features that would become mainstays of the future ''Mario Kart'' titles. For example, before the start of every race, a short overview of the track, lasting a few seconds, shows all of the big features of the track, such as obstacles, scenery, and the characters at the [[Finish Line (object)|finish line]]. Also, the countdown to the start of the race lasts for one second longer; in ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'', the countdown is "3, 2, 1, START," (with the start signal being horizontal instead of vertical, its red lights turning on from left to right, and all lights turning green on "START") while in the first three games, it is represented by three lights and three counts (in ''Super Mario Kart'' and ''Mario Kart 64'', the first two lights are red, while the third light is green or blue, respectively, while in ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'', the first two lights are yellow and the third light is blue; the lights also turn on from top to bottom). Also, when the player crosses the finish line to begin the next lap, [[Lakitu (Mario Kart referee)|Lakitu]] will appear either on the left side or the right side of the player depending on the direction of the final turn of the course to the finish line, holding the lap count signs (if the race finishes with a left turn, Lakitu will appear on the right side of the player; if the race finishes with a right turn, Lakitu will appear on the left side of the player). Also, when the player goes into the last lap of the race, the background music increases its pitch by a semitone.

==Controls==
''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' has various controls for racing and menus. Each button on the controller represents a different ability while the player is racing or battling.
===Menu controls===
*{{button|gcn|Stick}} - Move
*{{button|gcn|A}} - Accept option/Save Game (at the Options Screen)
*{{button|gcn|B}} - Go back
*{{button|gcn|L}}+{{button|gcn|R}} - Random selection (at the character select screen)
*{{button|gcn|Start}} - Open Start Menu (at title screen)

===Race controls===
{{multiframe
|[[File:SinglePlayControls-MKDD.png|200px]] [[File:MKDD Multiplayer Controls.png|200px]]
|The controls for single play, and co-op play, respectively in the pause menu.
|align=right
|size=420
}}
====Single play====
*{{button|gcn|A}} - Accelerate/[[Rocket Start]]
*{{button|gcn|B}} - Brake/Reverse
*{{button|gcn|Stick}} - Steer
*{{button|gcn|L}}/{{button|gcn|R}} - [[Drift]]/Power slide (Hold)/[[Mini-Turbo]] (Release)
*{{button|gcn|X}}/{{button|gcn|Y}} - Use item/Stop Item Roulette/Sound horn
*{{button|gcn|X}}/{{button|gcn|Y}} + {{button|gcn|Stick}} - Throw item forward or backward
*{{button|gcn|Z}} - Switch characters
*{{button|gcn|Start}} - Pause/Resume

====Co-op play====
*{{button|gcn|A}} - [[Rocket Start#Double Dash|Double Dash]]
*{{button|gcn|A}}/{{button|gcn|B}}/{{button|gcn|X}}/{{button|gcn|Y}} - Use item/Stop Item Roulette/Sound horn
*{{button|gcn|L}}/{{button|gcn|R}} - [[Slide Attack]]
*{{button|gcn|Z}} - Switch characters (both players must hit the switch button at the same time)

==Game modes==
Up to four players can play in all the modes, excluding [[#Time Trial|Time Trial]] mode, where only one is permitted. In addition, the users can play independently or in [[#Co-op Play|cooperative]] mode, a unique style of gameplay only featured in ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''

===Grand Prix===
In Grand Prix Mode, the player needs to win the cups against computer-controlled opponents. The difficulty level against CPU racers changes in each of the four engine classes, which are the following:
*'''50cc''' - Easy. The minimum top speed is low for all karts and CPU racers have a very limited selection of items. Any kart takes the 1st and 2nd place positions.
*'''100cc''' - Normal. The minimum top speed is fairly average, while CPU drivers have a wider selection of items: they may throw [[Red Shell#Mario Kart series|Red Shells]] at players. Lightweight karts are almost never in the top positions (when controlled by CPU).
*'''150cc''' - Hard. The minimum top speed in the karts is high, and CPU drivers have a wider selection of Items, most notably, the [[Spiny Shell]]'s addition. In this level, CPU drivers can take down players using the items against them. Additionally, all the characters race in mixed teams. CPU-controlled heavyweight karts usually take the top positions, with middleweight cars very rarely taking the top positions (when controlled by CPU).
*'''Mirror''' - Very Hard. Similar to 150cc engine class, however, all the tracks are mirrored. CPU-controlled heavyweight karts usually take the top positions, with middleweight cars very rarely taking the top positions (when controlled by CPU). This engine class is not unlocked until players beat the All Cup Tour in 150cc.

There are mainly four cups in Grand Prix mode, each one with four tracks to race. These cups bear their difficulty levels as well as the race courses within. The most basic is Mushroom Cup with simple courses and few gimmicks. Special Cup, on the other hand, contains long and gimmicky race courses. All the race courses have three laps, except Baby Park, which has seven because of its short length, and Wario Colosseum, which has two because of its long length.

Special Cup is unlocked when players beat 100cc Star Cup. A fifth cup, the [[All Cup Tour]], is the conglomeration of all four cups in the game. It is unlocked after players beat the Special Cup in 150cc. All sixteen courses of the game are played through one after another in random order, with the exceptions of Luigi Circuit always appearing first and Rainbow Road always appearing last. This cup does not appear in other racing modes.

In GP Mode, two players can join a race, as themselves or in Co-op play. Players can play Grand Prix mode with two players in different karts or in co-op mode with two to four players.

===Time Trial===
In Time Trial, a single player races courses over a set number of laps to record the fastest completion time. Before racing, adding the player's name entry registers their records available. When a race starts, the characters have two [[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]]s in hand for speed boost. The best time elapsed in a lap and a race on a specific track is saved after completing the race. Once a race is completed on a course, the user is able to compete against either their [[Ghost (Mario Kart series)|Ghost]] from the current Ghost data or, once unlocked, the Staff Ghost within the stage. Otherwise, if a race is failed, the Ghost data is not saved. The Ghost data recording can be disabled in the Options screen menu. Each Ghost save is worth five blocks on the GameCube Memory Card.

In Japan, players were able to submit special codes in Time Trial mode as part of a contest. The contest never existed outside of Japan, but the results of the code [[cheat code#Mario Kart: Double Dash!!|can still be accessed in all versions of the game]].

===Battle===
In [[Battle Mode]], two to four players can compete against each other using a variety of items (including all the special items) on courses made specifically for battles.

Battle Mode contains three different sub-modes:
{|class="wikitable"style="text-align:center;width:100%;margin:0 auto;border-collapse:collapse"border="1"cellpadding="1"cellspacing="1"
|-
!Battle
!Description
|-
|align="center"|[[File:MKDD Balloon Battle icon.png|250px]]<br>Balloon Battle
|align="left"|The classic battle style which consists of popping opponents' balloons to score, using the items from the Item Boxes. In ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'', the players can even "steal" balloons from their rivals, using a [[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]] to dash into them or hitting with a [[star]]. This new feature has been kept for future ''Mario Kart'' games. In Co-op play, the rear player can also take away opponents' balloons while doing a Slide Attack. Unlike ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'', the players no longer transform into [[Mini Bomb Kart]]s or [[Bob-omb]]s after being taken out, and instead just vanish.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:MKDD Shine Thief icon.png|250px]]<br>Shine Thief
|align="left"|In Shine Thief, players must retrieve a [[Shine Sprite]] dropped on the course and keep it in hand until time runs out. On the other hand, players who did not retrieve the treasure can use items against whoever has the Shine to force them to drop it. If using a Mushroom, a Star or a Slide Attack (Co-op Play), a Shineless player can steal the Shine directly from its owner. The Battle mode [[Mario Kart DS#Shine Runners|Shine Runners]] from ''Mario Kart DS'' was based on this sub-mode.  
|-
|align="center"|[[File:MKDD Bob-omb Blast icon.png|250px]]<br>Bob-omb Blast
|align="left"|Characters use [[Bob-omb]]s to hit their opponents and score stars to win. The bombs can be obtained by running over an Item Box, which only contains Bob-ombs. Every character can hold up to five of these explosives, and can throw them forwards or drop them backwards. Any kart that makes contact with an opponent's bomb or gets blown up by the explosion loses stars. For two players, competitors need three stars to win the battle, while for three or four players, they need four.
|}

===Versus===
[[File:WaluigiStadium-Multiplayer1-MKDD.png|200px|thumb|Characters racing in Versus mode.]]
Versus (for two to four players) allows racers to select their characters and karts, and compete among themselves on the tracks. It is also possible to play in versus mode through a LAN connection where more than four players can join a competition. Additionally, there are some versus options found in the Option menu to change the mode's gameplay:
*'''Number of Laps:''' The number of laps set over all tracks, ranging from one to nine. If one lap is chosen, the beginning of the race starts as a Final Lap with Final Lap fanfare music.
*'''Items:''' The variety of items given to the racers can be changed to: 
**'''Recommended:''' Default way in obtaining certain item by racer's place.
**'''Basic:''' Powerful items such as [[Lightning]] and [[Super Star|Stars]] are rarely obtainable. 
**'''Frantic:''' Basic items such as [[Fake Item Box|Fake Items]], [[Banana]]s, and [[Green Shell]]s are rarely obtainable.
**'''None:''' No items to use at all.

===Co-op play===
Supporting the main feature in ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' upon two-racers-one-kart, Cooperative Play (also said Co-op Play) lets two players control their respective character in a kart, one being the driver and the other as the item thrower. While playing in Co-op mode, the players' characters can perform special moves that a single player cannot make. The rear character can perform a Slide Attack to steal an item from their rivals while messing up the rival's vehicle's controls. Both players can even double the power of the [[Rocket Start]] by pressing the {{button|gcn|A}} button at the same time. This special boost is the [[Rocket Start#Double Dash|Double Dash]].

The following table below excludes Time Trial as it is a single player exclusive mode. 
{|class="wikitable"style="text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse;max-width:100em;margin:1em auto"border="1"
|-
!style="background:#d0d0d0"colspan=5|Co-op Play Modes
|-
!Players
!Grand Prix
!Versus
!Battle
|-
|{{color|red|P1}} & {{color|red|P2}} vs {{color|green|P3}} (& {{color|green|P4}} if doing 4 players)
|[[File:check mark.svg|13px]]
|[[File:check mark.svg|13px]]
|[[File:check mark.svg|13px]]
|-
|{{color|red|P1}} & {{color|red|P2}}
|[[File:check mark.svg|13px]]
|[[File:X mark.svg|13px]]
|[[File:X mark.svg|13px]]
|-
|{{color|red|P1}} & {{color|red|P2}} vs {{color|green|P3}} vs {{color|gold|P4}}
|[[File:X mark.svg|13px]]
|[[File:check mark.svg|13px]]
|[[File:check mark.svg|13px]]
|}

==Characters==
===Drivers===
[[File:CharacterSelect2-MarioKartDoubleDash.png|thumb|200px|The character select screen, with all characters unlocked. Here, Koopa and Bowser have been selected.]]
Because of the team mechanic, ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' includes twenty playable characters, with nine returning characters and eleven newcomers. New characters include [[Princess Daisy|Daisy]], [[Birdo]], [[Baby Mario]], [[Baby Luigi]], [[Koopa Paratroopa|Paratroopa]], [[Diddy Kong]], [[Bowser Jr.]], [[Waluigi]], [[Toadette]], [[Petey Piranha]], and [[King Boo]], with Baby Luigi, Toadette, and King Boo also making their overall playable debuts, and Toadette making her first appearance in any game. It is also [[Koopa Troopa]]'s first playable appearance in the series since ''[[Super Mario Kart]]''. This is the only ''Mario Kart'' game to feature more playable characters than it does race courses. Characters are divided into three classes depending on their weight: <font color=blue>Light</font>, <font color=green>Medium</font>, and <font color=red>Heavy</font>. There are eight default teams and two unlockable teams, a total of ten teams and twenty individual characters which can be combined in any way, giving 190 possible character combinations. Pressing {{button|gcn|L}} and {{button|gcn|R}} together before selecting any character chooses a random pair of characters and a random kart to play as. In multiplayer mode, it randomizes everyone's character and kart.

====Default drivers====
{|style="text-align:center"class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|Drivers
!Weight
!Default kart
!Special item
|-
|rowspan=2|[[File:MarioLuigiDD4.png|200px]]
|[[Mario]]
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|[[Red Fire]]
|[[Fireball]]
|-
|[[Luigi]]
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|[[Green Fire]]
|[[Green Fireball|Fireball]]
|-
|rowspan=2|[[File:PeachDaisyDoubleDash.png|200px]]
|[[Princess Peach|Peach]] 
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|[[Heart Coach]]
|rowspan=2|[[Heart (item)|Heart]]
|-
|[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]<sup>(new)</sup>
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|[[Bloom Coach]]
|-
|rowspan=2|[[File:MKDD Yoshi and Birdo Artwork.png|200px]]
|[[Yoshi]]
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|[[Turbo Yoshi]]
|[[Yoshi's Egg]]
|-
|[[Birdo]]<sup>(new)</sup>
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|[[Turbo Birdo]]
|[[Birdo's Egg]]
|-
|rowspan=2|[[File:BabyDD.png|200px]]
|[[Baby Mario]]<sup>(new)</sup>
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|[[Goo-Goo Buggy]]
|rowspan=2|[[Chain Chomp]]
|-
|[[Baby Luigi]]<sup>(new)</sup>
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|[[Rattle Buggy]]
|-
|rowspan=2|[[File:Koopa Troopa and Paratroopa - MKDD.png|200px]]
|[[Koopa Troopa|Koopa]]
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|[[Koopa Dasher]]
|rowspan=2|[[Triple Green Shells]] and [[Triple Red Shells]]
|-
|[[Koopa Paratroopa|Paratroopa]]<sup>(new)</sup>
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|[[Para-Wing]]
|-
|rowspan=2|[[File:Donkey Kong and Diddy - Mario Kart Double Dash.png|200px]]
|[[Donkey Kong]]
|{{color|red|Heavy}}
|[[DK Jumbo]]
|rowspan=2|[[Giant Banana]]
|-
|[[Diddy Kong]]<sup>(new)</sup>
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|[[Barrel Train]]
|-
|rowspan=2|[[File:Bowser and Bowser Jr - Mario Kart Double Dash.png|200px]]
|[[Bowser]]
|{{color|red|Heavy}}
|[[Koopa King]]
|rowspan=2|[[Bowser's Shell]]
|-
|[[Bowser Jr.]]<sup>(new)</sup>
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|[[Bullet Blaster]]
|-
|rowspan=2|[[File:Wario and Waluigi - MKDD.png|200px]]
|[[Wario]]
|{{color|red|Heavy}}
|[[Wario Car]]
|rowspan=2|[[Bob-omb]]
|-
|[[Waluigi]]<sup>(new)</sup>
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|[[Waluigi Racer]]
|}

====Unlockable drivers====
{|style="text-align:center"class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|Drivers
!Weight
!Default kart
!Special item
!Unlock method
|-
|rowspan=2|[[File:Toad and Toadette - Mario Kart Double Dash.png|200px]]
|[[Toad]]
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|[[Toad Kart]]
|rowspan=2|[[Golden Dash Mushroom|Golden Mushroom]]
|rowspan=2|Win the 100cc [[Special Cup]]
|-
|[[Toadette]]<sup>(new)</sup>
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|[[Toadette Kart]]
|-
|rowspan=2|[[File:Petey Piranha and King Boo - Mario Kart Double Dash.png|200px]]
|[[Petey Piranha]]<sup>(new)</sup>
|{{color|red|Heavy}}
|[[Piranha Pipes]]
|rowspan=2|All (excluding green fireballs and Birdo's egg)
|rowspan=2|Win the Mirror [[Star Cup]]
|-
|[[King Boo]]<sup>(new)</sup>
|{{color|red|Heavy}}
|[[Boo Pipes]]
|}

===Supporting characters===
{{multiple image
|align=right
|direction=horizontal
|footer=Lakitu as the referee and Toadsworth driving on the Parade Kart in the Award Ceremony.
|image1=LuigiCircuitMKDD.png
|width1=200
|image2=GPWinners-MKDD.png
|width2=200
}}
In addition to the playable drivers, numerous other ''Super Mario'' franchise characters play supporting roles in the game as well. [[Lakitu (Mario Kart referee)|Lakitu]] reprises his role as the referee, meaning that he signals the start of each and every race and battle with his starting lights, alerts players when they complete a lap around the course, tells the drivers when they are going in the wrong direction, waves the checkered flag to finish the race at the [[Finish Line (object)|finish line]], and returns drivers to the track if they land themselves in a dangerous predicament (i.e. falling off the course). Other characters who make cameos include [[Shy Guy]]s, [[Piranha Plant]]s, [[Cataquack]]s, and [[Dinosaur]]s. [[Toadsworth]] drives the winners of a cup around [[GCN Peach Beach|Peach Beach]] in the [[Parade Kart]]. [[Pianta]]s and [[Noki]]s from ''[[Super Mario Sunshine]]'' cheer the racers on in some courses and join them during the Award Ceremony.
{{br}}

==Karts==
[[File:MKDD Kart Compatibility.png|thumb|350px|Scan from page 22 of the instruction booklet.]]
Twenty-one karts are available in ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'', notable for having different designs and appearances. There is one kart for each character, plus the [[Parade Kart]]. Every kart has three ratings, rated by the number of stars. The maximum amount is five.
*'''Acceleration:''' How quickly a kart can achieve its top speed.
*'''Speed:''' The level of top speed when the kart goes forward.
*'''Weight:''' The weight of the kart.
Just as the characters are classified according to their weights, karts are split into three groups in size with some general characteristics:
*'''{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}''': Lightweight karts show good acceleration but poor top speed and low weight. They can be easily bumped away by heavier karts. They do not lose a lot of speed when they go off course, but their turning is too wide.
*'''{{color|green|Medium}}''': Medium-weight vehicles show average top speed and acceleration. Some karts within this group have slightly varied stats, however.
*'''{{color|red|Heavy}}''': Heavyweight karts have the highest level of weight among the karts, capable of knocking away most light and some medium-weight vehicles/characters away. Many of these show high top speed, although their acceleration and off-road are fairly poor. They also have tighter turning.
As shown from the image, each combination of characters also determines the class of kart that is used for the race. The Parade Kart, unlocked by completing All Cup Tour in Mirror Mode, however, can be driven by any combination of characters.
===Default karts===
These are the kart stats that are displayed in-game.
{|style="text-align:center"class="wikitable sortable sticky-header"
!Vehicle
!Owner
!Class
!Speed
!Acceleration
!Weight
|-
|data-sort-value=Red|[[File:RedFire.jpg|150x125px]]<br>[[Red Fire]]
|[[Mario]]
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|3<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|gold|★★★☆☆}}}}</big>
|3<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|gold|★★★☆☆}}}}</big>
|3<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|gold|★★★☆☆}}}}</big>
|-
|data-sort-value=Heart|[[File:Mkdd heart coach.jpg|150x125px]]<br>[[Heart Coach]]
|[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|2<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|darkorange|★★☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|4<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|green|★★★★☆}}}}</big>
|3<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|gold|★★★☆☆}}}}</big>
|-
|data-sort-value=Turbo|[[File:Mkdd turbo yoshi.jpg|150x125px]]<br>[[Turbo Yoshi]]
|[[Yoshi]]
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|2<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|darkorange|★★☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|4<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|green|★★★★☆}}}}</big>
|3<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|gold|★★★☆☆}}}}</big>
|-
|data-sort-value=Goo|[[File:GooGoobuggy.jpg|150x125px]]<br>[[Goo-Goo Buggy]]
|[[Baby Mario]]
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|1<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|red|★☆☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|5<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|dodgerblue|★★★★★}}}}</big>
|2<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|darkorange|★★☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|-
|data-sort-value=KoopaDasher|[[File:Mkdd koopa dasher.jpg|150x125px]]<br>[[Koopa Dasher]]
|[[Koopa Troopa|Koopa]]
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|2<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|darkorange|★★☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|4<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|green|★★★★☆}}}}</big>
|2<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|darkorange|★★☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|-
|data-sort-value=DK|[[File:Mkdd dk jumbo.jpg|150x125px]]<br>[[DK Jumbo]]
|[[Donkey Kong]]
|{{color|red|Heavy}}
|4<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|green|★★★★☆}}}}</big>
|2<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|darkorange|★★☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|4<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|green|★★★★☆}}}}</big>
|-
|data-sort-value=KoopaKing|[[File:Mkdd koopa king.jpg|150x125px]]<br>[[Koopa King]]
|[[Bowser]]
|{{color|red|Heavy}}
|5<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|dodgerblue|★★★★★}}}}</big>
|1<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|red|★☆☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|5<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|dodgerblue|★★★★★}}}}</big>
|-
|data-sort-value=Wario|[[File:Wario Car MKDD art.jpg|150x125px]]<br>[[Wario Car]]
|[[Wario]]
|{{color|red|Heavy}}
|4<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|green|★★★★☆}}}}</big>
|2<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|darkorange|★★☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|4<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|green|★★★★☆}}}}</big>
|}

===Unlockable karts===
{|style="text-align:center"class="wikitable sortable sticky-header"
!Vehicle
!Owner
!Class
!Speed
!Acceleration
!Weight
!Unlock method
|-
|data-sort-value=Wario|[[File:MKDD Green Fire.png|150x125px]]<br>[[Green Fire]]
|[[Luigi]]
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|4<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|green|★★★★☆}}}}</big>
|2<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|darkorange|★★☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|2<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|darkorange|★★☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|Win the 50cc Mushroom Cup
|-
|data-sort-value=Bloom|[[File:Bloom Coach MKDD artwork.png|150x125px]]<br>[[Bloom Coach]]
|[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|3<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|gold|★★★☆☆}}}}</big>
|3<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|gold|★★★☆☆}}}}</big>
|2<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|darkorange|★★☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|Win the 50cc Flower Cup
|-
|data-sort-value=Turbo|[[File:MKDD Turbo Birdo.png|150x125px]]<br>[[Turbo Birdo]]
|[[Birdo]]
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|3<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|gold|★★★☆☆}}}}</big>
|3<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|gold|★★★☆☆}}}}</big>
|4<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|green|★★★★☆}}}}</big>
|Win the 150cc Flower Cup
|-
|data-sort-value=Rattle|[[File:MKDD Rattle Buggy.png|150x125px]]<br>[[Rattle Buggy]]
|[[Baby Luigi]]
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|2<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|darkorange|★★☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|4<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|green|★★★★☆}}}}</big>
|2<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|darkorange|★★☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|Win the 100cc Mushroom Cup
|-
|data-sort-value=Toad|[[File:MKDD Toad Kart.png|150x125px]]<br>[[Toad Kart]]
|[[Toad]]
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|2<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|darkorange|★★☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|4<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|green|★★★★☆}}}}</big>
|2<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|darkorange|★★☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|Win the 100cc Special Cup (unlocked alongside Toad and Toadette)
|-
|data-sort-value=Toadette|[[File:MKDD Toadette Kart.png|150x125px]]<br>[[Toadette Kart]]
|[[Toadette]]
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|1<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|red|★☆☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|5<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|dodgerblue|★★★★★}}}}</big>
|2<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|darkorange|★★☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|Win the Mirror Mushroom Cup
|-
|data-sort-value=Para|[[File:MKDD Para-Wing.png|150x125px]]<br>[[Para-Wing]]
|[[Koopa Paratroopa|Paratroopa]]
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|1<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|red|★☆☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|5<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|dodgerblue|★★★★★}}}}</big>
|2<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|darkorange|★★☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|Win the 50cc Star Cup
|-
|data-sort-value=Barrel|[[File:Barrel Train MKDD artwork.png|150x125px]]<br>[[Barrel Train]]
|[[Diddy Kong]]
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|4<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|green|★★★★☆}}}}</big>
|2<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|darkorange|★★☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|3<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|gold|★★★☆☆}}}}</big>
|Win the 150cc Star Cup
|-
|data-sort-value=Bullet|[[File:MKDD Bullet Blaster.png|150x125px]]<br>[[Bullet Blaster]]
|[[Bowser Jr.]]
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|4<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|green|★★★★☆}}}}</big>
|3<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|gold|★★★☆☆}}}}</big>
|1<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|red|★☆☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|Win the 50cc Special Cup
|-
|data-sort-value=Waluigi|[[File:MKDD Waluigi Racer.png|150x125px]]<br>[[Waluigi Racer]]
|[[Waluigi]]
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|3<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|gold|★★★☆☆}}}}</big>
|3<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|gold|★★★☆☆}}}}</big>
|3<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|gold|★★★☆☆}}}}</big>
|Win the 100cc Flower Cup
|-
|data-sort-value=Piranha|[[File:MKDD Piranha Pipes.png|150x125px]]<br>[[Piranha Pipes]]
|[[Petey Piranha]]
|{{color|red|Heavy}}
|4<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|green|★★★★☆}}}}</big>
|2<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|darkorange|★★☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|5<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|dodgerblue|★★★★★}}}}</big>
|Win the Mirror Star Cup (unlocked alongside Petey Piranha and King Boo)
|-
|data-sort-value=Boo|[[File:MKDD Boo Pipes.png|150x125px]]<br>[[Boo Pipes]]
|[[King Boo]]
|{{color|red|Heavy}}
|2<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|darkorange|★★☆☆☆}}}}</big>
|4<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|green|★★★★☆}}}}</big>
|5<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|dodgerblue|★★★★★}}}}</big>
|Win the Mirror Special Cup
|-
|data-sort-value=Parade|[[File:MKDD Parade Kart.png|150x125px]]<br>[[Parade Kart]]
|None
|Any weight
|4<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|green|★★★★☆}}}}</big>
|3<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|gold|★★★☆☆}}}}</big>
|4<br><big>{{text outline|{{color|green|★★★★☆}}}}</big>
|Win the Mirror All Cup Tour
|}

===Actual stats===
The stars shown on the vehicle selection screen are less precise than the actual values used by the game;<ref name="data">[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IRxK5lKZooopd3vx6mb069I414UsucaQFntal3L2cTA/edit?usp=sharing A transcription of the actual stats of the vehicles used in the game.]</ref> Speed and Weight each have 9 distinct values rather than 5, and the differences in Acceleration are mainly due to two values, generating 9 possible combinations that do not necessarily line up with the menu stats: the first value affects mainly the first phase of acceleration while starting from a standstill, the second affects acceleration when the speed is higher than around 50% of the maximum speed.<ref name="interpretation">[https://web.archive.org/web/20181021022350/https://forums.mkboards.com/threads/how-to-read-the-transcribed-in-game-values-of-mario-kart-double-dash.20413/ Observations on how to read the transcribed in-game data.]</ref><ref>Mister Wu's raw ''Mario Kart'' data (November 22, 2015). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCjbSuoPBpU ''MKDD'' - A more thorough acceleration test]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved January 11, 2016.</ref><ref>Mister Wu's raw ''Mario Kart'' data (February 1, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeYsBfb0yQE ''MKDD'' - The second acceleration parameter]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved May 9, 2016.</ref> When drifting, acceleration depends on values that are the same for all karts. Drifting itself can begin when the speed of the kart is at least 15 km/h (26 units). When the speed is lower than that, trying to drift results in the kart having an acceleration value proportional to the first acceleration value, but considerably smaller than that.<ref name="interpretation"/><ref>Mister Wu's raw ''Mario Kart'' data (December 8, 2015). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBfsuv8wjAg ''MKDD'' - acceleration while drifting test]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved March 23, 2016.</ref> The values determine acceleration in terms of increase of relative speed, the fraction of current speed to top speed, over time.<ref>Mister Wu's raw ''Mario Kart'' data (February 1, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dH_Zm3wz0ZQ ''MKDD'' - The acceleration determined by the acceleration parameters is relative]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved May 9,2016.</ref><br>
Speed is reported in units, from which the values in the speedometer are calculated using the following conversion factors:<ref name="interpretation"/>
S<sub>km/h</sub> = S<sub>units</sub> / 1.75<br>
S<sub>mph</sub> = S<sub>units</sub> / 2.5
Speed is actually capped at 175 units (100 km/h, 70 mph).<ref>Thomas Beumann (April 2012). [http://home.online.nl/tbeuman/mkdd/techs.html ''MKDD'' for Noobs - Techniques]. Retrieved November 2, 2015.</ref><br>
Furthermore, there is a hidden Off-Road stat that determines a vehicle's top speed in most off-road terrains, such as grass. Weak off-road patches, like the yellow sand in [[GCN Dry Dry Desert|Dry Dry Desert]], reduce the kart's top speed by a fixed 20 units (~11 km/h, 8 mph). On the other hand, middle off-road patches, such as the grassy and sandy part where the [[Chain Chomp]] lies in [[GCN Luigi Circuit|Luigi Circuit]], reduce speed to a value dependent on the kart chosen. Finally, heavy Off-Road areas such as the reddish sand in ''Dry Dry Desert'' or underwater parts, slow down all karts to a fixed 40 units speed (23 km/h, 16 mph).<ref name="interpretation"/><br>
When shrunken by [[Lightning]], the top speed in normal roads and weak off-road sections goes down by 20 units, while the top speed in medium off-road sections goes down by 10 units. The top speed in heavy off-road sections stays unaltered.<ref name="data"/><br>
All karts have their own Mini-Turbo value, however all light karts have a Mini-Turbo boost that lasts 30 frames, all medium karts have a 20 frames Mini-Turbo boost, and all heavy karts have a 10 frames Mini-Turbo boost. The [[Parade Kart]] also has a Mini-Turbo boost that lasts 30 frames.<ref name="interpretation"/>
{|class="wikitable sortable"style="text-align:center;margin:1em auto"
|-
!colspan="6"|Conventional Classification
|-
!Vehicle
!Top Speed
!Off-Road
!style="background:#EAECF0"|Acceleration
!style="background:#EAECF0"|Weight
!Mini-Turbo
|-
|[[File:RedFireIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Red Fire'''||5||5||4||5||2
|-
|[[File:GreenFireIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Green Fire'''||7||4||3||4||2
|-
|[[File:HeartCoachIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Heart Coach'''||4||6||6||5||2
|-
|[[File:BloomCoachIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Bloom Coach'''||6||4||5||3||2
|-
|[[File:TurboYoshiIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Turbo Yoshi'''||4||5||6||6||2
|-
|[[File:TurboBirdoIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Turbo Birdo'''||6||4||4||7||2
|-
|[[File:GooGooBuggyIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Goo-Goo Buggy'''||1||9||9||2<ref group=stats>In Battle Mode, the Goo-Goo Buggy's weight value is 1.</ref>||3
|-
|[[File:RattleBuggyIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Rattle Buggy'''||2||9||8||2||3
|-
|[[File:ToadKartIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Toad Kart'''||3||9||7||2||3
|-
|[[File:ToadetteKartIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Toadette Kart'''||1||9||9||2||3
|-
|[[File:KoopaDasherIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Koopa Dasher'''||2||8||8||3||3
|-
|[[File:ParaWingIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Para-Wing'''||1||8||9||3||3
|-
|[[File:DKJumboIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''DK Jumbo'''||8||2||2||8||1
|-
|[[File:BarrelTrainIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Barrel Train'''||8||7||3||5||3
|-
|[[File:KoopaKingIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Koopa King'''||9||1||1||9||1
|-
|[[File:BulletBlasterIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Bullet Blaster'''||8||1||4||1||3
|-
|[[File:WarioCarIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Wario Car'''||7||3||3||7||1
|-
|[[File:WaluigiRacerIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Waluigi Racer'''||5||9||5||6||2
|-
|[[File:PiranhaPipesIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Piranha Pipes'''||8||7||2||9||1
|-
|[[File:BooPipesIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Boo Pipes'''||2||9||8||9||1
|-
|[[File:ParadeKartIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Parade Kart'''||7||3||4||7||3
|}
<references group=stats/>
{|class="wikitable sortable"style="text-align:center;margin:1em auto" width="90%"
|-
!colspan="15"|Actual Data
|-
!rowspan="2"|Vehicle
!colspan="3"|Top Speed<ref group=stats2 name="speed">Top speed values in various conditions are relative to the 150cc class.</ref> 
!colspan="3"|Weak Off-Road<ref group=stats2 name="speed"/>
!colspan="3"|Medium Off-Road<ref group=stats2 name="speed"/>
!colspan="2"|Acceleration
!rowspan="2"|Weight
!Mini-Turbo
|-
!units
!km/h
!mph
!units
!km/h
!mph
!units
!km/h
!mph
!First Value
!Second Value
!frames
|-
|[[File:RedFireIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Red Fire'''||140||80||56||120||68.6||48||80||45.7||32||0.3||0.005||2||20
|-
|[[File:GreenFireIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Green Fire'''||142||81.1||56.8||122||69.7||48.8||77||44||30.8||0.15||0.005||1.75||20
|-
|[[File:HeartCoachIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Heart Coach'''||139||79.4||55.6||119||68||47.6||83||47.4||33.2||1||0.005||2||20
|-
|[[File:BloomCoachIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Bloom Coach'''||141||80.6||56.4||121||69.1||48.4||77||44||30.8||0.5||0.005||1.5||20
|-
|[[File:TurboYoshiIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Turbo Yoshi'''||139||79.4||55.6||119||68||47.6||80||45.7||32||1||0.005||2.25||20
|-
|[[File:TurboBirdoIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Turbo Birdo'''||141||80.6||56.4||121||69.1||48.4||77||44||30.8||0.3||0.005||2.5||20
|-
|[[File:GooGooBuggyIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Goo-Goo Buggy'''||136||77.7||54.4||116||66.3||46.4||92||52.6||36.8||3||0.01||1.25||30
|-
|[[File:RattleBuggyIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Rattle Buggy'''||137||78.3||54.8||117||66.9||46.8||92||52.6||36.8||2||0.01||1.25||30
|-
|[[File:ToadKartIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Toad Kart'''||138||78.9||55.2||118||67.4||47.2||92||52.6||36.8||1||0.01||1.25||30
|-
|[[File:ToadetteKartIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Toadette Kart'''||136||77.7||54.4||116||66.3||46.4||92||52.6||36.8||3||0.01||1.25||30
|-
|[[File:KoopaDasherIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Koopa Dasher'''||137||78.3||54.8||117||66.9||46.8||89||50.9||35.6||2||0.01||1.5||30
|-
|[[File:ParaWingIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Para-Wing'''||136||77.7||54.4||116||66.3||46.4||89||50.9||35.6||3||0.01||1.5||30
|-
|[[File:DKJumboIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''DK Jumbo'''||143||81.7||57.2||123||70.3||49.2||71||40.6||28.4||0.1||0.005||2.75||10
|-
|[[File:BarrelTrainIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Barrel Train'''||143||81.7||57.2||123||70.3||49.2||86||49.1||34.4||0.15||0.005||2||30
|-
|[[File:KoopaKingIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Koopa King'''||144||82.3||57.6||124||70.9||49.6||68||38.9||27.2||0.08||0.005||3||10
|-
|[[File:BulletBlasterIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Bullet Blaster'''||143||81.7||57.2||123||70.3||49.2||68||38.9||27.2||0.3||0.005||1||30
|-
|[[File:WarioCarIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Wario Car'''||142||81.1||56.8||122||69.7||48.8||74||42.3||29.6||0.15||0.005||2.5||10
|-
|[[File:WaluigiRacerIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Waluigi Racer'''||140||80||56||120||68.6||48||92||52.6||36.8||0.5||0.005||2.25||20
|-
|[[File:PiranhaPipesIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Piranha Pipes'''||143||81.7||57.2||123||70.3||49.2||86||49.1||34.4||0.1||0.005||3||10
|-
|[[File:BooPipesIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Boo Pipes'''||137||78.3||54.8||117||66.9||46.8||92||52.6||36.8||2||0.01||3||10
|-
|[[File:ParadeKartIcon-MKDD.png]]<br>'''Parade Kart'''||142||81.1||56.8||122||69.7||48.8||74||42.3||29.6||0.3||0.005||2.5||30
|}
<references group=stats2/>

==Courses==
''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' contains sixteen new racing courses added to the series, along with six new battle courses. Each racecourse contains its own difficulty and gimmicks.

{|style="width:800px;margin:auto;text-align:center"class="wikitable"
|- 
![[File:MushroomCupLogo MKDD.png]]<br>[[Mushroom Cup]]
|[[File:LuigiCircuitIcon-MKDD.png|150px]]<br>[[GCN Luigi Circuit|Luigi Circuit]]
|[[File:PeachBeachIcon-MKDD.png|150px]]<br>[[GCN Peach Beach|Peach Beach]]
|[[File:BabyParkIcon-MKDD.png|150px]]<br>[[GCN Baby Park|Baby Park]]
|[[File:DryDryDesertIcon-MKDD.png|150px]]<br>[[GCN Dry Dry Desert|Dry Dry Desert]]
|-
![[File:FlowerCupLogo MKDD.png]]<br>[[Flower Cup]]
|[[File:MushroomBridgeIcon-MKDD.png|150px]]<br>[[GCN Mushroom Bridge|Mushroom Bridge]]
|[[File:MarioCircuitIcon-MKDD.png|150px]]<br>[[GCN Mario Circuit|Mario Circuit]]
|[[File:DaisyCruiserIcon-MKDD.png|150px]]<br>[[GCN Daisy Cruiser|Daisy Cruiser]]
|[[File:WaluigiStadiumIcon-MKDD.png|150px]]<br>[[GCN Waluigi Stadium|Waluigi Stadium]]
|-
![[File:StarCupLogo MKDD.png]]<br>[[Star Cup]]
|[[File:SherbetLandIcon-MKDD.png|150px]]<br>[[GCN Sherbet Land|Sherbet Land]]
|[[File:MushroomCityIcon-MKDD.png|150px]]<br>[[Mushroom City]]
|[[File:YoshiCircuitIcon-MKDD.png|150px]]<br>[[GCN Yoshi Circuit|Yoshi Circuit]]
|[[File:DKMountainIcon-MKDD.png|150px]]<br>[[GCN DK Mountain|DK Mountain]]
|-
![[File:SpecialCupLogo MKDD.png]]<br>[[Special Cup]]
|[[File:WarioColosseumIcon-MKDD.png|150px]]<br>[[Wario Colosseum]]
|[[File:DinoDinoJungleIcon-MKDD.png|150px]]<br>[[GCN Dino Dino Jungle|Dino Dino Jungle]]
|[[File:BowserCastleIcon-MKDD.png|150px]]<br>[[Bowser's Castle (Mario Kart: Double Dash!!)|Bowser's Castle]]
|[[File:RainbowRoadIcon-MKDD.png|150px]]<br>[[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart: Double Dash!!)|Rainbow Road]]
|}

===Battle courses===
;Default
<gallery widths="150">
CookieLandIcon-MKDD.png|[[GCN Cookie Land|Cookie Land]]
BlockCityIcon-MKDD.png|[[Block City]]
NintendoGameCubeIcon-MKDD.png|[[Nintendo GameCube (battle course)|Nintendo GameCube]]
PipePlazaIcon-MKDD.png|[[Pipe Plaza]]
</gallery>
;Unlockable
<gallery widths="150">
LuigiMansionIcon-MKDD.png|[[GCN Luigi's Mansion|Luigi's Mansion]]
Tilt-a-KartIcon-MKDD.png|[[Tilt-a-Kart]]
</gallery>
Luigi's Mansion is unlocked by winning the 150cc Mushroom Cup, and Tilt-a-Kart is unlocked by winning the Mirror Flower Cup.

==Staff Ghosts==
This game follows ''Mario Kart 64'' in including the possibility to race against Staff Ghosts, ghosts created by Nintendo staff as the main ghosts of the course. They can be unlocked by achieving a certain time on the respective course. Below is a table showing all Staff Ghosts and their respective times.<ref>[http://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-double-dash/cheats/]</ref>

Generally, the driver is the same character that the course is themed after according to the course's internal name, while the rider is their pair and the kart is the default-unlocked one shared between them; the exceptions are [[Baby Park]], which is named after [[Baby Luigi]] internally yet has him as the rider while [[Baby Mario]] is the driver, [[GCN Dry Dry Desert|Dry Dry Desert]] and [[GCN Sherbet Land|Sherbet Land]], which do not have character theming, and [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart: Double Dash!!)|Rainbow Road]], which also lacks character theming and also has an atypical pair of [[Mario]] and [[Princess Peach|Peach]] on the [[Red Fire]]. [[Bowser Jr.]] is the only default character to not be a driver in any staff ghost, [[Bowser]] is the only one to not be a rider, and Mario and Peach are the only ones to have the same role twice, once with their respective standard partner and once with each other.

{|style="text-align:center" class=wikitable
!Course
!Driver
!Rider
!Kart
!Time
|-
|[[GCN Luigi Circuit|Luigi Circuit]]
|[[Luigi]]
|[[Mario]]
|[[Red Fire]]
|1:26.277
|-
|[[GCN Peach Beach|Peach Beach]]
|[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
|[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]
|[[Heart Coach]]
|1:20.404
|-
|[[GCN Baby Park|Baby Park]]
|[[Baby Mario]]
|[[Baby Luigi]]
|[[Goo-Goo Buggy]]
|1:11.108
|-
|[[GCN Dry Dry Desert|Dry Dry Desert]]
|[[Birdo]]
|[[Yoshi]]
|[[Turbo Yoshi]]
|1:50.755
|-
|[[GCN Mushroom Bridge|Mushroom Bridge]]
|[[Koopa Troopa|Koopa]]
|[[Koopa Paratroopa|Paratroopa]]
|[[Koopa Dasher]]
|1:31.458
|-
|[[GCN Mario Circuit|Mario Circuit]]
|[[Mario]]
|[[Luigi]]
|[[Red Fire]]
|1:41.384
|-
|[[GCN Daisy Cruiser|Daisy Cruiser]]
|[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]
|[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
|[[Heart Coach]]
|1:52.207
|-
|[[GCN Waluigi Stadium|Waluigi Stadium]]
|[[Waluigi]]
|[[Wario]]
|[[Wario Car]]
|1:59.658
|-
|[[GCN Sherbet Land|Sherbet Land]]
|[[Baby Luigi]]
|[[Baby Mario]]
|[[Goo-Goo Buggy]]
|1:25.904
|-
|[[Mushroom City]]
|[[Koopa Paratroopa|Paratroopa]]
|[[Koopa Troopa|Koopa]]
|[[Koopa Dasher]]
|1:50.663
|-
|[[GCN Yoshi Circuit|Yoshi Circuit]]
|[[Yoshi]]
|[[Birdo]]
|[[Turbo Yoshi]]
|1:59.866
|-
|[[GCN DK Mountain|DK Mountain]]
|[[Donkey Kong]]
|[[Diddy Kong]]
|[[DK Jumbo]]
|2:12.639
|-
|[[Wario Colosseum]]
|[[Wario]]
|[[Waluigi]]
|[[Wario Car]]
|2:21.106
|-
|[[GCN Dino Dino Jungle|Dino Dino Jungle]]
|[[Diddy Kong]]
|[[Donkey Kong]]
|[[DK Jumbo]]
|2:00.908
|-
|[[Bowser's Castle (Mario Kart: Double Dash!!)|Bowser's Castle]]
|[[Bowser]]
|[[Bowser Jr.]]
|[[Koopa King]]
|2:44.690
|-
|[[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart: Double Dash!!)|Rainbow Road]]
|[[Mario]]
|[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
|[[Red Fire]]
|3:16.476
|}

==Items==
{{multiple image
|align=right
|direction=horizontal
|image1=MKDD ItemBox.png
|width1=142
|image2=MKDD Double Item Box.png
|width2=85
|footer=Upon running over a single Item Box or Double Item Box, the characters receive a power-up.
}}
Traditional items from ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' through ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'' appear in ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' with a bunch of new power-ups to change a race drastically, such as stealing the opponent's place or item by using a Mushroom or reducing the racers to small size with the rare Lightning. The rear character obtains a determinate item by running into an [[Item Box]]. However, [[Double Item Box]]es give items to both the rear character and driver. The variety of items depends on the kart's place. Leader racers tend to receive basic items such as Bananas or Green Shells, while those going under fourth place can receive rare items like a Star or a Spiny Shell. 

Items are classified in two forms:
*'''Standard:''' Drivers can obtain these types of items when they go through an Item Box or Double Item Box.
*'''Special:''' Some drivers obtain a special item that other drivers cannot obtain by an Item Box. When a character holds a special item, the second character cannot obtain another special item via Item Box. 
{{br|right}}
===Standard Items===
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!Image
!Name
!align="center"|Instruction Booklet Description
|-
|[[File:MKDD GreenShell.png|100px]]
|align="center"|[[Green Shell]]
|''Green Shells move in straight lines when thrown and knock karts for a loop if they hit.''
|-
|[[File:MKDD RedShell.png|100px]]
|align="center"|[[Red Shell]]
|''Red Shells seek out karts in front of you and flip them over when they strike.''
|-
|[[File:MKDD SpinyShell.png|100px]]
|align="center"|[[Spiny Shell (blue)|Spiny Shell]]
|''This winged wonder heads straight for the leader of the pack and explodes on impact. Any kart caught in the blast area will flip.''
|-
|[[File:MKDDMushroom.png|100px]]
|align="center"|[[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]]
|''These turbo toadstools give karts brief speed bursts.''
|-
|[[File:MKDD Triple Mushrooms.png|100px]]
|align="center"|[[Triple Mushrooms]]
|''Triple Mushrooms allow you to dash three times in a row.''
|-
|[[File:MKDD BananaPeel.png|100px]]
|align="center"|[[Banana]]
|''These slippery skins can be dropped or thrown in strategic spots to send rivals into sudden spins.''
|-
|[[File:MKDD Fake Item Box.png|100px]]
|align="center"|[[Fake Item Box|Fake Item]]
|''These items of deception look just like real Item Boxes, so place them where your opponents won't expect.''
|-
|[[File:MKDD Star.png|100px]]
|align="center"|[[Super Star|Star]]
|''Stars make karts temporarily invincible and increase their top speed by a hair. Karts hit by Star-wielding karts will go flying.''
|-
|[[File:MKDD Thunderbolt Artwork.png|100px]]
|align="center"|[[Lightning]]
|''This mighty bolt strikes all opponents at the same time, causing them to spin out, drop their items, and shrink in size, which reduces their max speeds.''
|}

===Special Items===
{{main|Special Item (Mario Kart series)}}
{|class="wikitable"style="text-align:center"
|-
!Image
!Name
!Characters
!Instruction Booklet Description
|-
|[[File:MKDD Fireball M.png|100px]][[File:MKDD Fireball L.png|100px]]
|[[Fireball]]s
|[[Mario]] & [[Luigi]]
|align="left"|''They split up after they're thrown and go sliding ahead. These powerful pyrotechnics can take out multiple opponents at once.''
|-
|[[File:MKDD Heart.png|100px]]
|[[Heart (item)|Heart]]<br>(new)
|[[Princess Peach|Peach]] & [[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]
|align="left"|''Flying hearts surround the royal ladies' karts, and any item that hits them becomes theirs to use. A cute and handy item.''
|-
|[[File:MKDD Yoshi Egg.png|100px]][[File:MKDD Birdo Egg.png|100px]]
|[[Yoshi's Egg]]<br>([[Birdo's Egg]])<br>(new)
|[[Yoshi]] & [[Birdo]]
|align="left"|''These eggs roll down the road and home in on opponents. When they hit and break, they'll drop three more items.''
|-
|[[File:MKDD Chain Chomp.png|100px]]
|[[Chain Chomp]]<br>(new)
|[[Baby Mario]] & [[Baby Luigi]]
|align="left"|''This fearsome beast chases karts with reckless abandon, pulling the babies behind it at breakneck speeds.''
|-
|[[File:Golden Mushroom.png|100px]]
|[[Golden Dash Mushroom|Golden Mushroom]]
|[[Toad]] & [[Toadette]]
|align="left"|N/A<br>(Temporarily allows consecutive speed boosts)
|-
|[[File:MKDD Triple Green Shells.png|100px]][[File:MKDD Triple Red Shells.png|100px]]
|[[Triple Green Shells]] and [[Triple Red Shells]]
|[[Koopa Troopa|Koopa]] & [[Koopa Paratroopa|Paratroopa]]
|align="left"|''Don't let Koopa and Paratroopa worry about not having enough shells. Get three at a time!''
|-
|[[File:MKDD Giant Banana.png|100px]]
|[[Giant Banana]]<br>(new)
|[[Donkey Kong]] & [[Diddy Kong]]
|align="left"|''Only DK and Diddy know where these monstrous fruit can be found. Once they're in the road, they're tough to manoeuvre around.''
|-
|[[File:MKDD Bowser's Shell.png|100px]]
|[[Bowser's Shell]]<br>(new)
|[[Bowser]] & [[Bowser Jr.]]
|align="left"|''An awe-inspiring giant shell! As it careens down the road, slamming and ramming into karts, it's the very image of Bowser himself.''
|-
|[[File:MKDD Bob-omb.png|100px]]
|[[Bob-omb]]<br>(new)
|[[Wario]] & [[Waluigi]]
|align="left"|''Take aim and give your opponents an explosive surprise. Mess up, and you might just hit yourself! This item's dangerous...''
|}
*[[Petey Piranha]] and [[King Boo]] have the ability to obtain any special item, excluding [[green Fireball]]s and Birdo's Egg.
*Note: Although special items can only be obtained by the characters they are assigned to, if a player is holding a special item, another player can steal it by colliding with the player holding the item while under the influence of a Mushroom, Star, or Slide Attack. Also, any character can get any special item in Battle Mode. Finally, in Co-Op Mode, the driver can pass a special item to the person in the back.

==Unlocking matrix==
Winning first on most cups for each difficulty unlocks a specific reward. The easier versions of the All Cup Tour do not, but they are still required to unlock the special ending picture and title screen.

{|class="wikitable"style="text-align:center"
!Class
![[Mushroom Cup]]
![[Flower Cup]]
![[Star Cup]]
![[Special Cup]]
![[All Cup Tour]]
|-
!50cc
|[[Green Fire]]
|[[Bloom Coach]]
|[[Para-Wing]]
|[[Bullet Blaster]]
|N/A
|-
!100cc
|[[Rattle Buggy]]
|[[Waluigi Racer]]
|[[Special Cup]]
|[[Toad]], [[Toadette]], and [[Toad Kart]]
|N/A
|-
!150cc
|[[GCN Luigi's Mansion|Luigi's Mansion]]
|[[Turbo Birdo]]
|[[Barrel Train]]
|[[All Cup Tour]]
|Mirror
|-
!Mirror
|[[Toadette Kart]]
|[[Tilt-a-Kart]]
|[[Petey Piranha]], [[King Boo]], and [[Piranha Pipes]]
|[[Boo Pipes]]
|[[Parade Kart]]
|}

==Driving techniques==
===Drifting and mini turbo===
{{main|Drift}}
Drifting prevents racers from losing speed in turns or from going off the course. By keeping the controller's {{button|gcn|R}} (or {{button|gcn|L}}) button pressed, and tilting the stick to either side, racers make the kart begin a turn. While drifting, racers can gain a momentary speed boost by tilting the control stick to either side, opposite to a corner's direction. The kart then starts to produce sparks on its wheels. Doing this two times more, racers make the sparks become orange, then blue. Then, a mini turbo can be released right after the racer lets go of the {{button|gcn|R}} (or {{button|gcn|L}}) button.

This tactic can be used to perform "snaking" (continuous power sliding) and elude homing hazards such as Red Shells.

===Rocket Start===
{{main|Rocket Start}}
[[File:MKDD Rocket Start.png|thumb|upright=1.1|left|The Rocket Start in action at [[GCN Baby Park|Baby Park]]]]
A Rocket Start is a speed boost given to a kart when a race starts out. To perform, racers have to press the {{button|gcn|A}} button to accelerate right when Lakitu's lights turn green or by tapping the button repeatedly while Lakitu counts down.
{{br}}

===Double Dash===
{{main|Rocket Start#Double Dash}}
[[File:DoubleDash-MKDD.png|thumb|upright=1.1|The Double Dash in action at [[GCN Mushroom Bridge|Mushroom Bridge]]]]
The Double Dash is similar to the Rocket Start. Although it is more powerful, it can only be performed in [[#Co-op play|Co-op play]]. Both team members can press the {{button|gcn|A}} button at the same time when Lakitu's light turns green. Upon being done perfectly, the kart bolts farther, leaving out a blue flame as a result. This technique is named after the game's subtitle.
{{br}}

===Item steal===
[[File:Slide Attack.png|thumb|upright=1.1|left|Donkey Kong uses the [[Slide Attack]], which can be used to steal items from opposing racers.]]
Item stealing is snatching a power-up directly from the rival's hands in a kart. There are three ways to steal an item as long as the player's rear character holds no items. Items can be stolen when the rear racer uses a mushroom or a star to hit an opposing kart and snatch the item that one of the rivals have. In Co-op Mode, the player's rear character can use the Slide Attack to knock other rivals and take their items away. However, if the rear character knocks a rival kart with two players holding an item, the character can get the rival rear character's item, while the rival driver drops the other item onto the track.
{{br}}

==LAN Mode==
[[File:LANmodeMKDD.png|thumb|Title screen in LAN play]]
Using the [[Nintendo GameCube Broadband Adapter]] (sold separately) attached to the game system, in ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' it is possible to play via Local Area Network (LAN), using up to eight Nintendo GameCube systems connected to a hub device, or also using two consoles connected together through a cross-cable, where more than four players can join a race locally. This means that up to sixteen users can play at the same time with their friends using two or more GameCube systems with the ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' game discs on.

After connecting the systems to the hub, the players should turn the systems' power button to begin. The LAN Mode option appears on screen to confirm the selection. Once LAN Mode is selected and confirmed on all participating game systems and the connections have been established, the Select Mode displays. Players may proceed by pressing the controller's {{button|gcn|A}} button, the LAN Mode title screen displays to enter to play.

LAN Mode does not work on the [[Wii]], as the system disables the Ethernet port when it switches to play GameCube games and the GameCube Broadband adapter is not compatible.

On the LAN Mode title screen, there are three options:
*'''Start Game:''' Begin Versus LAN play.
*'''Select Mode:''' Adjust LAN setup options. This allows users to choose the modes of play:
**'''Game Mode:''' Select one of these game modes available: Versus, Balloon Battle, or Shine Thief. Bob-omb Blast cannot be played in the LAN setup. Only in Versus mode can the number of laps on the tracks and the engine classes be changed.
**'''Engine Size:''' The engine class.
**'''Laps:''' The number of laps for each race.
**'''Course Order:''' Choose the way in which courses or stages are selected: Random, all courses, one course, or all cups (only for Versus).
**'''Select Course:''' The course to play (if one course is selected in the previous option).
**'''Co-op Play:''' Enable or disable cooperative mode.
**'''Screen Division:''' How to split the screen. This option applies to all TVs and is not available if there are more than four Nintendo GameCube systems in use.
*'''Quit LAN Mode:''' Stop playing LAN Mode.
Unlike the local multiplayer, the players' characters are chosen at random each time a race begins.

Toad and Toadette can be selected, providing they have been unlocked on one of the Memory Cards. Petey Piranha and King Boo however are never picked, even if they have been unlocked on one of the Memory Cards.

The kart that is picked is the one that belongs to the driver, unless either their respective kart has not been unlocked on any of the Memory Cards or the partner is a bigger weight class than the driver. This means that the Piranha Pipes, Boo Pipes, and Parade Kart cannot be used in LAN mode.

===LAN connection===
In this way, two to eight Nintendo GameCube systems are connected to an over-the-counter {{wp|Ethernet over twisted pair|10BASE-T}} hub. The LAN cables used to connect every game system to the hub must be compatible, otherwise, the connection is not carried out. Every Nintendo GameCube system has to have attached their Nintendo Broadband Adapter, and the ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' game disc in hand, one per system. At last, the number of GameCube controllers used depends on the number of players present.

===Cross-cable connection===
Unlike LAN connection, where it uses a hub to connect GameCube systems to it, the Cross-cable connection requires of only two GameCube game systems connected between themselves, through a 10BASE-T hub-compatible cross-cable. The rest of the required equipment is similar: A ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' game disc per system, the Nintendo Broadband Adapter attached to the game system, and the number of GameCube controllers regarding how many players participate.

===Troubleshooting===
Occasionally the users may experience malfunctions or be unable to connect due to technical problems.
*When using an incompatible LAN cable with the Hub in use, or using another type of cable different to the cross-cable to connect two systems directly.
*A LAN cable is not fully inserted into the Hub or any game system.
*A LAN cable was removed during the transfer of data.
*Any game system was turned off or the game system's RESET button was pressed in the process.
*When some device other than a Nintendo GameCube is connected to the Hub.
*When a Hub or LAN cable not compatible with the 10BASE-T standard is being used.
*When more than eight Nintendo GameCube systems have been connected.

==Differences in split-screen races==
Split-screen races typically have less features for maintaining game performance such as consistent load times and a stable frame-rate.

'''All courses'''
*Item Boxes have a brighter checkerboard texture, as opposed to clearer checkerboard texture.
*Dash Panels look slightly different.
'''Luigi Circuit'''
*The flowers on the grass are missing.
*The two blimps that fly above the track are also missing.
'''Peach Beach'''
*The Daisy Cruiser in the background is absent.
*The Piantas are absent.
*Before the finish line, the Pianta statue fountain is replaced by a Power Star. The fountain is also not active.
'''Baby Park'''
*The Yoshi helicopter is removed.
'''Dry Dry Desert'''
*Just before the finish line, the Item Boxes are removed from the three small hills.
*The smaller Pokeys are missing.
'''Mushroom Bridge'''
*There are no whirlpools in the water.
*There are only two [[truck]]s, three regular [[Car (obstacle)|cars]], four buses, two moving Item Boxes, one Mushroom-shaped car, and two [[Bob-omb Car|Bomb-cars]].
*[[Mushroom City]] and [[Peach's Castle]] do not appear in the background.
*The advertisement signs after the green tunnel are missing.
*The [[Wiggler Wagon]] on Mushroom Bridge is only five body segments long, as opposed to being ten body segments long.
*All shadows except vehicles and the player karts are missing.
'''Mario Circuit'''
*There are fewer Goombas and Piranha Plants.
'''Daisy Cruiser'''
*The umbrellas are absent.
*The Piantas are absent.
*Areas normally blocked off by traffic cones are instead blocked off by barriers.
*The moving Item Boxes do not move and can spawn Double Item Boxes.
*The colorful banners above the curved staircase are removed.
*There are no shadows at Daisy Cruiser.
*The inside of the ship has no lights on the ceiling.
*There are less Item Boxes in the dining area.
*In the dining area, the tables that are not used as obstacles are absent.
*In the dining area, the items on top of the pillars were removed.
*There is no trapdoor over the entrance to the alternate route.
*In the alternate route under the floor, there is no fan in the tube, nor are there any colored pipes on the ceiling.
*The gears near the front of the ship are missing.
*Near the end, there are no life rings.
'''Waluigi Stadium'''
*The rings of fireballs on the ramps are absent.
*Except in VS mode, the metal Piranha Plants do not move their jaws.
*The moving arrow signs are absent.
*The Jumbotron is absent.
'''Sherbet Land'''
*There are only two moving Item Boxes at each end of the tunnel, as opposed to three.
*Only two Blue Shy Guys appear before the tunnel as opposed to three.
'''Mushroom City'''
*The traffic lights are absent.
*There are only four moving Item Boxes, two Mushroom-shaped cars, four regular cars, two Bomb-cars, one bus, and one truck.
*Mushroom Bridge is not seen in the background.
*All shadows except vehicles and the player karts are missing.
'''Yoshi Circuit'''
*Some of the Piranha Plants are missing.
*The Sunshine, the Daisy Cruiser, and the Yoshi Helicopter do not appear.
'''DK Mountain'''
*Boulders are less common.
*At the cliff area, one of the Item Boxes is absent.
'''Wario Colosseum'''
*The rings of fireballs on the ramps are absent.
*Coming off the first jump ramp after entering the dome, there are only four item boxes as opposed to five.
'''Dino Dino Jungle'''
*The volcanoes in the background of the track near the finish line, including the volcano from DK Mountain, are absent.
*In the area where there are Item Boxes on the trunks, the Item Boxes are removed.
*In the area between [[Noshi|Nossie]]'s feet, there are only two Item boxes, rather than four.
*There are fewer dinosaurs.
*In the first alternate route area where the bridge splits, there is only one Double Item Box instead of two.
*Near the end, before the finish line, there are only two moving Item Boxes instead of four.
*The crystals and pillar formations in the tunnels are removed.
'''Bowser's Castle'''
*Only two of the Thwomps are present.
*The [[Lava Bubble|Podoboo]]s are removed.
*In the circular room with fireballs revolving around a pillar in the center, three of the six rotating fireballs are removed.
*The Bowser statue shoots fireballs at a slower rate.
'''Rainbow Road'''
*At the second sharp turn area, one of the Item Boxes is removed.
*Mushroom City is absent.
*All the floating items are removed.

==Bonus disc==
[[File:MKDDBonusDiscTitle.png|thumb|left|Title screen]]
[[File:MKDD Special.jpg|thumb|Cover art for the bonus disc box]]
Preorders for ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' also gave customers a bonus disc containing playable demos, game trailers, and content that can be transferred to ''[[fireemblem:Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade|Fire Emblem]]'' on the [[Game Boy Advance]]. The disc came in a special two-disc game box, and the cover for the game had the line "Includes BONUS DISC with playable demos!" written across the bottom right.

Content for the bonus disc includes:
*''[[Mario Party 5]]'' demo - Five minigames can be played with up to four players: [[Coney Island (minigame)|Coney Island]], [[Button Mashers]], [[Shy Guy Showdown]], [[Dinger Derby]], and [[Pushy Penguins]].
*''[[fzerowiki:F-Zero GX|F-Zero GX]]'' demo
*[[sonicretro:Sonic Heroes|''Sonic Heroes'']] demo
*''{{wp|Star Wars Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike}}'' demo
*''{{wp|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003 video game)|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles}}'' demo
*''{{wp|Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles}}'' trailer
*''{{wp|1080° Avalanche}}'' trailer
*''[[bulbapedia:Pokémon Colosseum|Pokémon Colosseum]]'' Japanese pre-release trailer
*''[[wikirby:Kirby Air Ride|Kirby Air Ride]]'' trailer, with a trailer for the ''[[wikirby:Kirby: Right Back At Ya!|Kirby: Right Back At Ya!]]'' cartoon playing before it
*''{{wp|Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup}}'' trailer
*''{{wp|SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom}}'' trailer
*''{{wp|NBA Live 2004}}'' trailer
*Two soundtrack pieces and [[fireemblem:Mario Kart: Double Dash!! bonus disc|various items]] for ''[[fireemblem:Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade|Fire Emblem]]''
{{br}}

==Staff==
{{main|List of Mario Kart: Double Dash!! staff}}
Yasuyuki Oyagi was one of directors of the game along with Futoshi Shirai and Daiji Imai. Oyagi previously served as the assisant director of ''Mario Kart 64'' and would later take the role of director in future ''Mario Kart'' titles. [[Shinobu Nagata]], who composed some of the songs in ''[[Super Mario Sunshine]]'', did the composition and arrangement of Peach Beach's music. In his first credited role under a ''Super Mario'' game, Ichiro Suzuki served as debug support.

==Pre-release and unused content==
{{main|List of Mario Kart: Double Dash!! pre-release and unused content}}
The models of the characters are from ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', and Mario and Luigi are seen in this trailer of a very early build of the game, driving separately, each in a simple, blue kart. 
<gallery>
Mariokartproto02.jpg|Mario and Luigi in a very early ''Mario Kart: Double Dash''. (E3 2001)
Mariokartproto03.jpg|Another image of the karts. (E3 2001)
</gallery>
[[Donkey Kong Jr.]] was also seen in an early build of the character selection screen, but was scrapped in the end, likely replaced with Diddy Kong.

In the data of a demo version, there are references to a Reverse Cup, which may have had courses played backwards. There is a texture and 3D models of the trophies for this cup. Racing on courses in the reverse direction would not be fully implemented until ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]''.

==Glitches==
[[File:MKDD Upside Down Car Glitch.png|thumb|The glitch in effect]]
{{main|List of Mario Kart: Double Dash!! glitches}}
====Permanent upside-down car====
This glitch only works with the [[Parade Kart]]. To perform the glitch, the player should go to a place where they can get smashed by a course obstacle, such as the [[Thwomp]]s in [[Bowser's Castle (Mario Kart: Double Dash!!)|Bowser's Castle]] or the blue [[dinosaur]] in [[GCN Dino Dino Jungle|Dino Dino Jungle]] (Bowser's Castle is preferred because the Thwomps are stationary). This glitch best works for two players, as timing is needed. One player should drive underneath a Thwomp, while the other should receive an explosive power-up, either a [[Spiny Shell (blue)|Spiny Shell]] or a [[Bob-omb]]. When received, the player should fire the item at the correct moment, blasting the kart into the air and getting smashed under the floating Thwomp. After falling down, if done correctly, the player remains upside down. Note that the player is invincible in this position and the player can only revert to a normal position if [[Lightning]] strikes them and a Thwomp afterward.

==Reception==
===Critical reception===
The game received favorable reviews, attaining an average score of 87.20% on GameRankings based on 73 reviews and an average score of 87 on Metacritic based on 58 reviews.<ref>http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/516710-mario-kart-double-dash/index.html</ref><ref>http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/mario-kart-double-dash!!/</ref>

Spencer McIlvaine of Nintendo Life gave the game 9 stars out of 10, praising the game as being a worthy successor to the ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' franchise, despite that it has less innovation than the other games. He concluded with "Nevertheless, the game has lost some of the edge that it had in its first two outings and shows fewer innovative ideas here. This time around the game was mostly about better graphics and less buggy programming with a few gimmicks thrown in like having two drivers instead of one. As a result, ''Double Dash'' is not the most recommended ''Mario Kart'' game in the franchise. But compared to other games in general it's still one heck of a ride."<ref>http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/gamecube/mario_kart_double_dash</ref> Tom Bramwell of Eurogamer gave the game a score of 9 out of 10. He praised the game for adding more content, especially the online LAN mode. He wrote, "In my opinion, it's not a better game than the original ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'', but it is the closest anyone's ever come, and one of the finest pieces of electronic entertainment ever developed." He also stated that rating ''Mario Kart Double Dash!!'' was the hardest thing he did because he always wanted to write about it.<ref>http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_mariokartdd_gc</ref>

On the contrast, Edge Magazine UK gave the game a 5 out of 10, criticizing the game of "not being a racing game any more".<ref>Edge, page 98</ref> Fran Mirabella III of IGN gave the game a score of 7.9 out of 10. He criticized that ''Mario Kart Double Dash!!'' felt very similar to ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' and although it gets the job done that it felt that it had wasted potential. He praised the multiplayer for being superb.<ref>http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/11/mario-kart-double-dash-2</ref> 
{| class="wikitable reviews"
!colspan="4"style="font-size:120%; text-align:center; background-color:silver;"|Reviews
|-style="background-color:#E6E6E6"
|Release
|Reviewer, Publication
|Score
|Comment
|-
|[[Nintendo GameCube]]
|Spencer McIlvaine, [http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/gamecube/mario_kart_double_dash Nintendo Life]
|9/10
|"''Mario Kart is a staple in the Nintendo library and Double Dash is a worthy successor to that tradition. This franchise pre-dates the Smash Bros. franchise and for many Nintendo fans this is the must have multi-player title on any system. As a result, Mario Kart Double Dash enjoyed tremendous success on the Gamecube and was even included in a bundle with the system at one point. Nevertheless, the game has lost some of the edge that it had in its first two outings and shows fewer innovative ideas here. This time around the game was mostly about better graphics and less buggy programming with a few gimmicks thrown in like having two drivers instead of one. As a result, Double Dash is not the most recommended Mario Kart game in the franchise. But compared to other games in general it's still one heck of a ride.''"
|-
|Nintendo GameCube
|Tom Bramwell, [https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_mariokartdd_gc Eurogamer]
|9/10
|"''In my opinion, it's not a better game than the original Super Mario Kart, but it '''is''' the closest anyone's ever come, and one of the finest pieces of electronic entertainment ever developed.''"
|-
|Nintendo GameCube
|Fran Mirabella III, [http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/11/mario-kart-double-dash-2 IGN]
|7.9/10
|"''I only hope that Nintendo pours more production into [[Mario Kart DS|the sequel]] and remembers that just because Mario Kart was once designed for the younger crowd, doesn't mean it can't become an everyone title with some complexity to it.''"
|-
!colspan="4"style="font-size:120%; text-align:center; background-color:silver;"|Aggregators
|-style="background-color:#E6E6E6"
|colspan=2|Compiler
|colspan=2|{{nw|Platform / Score}}
|-
|colspan=2|Metacritic
|colspan=2 style="background-color:limegreen"|[http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/mario-kart-double-dash!!/ 87]
|-
|colspan=2|GameRankings
|colspan=2|[https://web.archive.org/web/20150908221936/http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/516710-mario-kart-double-dash/index.html 87.20%]
|}

===Sales===
''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' is the second best-selling game for the Nintendo GameCube, right behind ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', with approximately 7 million copies sold, including 3.8 million copies in the United States,<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20070106203333/www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml</ref> and over 802,000 units in Japan, as of December 31, 2009.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20050225220704/www5e.biglobe.ne.jp/~hokora/gcrank.html</ref>

==Gallery==
{{main-gallery}}
<gallery>
Mario Bros Bob-Omb Blast - MKDD.png|[[Mario]] and [[Luigi]] on the [[Red Fire]].
Bowser and Bowser Jr Bob-Omb Blast - MKDD.png|[[Bowser]] and [[Bowser Jr.]] on the [[Koopa King]]
MKDD Luigi Circuit Artwork.jpg|Mixed teams racing on [[GCN Luigi Circuit|Luigi Circuit]].
MKDD DK Mountain Artwork.jpg|Default teams racing on [[GCN DK Mountain|DK Mountain]]
</gallery>

==Media==
{{main-media}}
{{media table
|file1=MKDD-Music-TitleTheme.oga
|title1=Title Theme
|description1=The title theme
|length1=0:29
|file2=MKDD-Music-MainMenu.oga
|title2=Main Menu
|description2=The main menu theme
|length2=0:29
}}

==References to other games==
[[File:MKDDYoshiHelicopterModel.png|thumb|The model of Helicopter Yoshi found in Yoshi Circuit and Baby Park]]
*''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'': The music for "[[Tilt-a-Kart]]" starts out with the famous ground theme, and it features Mario's 8-bit sprite from this game. The [[Warp Pipe]] in [[GCN Mushroom Bridge|Mushroom Bridge]] is modeled after the Warp Pipes that appear in this game's underground level cutscenes.
*''[[Yoshi's Cookie]]'': In the battle stage [[GCN Cookie Land|Cookie Land]], cookies are seen from this game in the background. The level itself is also based off this game.
*''[[Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island]]'': [[Baby Luigi]] reappears as a playable character. [[GCN Yoshi Circuit|Yoshi Circuit]] has a helicopter modelled after [[Helicopter Yoshi]].
*''[[Super Mario 64]]'': When an item hits the player's heart barrier, a sound similar to that of the [[Spinning Heart]] from this game can be heard.
*''[[Super Mario Kart]]'': The logo of this game can be seen in [[Mushroom City]] and [[GCN Dry Dry Desert|Dry Dry Desert]].
*''[[Mario Kart 64]]'': The name "[[N64 Sherbet Land|Sherbet Land]]" is taken from this game. Also, [[GCN Waluigi Stadium|Waluigi Stadium]] resembles [[Wario Stadium]] and the horn used on the Bloom Coach is the same horn used by the white cars from [[N64 Toad's Turnpike|Toad's Turnpike]]. Also, the [[Heart Coach]], [[Bloom Coach]], [[Piranha Pipes]], and [[Boo Pipes]] share an engine sound similar to Peach's and Yoshi's karts from ''Mario Kart 64''. The music for Rainbow Road contains a segment of ''Mario Kart 64''{{'}}s [[N64 Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]] music.
*''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'': Mario's red Fireballs and Luigi's green Fireballs were reused as Mario and Luigi's special items in this game.
*''[[Luigi's Mansion]]'': The battle course [[GCN Luigi's Mansion|Luigi's Mansion]] is based on this game, and the A Rank Mansion from this game's ending can be seen in the background of [[GCN Luigi Circuit|Luigi Circuit]]. [[King Boo]] returns from this game as well.
*''[[Wario Land 4]]'': The [[Wario Car]] is taken from this game.
*''[[Super Mario Sunshine]]'': [[GCN Peach Beach|Peach Beach]] is heavily influenced by [[Gelato Beach]]. [[Shine Sprite]]s appear on many billboards in the courses, as well as [[Mario Kart (series)#Battle Mode#Shine Thief|Shine Thief]]. [[Toadsworth]], [[Pianta|Piantas]] and [[Noki|Nokis]] appear in Peach Beach as well as the Award Ceremony. Additionally, a portion of the Award Ceremony's music incorporates the main theme from this game. The tracks have similar connections as some tracks can be seen in other tracks (e.g. DK Mountain can be seen at Baby Park). Also, in [[GCN Yoshi Circuit|Yoshi Circuit]], the [[Shadow Mario]] "M" sign appears on the first sign in the course, near the first turn. [[Bowser Jr.]] and [[Petey Piranha]] appear as playable characters.
*''[[Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour]]'': The countdown sound effect from Speed Golf and the artwork for the [[Chain Chomp]] item are recycled from this game.

==References in later games==
[[File:MP8 Nossie.png|thumb|Nossie in DK's Treetop Temple]]
*[[Mario Kart (series)|Later ''Mario Kart'' games]]: ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' is known to have set the standards for later games in many ways. The 3-second countdown, which was introduced in this game, was reused in all later ''Mario Kart'' games. This is also the first game in which, when the player starts another lap, Lakitu will hold the lap count signs with a fishing pole and appear on the left/right side of the player. This is also the first game to have its final lap music one semitone higher. This also marks the first time the player loses an item after falling off the course or being hit by certain items or obstacles. The [[Bob-omb]] item that was introduced as a [[Special Item (Mario Kart series)|Special Item]] for [[Wario]] and [[Waluigi]] in this game became a regular item in later games. The [[Chain Chomp]] item for [[Baby Mario]] and [[Baby Luigi]] was re-worked into the [[Bullet Bill]] item.
*''[[Mario Power Tennis]]'': The item boxes are identical to the ones in this game, and so are the items themselves and the item boxes' sound effects. Toadette makes a cameo appearance during the game's opening cutscene. The 3-second countdown sound effect is used when a round of [[Artist On the Court]] is about to begin.
*''[[Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix]]'': The songs "[[Rollercoasting]]" and "[[Bowser's Castle (Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix)|Bowser's Castle]]" are remixes of songs from [[GCN Luigi Circuit|Luigi Circuit]], [[GCN Mario Circuit|Mario Circuit]], [[GCN Yoshi Circuit|Yoshi Circuit]] and [[Bowser's Castle (Mario Kart: Double Dash!!)|Bowser's Castle]].
*''[[Mario Superstar Baseball]]'': Mario's Red Fireballs and Luigi's Green Fireballs were used as their special shots.
*''[[Mario Kart DS]]'': The character profile sprites of characters that reappeared in this game were reused, although mirrored. Also, [[GCN Luigi Circuit|Luigi Circuit]], [[GCN Baby Park|Baby Park]], [[GCN Mushroom Bridge|Mushroom Bridge]], [[GCN Yoshi Circuit|Yoshi Circuit]], and the battle course [[Pipe Plaza]] reappear in this game. The [[Toad Kart]] resembles the [[Standard Kart]]. The Chain Chomp theme is used in one of the missions in this game.
*''[[Mario Party 8]]'': The Nossie seen in [[GCN Dino Dino Jungle|Dino Dino Jungle]] makes as a cameo in the background of the [[DK's Treetop Temple]] board.
*''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games]]'': The arrangement of "[[Invincibility BGM]]" is reused in this game. In the [[Nintendo DS]] [[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Nintendo DS)|version]], the theme for Mario Circuit, Yoshi Circuit and Luigi Circuit appears as a selectable song in the Gallery under the name "Mario Bros. Circuits".
*''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'' / ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U|Wii U]]'': The trees and flowers in the [[Figure-8 Circuit (stage)|Mario Circuit]] stage take their design from this game. Also, the music for [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart: Double Dash!!)|Rainbow Road]] appears in this stage, and several [[Sticker (Super Smash Bros. Brawl)|stickers]] and [[Trophy (Super Smash Bros. series)|trophies]] reference ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' as well.
*''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'': The standing character models and animation in the character select screen of characters that reappear in this game are shown again here, except for the newcomers for that installment. Also, [[GCN Peach Beach|Peach Beach]], [[GCN Waluigi Stadium|Waluigi Stadium]], [[GCN Mario Circuit|Mario Circuit]], [[GCN DK Mountain|DK Mountain]], and the battle course [[GCN Cookie Land|Cookie Land]] reappear in this game. The Grand Prix starting jingle is recycled to this game for both the Grand Prix and VS Race.
*''[[Mario Kart 7]]'': [[GCN Daisy Cruiser|Daisy Cruiser]] and [[GCN Dino Dino Jungle|Dino Dino Jungle]] reappear in this game, and a modified version of the [[Barrel Train]] is an unlockable kart frame. A section of the music for this game's [[3DS Bowser's Castle|Bowser's Castle]] covers the main theme of [[Bowser's Castle (Mario Kart: Double Dash!!)|Bowser's Castle]].
*''[[Mario Party 9]]'': The track from this game, "Pandemonium", is an arrangement of the Battle Mode theme from ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''
*''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP DX]]'': The [[Fusion Kart]] mechanic is most likely inspired by the two-person kart feature of this game.
*''[[Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games]]'': Mushroom Bridge appears as the location for [[Groove Pipe Snowboard]].
*''[[Mario Kart 8]]'': Characters physically hold items. [[GCN Dry Dry Desert|Dry Dry Desert]] and [[GCN Sherbet Land|Sherbet Land]] return as retro courses, while [[GCN Yoshi Circuit|Yoshi Circuit]] and [[GCN Baby Park|Baby Park]] return as DLC.
**''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'': [[Item Box#Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe|Double Item Boxes]] and the Bob-omb Blast and Shine Thief battle sub-modes return. [[GCN Luigi's Mansion|Luigi's Mansion]] reappears as a retro battle course. Waluigi Stadium, Daisy Cruiser, and DK Mountain return as part of the ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass|Booster Course Pass]]'' DLC.
*''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'': The Rainbow Road music returns as a track that can be played in battles on any ''Mario Kart'' stage. Additionally, the Barrel Train, Goo-Goo Buggy, Turbo Yoshi, and Bloom Coach appear as spirits, using their artwork from ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''
*''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'': Special Items return. [[GCN Baby Park|Baby Park]], [[GCN Mushroom Bridge|Mushroom Bridge]], [[GCN Daisy Cruiser|Daisy Cruiser]], [[GCN Waluigi Stadium|Waluigi Stadium]], [[GCN Yoshi Circuit|Yoshi Circuit]], [[GCN DK Mountain|DK Mountain]], and [[GCN Dino Dino Jungle|Dino Dino Jungle]] appear as returning race courses. [[GCN Cookie Land|Cookie Land]] appears as a returning battle course. The Turbo Yoshi, Koopa Dasher, Bullet Blaster, Turbo Birdo, Goo-Goo Buggy, Para-Wing, DK Jumbo, Barrel Train, Koopa King, Piranha Pipes, and Boo Pipes return as karts. While the [[Rattle Buggy]] does not appear in ''Tour'', a variant of it, the [[Purple Rattle Buggy]], appears starting with the [[Vacation Tour]]. Additionally, a new kart, the [[Waluigi Racer Mk. 2]], is a successor to the Waluigi Racer.
*''[[Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit]]'': The [[Chain Chomp]] returns as an item.
*''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'': The race start countdown sequence in the [[Illumination]] logo is based on the starting lights in ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' held by Lakitu.

==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
|Jpn=マリオカート　ダブルダッシュ！！
|JpnR=Mario Kāto Daburu Dasshu!!
|JpnM=Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
|ChiT=瑪利歐賽車 Double Dash!!<ref>[https://www.nintendo.com.hk/switch/mario/history/index.html Official Chinese website for the ''Super Mario Bros.'' 35th Anniversary]. Retrieved October 23, 2020.</ref>
|ChiTR=Mǎlì'ōu Sàichē Double Dash!!
|ChiTM=Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
|Fre=''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''
|Ger=''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''
|Ita=''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''
|Kor=마리오카트 더블대시!!
|KorR=Mario Kateu Deobeul Daesi!!
|KorM=Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
|Spa=''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''
}}

==Notes==
*This is the last main ''Mario Kart'' game to use the original series' logo for its box art and title screen. The [[Mario Kart DS|next installment]] would introduce the new and current logo on the box art and title screen, though the original logo would still be used on courses' starting banners until ''[[Mario Kart 7]]''.
*On the box art for the international releases, the "L" on [[Luigi Cap|Luigi's cap]] is backwards.
*Mario's reflection in [[:File:MarioLuigiDD4.png|one of the promotional renders]] does not match Mario's expression. This is because at the time, 3D game artists relied on using {{wp|Reflection mapping|environment mapping}} to mimic the reflective effects of metal. The environment map is a separate 2D image used to approximate a reflection. It is likely the environment map is used from [[:File:MarioLuigiDD3.png|another promotional render]] where it would match the facial expression of Mario's reflection.

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
{{NIWA|FireEmblem=Mario Kart: Double Dash!! bonus disc|StrategyWiki=1}}
{{TCRF}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20051124042429/http://www.mariokart.com/doubledash/launch/index.html North American website] (archive)
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ngc/gm4j/index.html Japanese website]
*[http://ms.nintendo-europe.com/mariokartdoubledash/enGB/ European (UK) microsite]{{dead link}}
*[https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-GameCube/Mario-Kart-Double-Dash--268269.html European (UK) website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070923092629/http://www.nintendo.com.au/mariokart/ Australian website]

{{MKDD}}
{{Super Mario games}}
{{GCN}}
[[de:Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]
[[it:Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]
[[Category:Mario Kart: Double Dash!!|*]]
[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Nintendo GameCube games]]
[[Category:Player's Choice]]
[[Category:Racing games]]
[[Category:2003 games]]