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{{italic title}}
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{{FA}}
{{game infobox
{{Infobox
|image=[[File:MKDS NA Box Art.png|270px]]
|image=[[File:Mario Kart DS Box (North America).png|270px]]
|developer=[[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development|Nintendo EAD]]
|developer=[[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development|Nintendo EAD]]
|publisher=[[Nintendo]]
|publisher=[[Nintendo]]
|released={{releasedate|USA|November 14, 2005|Australia|November 17, 2005|Europe|November 25, 2005|Japan|December 8, 2005|South Korea|April 5, 2007}}
|release='''Nintendo DS''':<br>{{flag list|USA|November 14, 2005|Australia|November 17, 2005|Europe|November 25, 2005|Japan|December 8, 2005|HK|December 8, 2005<ref>{{cite|author=Akfamilyhome|date=April 1, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IToY_73pRHU|publisher=YouTube|title=A History of Nintendo's Hong Kong Releases|language=Chinese (English subtitles available)|archive=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525112253/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IToY_73pRHU|accessdate=June 5, 2024}}</ref>|ROC|December 8, 2005|South Korea|April 5, 2007}} '''Virtual Console (Wii U)''':<br>{{flag list|Europe|April 1, 2015|Australia|April 2, 2015|South Africa|April 2, 2015<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/en-za/Games/Nintendo-DS/Mario-Kart-DS-271518.html#gameDetails</ref>|USA|April 23, 2015|Japan|May 25, 2016}}
|languages={{languages|en_us=y|es_es=y|fr_fr=y|de=y|it=y|jp=y|kr=y}}
|genre=[[Mario Kart (series)|Racing]]
|genre=[[Mario Kart (series)|Racing]]
|modes=Single player<br>Multiplayer: 2-8 players LAN, 2-4 Wi-Fi Connection
|modes=Single player<br>Local Wireless Play: 2–8 players<br>Wi-Fi Connection: 2–4 players
|ratings={{ratings|esrb=E|pegi=3|acb=G|cero=A}}
|ratings={{ratings|esrb=E|pegi=3|acb=G|cero=A|usk=0|classind=L}}
|platforms=[[Nintendo DS]]
|platforms=[[Nintendo DS]], [[Virtual Console]] ([[Wii U]])
|media={{container|nds=1}}
|format={{format|ds=1|wiiudl=1}}
|input={{input|nds=1|stylus=1}}
|input={{input|ds=1|stylus=1|dsmicrophone=1|wiiu=1}}
|serials={{flag list|USA|NTR-AMCE-USA|Europe|NTR-AMCP-EUR|Australia|NTR-AMCE-AUS|Japan|NTR-AMCJ-JPN|South Korea|NTR-AMCK-KOR}}
}}
}}
'''''Mario Kart DS''''' is a [[Nintendo DS]] game developed and published by [[Nintendo]]. It is the fifth installment of the [[Mario Kart (series)|''Mario Kart'' series]] and the second game for a handheld console, featuring for the first time an online multiplayer mode employing the [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]] service, as well as including a [[Mario Kart DS#missions|mission]] mode. It also features a map that displays the objects and characters present throughout the courses, making use of the DS's bottom screen.
'''''Mario Kart DS''''' is a racing game in the ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' series for the [[Nintendo DS]], developed and published by [[Nintendo]]. ''Mario Kart DS'' was released first in North America, on November 14, 2005, and is the only mainline ''Mario Kart'' game to be released first in North America. Unlike its predecessor, ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', it retains the traditional single-driver kart racing elements in the ''Mario Kart'' series, where players race against seven competitors in obstacle tracks, using item-based weaponry to gain further advantages over their opponents. It is the first handheld ''Mario Kart'' title to use live-rendered 3D graphics for most of the objects in the game, including characters, vehicles, and racetracks.


''Mario Kart DS'' has been generally well received, especially because of innovations such as the online mode. As such, ''Mario Kart DS'' has earned various awards and acknowledgments.
''Mario Kart DS'' expands and introduces mechanics that would later become the standard in future titles, most notably the Retro Grand Prix, and the advent of retro courses in general, that revamps tracks from all previous titles from the ''Mario Kart'' series. ''Mario Kart DS'' supports both single pak and multi-pak gameplay via DS Download Play, and is the first ''Super Mario'' title to support [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]], allowing players to race against opponents by using online services across the world until the service was discontinued on May 20, 2014.


==Characters==
''Mario Kart DS'' has its own mechanics that are not available in other ''Mario Kart'' games, such as customizing [[emblem]]s for the vehicles, and the [[#Missions|Missions mode]], in which racers are tasked to complete objectives in a short series of events. The game also makes use of the Nintendo DS's features, using the bottom screen to display other HUD elements such as two types of maps, character order, and what items their opponents have.
=== Drivers ===
A total of 12 characters (13 including [[Shy Guy]]) take part in this fifth installment of the ''Mario Kart'' series. Only 8 can be chosen at the beginning, but the player has to win gold trophies in the [[Grand Prix]] mode to unlock more drivers.


=== Starting drivers===
On April 23, 2015, ''Mario Kart DS'' became available for purchase for the [[Wii U]]'s [[Virtual Console]] service via the [[Nintendo eShop]] until March 27, 2023 after the service's discontinuation. Players who purchased the title before this date can still play it as long as it is on their Wii U device. The Virtual Console version is only playable in single-player mode.
<center><gallery perrow=4>
File:MKDS-Mario Artwork.png | [[File:EmbMario.png|link=Mario]] <br> '''Medium''' <br> Weight: 50 <br> Off-Road: 95
File:MKDS-Luigi Artwork.png | [[File:EmbLuigi.png|link=Luigi]] <br> '''Medium''' <br> Weight: 50 <br> Off-Road: 95
File:MKDS-Peach Artwork.png | [[File:EmbPeach.png|link=Princess Peach]] <br> '''Light''' <br> Weight: 35 <br> Off-Road: 97
File:MKDS-Yoshi Artwork.png | [[File:EmbYoshi.png|link=Yoshi]] <br> '''Light'''  <br> Weight: 30 <br> Off-Road: 98
File:MKDS-Toad Artwork.png | [[File:EmbToad.png|link=Toad]] <br> '''Light'''  <br> Weight: 25 <br> Off-Road: 99
File:MKDS-Donkey Kong Artwork.png | [[File:EmbDK.png|link=Donkey Kong]] <br> '''Heavy'''  <br> Weight: 65 <br> Off-Road: 93
File:MKDS-Wario Artwork.png | [[File:EmbWario.png|link=Wario]] <br> '''Heavy'''  <br> Weight: 70 <br> Off-Road: 92
File:MKDS-Bowser Artwork.png | [[File:EmbBowser.png|link=Bowser]] <br> '''Heavy'''  <br> Weight: 80 <br> Off-Road: 91
</gallery></center>
 
===Unlockable drivers===
<center><gallery>
File:PrincessDaisyMKDS.png | [[File:EmbDaisy.png|link=Princess Daisy]] <br> '''Medium''' <br> Weight: 40 <br> Off-Road: 96
File:MKDS-Dry Bones Artwork.png | [[File:EmbDryBones.png|link=Dry Bones]] <br> '''Light''' <br> Weight: 20 <br> Off-Road: 100 <br> '''''New Driver'''''
File:MKDS-Waluigi Artwork.png | [[File:EmbWaluigi.png|link=Waluigi]] <br> '''Medium''' <br> Weight: 55 <br> Off-Road: 94
File:MKDS-ROB Artwork.png | [[File:EmbROB.png|link=R.O.B.]] <br> '''Heavy''' <br> Weight: 80 <br> Off-Road: 91 <br> '''''New Driver'''''
</gallery></center>
 
====Unlock criteria====
{| border="1" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2 align="center" style="background:#fff7f7;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse" width=84%
|-
! colspan=2 style="background:#fff5f5;text-align:center" width=84% | Unlock Criteria
|-
!style="background:#fff7f7;text-align:center;" width=15% | [[Princess Daisy]]
|Obtain all Gold Trophies on 50cc Retro Grand Prix cups.
|-
!style="background:#fff7f7;" width=15% | [[Dry Bones]]
|Obtain all Gold Trophies on 50cc Nitro Grand Prix cups.
|-
!style="background:#fff7f7;" width=15% | [[Waluigi]]
|Obtain all Gold Trophies on 100cc Retro Grand Prix cups.
|-
!style="background:#fff7f7;r" width=15% | [[R.O.B.]]
|Obtain all Gold Trophies on 150cc Mirror Mode cups (Nitro or Retro).
|}
 
===Download play only (changes color at random)===
<center><gallery>
File:Shy Guy - MKDS.png|<center>[[Shy Guy]]<br>'''Light''' <br> Weight: 30 <br> Off-Road: 98 <br> '''''New Driver'''''
</gallery></center>
 
==Supporting characters==
Other characters play supporting roles in ''Mario Kart DS''. [[Lakitu]] makes his return and follows the same rules except for counting down to the start of the race. [[Pianta]]s cheer for the racers during gameplay as well.


==Controls==
==Controls==
===Menu controls===
===Menu controls===
* {{button|ds|Pad}} - Scroll
*{{button|ds|Pad}} - Scroll
* {{button|ds|A}} - Select
*{{button|ds|A}} - Select
* {{button|ds|B}} - Back
*{{button|ds|B}} - Back
* {{button|ds|Stylus}} - Tap selection
*{{button|ds|Stylus}} - Tap selection


===Race controls===
===Race controls===
* {{button|ds|A}} - Accelerate/[[Rocket Start]] (hold at 2 during the countdown before the race starts)
*{{button|ds|A}} - Accelerate/[[Rocket Start]] (hold at 2 during the countdown before the race starts)
* {{button|ds|B}} - Brake/reverse
*{{button|ds|B}} - Brake/reverse
* {{button|ds|L}}/{{button|ds|X}} - Use current Item/Stop Item Roulette
*{{button|ds|L}}/{{button|ds|X}} - Use current Item/Stop Item Roulette/Equip Item
* {{Button|Padleftright}} - Steer
*{{Button|Padleftright}} - Steer
* {{Button|Padupdown}} - Throw items backward or forward.
*{{button|ds|L}}/{{button|ds|X}} + {{Button|Padupdown}} - Throw items backward or forward.
* {{button|ds|R}} - Hop/Powerslide/[[Drift]] (Hold)/[[Mini-Turbo]] (Release)
*{{button|ds|R}} - Hop/Powerslide/[[Drift]] (Hold)/[[Mini-Turbo]] (Release)
* {{button|ds|Stylus}}/{{button|ds|Y}} - Change map view (does not work in Mission Mode)
*{{button|ds|Stylus}}/{{button|ds|Y}} - Change map view (does not work in Mission Mode)
* {{button|ds|start}} - Pause/resume game
*{{button|ds|start}} - Pause/resume game
* {{button|ds|select}} - Blow [[Balloon]] ([[Mario Kart (series)#Balloon Battle|Balloon Battle]]), Toggle arrows/mushrooms on/off ([[Mario Kart (series)#Time Trial|Time Trial]])
*{{button|ds|select}} - Blow [[Balloon]] ([[Mario Kart (series)#Balloon Battle|Balloon Battle]]), Toggle arrows/Mushrooms on/off ([[Mario Kart (series)#Modes of play|Time Trial]])
* {{button|ds|mic}} - Blow Balloon (Balloon Battle)
*{{button|ds|mic}} - Blow Balloon (Balloon Battle)
 
===Wii U Menu controls===
*{{button|wiiu|Pad}} - Scroll
*{{button|wiiu|A}} - Select
*{{button|wiiu|B}} - Back
*{{button|wiiu|Stylus}} - Tap selection
 
===Wii U Race controls===
*{{button|wiiu|A}} - Accelerate/Rocket Start (hold at 2 during the countdown before the race starts)
*{{button|wiiu|B}} - Brake/reverse
*{{button|wiiu|L}}/{{button|wiiu|X}} - Use current Item/Stop Item Roulette/Equip Item
*{{button|Padleftright}} - Steer
*{{button|Padupdown}} - Throw items backward or forward.
*{{button|wiiu|R}} - Hop/Powerslide/Drift (Hold)/Mini-Turbo (Release)
*{{button|wiiu|Stylus}}/{{button|wiiu|Y}} - Change map view (does not work in Mission Mode)
*{{button|wiiu|Plus}} - Pause/resume game
*{{button|wiiu|Minus}} - Blow Balloon (Balloon Battle), Toggle arrows/Mushrooms on/off (Time Trial)
*{{button|wiiu|mic}} - Blow Balloon (Balloon Battle)


==Game modes==
==Game modes==
[[File:WiFiSTP 2.png|thumb|The title screen with all of the playable characters, excluding Shy Guy.]]
[[File:MKDS Full Roster Title Screen.png|thumb|The title screen after the game's completion.]]
As in ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', sixteen new courses were added in the game for the four main cups: [[Mushroom Cup]], [[Flower Cup]], [[Star Cup]], and [[Special Cup]]. However, the game includes sixteen courses that appeared in former ''Mario Kart'' games, each one referring the game console where debuted, The ''Super Mario Kart'' tracks for [[SNES]]; the ''Mario Kart 64'' tracks for [[N64]]; the ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'' tracks for [[GBA]], and the ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' tracks for [[GCN]].
As in ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', the game introduced sixteen courses for the four main cups: [[Mushroom Cup]], [[Flower Cup]], [[Star Cup]], and [[Special Cup]], which are collectively known as the nitro cups. The game also includes sixteen courses that appeared in earlier ''Mario Kart'' games and are part of the retro cups: [[Shell Cup]], [[Banana Cup]], [[Leaf Cup]], and the [[Lightning Cup]]. These cups are sorted by difficulty in the same way as the nitro cups.
 
These classic courses make up four new cups called the [[Shell Cup]], [[Banana Cup]], [[Leaf Cup]], and [[Lightning Cup]]. There are a total of thirty-two courses in eight cups. In addition, four new battle courses appeared, while N64 Block Fort and GCN Pipe Plaza appeared in this game as Retro Battle Courses.


In every retro cup, each of the four courses originate from a different ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' game. Every retro cup has their courses ordered in the same way as the release order of the four previous ''Mario Kart'' games. Furthermore, every retro course's name starts with an abbreviation of the game console that their originating game was released for:
*[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]], which represents ''[[Super Mario Kart]]''
*[[Nintendo 64|N64]], which represents ''Mario Kart 64''
*[[Game Boy Advance|GBA]], which represents ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]''
*[[Nintendo GameCube|GCN]], which represents ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''
Starting with the following ''Mario Kart'' game, ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', stages originating from ''Mario Kart DS'' were included as retro courses and were represented by the abbreviation "[[Nintendo DS|DS]]".
===Grand Prix===
===Grand Prix===
In Grand Prix mode (single-player only), a player competes in each cup in 50cc, 100cc, 150cc, and Mirror 150cc engine classes, with ascending speed and difficulty. The game takes the point system of ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' by awarding 10/8/6/4/3/2/1/0 points for first to eighth place respectively. Also, a rating of how well a player performed is shown after the trophy presentation: ***, **, *, A, B, C, D and E (E, being the lowest ranking and *** as the highest). An overall "game ranking" of *, **, or *** is shown in the Records area if the player has earned the designated ratings in ''all'' cups and ''all'' classes.
Grand Prix is a single player-exclusive mode. In it, a player competes in each cup in 50cc, 100cc, 150cc, and Mirror 150cc engine classes, with ascending speed and difficulty. The game reuses the point system of ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' by awarding 10/8/6/4/3/2/1/0 points for first to eighth place respectively. Similarly to ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'', a rating of how well a player performed is shown after the trophy presentation, from highest to lowest: ★★★, ★★, , A, B, C, D and E. An overall "game ranking" of , ★★, or ★★★ is shown in the Records area if the player has earned the designated rating in every cup and class.


===Time Trial===
===Time Trial===
In Time Trial mode (single player only), a player goes for the fastest time on a course. The item rating of a [[#Karts|kart]] determines how many mushrooms a player can have when the race starts. Vehicles with low item rate can only use one Mushroom; the ones with average item rate use two and the ones with high item rate use three. Players can choose to race against their best time as a [[Ghost (Mario Kart)|Ghost]], the Staff Ghost (raced by a Japanese Nintendo staff player with a * game ranking), or no Ghost. The game is also able to download records from other players and let the player race against their Ghosts.
Time Trial is a single player-exclusive mode. In it, the player's character races to complete a course in the fastest time. The item rating of a [[#Karts|kart]] determines how many [[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]]s the racer can have once they start the race; vehicles with low item rate can only use one Mushroom; the ones with average item rate use two and the ones with high item rate use three. Players can choose to race against their best time as a [[Ghost (Mario Kart series)|Ghost]], the Staff Ghost (raced by a Japanese Nintendo staff player with a * game ranking), or no Ghost. The game can download records from other players, allowing the player's character to race their Ghosts.


===VS===
===VS===
In VS mode (single or multiplayer), player(s) choose their [[Kart]]s and head out on the race track. The player can also choose what course they race on (only if they unlocked it). Up to eight players can play locally via wireless - simple mode only uses one game card but is limited. The essential requirement is that everyone has a game card. In single-player mode, the player can choose the engine class, the [[CPU]]'s difficulty level, the way the courses will be chosen - by the player, in order or random; the rules to win races (either free - never-ending races; number of wins, which only the first racer earns points, or the number of races raced (going up to thirty-two creates the "All-Cup" mode); and team race mode.
In VS mode (single or multiplayer), player(s) choose their [[Kart]]s and head out on the race track. They can earn points based of their finish position in each race. The player can also choose what course they race on (provided they've unlocked it). Up to eight players can play locally via wireless - simple mode only uses one game card but is limited. The essential requirement is that everyone has a DS or 3DS system. In VS mode, the player can choose the engine class, the [[MarioWiki:Glossary#C|CPU]]'s difficulty level, the way the courses will be chosen - by the player, in order or random; the rules to win races (either free - infinite races; number of wins from 1 to 10 - where only the first racer earns points, or the number of races from 1 up to 32 (functions similarly to the [[All-Cup Tour]] from ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!''), and team race mode.


It is possible to have up to eight players play using just one ''Mario Kart DS'' game card - using the DS Download Play locally. Here, the tracks are limited, the disabilities for the [[#Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection mode|Wi-Fi connection]] apply, and everyone must be a random color of Shy Guy, in which he becomes playable then. If everyone has a game card, all tracks are available and there are no disabilities. [[#Battle|Battle Mode]] is also available. It is the same as the battle modes in ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', but Shine Thief is changed into [[Shine Runners]]. The rules are different for this mode, in which players gather the most [[Shine Sprite]]s on a course.
It is possible to have up to eight players play using just one ''Mario Kart DS'' game card - using the DS Download Play locally. Here, only the Mushroom Cup and Shell Cup tracks are playable, and everyone except the host must play as a random color of Shy Guy, in which he becomes playable then. If everyone has a game card, all tracks are available and there are no limitations.
 
When playing in VS races where players place for a set number of races rather than for a set number of wins, players score points based off their finish position. If the game is being played in teams, the amount of points each player earns for each race is multiplied by about 1.5. The point system is the same as the one used in Wi-Fi when playing with 2-4 players and the one used in Grand Prix when playing with 8 players or with CPU opponents. However, when playing with 5-7 players, the distribution is as follows:
{|class="wikitable"
!colspan=9|'''Point spread'''
|-
!Number of players!!1st!!2nd!!3rd!!4th!!5th!!6th!!7th!!8th
|-
|'''2 players'''||<span style="color:#0000FF">10</span>||5||-||-||-||-||-||-
|-
|'''3 players'''||<span style="color:#0000FF">10</span>||7||4||-||-||-||-||-
|-
|'''4 players'''||<span style="color:#0000FF">10</span>||<span style="color:green">7</span>||4||1||-||-||-||-
|-
|'''5 players'''<ref>[https://youtu.be/z6A0ZIWyouc?t=118 Point System for 5 Players.]</ref>||<span style="color:#0000FF">10</span>||<span style="color:green">8</span>||5||2||0||-||-||-
|-
|'''6 players'''<ref>[https://youtu.be/5ULBDigX0MU?t=134 Point System for 6 Players.]</ref>||<span style="color:#0000FF">10</span>||<span style="color:green">8</span>||<span style="color:green">6</span>||3||1||0||-||-
|-
|'''7 players'''<ref>[https://youtu.be/4-GyAdxLfKw?t=245 Point System for 7 Players.]</ref>||<span style="color:#0000FF">10</span>||<span style="color:green">8</span>||<span style="color:green">6</span>||4||2||1||0||-
|-
|'''8 players'''||<span style="color:#0000FF">10</span>||<span style="color:green">8</span>||<span style="color:green">6</span>||4||3||2||1||0
|}
*'''<span style="color:#0000FF">Blue</span>''' text indicates winning results.
*'''<span style="color:green">Green</span>''' text indicates moderate results.
*'''Black''' text indicates losing results.


===Battle===
===Battle===
[[File:MKDSPalmShore.png|thumb|Mario in a Balloon Battle at [[Palm Shore]].]]
In single player battle mode, the user faces CPU controlled racers, whose difficulty can be set in the battle's setup menu. All racers drive their respective standard Kart only within this mode (note that all the standard karts have the same stats in battle mode and only the weight will differ, depending on the weight of the character chosen). Additionally, other players can join a battle locally. However, Battle Mode is unavailable on [[#Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection mode|the Wi-Fi mode]]. Like in versus, battles can also be played in teams, and rounds in team battles end when all of one team's players have been eliminated.
In Battle mode, players play a different aspect of kart racing that was born from ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' on one of six courses, two of them from past ''Mario Kart'' games. The courses are:
*[[Nintendo DS (battle course)|Nintendo DS]]
*[[Twilight House]]
*[[Palm Shore]]
*[[Tart Top]]
*[[Block Fort|N64 Block Fort]]
*[[Pipe Plaza|GCN Pipe Plaza]]


In single player mode, the user faces CPU controlled racers, whose difficulty can be set in the battle's setup menu. All racers drive their respective standard Kart only within this mode. Additionally, other players can join a battle locally. However, Battle Mode is unavailable on the [[#Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Mode|wireless connection]]. Like in versus, battles can also be played in teams.
''Mario Kart DS'' is the only ''Mario Kart'' game to exclude console abbreviations from the names of its retro battle courses; in other words, the game does not name Block Fort and Pipe Plaza as <small>N64</small> Block Fort and <small>GCN</small> Pipe Plaza respectively. Additionally, the retro battle courses do not retain their music from their original appearances, instead using the same music as the nitro battle courses.


====Balloon Battle====
====Balloon Battle====
The classic battle mode seen in all ''Mario Kart'' mainstream, gets a new twist in ''Mario Kart DS''. From previous games, racers begin a match with three balloons. In this game, however, all players begin with a single balloon, though they can get more by blowing up their balloons using the [[Nintendo DS Microphone|microphone]] feature on the DS, or just holding the {{button|gba|select}} button. Each player has four balloons in stock (five in total) and racers can hold up to three balloons in battle. On the other hand, the less balloons a player has, the more powerful items will obtain from the Item Boxes. Racers may also take possession of a balloon from their opponents if the thief has used a [[mushroom]] and made contact to the opponent's kart. If the player loses all their balloons they are eliminated.
[[File:MKDSPalmShore.png|thumb|Mario in a Balloon Battle at [[DS Palm Shore|Palm Shore]].]]
The classic battle mode seen in all ''Mario Kart'' mainstream, gets a new twist in ''Mario Kart DS''. From previous games, racers begin a match with three balloons. In this game, however, all players begin with a single balloon, though they can get more by blowing up their balloons using the [[Nintendo DS#Microphone|microphone]] feature on the DS, or just holding the {{button|gba|select}} button. Each player has four balloons in stock (five in total) and racers can hold up to three balloons in battle. On the other hand, the less balloons a player has, the more powerful items they will obtain from the Item Boxes. Racers may also take possession of a balloon from their opponents if the thief has used a [[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]] and made contact to the opponent's kart. If the player loses all their balloons they are eliminated.


The following is what the game describes this mode as:
The following is what the game describes this mode as:
<blockquote>Burst your opponents' balloons with items! If all your inflated balloons burst, you lose! Blow into the mic or press {{button|gba|select}}  to inflate your balloons!</blockquote>
<blockquote>''Burst your opponents' balloons with items! If all your inflated balloons burst, you lose! Blow into the mic to inflate your balloons!''</blockquote>


====Shine Runners====
====Shine Runners====
Adopted from the ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'' [[Mario Kart (series)#Shine Thief|version]], nine [[Shine Sprite]]s are scattered onto the course at the beginning. Players need to capture the Shine Sprites, and avoid to be hit, as it causes a player to lose one sprite. The sprite then moves to a random spot for someone else to grab. In the meantime, a clock ticks down to 0. Anyone with or tied with the lowest Shine total when the clock hits 0 is eliminated. The clock resets itself to a lower time and the battle continues until at least one is left (there are 9 sprites to avoid a tie, but it is possible to have two players with 4 sprites trying to get that last 1 on the course when time expires or have three players with 3 sprites each. In this case, no one is eliminated and the clock resets as usual. The less sprites a player has, the better an item is obtained (Spiny Shells and Bullet Bills remain out). Shine Runners is almost the same as Coin Runners in ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'', but instead of [[Coins]], they use [[Shine Sprites]].
Adopted from the ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'' [[Battle Mode#Shine Thief|version]], nine [[Shine Sprite]]s are scattered onto the course at the beginning. Players need to capture the Shine Sprites, and to avoid being hit, as it causes a player to lose one sprite. The sprite then moves to a random spot for someone else to grab. In the meantime, a clock ticks down to zero. Anyone with or tied with the lowest Shine total when the clock hits zero is eliminated. The clock resets itself to a lower time and the battle continues until at least one is left (there are nine sprites to avoid a tie, but it is possible to have two players with four sprites each or four players with two sprites each or all eight players with one sprite each trying to get that last one on the course when time expires, or have three players with three sprites each; in either case, no one is eliminated and the clock resets as usual). The less sprites a player has, the better an item is obtained (Spiny Shells and Bullet Bills remain out). Shine Runners is almost the same as Coin Runners in ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'', but instead of [[Shine Sprite]]s, they use [[coin]]s.


<blockquote>Collect more Shines than anyone else! Steal opponents' Shines to add to your total. Those with less Shines get booted over time.</blockquote>
<blockquote>''Collect more Shines than anyone else! Steal opponents' Shines to add to your total. Those with less Shines get booted over time.''</blockquote>


===Missions===
===Missions===
[[File:Gran Bronco.PNG|thumb|right|[[Yoshi]] battling [[Big Bully]] in Mission Mode.]]
[[File:Mario Kart DS Big Bully.png|thumb|[[Yoshi]] battling [[Big Bully]] in Mission Mode.]]
Missions mode is a new single-player mode for ''Mario Kart DS'' which the player must complete some tasks and earn a ranking similarly to that in Grand Prix mode. It involves seven levels, each containing eight "missions" and a boss battle, most of which are taken from ''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]''. Almost always the ranks depend on how much time is left or taken. There are varying mission types:
Missions mode is a new single-player mode for ''Mario Kart DS'' in which the player must complete some tasks and earn a ranking similarly to that in Grand Prix mode. It involves seven levels, each containing eight "missions" and a boss battle, most of which are taken from ''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]''. The ranks almost always depend on how much time is left or taken. There are varying mission types:
 
*Driving through gates - driving in between giant half wheels in the ground. Very often the player has to pass these gates in numerical order.
*Driving through gates - driving in between giant half wheels in the ground. Very often the player has to pass these gates in numerical order.
*Collecting coins - Players must pick up all the coins set in the track. Players may lose these coins by some obstacle of such course.
*Collecting coins - Players must pick up all the coins set in the track. Players may lose these coins by some obstacle of such course.
*Destroying item boxes - Players must run over [[Item Box]]es. Usually the racer will obtain Mushrooms after taking a box. In some cases, Item Boxes will move, and the player will have to catch up with it. Other missions the player must take care not to pick up the [[Fake Item Box]]es alongside real ones.
*Destroying item boxes - Players must run over [[Item Box]]es. Usually the racer will obtain Mushrooms after taking a box. In some cases, Item Boxes will move, and the player will have to catch up with it. Other missions the player must take care not to pick up the [[Fake Item Box]]es alongside real ones.
*Using stars, Bob-ombs, or shells to destroy enemies.
*Using Stars, Bob-ombs, or shells to destroy enemies.
*Driving backwards - players must use the {{button|ds|B}} button to move, and directions on the {{button|ds|pad}} are reversed. It is sometimes combined with other mission types.
*Driving backwards - players must use the {{button|ds|B}} button to move, and directions on the {{button|ds|pad}} are reversed. It is sometimes combined with other mission types.
*Performing power boosts within a certain lap - as said. More power boosts are often required to finish faster, meaning a higher ranking.
*Performing power boosts within a certain lap - as said. More power boosts are often required to finish faster, meaning a higher ranking.
*Racing a CPU player for one lap - item boxes contain mushrooms and stars that the CPU can't use - the key to win. CPU players will always perform a [[Rocket Start]]. This mission type also includes a race against a Red Car and a [[Chain Chomp]].
*Racing a CPU player for one lap - item boxes contain Mushrooms and Stars that the CPU cannot use - the key to win. CPU players will always perform a [[Rocket Start]]. This mission type also includes a race against a Red Car and a [[Chain Chomp]].
*Boss Battle - Unlocked after complete the first eight courses in a level. Using items is usually a must in boss battles.
*Boss Battle - Unlocked after completion of the first eight missions in a level. The racer is usually required to use items in boss battles. Every boss is from ''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]'', and each of them have their own battlefield stage and require a different strategy to defeat.
There are some one-time isolated missions as well that are self-explanatory. Each mission takes place on a course, often blocked off in some areas (sometimes even a battle course) and players are given a character in their own standard kart (CPU players are also in standard karts). None of the unlockable characters are playable, and [[Bowser]] and [[Donkey Kong]] do not fight a boss. Sometimes mushrooms are laid across the track to help the player to complete the mission. When at least a * ranking is achieved on all missions and bosses in the first six levels, Level 7 is unlocked. Boss battles are unique. They have their own battlefields and different strategies are used to beat them. All of the bosses come from ''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]''.
There are some one-time isolated missions that are self-explanatory. Each mission takes place on a course, often blocked off in some areas (sometimes even a battle course) and players are given a character in their own standard kart (CPU players are also in standard karts). None of the unlockable characters are playable, and [[Bowser]] and [[Donkey Kong]] do not fight a boss. Sometimes Mushrooms are laid across the track to help the player to complete the mission. When at least a ranking is achieved on all missions and bosses in the first six levels, Level 7 is unlocked. When the boss battles of Level 6 and 7 are completed, the first version of the staff credits is shown.


====Missions table====
====Missions table====
The following table includes the mission number, in-game mission description, time limit for the mission (0:00 signifies it's a race, and the mission finishes at 2:00 if the race is not completed), course, and character the player plays as.
{{construction|section=yes}}
 
The following table includes the mission number, in-game mission description, time limit for the mission (0:00 signifies it is a race, and the mission finishes at 2:00 if the race is not completed), course, character the player plays as, and item distribution used. For a list of the item sets used, see [[Mario Kart DS item probability distributions#Special cases|here]]. CPU opponents always use set 1.
{|class=collapsible border="1" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2 style="background:#fffcfc; border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial" width=100%
{|class="wikitable"style="width:100%;max-width:100em"
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|-
!colspan="5" style="background:#ffe4e1"|Mission Mode
|-class=expandable
|-class=expandable
!colspan="5" style="background:#fff9f9"|Level 1
!colspan=7|Level 1
|-
!Mission!!Description!!Time limit!!Track!!Character!!Item set!!Notes
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|1-1||style="text-align:left;"|Drive through all '''5 numbered gates''' in order!||0:35||style="width:20%"|Figure-8 Circuit||style="width:8%"|Mario
|style=width:3%|1-1||style="text-align:left;"|''Drive through all '''5 numbered gates''' in order!''||0:35||style="width:20%"|Figure-8 Circuit||style="width:8%"|Mario||N/A||There are [[Dash Mushroom|mushrooms]] to help Mario along the way.{{anchor|Mission 1-1}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|1-2||style="text-align:left;"|Collect all '''15 coins'''!||style="width:5%"|0:30||<small>''GBA''</small> Peach Circuit||Peach
|style=width:3%|1-2||style="text-align:left;"|''Collect all '''15 coins'''!''||style="width:5%"|0:30||<small>GBA</small> Peach Circuit||Peach||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 1-2}}
|-
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|style=width:3%|1-3||style="text-align:left;"|Destroy all '''10 item boxes'''!||0:45||Yoshi Falls||Yoshi
|style=width:3%|1-3||style="text-align:left;"|''Destroy all '''10 item boxes'''!''||0:45||Yoshi Falls||Yoshi||2||Each Item Box contains a Mushroom.{{anchor|Mission 1-3}}
|-
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|style=width:3%|1-4||style="text-align:left;"|Get the Star and use it to hit '''5 Cheep Cheeps'''!||0:40||Cheep Cheep Beach||Wario
|style=width:3%|1-4||style="text-align:left;"|''Get the Star and use it to hit '''5 Cheep Cheeps'''!''||0:40||Cheep Cheep Beach||Wario||4||{{anchor|Mission 1-4}}
|-
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|style=width:3%|1-5||style="text-align:left;"|Drive through all '''6 numbered gates''' in order!||0:30||Nintendo DS||Toad
|style=width:3%|1-5||style="text-align:left;"|''Drive through all '''6 numbered gates''' in order!''||0:30||Nintendo DS||Toad||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 1-5}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|1-6||style="text-align:left;"|Drive out of the [[Luigi's Mansion (course)|mansion]]...'''backwards'''!||0:45||Luigi's Mansion||Luigi
|style=width:3%|1-6||style="text-align:left;"|''Drive out of the [[DS Luigi's Mansion|mansion]]...'''backward'''!''||0:45||Luigi's Mansion||Luigi||N/A||The mission ends when Luigi exits the other side of the mansion.{{anchor|Mission 1-6}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|1-7||style="text-align:left;"|Collect all '''20 coins'''!||0:35||<small>''N64''</small> Moo Moo Farm||DK
|style=width:3%|1-7||style="text-align:left;"|''Collect all '''20 coins'''!''||0:35||<small>N64</small> Moo Moo Farm||DK||3||{{anchor|Mission 1-7}}
|-
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|style=width:3%|1-8||style="text-align:left;"|Perform '''4 power-slide turbo boosts''' in '''1 lap'''!||0:45||<small>''SNES''</small> Mario Circuit 1||Mario
|style=width:3%|1-8||style="text-align:left;"|''Perform '''4 power-slide turbo boosts''' in '''1 lap'''!''||0:45||<small>SNES</small> Mario Circuit 1||Mario||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 1-8}}
|-
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|style=width:3%|Boss||style="text-align:left;"|Use Mushrooms to crash into the [[Big Bully]] and '''knock him off the stage'''!||3:00||[[Water Arena]]*||Yoshi
|style=width:3%|Boss||style="text-align:left;"|''Use Mushrooms to crash into the [[Big Bully]] and '''knock him off the stage'''!''||3:00||[[List_of_boss_arenas_in_Mario_Kart_DS#Water Arena|Water Arena]]*||Yoshi||3||{{anchor|Mission 1-Boss}}
|-class=expandable
|-class=expandable
!colspan="5" style="background:#ffe4e1" | Level 2
!colspan=7|Level 2
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|2-1||style="text-align:left;"|Crash into all '''10 wooden crates''' and destroy every one!||style="width:5%"|0:55||style="width:20%"|Delfino Square||style="width:8%"|Wario
|style=width:3%|2-1||style="text-align:left;"|''Crash into all '''10 wooden crates''' and destroy every one!''||style="width:5%"|0:55||style="width:20%"|Delfino Square||style="width:8%"|Wario||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 2-1}}
|-
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|style=width:3%|2-2||style="text-align:left;"|Collect all '''10 coins'''!||0:30||Figure-8 Circuit||Yoshi
|style=width:3%|2-2||style="text-align:left;"|''Collect all '''10 coins'''!''||0:30||Figure-8 Circuit||Yoshi||N/A||One coin is behind where the player starts, so a [[Rocket Start]] is not necessary.{{anchor|Mission 2-2}}
|-
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|style=width:3%|2-3||style="text-align:left;"|Drive through all '''5 numbered gates''' in order!||0:45||<small>''SNES''</small> Donut Plains 1||DK
|style=width:3%|2-3||style="text-align:left;"|''Drive through all '''5 numbered gates''' in order!''||0:45||<small>SNES</small> Donut Plains 1||DK||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 2-3}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|2-4||style="text-align:left;"|Destroy all '''5 item boxes'''!||0:35||Luigi's Mansion||Luigi
|style=width:3%|2-4||style="text-align:left;"|''Destroy all '''5 item boxes'''!''||0:35||Luigi's Mansion||Luigi||2||Each Item Box contains a [[Mushroom]].{{anchor|Mission 2-4}}
|-
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|style=width:3%|2-5||style="text-align:left;"|Collect all '''20 coins'''!||0:30||Cheep Cheep Beach||Peach
|style=width:3%|2-5||style="text-align:left;"|''Collect all '''20 coins'''!''||0:30||Cheep Cheep Beach||Peach||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 2-5}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|2-6||style="text-align:left;"|Use Bob-ombs to destroy all '''5 Pokeys'''!||0:55||Desert Hills||Wario
|style=width:3%|2-6||style="text-align:left;"|''Use Bob-ombs to destroy all '''5 Pokeys'''!''||0:55||Desert Hills||Wario||9||{{anchor|Mission 2-6}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|2-7||style="text-align:left;"|Drive through all '''10 numbered gates''' in order!||0:55||<small>''GCN''</small> Luigi Circuit||Toad
|style=width:3%|2-7||style="text-align:left;"|''Drive through all '''10 numbered gates''' in order!''||0:55||<small>GCN</small> Luigi Circuit||Toad||2||{{anchor|Mission 2-7}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|2-8||style="text-align:left;"|Perform '''6 power-slide turbo boosts''' in '''3 laps'''!||0:55||<small>''GCN''</small> Baby Park||Peach
|style=width:3%|2-8||style="text-align:left;"|''Perform '''6 power-slide turbo boosts''' in '''3 laps'''!''||0:55||<small>GCN</small> Baby Park||Peach||4||{{anchor|Mission 2-8}}
|-
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|style=width:3%|Boss||style="text-align:left;"|Hit [[Eyerok|Eyerok's]] eyeball '''3 times''' with shells!||5:00||[[Sand Arena]]*||Mario
|style=width:3%|Boss||style="text-align:left;"|''Hit the [[Eyerok]]'s eyeball '''3 times''' with shells!''||5:00||[[List_of_boss_arenas_in_Mario_Kart_DS#Sand Arena|Sand Arena]]*||Mario||11||{{anchor|Mission 2-Boss}}
|-class=expandable
|-class=expandable
!colspan="5" style="background:#fff9f9" | Level 3
!colspan=7 | Level 3
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|3-1||style="text-align:left;"|Destroy all '''5 item boxes'''!||style="width:5%"|0:50||style="width:20%"|Waluigi Pinball||style="width:8%"|Wario
|style=width:3%|3-1||style="text-align:left;"|''Destroy all '''5 item boxes'''!''||style="width:5%"|0:50||style="width:20%"|Waluigi Pinball||style="width:8%"|Wario||4||Takes place in the pinball table area, and all Item Boxes have a Star.{{anchor|Mission 3-1}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|3-2||style="text-align:left;"|Drive through all '''5 numbered gates''' in order...'''backwards'''!||0:50||Delfino Square||Bowser
|style=width:3%|3-2||style="text-align:left;"|''Drive through all '''5 numbered gates''' in order...'''backward'''!''||0:50||Delfino Square||Bowser||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 3-2}}
|-
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|style=width:3%|3-3||style="text-align:left;"|Collect all '''15 coins''' while avoiding the Chain Chomp!||0:25||<small>''GCN''</small> Luigi Circuit||Luigi
|style=width:3%|3-3||style="text-align:left;"|''Collect all '''15 coins''' while avoiding the Chain Chomp!''||0:25||<small>GCN</small> Luigi Circuit||Luigi||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 3-3}}
|-
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|style=width:3%|3-4||style="text-align:left;"|Reach the finish before '''Yoshi'''!||0:00||Yoshi Falls||Peach
|style=width:3%|3-4||style="text-align:left;"|''Reach the finish before '''Yoshi'''!''||0:00||Yoshi Falls||Peach||8||Barriers block off the first two bridges and the third waterfall, and each Item Box has either a Star, Mushroom, or Triple Mushrooms.{{anchor|Mission 3-4}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|3-5||style="text-align:left;"|Drive through all '''8 numbered gates''' in order!||0:45||<small>''GCN''</small> Pipe Plaza||Yoshi
|style=width:3%|3-5||style="text-align:left;"|''Drive through all '''8 numbered gates''' in order!''||0:45||<small>GCN</small> Pipe Plaza||Yoshi||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 3-5}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|3-6||style="text-align:left;"|Hit Monty Moles with shells '''5 times'''!||1:05||<small>''N64''</small> Moo Moo Farm||Luigi
|style=width:3%|3-6||style="text-align:left;"|''Hit Monty Moles with shells '''5 times'''!''||1:05||<small>N64</small> Moo Moo Farm||Luigi||11||{{anchor|Mission 3-6}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|3-7||style="text-align:left;"|Perform '''10 power-slide turbo boosts''' in '''1 lap'''!||1:10||Shroom Ridge||DK
|style=width:3%|3-7||style="text-align:left;"|''Perform '''10 power-slide turbo boosts''' in '''1 lap'''!''||1:10||Shroom Ridge||DK||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 3-7}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|3-8||style="text-align:left;"|Collect all '''20 coins'''!||1:05||Twilight House||Mario
|style=width:3%|3-8||style="text-align:left;"|''Collect all '''20 coins'''!''||1:05||Twilight House||Mario||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 3-8}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|Boss||style="text-align:left;"|Reach the finish before '''[[Goomboss]]'''!||0:00||<small>''GCN''</small> Baby Park||Toad
|style=width:3%|Boss||style="text-align:left;"|''Reach the finish before '''[[Goomboss]]'''!''||0:00||<small>GCN</small> Baby Park||Toad||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 3-Boss}}
|-class=expandable
|-class=expandable
!colspan="5" style="background:#ffe4e1" | Level 4
!colspan=7|Level 4
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|4-1||style="text-align:left;"|Reach the finish before '''Donkey Kong'''!||0:00||DK Pass**||Wario
|style=width:3%|4-1||style="text-align:left;"|''Reach the finish before '''Donkey Kong'''!''||0:00||DK Pass**||Wario||8||A single-lap race done in reverse. Each [[Item Box]] contains a Star, Mushroom, or Triple Mushrooms; there are also extra snowmen.{{anchor|Mission 4-1}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|4-2||style="text-align:left;"|Blast '''20 crabs'''!<sub>1</sub>||2:00||Palm Shore||Yoshi
|style=width:3%|4-2||style="text-align:left;"|''Blast '''20 crabs'''!''<sub>1</sub>||2:00||Palm Shore||Yoshi||10||{{anchor|Mission 4-2}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|4-3||style="text-align:left;"|Reach the finish before the '''red car'''!||0:00||Shroom Ridge||Mario
|style=width:3%|4-3||style="text-align:left;"|''Reach the finish before the '''red car'''!''||0:00||Shroom Ridge||Mario||3||This car is much faster than normal and drives erratically. Along the way, each [[Item Box]] contains [[Triple Mushrooms]].{{anchor|Mission 4-3}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|4-4||style="text-align:left;"|Drive through all '''7 numbered gates''' in order!||0:45||Desert Hills||Wario
|style=width:3%|4-4||style="text-align:left;"|''Drive through all '''7 numbered gates''' in order!''||0:45||Desert Hills||Wario||3||Each Item Box contains [[Triple Mushrooms]]{{anchor|Mission 4-4}}
|-
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|style=width:3%|4-5||style="text-align:left;"|Collect all '''15 coins'''. If you get squished by a Thwomp, you fail!||0:30||<small>''GBA''</small> Bowser Castle 2||Bowser
|style=width:3%|4-5||style="text-align:left;"|''Collect all '''15 coins'''. If you get squished by a Thwomp, you fail!''||0:30||<small>GBA</small> Bowser Castle 2||Bowser||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 4-5}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|4-6||style="text-align:left;"|Break all '''10 item boxes''' while avoiding the Fake Items!||1:10||<small>''N64''</small> Choco Mountain||DK
|style=width:3%|4-6||style="text-align:left;"|''Break all '''10 item boxes''' while avoiding the Fake Items!''||1:10||<small>N64</small> Choco Mountain||DK||2||{{anchor|Mission 4-6}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|4-7||style="text-align:left;"|Drive through all '''10 gates'''!<sub>2</sub>||0:45||Waluigi Pinball||Toad
|style=width:3%|4-7||style="text-align:left;"|''Drive through all '''10 gates'''!''<sub>2</sub>||0:45||Waluigi Pinball||Toad||N/A||Takes place in the pinball table area. The numbered gates can be driven through in any order, unlike other missions.{{anchor|Mission 4-7}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|4-8||style="text-align:left;"|Perform '''9 power-slide turbo boosts''' in '''1 lap'''!||1:00||<small>''GBA''</small> Luigi Circuit||Luigi
|style=width:3%|4-8||style="text-align:left;"|''Perform '''9 power-slide turbo boosts''' in '''1 lap'''!''||1:00||<small>GBA</small> Luigi Circuit||Luigi||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 4-8}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|Boss||style="text-align:left;"|Collect '''50 coins''' while avoiding [[King Boo]]!||5:00||[[Lava Arena]]*||Peach
|style=width:3%|Boss||style="text-align:left;"|''Collect '''50 coins''' while avoiding [[King Boo]]!''||5:00||[[List_of_boss_arenas_in_Mario_Kart_DS#Lava Arena|Lava Arena]]*||Peach||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 4-Boss}}
|-class=expandable
|-class=expandable
!colspan="5" style="background:#fff9f9" | Level 5
!colspan=7 | Level 5
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|5-1||style="text-align:left;"|Reach the finish before the '''stray Chain Chomp'''!||0:00||Peach Gardens||Peach
|style=width:3%|5-1||style="text-align:left;"|''Reach the finish before the '''stray Chain Chomp'''!''||0:00||Peach Gardens||Peach||3||The course features only one lap. After starting, the player can obtain a set of [[Triple Mushrooms]] from the only set of [[Item Box]]es. Notably, this mission uses {{file link|MKDS-Music-ChainChomp.oga|a rearrangement of the Chain Chomp theme}} from ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'' as its background music exclusive to this mission, having a changed melody and extended bass line and bridge.{{anchor|Mission 5-1}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|5-2||style="text-align:left;"|Drive '''backward''' and collect '''15 coins'''! If you hit a snowman, you fail!||0:30||<small>''N64''</small> Frappe Snowland||DK
|style=width:3%|5-2||style="text-align:left;"|''Drive '''backward''' and collect '''15 coins'''! If you hit a snowman, you fail!''||0:30||<small>N64</small> Frappe Snowland||DK||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 5-2}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|5-3||style="text-align:left;"|Destroy all '''5 item boxes'''!||0:35||SNES Koopa Beach 2||Toad
|style=width:3%|5-3||style="text-align:left;"|''Destroy all '''5 item boxes'''!''||0:35||<small>SNES</small> Koopa Beach 2||Toad||2||{{anchor|Mission 5-3}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|5-4||style="text-align:left;"|Drive through all '''10 numbered gates''' in order!||1:05||<small>''GBA''</small> Bowser Castle 2||Bowser
|style=width:3%|5-4||style="text-align:left;"|''Drive through all '''10 numbered gates''' in order!''||1:05||<small>GBA</small> Bowser Castle 2||Bowser||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 5-4}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|5-5||style="text-align:left;"|Complete '''1 lap''' in the opposite direction within the time limit!||0:55||<small>''GCN''</small> Mushroom Bridge||Mario
|style=width:3%|5-5||style="text-align:left;"|''Complete '''1 lap''' in the opposite direction within the time limit!''||0:55||<small>GCN</small> Mushroom Bridge||Mario||2||{{anchor|Mission 5-5}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|5-6||style="text-align:left;"|Collect all '''18 coins'''!||0:45||Tart Top||Yoshi
|style=width:3%|5-6||style="text-align:left;"|''Collect all '''18 coins'''!''||0:45||Tart Top||Yoshi||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 5-6}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|5-7||style="text-align:left;"|Drive through all '''8 numbered gates''' in order!||0:45||DK Pass**||Toad
|style=width:3%|5-7||style="text-align:left;"|''Drive through all '''8 numbered gates''' in order!''||0:45||DK Pass**||Toad||N/A||Toad has to drive through the course in reverse. Extra oncoming snowballs have been added.{{anchor|Mission 5-7}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|5-8||style="text-align:left;"|Reach the finish before '''Mario'''!||0:00||Mario Circuit||Luigi
|style=width:3%|5-8||style="text-align:left;"|''Reach the finish before '''Mario'''!''||0:00||Mario Circuit||Luigi||8||There are extra [[Goomba]]s and [[Piranha Plant]]s. Each [[Item Box]] contains a Star, Mushroom, or Triple Mushrooms.{{anchor|Mission 5-8}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|Boss||style="text-align:left;"|Hit the [[Big Bob-omb]] with '''3 Bob-ombs'''!||5:00||Sand Arena*||Wario
|style=width:3%|Boss||style="text-align:left;"|''Hit the [[King Bob-omb|Big Bob-omb]] with '''3 Bob-ombs'''!''||5:00||Sand Arena*||Wario||9||{{anchor|Mission 5-9}}
|-class=expandable
|-class=expandable
!colspan="5" style="background:#ffe4e1" | Level 6
!colspan=7|Level 6
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|6-1||style="text-align:left;"|Drive '''backward''' across the spinning bridge! If you fall, you're out!||0:30||Bowser Castle||Bowser
|style=width:3%|6-1||style="text-align:left;"|''Drive '''backward''' across the spinning bridge! If you fall, you're out!''||0:30||Bowser Castle||Bowser||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 6-1}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|6-2||style="text-align:left;"|Get Stars and run over '''15 Rocky Wrenches'''!||0:55||Airship Fortress||Wario
|style=width:3%|6-2||style="text-align:left;"|''Get Stars and run over '''15 Rocky Wrenches'''!''||0:55||Airship Fortress||Wario||4||{{anchor|Mission 6-2}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|6-3||style="text-align:left;"|Collect all '''30 coins'''!||0:45||SNES Choco Island 2||Yoshi
|style=width:3%|6-3||style="text-align:left;"|''Collect all '''30 coins'''!''||0:45||<small>SNES</small> Choco Island 2||Yoshi||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 6-3}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|6-4||style="text-align:left;"|Destroy all '''10 item boxes'''!||2:00||<small>''N64''</small> Block Fort||Mario
|style=width:3%|6-4||style="text-align:left;"|''Destroy all '''10 item boxes'''!''||2:00||<small>N64</small> Block Fort||Mario||2||{{anchor|Mission 6-4}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|6-5||style="text-align:left;"|Drive through all '''8 numbered gates''' in order!||0:50||<small>''GBA''</small> Sky Garden||Peach
|style=width:3%|6-5||style="text-align:left;"|''Drive through all '''8 numbered gates''' in order!''||0:50||<small>GBA</small> Sky Garden||Peach||3||{{anchor|Mission 6-5}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|6-6||style="text-align:left;"|Perform '''14 power-slide turbo boosts''' in '''1 lap'''!||1:00||<small>''GCN''</small> Yoshi Circuit||Yoshi
|style=width:3%|6-6||style="text-align:left;"|''Perform '''14 power-slide turbo boosts''' in '''1 lap'''!''||1:00||<small>GCN</small> Yoshi Circuit||Yoshi||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 6-6}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|6-7||style="text-align:left;"|Collect all '''40 coins'''!||1:30||Tick-Tock Clock||Toad
|style=width:3%|6-7||style="text-align:left;"|''Collect all '''40 coins'''!''||1:30||Tick-Tock Clock||Toad||N/A||The coins form the shape of a [[Super Star|Star]].{{anchor|Mission 6-7}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|6-8||style="text-align:left;"|Reach the finish before '''Peach'''!||0:00||Peach Gardens**||Bowser
|style=width:3%|6-8||style="text-align:left;"|''Reach the finish before '''Peach'''!''||0:00||Peach Gardens**||Bowser||8||This mission features only one lap. Barriers block off some routes in the hedge maze, force the player to cut through the patch of flowers just before the topiary, and force the player to take the long way around the topiary itself. Each Item Box contains a Star, Mushroom, or Triple Mushrooms.{{anchor|Mission 6-8}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|Boss||style="text-align:left;"|Use Mushroom boosts to hit [[Chief Chilly]] and '''knock him off the stage 3 times'''!||5:00||Water Arena*||Luigi
|style=width:3%|Boss||style="text-align:left;"|''Use Mushroom boosts to hit [[Chief Chilly]] and '''knock him off the stage 3 times'''!''||5:00||Water Arena*||Luigi||3||{{anchor|Mission 6-Boss}}
|-class=expandable
|-class=expandable
!colspan="5" style="background:#fff9f9" | Level 7
!colspan=7 | Level 7
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|7-1||style="text-align:left;"|Perform '''6 power-slide turbo boosts''' in '''1 lap'''!||1:00||Rainbow Road||Peach
|style=width:3%|7-1||style="text-align:left;"|''Perform '''6 power-slide turbo boosts''' in '''1 lap'''!''||1:00||Rainbow Road||Peach||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 7-1}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|7-2||style="text-align:left;"|Reach the finish before '''Bowser!||0:00||Bowser Castle||Mario
|style=width:3%|7-2||style="text-align:left;"|''Reach the finish before '''Bowser!''||0:00||Bowser Castle||Mario||8||{{anchor|Mission 7-2}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|7-3||style="text-align:left;"|Complete '''2 laps''' within the time limit!<sub>3</sub>||1:30||Tick-Tock Clock||DK
|style=width:3%|7-3||style="text-align:left;"|''Complete '''2 laps''' within the time limit!''<sub>3</sub>||1:30||Tick-Tock Clock||DK||3||There are two additional pendulums and all clock parts move faster, and each [[Item Box]] contains [[Triple Mushrooms]].{{anchor|Mission 7-3}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|7-4||style="text-align:left;"|Use shells to defeat all '''30 Goombas''' within the time limit!||2:00||Mario Circuit||Toad
|style=width:3%|7-4||style="text-align:left;"|''Use shells to defeat all '''30 Goombas''' within the time limit!''||2:00||Mario Circuit||Toad||<abbr title="Collecting an item box while triple green shells are active will result in a forced single green shell, because the player cannot get triple green shells while triple green shells are active.>5</abbr>||{{anchor|Mission 7-4}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|7-5||style="text-align:left;"|Collect all '''20 coins'''!||0:55||Wario Stadium||Wario
|style=width:3%|7-5||style="text-align:left;"|''Collect all '''20 coins'''!''||0:55||Wario Stadium||Wario||N/A||There are two additional [[Fire Chain|fire chains]] for the player to avoid.{{anchor|Mission 7-5}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|7-6||style="text-align:left;"|Drive through all '''8 numbered gates''' in order!||0:11||Nintendo DS||Mario
|style=width:3%|7-6||style="text-align:left;"|''Drive through all '''8 numbered gates''' in order!''||0:11||Nintendo DS||Mario||N/A||{{anchor|Mission 7-6}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|7-7||style="text-align:left;"|Drive '''backward''' and collect all '''12 coins'''! If you hit a burner, you fail!||0:50||Airship Fortress||Bowser
|style=width:3%|7-7||style="text-align:left;"|''Drive '''backward''' and collect all '''12 coins'''! If you hit a burner, you fail!''||0:50||Airship Fortress||Bowser||N/A||Bowser has to navigate a maze-like arrangement of wooden crates.{{anchor|Mission 7-7}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|7-8||style="text-align:left;"|Break all '''10 item boxes''' while avoiding the Fake Items!||1:05||<small>''N64''</small> Banshee Boardwalk||Luigi
|style=width:3%|7-8||style="text-align:left;"|''Break all '''10 item boxes''' while avoiding the Fake Items!''||1:05||<small>N64</small> Banshee Boardwalk||Luigi||2||{{anchor|Mission 7-8}}
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|Boss||style="text-align:left;"|Reach the finish before '''[[Wiggler#Mario Kart DS|Wiggler]]'''!||0:00||<small>''GCN''</small> Mushroom Bridge||Mario
|style=width:3%|Boss||style="text-align:left;"|''Reach the finish before '''[[Wiggler#Mario Kart DS|Wiggler]]'''!''||0:00||<small>GCN</small> Mushroom Bridge||Mario||<abbr title="Boxes on the track use set 4, while boxes hidden under vehicles use set 2.>2 & 4</abbr>||{{anchor|Mission 7-Boss}}
|}
|}
:<nowiki>*</nowiki>Conjectural title based on surroundings.
:<nowiki>*</nowiki>Conjectural title based on surroundings.
Line 294: Line 289:


===Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection mode===
===Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection mode===
''Mario Kart DS'' is the first ''Mario Kart'' game ever to support online play through the [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]] mode, though it's worth noting that it's the second ''Mario Kart'' game to support online play. Being one of the first Nintendo DS games to feature wireless connection, the game mode required some technical changes in order to avoid connection malfunctions and long time loads during online play.  
''Mario Kart DS'' was the first Nintendo game to support online play (which has since been discontinued) though it's worth noting that it's the second ''Mario Kart'' game to support online connectivity, with the Japanese version of ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'' being the first (the use of online connectivity for this game was made primarily to exchange ghost data with other players).<ref>[[tcrf:Mario Kart Super Circuit#Misc.|Mario Kart Super Circuit § Misc.]]</ref> Being one of the first Nintendo DS games to feature wireless connection, the game mode required some technical changes in order to avoid connection malfunctions and long time loads during online play.


The following changes from the main game are enforced:
The following changes and restrictions were applied to prevent excessive lag:
*Only up to four players
*Only up to four players
*Only 100cc engine is available
*Only the 100cc engine class was available
*12 of 32 courses are omitted
*12 of 32 courses were omitted
 
*No multi-items
Also there are in-game changes made to reduce possible lags:
*No spilled [[List of items|Items]] onto course to be used; items were just lost
*No triple [[Banana]]s or triple shells
*Items could not be dragged behind the kart
*No spilled [[Items]] onto course to be used or tripped on - items are just lost
*Item roulette could not be stopped earlier
*No items held behind racer
*Course obstacles could not be destroyed (e.g. boxes in Delfino Square or snowballs in DK Pass)
*Item roulette cannot be stopped early
{|class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto;text-align:center;max-width:60em"
*Course obstacles cannot be destroyed (e.g. boxes in Delfino Square or snowballs in DK Pass)
 
{| border="1" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2 align="center" style="background:#fffcfc;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse; font-family:arial" width=84%
|-
|-
! colspan=9 style="background:#fff5f5;text-align:center" width=85% | Point Spread Comparisons
!colspan="9" style="background:#e0e0e0"|Point Spread Comparisons
|-
|-
! style="background:#fff7f7;text-align:center" width=15% | !! style="background:#fff7f7;text-align:center;" width=4% | 1st !! style="background:#fff9f9;text-align:center" width=4% | 2nd !! style="background:#fff9f9;text-align:center;" width=4% | 3rd !! style="background:#fff7f7;text-align:center" width=4% | 4th !! style="background:#fff7f7;text-align:center;" width=4% | 5th !! style="background:#fff9f9;text-align:center;" width=4% | 6th !! style="background:#fff9f9;text-align:center;" width=4% | 7th !! style="background:#fff7f7;text-align:center;" width=4% | 8th
!style="max-width:20em"| !!style="width:2.5em"|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
|-
|-
|SMK + MK64 + MKSC GP ||style="background:#f0fff0"| 9 ||style="background:#ffffe0"| 6 ||style="background:#ffffe0"| 3 ||style="background:#ffffe0"| 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|'''''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!!''<br>''Mario Kart DS'' Grand Prix'''||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"|10||style="background:#CF0"|8||style="background:#CF0"|6||4||3||2||1||0
|-
|-
|MKDD + MKDS GP ||style="background:#f0fff0"| 10 ||style="background:#ffffe0"| 8 ||style="background:#ffffe0"| 6 || 4 || 3 || 2 || 1 || 0
|'''''Mario Kart DS'' Teams'''<ref>https://youtu.be/rHS3RQfqxSg?t=835</ref>||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"|15||style="background:#CF0"|12||style="background:#CF0"|9||6||4||2||1||0
|-
|-
|WFC 4 Players ||style="background:#f0fff0"| 10 ||style="background:#ffffe0"| 7 || 4 || 1 ||style="background:#fff3f3"| - ||style="background:#fff3f3"| - ||style="background:#fff3f3"| - ||style="background:#fff3f3"| -
|'''''Mario Kart DS'' WFC 4 Players'''||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"|10||style="background:#CF0"|7||4||1||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||-
|-
|-
|WFC 3 Players ||style="background:#f0fff0"| 10 || 7 || 4 ||style="background:#fff3f3"| - ||style="background:#fff3f3"| - ||style="background:#fff3f3"| - ||style="background:#fff3f3"| - ||style="background:#fff3f3"| -
|'''''Mario Kart DS'' WFC 3 Players'''||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"|10||7||4||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||-
|-
|-
|WFC 2 Players ||style="background:#f0fff0"| 10 || 5 ||style="background:#fff3f3"| - ||style="background:#fff3f3"| - ||style="background:#fff3f3"| - ||style="background:#fff3f3"| - ||style="background:#fff3f3"| - ||style="background:#fff3f3"| -
|'''''Mario Kart DS'' WFC 2 Players'''||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"|10||5||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||-
|-
|-
| colspan=9 style="text-align:justify;font-size:smaller;" | <span style="background:#f0fff0">Signifies victory results (great clapping, character(s) cheering), best after-race music</span><br><span style="background:#ffffe0">Signifies moderate results (mild clapping, moderate character reaction), same music in Wi-Fi as winner but different in Grand Prix</span><br>Normal bg signifies losing results, losing music<br><span style="background:#fff3f3">Not available</span><br>- signifies that the game forces the player to retry the race (0 pts). If the racer comes in 5th-8th more than three times, the [[Grand Prix]] must be started over.
|colspan=9 style="text-align:justify;font-size:smaller;"|<span style="background:#096;color:white">Grove-green bg signifies victory results (great clapping, character(s) cheering), best after-race music</span><br><span style="background:#CF0">Lime-green bg signifies moderate results (mild clapping, moderate character reaction), same music in Wi-Fi as winner but different in Grand Prix</span><br>Normal bg signifies losing results, losing music (kart engine stops if not in Grand Prix mode if the player placed last). In ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'', ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'', the race will be restarted (0 pts) if the racer comes in 5th-8th. If this happens more than three times (except in ''Mario Kart 64''), the [[Grand Prix]] must be started over.<br>&mdash; means not available
|}
|}
====Connection====
Players could connect using a wireless connection or a [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection#Logging in|Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector]] (preferably high-speed.) Racers would choose to search for other players in "Friends" (more info below), "Rivals" (players with a similar record), "Regional" or "Continental" in Non-American versions of the game (players in same country or continent), and "Worldwide", the latter possible to cause long lags. Other racers searching in the same category were randomly grouped. The game tried to find four players, but eventually settled for three or two if necessary. Players chose their characters, karts, and the course they wanted for the first of four races.


====Connection====
In addition to the 20 courses listed in order of when it is encountered, there was also a random button. After everyone's selection was placed, a course was chosen based on the responses. If all players each picked a different course, the system randomly picked one. If four players chose two courses, two each, the game randomly selected from those two. On the other hand, the most voted course by a group of users was selected to race. It proceeded like so for four races, then the points were tallied up, and after the match, a player's wins and losses were totaled.
Players connect using a wireless connection or a [[Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector]] (preferably high-speed.) Racers choose to search for other players in "Friends" (more info below), "Rivals" (players with a similar record), "Regional" or "Continental" in Non-American versions of the game (players in same country or continent), and "Worldwide", the latter possible to cause long lags. Other racers searching in the same category are randomly grouped. The game tries to find four players, but will eventually settle for three or two if necessary. Characters choose their characters, karts, and the course they want for the first of four races.


In addition to the 20 courses listed in order of when it is encountered, there is also a random button. After everyone's selection is placed, a course is chosen based on the responses. (If 3 players each pick a different course, the system randomly picks one. If four players choose two courses, two each, the game randomly picks from those two. On the other hand, the most voted course by a group of four or three users is selected to race. It goes like so for four races, then the points are tallied up, and after the match a player's wins and losses are totaled. (Each player receives one "win" for finishing ahead of a player and one "loss" for finishing behind of a player. For example, a player winning a 3-player match receives 2 wins and 0 losses. A player coming 2nd in a 4-player match receives 2 wins and 1 loss. A player tied for third in a 4-player match gets only 2 losses, as compared to 3. A player tied in a 2-player match is simply called a tie and does not affect either player's record.) Players can continue after the match to play the same racers again or quit to restart the process to find other players.
Each player received one "win" for finishing ahead of a player and one "loss" for finishing behind of a player. If a player tied with another player, it did not count as a "win" or "loss". For example:
*A player winning a 3-player match, or ties for 1st with one other player in a 4-player match receives 2 wins and 0 losses.  
*A player coming 2nd in a 4-player match receives 2 wins and 1 loss.  
*A player tied for third in a 4-player match gets only 2 losses, as compared to 3.  
*A player tied with all other players, no matter how many players are participating, was simply called a tie and did not affect either player's record.
Players could continue after the match to play the same racers again or quit to restart the process to find other players.


====Issues====
====Issues====
'''Problem:''' Trouble with friend codes
'''Problem:''' Trouble with friend codes
:A) '''Friend Code System'''. Each copy of the game comes with a 12-digit code known as a "friend code". Players can enter other codes into the other player's "friend roster" to create a friend list, where [[Wi-Fi]] records between the players is stored. When a friend is online at the same time, a symbol will appear above the Wi-Fi strength symbol, whether trying to find racers or during racing. Yet, both (or more) players must have each (or all) of their friend codes registered and be looking in the friends section at the same time to hook up. If the player were to find a racer to compete against elsewhere online, there's no communication for a friend code swap; the only way to race again is to do it right away by selecting ''continue'' after a match.
:A) '''Friend Code System'''. Each copy of the game comes with a 12-digit code known as a "friend code". Players could enter codes into each other's "friend roster" to create a friend list, where [[Wi-Fi]] records between the players were stored. When a friend was online at the same time, a symbol would appear above the Wi-Fi strength symbol, whether trying to find racers or during racing. Yet, both (or more) players must have had each (or all) of their friend codes registered and be looking in the friends section at the same time to hook up. If the player were to find a racer to compete against elsewhere online, there was no communication for a friend code swap; the only way to race again is to do it right away by selecting ''continue'' after a match.
 
'''Problem:''' Disconnecting racers change the outcome of the match; it is later reflected in the match records.
'''Problem:''' Disconnecting racers change the outcome of the match; it is later reflected in the match records.
:B) '''Disconnecting'''. Take this scenario into consideration:
:B) '''Disconnecting'''. Take this scenario into consideration:
::''Bob started in a four-player match, but two people have disconnected since, and he is now in a two-player match against a three-star player, and has come 2nd and 3rd in the first 2 races. It is 20-11. Bob wins the next match, bringing the totals to 25-21. But, in the fourth race, the three-star player is a full half-lap ahead with one lap to go. Bob realizes that he might not win this race; however, Bob has researched about Wi-Fi connections and has learned a trick. He leaves his DS untouched, bringing his kart to a stop, then finds his wireless router, and disconnects it. According to the record-book, Bob has won the match from which he has disconnected.''
::''Bob started in a four-player match, but two people have disconnected since, and he is now in a two-player match against a three-star player, and has come second and third in the first two races. It is 20-11. Josh wins the next match, bringing the totals to 25-21. But, in the fourth race, the three-star player is a full half-lap ahead with one lap to go. Josh realizes that he might not win this race; however, Josh has researched about Wi-Fi connections and has learned a trick. He leaves his DS untouched, bringing his kart to a stop, then finds his wireless router, and disconnects it. According to the record-book, Bob has won the match from which he has disconnected.''
'''Causes:'''
'''Causes:'''
*The two players who disconnected earlier are experiencing certain effects. When a player is disconnected from Wi-Fi via turning off his or her DS, the player is charged with the same number of losses as there are other players. Players can disconnect at any time, but if they cancel before the first course is chosen, there is no effect on the win-loss record. Other players finishing the whole match gain one win per disconnected player.
*The two players who disconnected earlier are experiencing certain effects. When a player is disconnected from Wi-Fi via turning off his or her DS, the player is charged with the same number of losses as there are other players. Players can disconnect at any time, but if they cancel before the first course is chosen, there is no effect on the win-loss record. Other players finishing the whole match gain one win per disconnected player.
*Refer to the point spread chart for WFC. Mid-match, due to disconnected players, the point spread can change. For example, when it goes down from 4 to 3 players, the point conversion is not affected for the top three. Yet, from three to two, it is. In the first two races, Bob lost 3 and 6 points to the three-star player, under the 10-7-4(-1) point spread. But, if he had won the last two races, under the 10-5 point spread, he would have recovered 10 points - and would have won, 31-30, even though he came in 3rd once and only won two out of four races.
*Refer to the point spread chart for WFC. Mid-match, due to disconnected players, the point spread can change. For example, when it goes down from four to three players, the point conversion is not affected for the top three. Yet, from three to two, it is. In the first two races, Josh lost three and six points to the three-star player, under the 10-7-4(-1) point spread. But, if he had won the last two races, under the 10-5 point spread, he would have recovered ten points - and would have won, 31-30, even though he came in third once and only won two out of four races.
*Players occasionally disconnect when losing. A glitch in the game affects the final results, and this is exactly what Bob does in the scenario. Instead of turning off the DS, he disconnects his actual connection. The three-star player would have gained 3 wins, but when everyone disconnects, it takes no effect on the winning player's records.
*Players occasionally disconnect when losing. A glitch in the game affects the final results, and this is exactly what Josh does in the scenario. Instead of turning off the DS, he disconnects his actual connection. The three-star player would have gained three wins, but when everyone disconnects, it takes no effect on the winning player's records.
**To restate and make clear: if Bob would have played it out and lost the 4th race, the result would have been 35-26, in favor of the three-star player.
**To restate and make clear: if Josh would have played it out and lost the fourth race, the result would have been 35-26, in favor of the three-star player.
 
==Characters==
===Drivers===
The main game has 12 playable characters, 4 of which are unlockable. The eight starting characters, [[Mario]], [[Luigi]], [[Princess Peach|Peach]], [[Yoshi]], [[Toad]], [[Donkey Kong]], [[Wario]], and [[Bowser]], are the same eight characters available in ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]''. The other four drivers can be unlocked by winning a gold trophy of certain cups in [[Mario Kart (series)#Modes of play|Grand Prix]] mode. Two of the unlockable characters, [[Princess Daisy|Daisy]] and [[Waluigi]], return from ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', and the other two, [[Dry Bones]] and [[R.O.B.]], make their first ''Mario Kart'' playable appearances. A 13th racer, [[Shy Guy]], debuts as a playable character sharing [[Yoshi]]'s statistics, but is only available to players using DS Download Play. Discounting the multiplayer-exclusive Shy Guy, this is the first game since ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' where the player classes are divided evenly, with four characters in each.
 
====Default drivers====
{|style="text-align:center"class="wikitable sortable"
!Driver
!Weight
!Class
!Signature kart
!Standard kart
!Unlockable kart
!Borrowed karts
!Description
|-
|[[File:MKDS Mario Standard Kart Artwork.png|200x150px]]<br>[[Mario]]
|'''32'''<br>{{bar meter|64|36}}
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|[[B Dasher]]
|[[Standard MR]]
|[[Shooting Star (kart)|Shooting Star]]
|[[4-Wheel Cradle]]<br>[[Light Dancer]]<br>[[Banisher]]<br>[[Gold Mantis]]
|''Mario is familiar to racers one and all. With a balance of abilities, he is a racer suited to all situations.''
|-
|[[File:Luigi in Standard LG MKDS artwork.png|200x150px]]<br>[[Luigi]]
|'''32'''<br>{{bar meter|64|36}}
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|[[Poltergust 4000]]
|[[Standard LG]]
|[[Streamliner]]
|[[Cucumber]]<br>[[Wildlife]]<br>[[Dragonfly]]<br>[[ROB-BLS]]
|''Mario's younger brother Luigi is ready to race. His superb traction makes it hard for him to spin out.''
|-
|[[File:MKDS Peach Artwork.png|200x150px]]<br>[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
|23<br>{{bar meter|46|54}}
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|[[Royale]]
|[[Standard PC]]
|[[Light Tripper]]
|[[4-Wheel Cradle]]<br>[[Wildlife]]<br>[[Power Flower (kart)|Power Flower]]<br>[[Dry Bomber]]
|''A generally genteel princess, the heart of a competitor burns deep within her. She is adapt at drifting.''
|-
|[[File:MKDS Yoshi Artwork.png|200x150px]]<br>[[Yoshi]]
|20<br>{{bar meter|40|60}}
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|[[Egg 1]]
|[[Standard YS]]
|[[Cucumber]]
|[[Mushmellow]]<br>[[Banisher]]<br>[[Poltergust 4000]]<br>[[Royale]]
|''While Yoshi is usually ridden by Mario, this time he's ready to race. Yoshi's traction is excellent.''
|-
|[[File:MKDS Toad Artwork.png|200x150px]]<br>[[Toad]]
|17<br>{{bar meter|34|66}}
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|[[Mushmellow]]
|[[Standard TD]]
|[[4-Wheel Cradle]]
|[[Dry Bomber]]<br>[[Zipper (kart)|Zipper]]<br>[[Shooting Star (kart)|Shooting Star]]<br>[[Royale]]
|''Toad uses his tiny stature to his advantage as he skillfully weaves in and out of traffic on the track.''
|-
|[[File:MKDS Donkey Kong Standard Kart Artwork.png|200x150px]]<br>[[Donkey Kong]]
|41<br>{{bar meter|82|18}}
|{{color|red|Heavy}}
|[[Rambi Rider]]
|[[Standard DK]]
|[[Wildlife]]
|[[Hurricane (kart)|Hurricane]]<br>[[Power Flower (kart)|Power Flower]]<br>[[Gold Mantis]]<br>[[ROB-LGS]]
|''DK overwhelms his opponents with his jungle instincts. He drifts through comers like a mad-man...or a mad-ape!''
|-
|[[File:MKDS Wario Artwork.png|200x150px]]<br>[[Wario]]
|44<br>{{bar meter|88|12}}
|{{color|red|Heavy}}
|[[Brute]]
|[[Standard WR]]
|[[Dragonfly]]
|[[Tyrant]]<br>[[Zipper (kart)|Zipper]]<br>[[ROB-BLS]]<br>[[Shooting Star (kart)|Shooting Star]]
|''As his name implies, he's the anti-hero to Mario's heroism. Other than acceleration, he has no foil.''
|-
|[[File:MKDS Bowser Artwork.png|200x150px]]<br>[[Bowser]]
|50<br>{{bar meter|100}}
|{{color|red|Heavy}}
|[[Tyrant]]
|[[Standard BW]]
|[[Hurricane (kart)|Hurricane]]
|[[Light Dancer]]<br>[[ROB-LGS]]<br>[[Rambi Rider]]<br>[[Brute]]
|''Mario's arch-enemy is superb at using his driving skills to race through curves.''
|}
 
====Unlockable drivers====
{|style="text-align:center"class="wikitable sortable"
!Driver
!Weight
!Class
!Signature kart
!Standard kart
!Unlockable kart
!Borrowed karts
!Unlock method
|-
|[[File:PrincessDaisyMKDS.png|200x150px]]<br>[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]
|26<br>{{bar meter|52|48}}
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|[[Power Flower (kart)|Power Flower]]
|[[Standard DS]]
|[[Light Dancer]]
|[[B Dasher]]<br>[[Light Tripper]]<br>[[Egg 1]]<br>[[Rambi Rider]]
|Obtain a gold trophy for every 50cc Retro Grand Prix cup
|-
|[[File:MKDS Dry Bones Artwork.png|200x150px]]<br>[[Dry Bones]]<sup>(new)</sup>
|14<br>{{bar meter|28|72}}
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|[[Banisher]]
|[[Standard DB]]
|[[Dry Bomber]]
|[[Streamliner]]<br>[[Light Tripper]]<br>[[Cucumber]]<br>[[Mushmellow]]
|Obtain a gold trophy for every 50cc Nitro Grand Prix cup
|-
|[[File:MKDS Waluigi Artwork.png|200x150px]]<br>[[Waluigi]]
|35<br>{{bar meter|70|30}}
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|[[Gold Mantis]]
|[[Standard WL]]
|[[Zipper (kart)|Zipper]]
|[[B Dasher]]<br>[[Poltergust 4000]]<br>[[Brute]]<br>[[Tyrant]]
|Obtain a gold trophy for every 100cc Retro Grand Prix cup
|-
|[[File:MKDS ROB Artwork.png|200x150px]]<br>[[R.O.B.]]<sup>(new)</sup>
|50<br>{{bar meter|100}}
|{{color|red|Heavy}}
|[[ROB-BLS]]
|[[Standard RB]]
|[[ROB-LGS]]
|[[Streamliner]]<br>[[Egg 1]]<br>[[Dragonfly]]<br>[[Hurricane (kart)|Hurricane]]
|Obtain a gold trophy for either every 150cc Mirror Nitro Grand Prix cup or Retro Grand Prix cup
|}
 
====DS Download Play only====
{|style="text-align:center"class="wikitable sortable"
!Driver
!Weight
!Class
!Standard kart
!Description
|-
|[[File:MKDS Shy Guy Artwork.png|200x150px]]<br>[[Shy Guy]]<sup>(new)</sup>
|20<br>{{bar meter|40|60}}
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|{{conjectural|[[Standard SG]]}}
|''Shy Guy stares out from behind his mask, his gaze revealing the hidden weaknesses of his opponents. Shy Guy only appears in DS Download Play matches.''
|}
 
===Other characters===
These characters are non-playable. They appear as either spectators, hazards, or obstacles of certain courses.
{|class="wikitable"
!style="background-color:red;color:white"|Image
!style="background-color:red;color:white"|Name
!style="background-color:red;color:white"|Course appearance(s)
!style="background-color:red;color:white"|Description
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:MKDSAngrySun.png|60px]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Angry Sun]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[DS Desert Hills|Desert Hills]]
|The Angry Sun shoots out [[Fire Snake]]s onto certain areas of the track when the second lap begins.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:MKDS Boo Sprite.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Boo]]
|style="text-align:center;white-space:nowrap"|[[DS Luigi's Mansion|Luigi's Mansion]]<br>{{classic-link|N64|Banshee Boardwalk}}
|In addition to being items in the game, Boos appear at certain parts of the race and make their trademark noises. These Boos are merely there for decoration, and are not hazards nor obstacles.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:BubbaMKDS.png|60px]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Cheep Chomp|Bubba]]
|style="text-align:center"|<small>N64</small> Banshee Boardwalk
|Bubba jumps out of the water over the track. It does not hit any of the racers.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:MKDS Airship Fortress Bullet Bill Screenshot.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Bullet Bill]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[DS Airship Fortress|Airship Fortress]]
|Also in addition to being an item in the game, Bullet Bills are shot out of the [[Airship]] towards the starting line, knocking out any racers in their path.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:MKDSBurner.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Burner]]
|style="text-align:center"|Airship Fortress<br>[[Bowser Castle (Mario Kart DS)|Bowser Castle]]
|Burners drop out of the ceiling onto the ground for a brief moment, setting the racer on fire if contact is made.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:MKDSChainChomp.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Chain Chomp]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[DS Peach Gardens|Peach Gardens]]<br>{{classic-link|GCN|Luigi Circuit}}
|In Peach Gardens, chain-less Chain Chomps are all around the path. Some have a tail of [[Item Box]]es. In Luigi Circuit, a Chain Chomp chained to a stake lunges at nearby players.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:MKDS Cheep Cheep Sprite.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Cheep Cheep]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[DS Cheep Cheep Beach|Cheep Cheep Beach]]<br>{{classic-link|SNES|Koopa Troopa Beach 2|Koopa Beach 2}}
|In both courses, Cheep Cheeps bounce on the shoreline and spin racers out of control if driven into them.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:MKDSFireBar.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Fire Bar]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[DS Wario Stadium|Wario Stadium]]
|Different variations of Fire Bars are abundant on the track. Some spin in circles after a [[Dash Panel]] ramp. Others are in a triangle-like formation. Both set the racers on fire.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:MKDSFireSnake.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Fire Snake|Firesnake]]
|style="text-align:center"|Desert Hills
|Fire Snakes are projected from the Angry Sun and bounce around at certain points on the track.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:MKDSGoomba.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Goomba]]
|style="text-align:center"|Mario Circuit
|Goombas are situated on the track and spin players out of control. If [[Lightning]] strikes or if they're hit by shells, they get squashed and drop [[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]]s, though they continue walking even while flattened.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:MKDSLavaBubble.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Lava Bubble]]
|style="text-align:center"|{{classic-link|GBA|Bowser's Castle 2|Bowser Castle 2}}
|Lava Bubbles jump out of lava pits at several places around the course. If a racer drives into a Lava Bubble, their kart is briefly set on fire, and they also usually fall into the lava.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:MontyMoleMKDS.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Monty Mole]]
|style="text-align:center"|Peach Gardens<br>{{classic-link|N64|Moo Moo Farm}}
|Monty Moles peak out of holes and then jump, posing as obstacles for the drivers.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:MKDSMooMoo.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Moo Moo]]
|style="text-align:center"|<small>N64</small> Moo Moo Farm
|There are several Moo Moos in the background of the track, only posing as onlookers.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:Pianta MKDS blue.png]][[File:Pianta MKDS pink.png]][[File:Pianta MKDS yellow.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Pianta]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[DS Delfino Square|Delfino Square]]
|Piantas appear as spectators of the race. Additionally, a Pianta statue is found in the beginning of the track.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:Piranha Plant MKDS sprite.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Piranha Plant]]
|style="text-align:center"|Mario Circuit<br>{{classic-link|SNES|Choco Island 2}}<br>{{classic-link|GCN|Yoshi Circuit}}
|Piranha Plants pose as obstacles on the race tracks, spinning drivers out of control for a brief moment.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:PokeyMKDS.png|32x110px]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Pokey]]
|style="text-align:center"|Desert Hills
|Many Pokeys appear on the track, creating obstacles for the drivers.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:MKDS Rocky Wrench Render.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Rocky Wrench]]
|style="text-align:center"|Airship Fortress
|Rocky Wrenches are a stage obstacle. They hide under lids on the track. Their pattern is to briefly peak out before exposing themselves. If a racer drives over a lid which a Rocky Wrench peeks from, their kart jumps slightly into the air. If racers drive into a Rocky Wrench, their kart will be knocked over.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:SidestepperMKDS.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Sidestepper]]
|style="text-align:center"|Cheep Cheep Beach
|Sidesteppers are stationed on the sand, spinning players out of control if driven into them.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:MKDSSnowman.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Snowman]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[DS DK Pass|DK Pass]]<br>{{classic-link|N64|Frappe Snowland}}
|Snowmen are situated on the track, causing the player to be thrown backwards if driven into them.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:MKDS Swoop.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Swoop]]
|style="text-align:center"|<small>N64</small> Banshee Boardwalk
|A colony of Swoops fly towards the racers, slowing them down if they drive directly into the swarm.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:MKDSThwomp.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Thwomp]]
|style="text-align:center"|Bowser Castle<br><small>GBA</small> Bowser Castle 2
|Thwomps appear as enemies, performing their trademark slam attempt at the drivers below. Additionally, some Thwomps move side to side on the ground.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:MKDSFirePiranhaPlant.png]]
|style="white-space:nowrap;text-align:center"|[[Fire Piranha Plant|Venus Fire Trap]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[DS Mario Circuit|Mario Circuit]]
|Venus Fire Traps are stationed in [[Warp Pipe|pipe]]s and spit fire at oncoming racers.
|-
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:MKDSTree.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[Walking Tree]]
|style="text-align:center"|Luigi's Mansion
|Walking Trees walk in patterns and pose as obstacles for the drivers.
|}
 
==Karts==
[[File:Mario in Standard MR MKDS.png|thumb|The kart selection screen in ''Mario Kart DS'' with Mario only.]]
In ''Mario Kart DS'', there are 36 different karts (37 if including the [[Standard SG]]) in total.
 
Every kart shows six ratings:
*'''Speed:''' How high the top speed of the kart is; how fast the kart can go. [[Bowser]] and [[R.O.B.]] have the fastest karts.
*'''Acceleration:''' The time the kart's top speed is achieved when accelerating (the higher the acceleration, the shorter players wait until they reach their kart's top speed, and the lower it is, the longer they wait). [[Dry Bones]]' karts can reach their top speed very quickly.
*'''Weight:''' When a vehicle is heavy, the driver can knock a lighter kart. Unlike other stats, the character contributes to this stat, with [[Bowser]] and [[R.O.B.]] being very heavy, and the former of which having the heaviest karts. Characters with a higher weight stat, however, will also apply a penalty to the vehicle's '''Off-Road''' stat (which is hidden to the player).
*'''Handling:''' How tight the kart can normally turn without drifting. [[Dry Bones]] has the best turning curve.
*'''Drift:''' How tight the kart turns while drifting or powersliding. [[Princess Peach|Peach]] has the best drifting curve.
*'''Items:''' The variety of items to use when touching an [[Item Box]] (a high Items rating signifies a higher chance of getting Triple Bananas in first place, Triple Mushrooms in third, fourth, etc.).
 
For all stats, one or more karts will have a rating of one hundred for that stat; for example, the [[Hurricane (kart)|Hurricane]] and [[ROB-BLS]] have speed ratings of one hundred, the [[Dry Bomber]] has both acceleration and handling rates of one hundred, the [[Tyrant]] has a weight rating of one hundred if normally paired with Bowser or R.O.B., the [[Light Tripper]] has a drift rating of one hundred, and each character has an items rating of one hundred for their heavier signature kart, an items rating of sixty-six for their standard kart, and an items rating of thirty-three for their lighter signature kart.
 
Originally, only two karts are available for each character; a signature kart and a standard kart. As the player wins gold trophies in the 100cc Nitro Grand Prix, the player will unlock a second signature kart for each character. When the player wins a gold trophy in either 150cc [[Special Cup]] or [[Lightning Cup]], four signature karts from different characters will become available, bringing the total to seven karts for each character. After winning gold trophies in all eight cups in Mirror Mode, each character can be paired in any of the 36 karts, making 432 combinations (excluding Shy Guy). CPU drivers will only use their characters' respective karts in races and battles.
 
The following ratings are from zero to one hundred, directly obtained from the values used by the game to fill the bar in the kart selection screen.<ref>[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15fb4tuhafxs3L0u9dKcKkwcB8oNPSgbXVFr9Dwl_gfM/pubhtml A transcription of the in-game statistics of ''Mario Kart DS'']. The values used to fill the bars in the kart selection screen are found in the ''kartmenuparam'' and ''charmenuparam'' sections.</ref> The exception is weight, which due to needing to be combined with character weight for the full value, is instead from zero to fifty. On a side note, it is worth noting that a kart with a high items rating will usually have lower overall stats than the standard karts. Likewise, karts with a low items rating will usually have higher overall stats than the standard karts. Karts with a high items rating tend to be heavier than the karts with a low items rating. Karts with high items rating also receive more Mushroom boosts in Time Trial mode. The player will get one Mushroom boost if the items rating is low, two if the items rating is average, and three if the items rating is high. The weight class of the character does not play an important role in ''Mario Kart DS'', as the weight does not create kart use restrictions.
 
===Signature karts===
The first type of karts are the signature karts. They are all unique and unlocked by default, with one per each character. By collecting all golden trophies in Nitro or Retro 150cc, signature karts are opened to certain other drivers. By collecting all golden trophies in 150cc Mirror Mode, any driver may use any other's signature karts.
 
{|style="text-align:center"class="wikitable sortable sticky-header"
!Vehicle
!Speed
!Acceleration
!Weight
!Handling
!Drift
!Items
!Owner
!Secondary drivers
|-
|[[File:MKDS B Dasher Model.png|150px]]<br>[[B Dasher]]
|58<br>{{bar meter|58|42}}
|69<br>{{bar meter|69|31}}
|41<br>{{bar meter|82|18}}
|52<br>{{bar meter|52|48}}
|55<br>{{bar meter|55|45}}
|100<br>{{bar meter|100}}
|[[Mario]]
|[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]<br>[[Waluigi]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Poltergust 4000 Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Poltergust 4000]]
|75<br>{{bar meter|75|25}}
|76<br>{{bar meter|76|24}}
|17<br>{{bar meter|34|66}}
|77<br>{{bar meter|77|23}}
|33<br>{{bar meter|33|67}}
|33<br>{{bar meter|33|67}}
|[[Luigi]]
|[[Yoshi]]<br>[[Waluigi]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Royale Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Royale]]
|41<br>{{bar meter|41|59}}
|69<br>{{bar meter|69|31}}
|44<br>{{bar meter|88|12}}
|45<br>{{bar meter|45|55}}
|94<br>{{bar meter|94|6}}
|100<br>{{bar meter|100}}
|[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
|[[Yoshi]]<br>[[Toad]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Egg 1 Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Egg 1]]
|59<br>{{bar meter|59|41}}
|91<br>{{bar meter|91|9}}
|14<br>{{bar meter|28|72}}
|89<br>{{bar meter|89|11}}
|41<br>{{bar meter|41|59}}
|33<br>{{bar meter|33|67}}
|[[Yoshi]]
|[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]<br>[[R.O.B.]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Mushmellow Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Mushmellow]]
|43<br>{{bar meter|43|57}}
|87<br>{{bar meter|87|13}}
|17<br>{{bar meter|34|66}}
|69<br>{{bar meter|69|31}}
|69<br>{{bar meter|69|31}}
|33<br>{{bar meter|33|67}}
|[[Toad]]
|[[Dry Bones]]<br>[[Yoshi]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Rambi Rider Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Rambi Rider]]
|74<br>{{bar meter|74|26}}
|44<br>{{bar meter|44|56}}
|47<br>{{bar meter|94|6}}
|31<br>{{bar meter|31|69}}
|74<br>{{bar meter|74|26}}
|100<br>{{bar meter|100}}
|[[Donkey Kong]]
|[[Bowser]]<br>[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Brute Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Brute]]
|92<br>{{bar meter|92|8}}
|53<br>{{bar meter|53|47}}
|23<br>{{bar meter|46|54}}
|51<br>{{bar meter|51|49}}
|49<br>{{bar meter|49|51}}
|33<br>{{bar meter|33|67}}
|[[Wario]]
|[[Bowser]]<br>[[Waluigi]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Tyrant Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Tyrant]]
|90<br>{{bar meter|90|10}}
|25<br>{{bar meter|25|75}}
|50<br>{{bar meter|100}}
|25<br>{{bar meter|25|75}}
|64<br>{{bar meter|64|36}}
|100<br>{{bar meter|100}}
|[[Bowser]]
|[[Waluigi]]<br>[[Wario]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Power Flower Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Power Flower (kart)|Power Flower]]
|58<br>{{bar meter|58|42}}
|61<br>{{bar meter|61|39}}
|35<br>{{bar meter|70|30}}
|36<br>{{bar meter|36|64}}
|84<br>{{bar meter|84|16}}
|100<br>{{bar meter|100}}
|[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]
|[[Princess Peach|Peach]]<br>[[Donkey Kong]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Banisher Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Banisher]]
|25<br>{{bar meter|25|75}}
|97<br>{{bar meter|97|3}}
|35<br>{{bar meter|70|30}}
|91<br>{{bar meter|91|9}}
|45<br>{{bar meter|45|55}}
|100<br>{{bar meter|100}}
|[[Dry Bones]]
|[[Mario]]<br>[[Yoshi]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Gold Mantis Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Gold Mantis]]
|75<br>{{bar meter|75|25}}
|65<br>{{bar meter|65|35}}
|29<br>{{bar meter|58|42}}
|60<br>{{bar meter|60|40}}
|59<br>{{bar meter|59|41}}
|33<br>{{bar meter|33|67}}
|[[Waluigi]]
|[[Mario]]<br>[[Donkey Kong]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS ROB-BLS Model.png|150px]]<br>[[ROB-BLS]]
|100<br>{{bar meter|100}}
|55<br>{{bar meter|55|45}}
|25<br>{{bar meter|50|50}}
|69<br>{{bar meter|69|31}}
|28<br>{{bar meter|28|72}}
|33<br>{{bar meter|33|67}}
|[[R.O.B.]]
|[[Luigi]]<br>[[Wario]]
|}
 
===Standard karts===
The second type of karts are the [[Standard Kart|standard kart]]s, which are also available by default. They all follow a similar design to each other, with only the color differing, and tend to have more rounded statistics. They are automatically used for missions and battle modes, and are given mildly different statistics in the latter than in normal races, aside from the weight and item stats which are identical for all standard karts. They are not unlocked for alternate characters after collecting all golden trophies in Nitro or Retro 150cc, unlike the signature karts. However, they are still unlocked for other characters along with every other kart after collecting all golden trophies in 150cc Mirror Mode. The one exception is the [[Shy Guy]]s' standard kart, which uses the same statistics as Yoshi's and is only available for Shy Guys as their sole kart.
 
{|style="text-align:center"class="wikitable sortable sticky-header"
!Vehicle
!Speed
!Acceleration
!Weight
!Handling
!Drift
!Items
!Owner
|-
|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart MR Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Standard MR]]
|'''Race:''' 64<br>{{bar meter|64|36}}<br>'''Battle:''' 50<br>{{bar meter|50|50}}
|'''Race:''' 72<br>{{bar meter|72|28}}<br>'''Battle:''' 54<br>{{bar meter|54|46}}
|32<br>{{bar meter|64|36}}
|'''Race:''' 56<br>{{bar meter|56|44}}<br>'''Battle:''' 50<br>{{bar meter|50|50}}
|'''Race:''' 57<br>{{bar meter|57|43}}<br>'''Battle:''' 50<br>{{bar meter|50|50}}
|66<br>{{bar meter|66|34}}
|[[Mario]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart LG Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Standard LG]]
|'''Race:''' 72<br>{{bar meter|72|28}}<br>'''Battle:''' 56<br>{{bar meter|56|44}}
|'''Race:''' 74<br>{{bar meter|74|26}}<br>'''Battle:''' 58<br>{{bar meter|58|42}}
|32<br>{{bar meter|64|36}}
|'''Race:''' 73<br>{{bar meter|73|27}}<br>'''Battle:''' 63<br>{{bar meter|63|37}}
|'''Race:''' 32<br>{{bar meter|32|68}}<br>'''Battle:''' 31<br>{{bar meter|31|69}}
|66<br>{{bar meter|66|34}}
|[[Luigi]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart PC Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Standard PC]]
|'''Race:''' 47<br>{{bar meter|47|53}}<br>'''Battle:''' 38<br>{{bar meter|38|62}}
|'''Race:''' 73<br>{{bar meter|73|27}}<br>'''Battle:''' 55<br>{{bar meter|55|45}}
|32<br>{{bar meter|64|36}}
|'''Race:''' 48<br>{{bar meter|48|52}}<br>'''Battle:''' 44<br>{{bar meter|44|56}}
|'''Race:''' 97<br>{{bar meter|97|3}}<br>'''Battle:''' 75<br>{{bar meter|75|25}}
|66<br>{{bar meter|66|34}}
|[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart YS Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Standard YS]]
|'''Race:''' 55<br>{{bar meter|55|45}}<br>'''Battle:''' 44<br>{{bar meter|44|56}}
|'''Race:''' 90<br>{{bar meter|90|10}}<br>'''Battle:''' 71<br>{{bar meter|71|29}}
|32<br>{{bar meter|64|36}}
|'''Race:''' 84<br>{{bar meter|84|16}}<br>'''Battle:''' 69<br>{{bar meter|69|31}}
|'''Race:''' 39<br>{{bar meter|39|61}}<br>'''Battle:''' 38<br>{{bar meter|38|62}}
|66<br>{{bar meter|66|34}}
|[[Yoshi]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart TD Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Standard TD]]
|'''Race:''' 39<br>{{bar meter|39|61}}<br>'''Battle:''' 31<br>{{bar meter|31|69}}
|'''Race:''' 85<br>{{bar meter|85|15}}<br>'''Battle:''' 69<br>{{bar meter|69|31}}
|32<br>{{bar meter|64|36}}
|'''Race:''' 65<br>{{bar meter|65|35}}<br>'''Battle:''' 56<br>{{bar meter|56|44}}
|'''Race:''' 67<br>{{bar meter|67|33}}<br>'''Battle:''' 56<br>{{bar meter|56|44}}
|66<br>{{bar meter|66|34}}
|[[Toad]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart DK Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Standard DK]]
|'''Race:''' 80<br>{{bar meter|80|20}}<br>'''Battle:''' 63<br>{{bar meter|63|37}}
|'''Race:''' 47<br>{{bar meter|47|53}}<br>'''Battle:''' 32<br>{{bar meter|32|68}}
|32<br>{{bar meter|64|36}}
|'''Race:''' 34<br>{{bar meter|34|66}}<br>'''Battle:''' 31<br>{{bar meter|31|69}}
|'''Race:''' 77<br>{{bar meter|77|23}}<br>'''Battle:''' 63<br>{{bar meter|63|37}}
|66<br>{{bar meter|66|34}}
|[[Donkey Kong]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart WR Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Standard WR]]
|'''Race:''' 88<br>{{bar meter|88|12}}<br>'''Battle:''' 69<br>{{bar meter|69|31}}
|'''Race:''' 50<br>{{bar meter|50|50}}<br>'''Battle:''' 38<br>{{bar meter|38|62}}
|32<br>{{bar meter|64|36}}
|'''Race:''' 48<br>{{bar meter|48|52}}<br>'''Battle:''' 44<br>{{bar meter|44|56}}
|'''Race:''' 47<br>{{bar meter|47|53}}<br>'''Battle:''' 44<br>{{bar meter|44|56}}
|66<br>{{bar meter|66|34}}
|[[Wario]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart BW Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Standard BW]]
|'''Race:''' 96<br>{{bar meter|96|4}}<br>'''Battle:''' 75<br>{{bar meter|75|25}}
|'''Race:''' 30<br>{{bar meter|30|70}}<br>'''Battle:''' 25<br>{{bar meter|25|75}}
|32<br>{{bar meter|64|36}}
|'''Race:''' 28<br>{{bar meter|28|72}}<br>'''Battle:''' 25<br>{{bar meter|25|75}}
|'''Race:''' 67<br>{{bar meter|67|33}}<br>'''Battle:''' 56<br>{{bar meter|56|44}}
|66<br>{{bar meter|66|34}}
|[[Bowser]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart DS Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Standard DS]]
|'''Race:''' 64<br>{{bar meter|64|36}}<br>'''Battle:''' 50<br>{{bar meter|50|50}}
|'''Race:''' 64<br>{{bar meter|64|36}}<br>'''Battle:''' 50<br>{{bar meter|50|50}}
|32<br>{{bar meter|64|36}}
|'''Race:''' 40<br>{{bar meter|40|60}}<br>'''Battle:''' 38<br>{{bar meter|38|62}}
|'''Race:''' 87<br>{{bar meter|87|13}}<br>'''Battle:''' 69<br>{{bar meter|69|31}}
|66<br>{{bar meter|66|34}}
|[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart DB Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Standard DB]]
|'''Race:''' 31<br>{{bar meter|31|69}}<br>'''Battle:''' 25<br>{{bar meter|25|75}}
|'''Race:''' 99<br>{{bar meter|99|1}}<br>'''Battle:''' 75<br>{{bar meter|75|25}}
|32<br>{{bar meter|64|36}}
|'''Race:''' 96<br>{{bar meter|96|4}}<br>'''Battle:''' 75<br>{{bar meter|75|25}}
|'''Race:''' 47<br>{{bar meter|47|53}}<br>'''Battle:''' 44<br>{{bar meter|44|56}}
|66<br>{{bar meter|66|34}}
|[[Dry Bones]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart WL Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Standard WL]]
|'''Race:''' 72<br>{{bar meter|72|28}}<br>'''Battle:''' 56<br>{{bar meter|56|44}}
|'''Race:''' 63<br>{{bar meter|63|37}}<br>'''Battle:''' 50<br>{{bar meter|50|50}}
|32<br>{{bar meter|64|36}}
|'''Race:''' 56<br>{{bar meter|56|44}}<br>'''Battle:''' 50<br>{{bar meter|50|50}}
|'''Race:''' 57<br>{{bar meter|57|43}}<br>'''Battle:''' 50<br>{{bar meter|50|50}}
|66<br>{{bar meter|66|34}}
|[[Waluigi]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart RB Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Standard RB]]
|'''Race:''' 96<br>{{bar meter|96|4}}<br>'''Battle:''' 75<br>{{bar meter|75|25}}
|'''Race:''' 53<br>{{bar meter|53|47}}<br>'''Battle:''' 49<br>{{bar meter|49|51}}
|32<br>{{bar meter|64|36}}
|'''Race:''' 65<br>{{bar meter|65|35}}<br>'''Battle:''' 56<br>{{bar meter|56|44}}
|'''Race:''' 27<br>{{bar meter|27|73}}<br>'''Battle:''' 25<br>{{bar meter|25|75}}
|66<br>{{bar meter|66|34}}
|[[R.O.B.]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart SG Model.png|150px]]<br>{{conjectural|[[Standard SG]]}}
|'''Race:''' 55<br>{{bar meter|55|45}}<br>'''Battle:''' 44<br>{{bar meter|44|56}}
|'''Race:''' 90<br>{{bar meter|90|10}}<br>'''Battle:''' 71<br>{{bar meter|71|29}}
|32<br>{{bar meter|64|36}}
|'''Race:''' 84<br>{{bar meter|84|16}}<br>'''Battle:''' 69<br>{{bar meter|69|31}}
|'''Race:''' 39<br>{{bar meter|39|61}}<br>'''Battle:''' 38<br>{{bar meter|38|62}}
|66<br>{{bar meter|66|34}}
|[[Shy Guy]]
|}
 
===Unlockable karts===
The third group of karts are unlocked all at once after getting gold trophies on all Nitro cups on 100cc difficulty. They function the same as the default signature karts in that they are based around one character each, are unlocked for select other characters after collecting all golden trophies in Nitro or Retro 150cc, and are then unlocked for everyone after collecting all golden trophies in 150cc Mirror Mode.
 
{|style="text-align:center"class="wikitable sortable sticky-header"
!Vehicle
!Speed
!Acceleration
!Weight
!Handling
!Drift
!Items
!Owner
!Secondary drivers
|-
|[[File:MKDS Shooting Star Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Shooting Star (kart)|Shooting Star]]
|67<br>{{bar meter|67|33}}
|74<br>{{bar meter|74|26}}
|14<br>{{bar meter|28|72}}
|60<br>{{bar meter|60|40}}
|59<br>{{bar meter|59|41}}
|33<br>{{bar meter|33|67}}
|[[Mario]]
|[[Toad]]<br>[[Wario]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Streamliner Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Streamliner]]
|66<br>{{bar meter|66|34}}
|71<br>{{bar meter|71|29}}
|41<br>{{bar meter|82|18}}
|69<br>{{bar meter|69|31}}
|30<br>{{bar meter|30|70}}
|100<br>{{bar meter|100}}
|[[Luigi]]
|[[Dry Bones]]<br>[[R.O.B.]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Light Tripper Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Light Tripper]]
|51<br>{{bar meter|51|49}}
|75<br>{{bar meter|75|25}}
|20<br>{{bar meter|40|60}}
|51<br>{{bar meter|51|49}}
|100<br>{{bar meter|100}}
|33<br>{{bar meter|33|67}}
|[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
|[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]<br>[[Dry Bones]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Cucumber Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Cucumber]]
|49<br>{{bar meter|49|51}}
|88<br>{{bar meter|88|12}}
|38<br>{{bar meter|76|24}}
|80<br>{{bar meter|80|20}}
|37<br>{{bar meter|37|63}}
|100<br>{{bar meter|100}}
|[[Yoshi]]
|[[Dry Bones]]<br>[[Luigi]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS 4-Wheel Cradle Model.png|150px]]<br>[[4-Wheel Cradle]]
|33<br>{{bar meter|33|67}}
|83<br>{{bar meter|83|17}}
|44<br>{{bar meter|88|12}}
|61<br>{{bar meter|61|39}}
|64<br>{{bar meter|64|36}}
|100<br>{{bar meter|100}}
|[[Toad]]
|[[Mario]]<br>[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Wildlife Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Wildlife]]
|84<br>{{bar meter|84|16}}
|50<br>{{bar meter|50|50}}
|23<br>{{bar meter|46|54}}
|37<br>{{bar meter|37|63}}
|79<br>{{bar meter|79|21}}
|33<br>{{bar meter|33|67}}
|[[Donkey Kong]]
|[[Luigi]]<br>[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Dragonfly Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Dragonfly]]
|82<br>{{bar meter|82|18}}
|46<br>{{bar meter|46|54}}
|47<br>{{bar meter|94|6}}
|45<br>{{bar meter|45|55}}
|45<br>{{bar meter|45|55}}
|100<br>{{bar meter|100}}
|[[Wario]]
|[[R.O.B.]]<br>[[Luigi]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Hurricane Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Hurricane (kart)|Hurricane]]
|100<br>{{bar meter|100}}
|34<br>{{bar meter|34|66}}
|29<br>{{bar meter|58|42}}
|32<br>{{bar meter|32|68}}
|69<br>{{bar meter|69|31}}
|33<br>{{bar meter|33|67}}
|[[Bowser]]
|[[R.O.B.]]<br>[[Donkey Kong]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Light Dancer Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Light Dancer]]
|67<br>{{bar meter|67|33}}
|66<br>{{bar meter|66|34}}
|20<br>{{bar meter|40|60}}
|43<br>{{bar meter|43|57}}
|90<br>{{bar meter|90|10}}
|33<br>{{bar meter|33|67}}
|[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]
|[[Mario]]<br>[[Bowser]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Dry Bomber Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Dry Bomber]]
|34<br>{{bar meter|34|66}}
|100<br>{{bar meter|100}}
|26<br>{{bar meter|52|48}}
|100<br>{{bar meter|100}}
|49<br>{{bar meter|49|51}}
|33<br>{{bar meter|33|67}}
|[[Dry Bones]]
|[[Princess Peach|Peach]]<br>[[Toad]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Zipper Model.png|150px]]<br>[[Zipper (kart)|Zipper]]
|66<br>{{bar meter|66|34}}
|59<br>{{bar meter|59|41}}
|35<br>{{bar meter|70|30}}
|52<br>{{bar meter|52|48}}
|55<br>{{bar meter|55|45}}
|100<br>{{bar meter|100}}
|[[Waluigi]]
|[[Toad]]<br>[[Wario]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS ROB-LGS Model.png|150px]]<br>[[ROB-LGS]]
|90<br>{{bar meter|90|10}}
|48<br>{{bar meter|48|52}}
|38<br>{{bar meter|76|24}}
|61<br>{{bar meter|61|39}}
|25<br>{{bar meter|25|75}}
|100<br>{{bar meter|100}}
|[[R.O.B.]]
|[[Donkey Kong]]<br>[[Bowser]]
|}
 
===Actual statistics===
''Mario Kart DS'' features several in-game statistics, some of which are not shown in the kart selection menu.<ref>[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15fb4tuhafxs3L0u9dKcKkwcB8oNPSgbXVFr9Dwl_gfM/pubhtml A transcription of the in-game statistics of ''Mario Kart DS'']. Please note that due to the 16-bit Fixed Point format used by the game, rational numbers are shown as integers that must be divided by 4096.</ref> There are three types of '''Tires''', either Small (''S''), Medium (''M'') or Large (''L''). Just like in ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', there is a '''Mini-Turbo''' statistics that corresponds to the length of the Mini-Turbo boost in frames. '''Acceleration''' is determined by three triplets of values, that are presumably related to the acceleration while drifting and the acceleration in all other conditions; there is also a '''deceleration''' value that determines the speed of the next frame as fraction of the current speed when not accelerating (such as when the kart is spinning or the acceleration button is not being held). There are four different types of off-road terrains, and accordingly the karts have four '''off-road''' statistics that are the relative top speed in each type of terrain.
{|class="wikitable center"
!colspan="19"|<big>Actual statistics of ''Mario Kart DS''</big>
|-
!rowspan="3"|Driver
!rowspan="3"|Kart
!rowspan="3"|Tires
!rowspan="3"|Weight
!rowspan="3"|Mini-Turbo
!rowspan="3"|Top Speed
!colspan="6"|Acceleration
!rowspan="3"|Deceleration
!rowspan="3"|Handling
!rowspan="3"|Drift
!rowspan="2"colspan="4"|Off-Road
|-
!colspan="3"|Normal
!colspan="3"|While Drifting
|-
!1st value
!2nd value
!3rd value
!1st value
!2nd value
!3rd value
!Very Light
!Light
!Normal
!Heavy
|-
!rowspan="3"|Mario
!Standard MR
|''kart_tire_M''
|0.5
|45
|7.5
|0.0579
|0.0239
|0.7
|0.0649
|0.0239
|0.75
|0.984
|0.0806
|0.0537
|0.9
|0.7
|0.5
|0.3
|-
!Shooting Star
|''kart_tire_S''
|0.2
|51
|7.523
|0.0598
|0.0249
|0.7
|0.0669
|0.0249
|0.75
|0.984
|0.0823
|0.0547
|0.9
|0.7
|0.5
|0.3
|-
!B Dasher
|''kart_tire_L''
|0.65
|35
|7.463
|0.0549
|0.0229
|0.7
|0.0608
|0.0229
|0.75
|0.984
|0.0789
|0.0527
|0.9
|0.7
|0.5
|0.3
|-
!rowspan="3"|Donkey Kong
!Standard DK
|''kart_tire_M''
|0.5
|30
|7.6
|0.0449
|0.0229
|0.45
|0.0669
|0.0188
|0.9
|0.978
|0.0708
|0.0635
|0.85
|0.62
|0.4
|0.22
|-
!Wildlife
|''kart_tire_S''
|0.35
|34
|7.623
|0.0469
|0.0239
|0.45
|0.0688
|0.0198
|0.9
|0.978
|0.0723
|0.0647
|0.85
|0.62
|0.4
|0.22
|-
!Rambi Rider
|''kart_tire_L''
|0.75
|23
|7.562
|0.043
|0.022
|0.45
|0.063
|0.0178
|0.9
|0.978
|0.0693
|0.0623
|0.85
|0.62
|0.4
|0.22
|-
!rowspan="3"|Toad
!Standard TD
|''kart_tire_M''
|0.5
|50
|7.35
|0.085
|0.0269
|0.7
|0.085
|0.0278
|0.75
|0.988
|0.0842
|0.0586
|0.92
|0.74
|0.55
|0.34
|-
!Mushmellow
|''kart_tire_S''
|0.25
|56
|7.372
|0.0879
|0.0278
|0.7
|0.0879
|0.0288
|0.75
|0.988
|0.0859
|0.0598
|0.92
|0.74
|0.55
|0.34
|-
!4-Wheel Cradle
|''kart_tire_L''
|0.7
|39
|7.313
|0.0798
|0.0259
|0.7
|0.0798
|0.0259
|0.75
|0.988
|0.0825
|0.0574
|0.92
|0.74
|0.55
|0.34
|-
!rowspan="3"|Bowser
!Standard BW
|''kart_tire_M''
|0.5
|25
|7.7
|0.0398
|0.0188
|0.45
|0.0588
|0.0168
|0.9
|0.976
|0.0684
|0.0586
|0.84
|0.6
|0.38
|0.2
|-
!Hurricane
|''kart_tire_S''
|0.45
|28
|7.723
|0.0408
|0.0198
|0.45
|0.0608
|0.0178
|0.9
|0.976
|0.0698
|0.0598
|0.84
|0.6
|0.38
|0.2
|-
!Tyrant
|''kart_tire_L''
|0.8
|19
|7.662
|0.0378
|0.0178
|0.45
|0.0559
|0.0159
|0.9
|0.976
|0.0669
|0.0574
|0.84
|0.6
|0.38
|0.2
|-
!rowspan="3"|Peach
!Standard PC
|''kart_tire_M''
|0.5
|40
|7.4
|0.075
|0.0298
|0.45
|0.1099
|0.0249
|0.9
|0.982
|0.0769
|0.0732
|0.88
|0.67
|0.46
|0.27
|-
!Light Tripper
|''kart_tire_S''
|0.3
|45
|7.422
|0.0779
|0.0308
|0.45
|0.1138
|0.0259
|0.9
|0.982
|0.0784
|0.0747
|0.88
|0.67
|0.46
|0.27
|-
!Royale
|''kart_tire_L''
|0.7
|31
|7.363
|0.0708
|0.0278
|0.45
|0.1038
|0.0239
|0.9
|0.982
|0.0754
|0.0718
|0.88
|0.67
|0.46
|0.27
|-
!rowspan="3"|Wario
!Standard WR
|''kart_tire_M''
|0.5
|35
|7.65
|0.042
|0.0188
|0.7
|0.0479
|0.0168
|0.75
|0.98
|0.0769
|0.0488
|0.86
|0.64
|0.43
|0.24
|-
!Brute
|''kart_tire_S''
|0.35
|39
|7.673
|0.043
|0.0198
|0.7
|0.0498
|0.0178
|0.75
|0.98
|0.0784
|0.0498
|0.86
|0.64
|0.43
|0.24
|-
!Dragonfly
|''kart_tire_L''
|0.75
|27
|7.612
|0.0398
|0.0178
|0.7
|0.0449
|0.0159
|0.75
|0.98
|0.0754
|0.0479
|0.86
|0.64
|0.43
|0.24
|-
!rowspan="3"|Yoshi
!Standard YS
|''kart_tire_M''
|0.5
|60
|7.45
|0.095
|0.0178
|0.85
|0.0618
|0.0269
|0.6
|0.99
|0.0928
|0.0452
|0.95
|0.84
|0.68
|0.43
|-
!Egg 1
|''kart_tire_S''
|0.2
|68
|7.472
|0.0979
|0.0188
|0.85
|0.064
|0.0278
|0.6
|0.99
|0.0947
|0.0461
|0.95
|0.84
|0.68
|0.43
|-
!Cucumber
|''kart_tire_L''
|0.6
|47
|7.413
|0.0898
|0.0168
|0.85
|0.0588
|0.0259
|0.6
|0.99
|0.0908
|0.0442
|0.95
|0.84
|0.68
|0.43
|-
!rowspan="3"|Luigi
!Standard LG
|''kart_tire_M''
|0.5
|55
|7.55
|0.063
|0.0149
|0.85
|0.0488
|0.0229
|0.6
|0.988
|0.0879
|0.0415
|0.94
|0.79
|0.61
|0.38
|-
!Poltergust 4000
|''kart_tire_S''
|0.25
|62
|7.573
|0.0649
|0.0159
|0.85
|0.0508
|0.0239
|0.6
|0.988
|0.0896
|0.0422
|0.94
|0.79
|0.61
|0.38
|-
!Streamliner
|''kart_tire_L''
|0.65
|43
|7.512
|0.0598
|0.0139
|0.85
|0.0459
|0.022
|0.6
|0.988
|0.0862
|0.0408
|0.94
|0.79
|0.61
|0.38
|-
!rowspan="3"|Dry Bones
!Standard DB
|''kart_tire_M''
|0.5
|65
|7.3
|0.1199
|0.022
|0.85
|0.073
|0.0308
|0.6
|0.992
|0.0977
|0.0488
|0.96
|0.9
|0.75
|0.48
|-
!Dry Bomber
|''kart_tire_S''
|0.4
|73
|7.322
|0.1238
|0.0229
|0.85
|0.0759
|0.032
|0.6
|0.992
|0.0996
|0.0498
|0.96
|0.9
|0.75
|0.48
|-
!Banisher
|''kart_tire_L''
|0.55
|50
|7.264
|0.1128
|0.021
|0.85
|0.0688
|0.0288
|0.6
|0.992
|0.0957
|0.0479
|0.96
|0.9
|0.75
|0.48
|-
!rowspan="3"|Daisy
!Standard DS
|''kart_tire_M''
|0.5
|35
|7.5
|0.0618
|0.0269
|0.45
|0.0898
|0.022
|0.9
|0.98
|0.0732
|0.0684
|0.86
|0.64
|0.43
|0.24
|-
!Light Dancer
|''kart_tire_S''
|0.3
|39
|7.523
|0.064
|0.0278
|0.45
|0.0928
|0.0229
|0.9
|0.98
|0.0747
|0.0698
|0.86
|0.64
|0.43
|0.24
|-
!Power Flower
|''kart_tire_L''
|0.55
|27
|7.463
|0.0588
|0.0259
|0.45
|0.085
|0.021
|0.9
|0.98
|0.0718
|0.0669
|0.86
|0.64
|0.43
|0.24
|-
!rowspan="3"|Waluigi
!Standard WL
|''kart_tire_M''
|0.5
|40
|7.55
|0.0488
|0.022
|0.7
|0.0559
|0.0198
|0.75
|0.982
|0.0806
|0.0537
|0.88
|0.67
|0.46
|0.27
|-
!Gold Mantis
|''kart_tire_S''
|0.45
|45
|7.573
|0.0508
|0.0229
|0.7
|0.0579
|0.021
|0.75
|0.982
|0.0823
|0.0547
|0.88
|0.67
|0.46
|0.27
|-
!Zipper
|''kart_tire_L''
|0.55
|31
|7.512
|0.0459
|0.021
|0.7
|0.053
|0.0188
|0.75
|0.982
|0.0789
|0.0527
|0.88
|0.67
|0.46
|0.27
|-
!rowspan="3"|ROB
!Standard RB
|''kart_tire_M''
|0.5
|50
|7.7
|0.0459
|0.012
|0.85
|0.043
|0.0198
|0.6
|0.986
|0.0842
|0.0391
|0.92
|0.74
|0.55
|0.34
|-
!ROB-BLS
|''kart_tire_S''
|0.38
|56
|7.723
|0.0479
|0.012
|0.85
|0.0449
|0.021
|0.6
|0.986
|0.0859
|0.0398
|0.92
|0.74
|0.55
|0.34
|-
!ROB-LGS
|''kart_tire_L''
|0.6
|39
|7.662
|0.043
|0.011
|0.85
|0.0408
|0.0188
|0.6
|0.986
|0.0825
|0.0383
|0.92
|0.74
|0.55
|0.34
|-
!Shy Guy
!Standard SG
|''kart_tire_M''
|0.5
|60
|7.45
|0.095
|0.0178
|0.85
|0.0618
|0.0269
|0.6
|0.99
|0.0928
|0.0452
|0.95
|0.84
|0.68
|0.43
|-
!colspan="19"|Battle Mode karts
|-
!rowspan="3"|Driver
!rowspan="3"|Kart
!rowspan="3"|Tires
!rowspan="3"|Weight
!rowspan="3"|Mini-Turbo
!rowspan="3"|Top Speed
!colspan="6"|Acceleration
!rowspan="3"|Deceleration
!rowspan="3"|Handling
!rowspan="3"|Drift
!rowspan="2"colspan="4"|Off-Road
|-
!colspan="3"|Normal
!colspan="3"|While Drifting
|-
!1st value
!2nd value
!3rd value
!1st value
!2nd value
!3rd value
!Very Light
!Light
!Normal
!Heavy
|-
!Mario
!Standard MR
|
|0.5
|35
|7.35
|0.0598
|0.0149
|0.8
|0.0598
|0.0198
|0.85
|0.98
|0.0879
|0.0635
|0.9
|0.7
|0.5
|0.3
|-
!Donkey Kong
!Standard DK
|
|0.5
|35
|7.37
|0.0508
|0.0139
|0.8
|0.063
|0.0198
|0.85
|0.98
|0.0842
|0.0659
|0.85
|0.62
|0.4
|0.22
|-
!Toad
!Standard TD
|
|0.5
|35
|7.32
|0.0659
|0.0159
|0.8
|0.0659
|0.021
|0.85
|0.98
|0.0891
|0.0647
|0.92
|0.74
|0.55
|0.34
|-
!Bowser
!Standard BW
|
|0.5
|35
|7.39
|0.0479
|0.0139
|0.8
|0.054
|0.0188
|0.85
|0.98
|0.083
|0.0647
|0.84
|0.6
|0.38
|0.2
|-
!Peach
!Standard PC
|
|0.5
|35
|7.33
|0.0598
|0.0149
|0.8
|0.0718
|0.021
|0.85
|0.98
|0.0867
|0.0684
|0.88
|0.67
|0.46
|0.27
|-
!Wario
!Standard WR
|
|0.5
|35
|7.38
|0.054
|0.0139
|0.8
|0.054
|0.0188
|0.85
|0.98
|0.0867
|0.0623
|0.86
|0.64
|0.43
|0.24
|-
!Yoshi
!Standard YS
|
|0.5
|35
|7.34
|0.0688
|0.0159
|0.8
|0.0569
|0.0198
|0.85
|0.98
|0.0916
|0.061
|0.95
|0.84
|0.68
|0.43
|-
!Luigi
!Standard LG
|
|0.5
|35
|7.36
|0.063
|0.0149
|0.8
|0.0508
|0.0188
|0.85
|0.98
|0.0903
|0.0598
|0.94
|0.79
|0.61
|0.38
|-
!Dry Bones
!Standard DB
|
|0.5
|35
|7.31
|0.0718
|0.0159
|0.8
|0.0598
|0.0198
|0.85
|0.98
|0.0928
|0.0623
|0.96
|0.9
|0.75
|0.48
|-
!Daisy
!Standard DS
|
|0.5
|35
|7.35
|0.0569
|0.0149
|0.8
|0.0688
|0.021
|0.85
|0.98
|0.0854
|0.0671
|0.86
|0.64
|0.43
|0.24
|-
!Waluigi
!Standard WL
|
|0.5
|35
|7.36
|0.0569
|0.0149
|0.8
|0.0569
|0.0198
|0.85
|0.98
|0.0879
|0.0635
|0.88
|0.67
|0.46
|0.27
|-
!ROB
!Standard RB
|
|0.5
|35
|7.39
|0.0569
|0.0149
|0.8
|0.0479
|0.0188
|0.85
|0.98
|0.0891
|0.0586
|0.92
|0.74
|0.55
|0.34
|-
!Shy Guy
!Standard SG
|
|0.5
|35
|7.34
|0.0688
|0.0159
|0.8
|0.0569
|0.0198
|0.85
|0.98
|0.0916
|0.061
|0.95
|0.84
|0.68
|0.43
|}


==Courses==
==Courses==
In addition to the sixteen standard courses, ''Mario Kart DS'' is the first game in the series to include the Retro Grand Prix, which has been carried over into every future installment in the series to date. The Retro Grand Prix consists of sixteen courses from past ''Mario Kart'' games updated and compiled into four additional cups. Four courses are taken from each previous game, and are ordered according to the release dates of the previous games.
In addition to the sixteen standard courses, ''Mario Kart DS'' is the first game in the series to include the Retro Grand Prix, which has been carried over into every future installment in the series to date. The Retro Grand Prix consists of sixteen courses from past ''Mario Kart'' games updated and compiled into four additional cups. This makes a total of 8 cups and 32 courses. ''Mario Kart DS'' is the only ''Mario Kart'' game where there is no Mario Circuit in the Flower Cup, unlike other ''Mario Kart'' games.
 
This is the only ''Mario Kart'' game to have three Grand Prix introduction fanfares; one for Figure-8 Circuit, Waluigi Pinball, Mario Circuit, and <small>GCN</small> Luigi Circuit, one for Wario Stadium, and one for the other courses.
 
Some courses were playable on the [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]. They are marked with the service's logo below.


===Nitro Grand Prix===
===Nitro Grand Prix===
{|class=wikitable border="1" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2 width=75% style="background:#fffcfc; border-collapse: collapse; margin:0 auto; text-align:center"
{|style="width:800px;margin:auto;text-align:center"class="wikitable"
!style="background:#fff9f9;" | [[Mushroom Cup]]
|-
!style="background:#fff9f9;" | [[Flower Cup]]
![[File:MKDS Mushroom Cup Emblem.png]]<br>[[Mushroom Cup]]
!style="background:#fff9f9;" | [[Star Cup]]
|[[File:MKDS Figure-8 Circuit Intro.png|150px]]<br>[[Figure-8 Circuit]] [[File:WFC Logo.svg|15px|Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
!style="background:#fff9f9;" | [[Special Cup]]
|[[File:Yoshi Falls.png|150px]]<br>[[DS Yoshi Falls|Yoshi Falls]] [[File:WFC Logo.svg|15px|Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
|[[File:MKDS Cheep Cheep Beach Intro.png|150px]]<br>[[DS Cheep Cheep Beach|Cheep Cheep Beach]] [[File:WFC Logo.svg|15px|Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
|[[File:MKDS Luigi's Mansion Intro.png|150px]]<br>[[DS Luigi's Mansion|Luigi's Mansion]] [[File:WFC Logo.svg|15px|Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
|-
|-
|[[File:Figure-eight Circuit.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Figure-8 Circuit]]*
![[File:MKDS Flower Cup Icon.png]]<br>[[Flower Cup]]
|[[File:DesertHillds.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Desert Hills]]*
|[[File:DesertHillds.png|150px]]<br>[[DS Desert Hills|Desert Hills]] [[File:WFC Logo.svg|15px|Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
|[[File:DK_Pass.PNG|120px]]<br>[[DK Pass]]*
|[[File:DelfinosquareDS.png|150px]]<br>[[DS Delfino Square|Delfino Square]] [[File:WFC Logo.svg|15px|Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
|[[File:Estadiowario.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Wario Stadium (DS)|Wario Stadium]]*
|[[File:Waluigi Pinball.png|150px]]<br>[[DS Waluigi Pinball|Waluigi Pinball]]
|[[File:Shroom Ridge.png|150px]]<br>[[DS Shroom Ridge|Shroom Ridge]]
|-
|-
|[[File:Yoshi_Falls.png|120px]]<br>[[Yoshi Falls]]*
![[File:MKDS Star Cup Emblem.png]]<br>[[Star Cup]]
|[[File:DelfinosquareDS.png|120px]]<br>[[Delfino Square]]*
|[[File:DK Pass.png|150px]]<br>[[DS DK Pass|DK Pass]] [[File:WFC Logo.svg|15px|Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
|[[File:MKDS_Tick_Tock_Clock.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Tick-Tock Clock]]
|[[File:MKDS Tick Tock Clock.png|150px]]<br>[[DS Tick-Tock Clock|Tick-Tock Clock]]
|[[File:Peach_GardensDS.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Peach Gardens]]
|[[File:MKDS Mario Circuit DS Intro.png|150px]]<br>[[DS Mario Circuit|Mario Circuit]] [[File:WFC Logo.svg|15px|Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
|[[File:Airship Fortress MKDS preview.png|150px]]<br>[[DS Airship Fortress|Airship Fortress]]
|-
|-
|[[File:Cheepcheepbeach.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Cheep Cheep Beach]]*
![[File:MKDS Special Cup Emblem.png]]<br>[[Special Cup]]
|[[File:Waluigi_Pinball.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Waluigi Pinball]]
|[[File:Wario Stadium MKDS preview.png|150px]]<br>[[DS Wario Stadium|Wario Stadium]] [[File:WFC Logo.svg|15px|Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
|[[File:Mario-circuit.png|120px]]<br>[[Mario Circuit (DS)|Mario Circuit]]*
|[[File:Peach GardensDS.png|150px]]<br>[[DS Peach Gardens|Peach Gardens]]
|[[File:Castillo Bowser.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Bowser's Castle (DS)|Bowser Castle]]
|[[File:Bowser Castle MKDS preview.png|150px]]<br>[[Bowser Castle (Mario Kart DS)|Bowser Castle]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Rainbow Road Intro.png|150px]]<br>[[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart DS)|Rainbow Road]] [[File:WFC Logo.svg|15px|Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
|[[File:Luigi's Mansion.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Luigi's Mansion (course)|Luigi's Mansion]]*
|[[File:Shroom_Ridge.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Shroom Ridge]]
|[[File:Bateau-volant.png|120px]]<br>[[Airship Fortress]]
|[[File:Rainbow_RoadDS.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Rainbow Road (DS)|Rainbow Road]]*
|}
|}


===Retro Grand Prix===
===Retro Grand Prix===
{|class=wikitable border="1" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2 width=75% style="background:#fffcfc; border-collapse: collapse; margin:0 auto; text-align:center"
{|style="width:800px;margin:auto;text-align:center"class="wikitable"
!style="background:#fff9f9;" | [[Shell Cup]]
|-
!style="background:#fff9f9;" | [[Banana Cup]]
![[File:MKDS Shell Cup Emblem.png]]<br>[[Shell Cup]]
!style="background:#fff9f9;" | [[Leaf Cup]]
|[[File:MKDS Mario Circuit 1.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|SNES|Mario Circuit 1}} [[File:WFC Logo.svg|15px|Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
!style="background:#fff9f9;" | [[Lightning Cup]]
|[[File:MKDS Moo Moo Farm Intro.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|N64|Moo Moo Farm}} [[File:WFC Logo.svg|15px|Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
|[[File:MKDS Peach Circuit Intro.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|GBA|Peach Circuit}} [[File:WFC Logo.svg|15px|Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
|[[File:MKDS Luigi Circuit GCN Intro.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|GCN|Luigi Circuit}} [[File:WFC Logo.svg|15px|Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDS_Mario_Circuit_1.PNG|120px]]<br><small>[[Super Mario Kart|SNES]]</small> [[Mario Circuit 1]]*
![[File:MKDS Banana Cup Emblem.png]]<br>[[Banana Cup]]
|[[File:MKDS_Donut_Plains.PNG|120px]]<br><small>[[Super Mario Kart|SNES]]</small> [[Donut Plains 1 (course)|Donut Plains 1]]
|[[File:MKDS Donut Plains 1.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|SNES|Donut Plains 1}}
|[[File:Koopabeach2SNES.PNG|120px]]<br><small>[[Super Mario Kart|SNES]]</small> [[Koopa Beach 2]]
|[[File:MKDS Frappe Snowland N64 Intro.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|N64|Frappe Snowland}} [[File:WFC Logo.svg|15px|Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
|[[File:ChocoIsland2ds.PNG|120px]]<br><small>[[Super Mario Kart|SNES]]</small> [[Choco Island 2]]*
|[[File:MKDS Bowser Castle 2 GBA Intro.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|GBA|Bowser's Castle 2|Bowser Castle 2}}
|[[File:MKDS Baby Park Intro.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|GCN|Baby Park}} [[File:WFC Logo.svg|15px|Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
|-
|-
|[[File:MooMooFarmds.PNG|120px]]<br><small>[[Mario Kart 64|N64]]</small> [[Moo Moo Farm]]*
![[File:MKDS Leaf Cup Emblem.png]]<br>[[Leaf Cup]]
|[[File:FrappeSnowlandDS.PNG|120px]]<br><small>[[Mario Kart 64|N64]]</small> [[Frappe Snowland]]*
|[[File:MKDS Koopa Beach 2 SNES Intro.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|SNES|Koopa Troopa Beach 2|Koopa Beach 2}}
|[[File:ChocoMountainDS.PNG|120px]]<br><small>[[Mario Kart 64|N64]]</small> [[Choco Mountain]]*
|[[File:MKDS Choco Mountain N64 Intro.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|N64|Choco Mountain}} [[File:WFC Logo.svg|15px|Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
|[[File:DSBansheeboardwalk.PNG|120px]]<br><small>[[Mario Kart 64|N64]]</small> [[Banshee Boardwalk]]
|[[File:MKDS Luigi Circuit GBA Intro.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|GBA|Luigi Circuit}}
|[[File:MKDS Mushroom Bridge GCN Intro.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|GCN|Mushroom Bridge}}
|-
|-
|[[File:Peach_CircuitDS.PNG|120px]]<br><small>[[Mario Kart Super Circuit|GBA]]</small> [[Peach Circuit]]*
![[File:MKDS Lightning Cup Emblem.png]]<br>[[Lightning Cup]]
|[[File:BowserCastle2ds.PNG|120px]]<br><small>[[Mario Kart Super Circuit|GBA]]</small> [[Bowser Castle 2 (GBA)|Bowser Castle 2]]
|[[File:MKDS Choco Island 2 Intro.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|SNES|Choco Island 2}} [[File:WFC Logo.svg|15px|Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
|[[File:LuigiCircuit2.PNG|120px]]<br><small>[[Mario Kart Super Circuit|GBA]]</small> [[Luigi Circuit (GBA)|Luigi Circuit]]
|[[File:MKDS Banshee Boardwalk N64 Intro.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|N64|Banshee Boardwalk}}
|[[File:SkyGardends.PNG|120px]]<br><small>[[Mario Kart Super Circuit|GBA]]</small> [[Sky Garden (course)|Sky Garden]]*
|[[File:MKDS Sky Gardens Intro.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|GBA|Sky Garden}} [[File:WFC Logo.svg|15px|Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Yoshi Circuit GCN Intro.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|GCN|Yoshi Circuit}} [[File:WFC Logo.svg|15px|Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
|[[File:LuigiCircuitDS.PNG|120px]]<br><small>[[Mario Kart Double Dash|GCN]]</small> [[Luigi Circuit (GCN)|Luigi Circuit]]*
|[[File:BabyParkds.PNG|120px]]<br><small>[[Mario Kart Double Dash|GCN]]</small> [[Baby Park]]*
|[[File:MushroomBridgeDS.PNG|120px]]<br><small>[[Mario Kart Double Dash|GCN]]</small> [[Mushroom Bridge]]
|[[File:YoshiCircuitDS.png|60px]]<br><small>[[Mario Kart Double Dash|GCN]]</small> [[Yoshi Circuit]]*
|}
|}


<nowiki>*</nowiki> - <small>Was playable on [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]</small>
===Battle courses===
In Battle mode, there are six battle stages, four of which are original and two of which are from earlier ''Mario Kart'' games. As Battle mode was unavailable over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, these courses were unavailable as well. Nevertheless, the mode was available through DS Download Play with three of its courses; [[Nintendo DS (battle course)|Nintendo DS]], [[Tart Top]], and [[Pipe Plaza]].
 
;Nitro courses
<gallery widths="150">
Nintendo DS MKDS battle stage.png|[[Nintendo DS (battle course)|Nintendo DS]]
Twilight House MKDS preview.png|[[DS Twilight House|Twilight House]]
MKDS Palm Shore.png|[[DS Palm Shore|Palm Shore]]
Tart Top MKDS preview.png|[[Tart Top]]
</gallery>
 
;Retro courses
<gallery widths="150">
MKDS Block Fort Intro.png|[[Block Fort]]
Pipe Plaza.png|[[Pipe Plaza]]
</gallery>


===Staff ghosts===
===Staff ghosts===
{|class=wikitable border="1" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2 auto style="background:#fffcfc; border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial; margin:0 auto; text-align:center" width=50%
Each race course has a [[Ghost (Mario Kart series)|Staff Ghost]]. Staff Ghosts are Time Trial races that were previously done by a [[Nintendo]] staff member. Every course has its unlockable Staff Ghost that the player can race against if their completion time is close to the Staff Ghost's. The player's record must be no more than 108% of the Staff Ghost's completion time to unlock.
 
{|class="wikitable"style="text-align:center"
!Course
!Course
!Time
!Time
!Character/kart
!Name
!Character
!Kart
!Unlock time<ref>https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ekw2H8dZvsBGEOS-MJWkR2hDFflBpWnX3VhxcWhff_8/edit#gid=1195895108{{better source}}</ref>
|-
|-
|'''Figure-8 Circuit'''
|'''Figure-8 Circuit'''
|1:36:481
|1:36:481
|Mario/Standard MR
|Ninten★たなか
|Mario
|Standard MR
|1:44:199
|-
|-
|'''Yoshi Falls'''
|'''Yoshi Falls'''
|0:57:677
|0:57:677
|Yoshi/Egg 1
|Ninten★まっは
|Yoshi
|Egg 1
|1:02:291
|-
|-
|'''Cheep Cheep Beach'''
|'''Cheep Cheep Beach'''
|1:43:654
|1:43:654
|Donkey Kong/Standard DK
|Ninten★しんご
|Donkey Kong
|Standard DK
|1:51:946
|-
|-
|'''Luigi's Mansion'''
|'''Luigi's Mansion'''
|1:59:357
|1:59:357
|Luigi/Streamliner
|Ninten★しんご
|Luigi
|Streamliner
|2:08:905
|-
|-
|'''Desert Hills'''
|'''Desert Hills'''
|1:31:262
|1:31:262
|R.O.B./ROB-LGS
|Ninten★かつ
|R.O.B.
|ROB-LGS
|1:38:562
|-
|-
|'''Delfino Square'''
|'''Delfino Square'''
|1:53:921
|1:54:601
|Peach/Royale
|Ninten★いわ
|Peach
|Royale
|2:03:769
|-
|-
|'''Waluigi Pinball'''
|'''Waluigi Pinball'''
|2:23:228
|2:23:288
|Waluigi/Gold Mantis
|Ninten★しんや
|Waluigi
|Gold Mantis
|2:34:751
|-
|-
|'''Shroom Ridge'''
|'''Shroom Ridge'''
|2:05:123
|2:05:123
|Toad/Mushmellow
|Ninten★ジョー
|Toad
|Mushmellow
|2:15:132
|-
|-
|'''DK Pass'''
|'''DK Pass'''
|2:14:607
|2:14:607
|Donkey Kong/Wildlife
|Ninten★™NN
|Donkey Kong
|Wildlife
|2:25:375
|-
|-
|'''Tick-Tock Clock'''
|'''Tick-Tock Clock'''
|1:54:903
|1:54:903
|Daisy/Light Dancer
|Ninten★だい8
|Daisy
|Light Dancer
|2:04:085
|-
|-
|'''Mario Circuit'''
|'''Mario Circuit'''
|1:56:533
|1:56:533
|Mario/Shooting Star
|Ninten★モリオ
|Mario
|Shooting Star
|2:05:855
|-
|-
|'''Airship Fortress'''
|'''Airship Fortress'''
|2:07:748
|2:07:748
|Bowser/Hurricane
|Ninten★シュン
|Bowser
|Hurricane
|2:17:967
|-
|-
|'''Wario Stadium'''
|'''Wario Stadium'''
|2:14:868
|2:14:868
|Wario/Brute
|Ninten★マトゥ
|Wario
|Brute
|2:25:657
|-
|-
|'''Peach Gardens'''
|'''Peach Gardens'''
|1:52:989
|1:52:989
|Peach/Royale
|Ninten★ゆきつ
|Peach
|Royale
|2:02:028
|-
|-
|'''Bowser Castle'''
|'''Bowser Castle'''
|2:19:661
|2:19:661
|Bowser/Hurricane
|Ninten★ひろむ
|Bowser
|Hurricane
|2:30:833
|-
|-
|'''Rainbow Road'''
|'''Rainbow Road'''
|2:16:246
|2:16:246
|R.O.B./ROB-BLS
|Ninten★たえこ
|R.O.B.
|ROB-BLS
|2:27:145
|-
|-
|'''<small>SNES</small> Mario Circuit 1'''
|'''<small>SNES</small> Mario Circuit 1'''
|0:50:688
|0:50:688
|Mario/Standard MR
|Ninten★いわ
|Mario
|Standard MR
|0:54:743
|-
|-
|'''<small>N64</small> Moo Moo Farm'''
|'''<small>N64</small> Moo Moo Farm'''
|1:17:751
|1:17:751
|Donkey Kong/Wildlife
|Ninten★だる®
|Donkey Kong
|Wildlife
|1:23:971
|-
|-
|'''<small>GBA</small> Peach Circuit'''
|'''<small>GBA</small> Peach Circuit'''
|1:12:011
|1:12:011
|Peach/Royale
|Ninten★だい8
|Peach
|Royale
|1:17:771
|-
|-
|'''<small>GCN</small> Luigi Circuit'''
|'''<small>GCN</small> Luigi Circuit'''
|1:29:759
|1:29:759
|Luigi/Poltergust 4000
|Ninten★おつぼ
|Luigi
|Poltergust 4000
|1:36:939
|-
|-
|'''<small>SNES</small> Donut Plains 1'''
|'''<small>SNES</small> Donut Plains 1'''
|1:08:027
|1:08:027
|Dry Bones/Dry Bomber
|Ninten★しばた
|Dry Bones
|Dry Bomber
|1:13:469
|-
|-
|'''<small>N64</small> Frappe Snowland'''
|'''<small>N64</small> Frappe Snowland'''
|2:08:781
|2:08:781
|Wario/Brute
|Ninten★ジョー
|Wario
|Brute
|2:19:083
|-
|-
|'''<small>GBA</small> Bowser Castle 2'''
|'''<small>GBA</small> Bowser Castle 2'''
|1:52:258
|1:52:258
|Bowser/Standard BW
|Ninten★ジョー
|Bowser
|Standard BW
|2:01:238
|-
|-
|'''<small>GCN</small> Baby Park'''
|'''<small>GCN</small> Baby Park'''
|0:50:920
|0:50:920
|Toad/Mushmellow
|Ninten★ひょう
|Toad
|Mushmellow
|0:54:993
|-
|-
|'''<small>SNES</small> Koopa Beach 2'''
|'''<small>SNES</small> Koopa Beach 2'''
|0:54:847
|0:54:847
|Yoshi/Egg 1
|Ninten★しんや
|Yoshi
|Egg 1
|0:59:34
|-
|-
|'''<small>N64</small> Choco Mountain'''
|'''<small>N64</small> Choco Mountain'''
|2:15:571
|2:15:571
|Wario/Dragonfly
|Ninten★イシビ
|Wario
|Dragonfly
|2:26:416
|-
|-
|'''<small>GBA</small> Luigi Circuit'''
|'''<small>GBA</small> Luigi Circuit'''
|1:46:581
|1:46:581
|Luigi/Poltergust 4000
|Ninten★モリオ
|Luigi
|Poltergust 4000
|1:55:107
|-
|-
|'''<small>GCN</small> Mushroom Bridge'''
|'''<small>GCN</small> Mushroom Bridge'''
|1:30:600
|1:30:600
|Toad/Mushmellow
|Ninten★ひょう
|Toad
|Mushmellow
|1:37:847
|-
|-
|'''<small>SNES</small> Choco Island 2'''
|'''<small>SNES</small> Choco Island 2'''
|1:01:620
|1:01:620
|Waluigi/Zipper
|Ninten★おつぼ
|Waluigi
|Zipper
|1:06:549
|-
|-
|'''<small>N64</small> Banshee Boardwalk'''
|'''<small>N64</small> Banshee Boardwalk'''
|2:14:403
|2:14:403
|Dry Bones/Dry Bomber
|Ninten★まさ
|Dry Bones
|Dry Bomber
|2:25:155
|-
|-
|'''<small>GBA</small> Sky Garden'''
|'''<small>GBA</small> Sky Garden'''
|1:44:400
|1:44:400
|Daisy/Power Flower
|Ninten★ドリー
|Daisy
|Power Flower
|1:52:752
|-
|-
|'''<small>GCN</small> Yoshi Circuit'''
|'''<small>GCN</small> Yoshi Circuit'''
|1:48:793
|1:48:793
|Yoshi/Standard YS
|Ninten★たろう
|Yoshi
|Standard YS
|1:57:496
|}
|}


==Items==
==Items==
''Mario Kart DS'' includes the main element preserved in every ''Mario Kart'' created, and it is the use of the items; power-ups that allow the racer to take certain advantage over their opponents, obtainable by running through an [[Item Box]]. Afterwards, the Item Roulette in the top left of the screen will choose a random item. While most of the power-ups are the same since ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'', the game have included as well some other new to increase the challenge.
:''For information on the probability of obtaining each item from an Item Box, see [[Mario Kart DS item probability distributions]].''
 
As with other ''Mario Kart'' games, a main element of ''Mario Kart DS'' are the pick-up items that allow the racer to take certain advantage over their opponents. An item can be obtained by driving into an [[Item Box]]. This causes the item roulette at the top-left corner of the screen. Racers in higher positions receive less powerful items than racers in lower positions. Some items are unavailable in [[Battle Mode]], and in the mode, similar to normal races, leaders with the most [[Balloon]]s or [[Shine Sprite]]s receive less powerful items.
Normally, leader racers receive less powerful items than stragglers in the rear. The variety of items to receive is also determined by the Items stats ratio granted to a kart. While a kart has a higher Items ratio, the player has more possibility to obtain rare items to use.
 
The game gives the player an indication when they receive a more powerful [[Item]]. When the Item Roulette has chosen a normal Item, it will make a simple ''plong'' sound. However, if the player receives a more powerful item from the Item Roulette, it makes a more special sounding ''plong''.
 
Some Items are not available in [[Battle Mode]]. Just as in Racing Mode, leaders who have the most [[Balloon]]s or Shines will receive less powerful items accordingly.
 
[[Star]]s, [[Bullet Bill]]s and [[Boo]]s are examples of powerful items, as they provide speed boosts and total invincibility.


NOTE: These artworks are reused from older games.
Each kart has an Items stats ratio, which determines the variety of items that a racer can receive; karts with a higher items ratio are more likely to receive rare items. In subsequent games, this stat was removed, making position the only factor that influences items. When the Item Roulette has chosen a normal item, it makes a simple chime, but if the racer receives a more powerful item, it makes a stronger chime.


{| class="wikitable"
The game introduces two items, [[Bullet Bill]] and [[Blooper]], both of which have since appeared in every subsequent ''Mario Kart'' game. Most of ''Mario Kart DS''{{'}}s item artworks are from ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'' except for the Fake Item Box, Triple Bananas, Boo, Bullet Bill and Blooper.
|-
{|class="wikitable"
!Image
!style="background-color:red;color:white"|Image
!Name
!style="background-color:red;color:white"|Name
!align="center"|Instruction Booklet Description
!style="background-color:red;color:white;text-align:center"|Instruction booklet description
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDDMushroom.png|100px]]
|[[File:MKDDMushroom.png|100px]]
|[[Mushroom]]
|[[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]]
|''Provides a short speed boost.''
|''Provides a short speed boost.''
|-
|-
|[[File:Tripletsshrooms.jpg|100px]]
|[[File:MKDD Triple Mushrooms.png|100px]]
|[[Triple Mushrooms]]
|[[Triple Mushrooms]]
|''Each press of {{button|ds|l}} or {{button|ds|x}} uses up one Mushroom.''
|''Each press of {{button|ds|l}} or {{button|ds|x}} uses up one Mushroom.''
|-
|-
|[[File:Golden mushroom.PNG|100px]]
|[[File:Golden Mushroom.png|100px]]
|[[Golden Mushroom]]
|[[Golden Dash Mushroom|Golden Mushroom]]
|''Allows the user to use Mushroom boosts as many times as they want for a short period of time.''
|''Allows you to use Mushroom boosts as many times as you want for a short period of time.''
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDD ItemBox.png|100px]]
|[[File:MKDD ItemBox.png|100px]]
|[[Item Box]]
|[[Item Box]]
|''Drivers are able to run into these item boxes to obtain an item, depending on their rank on the current race course. In Battle Mode, in multiplayer, KO'd players can use unlimited, but restricted Item Boxes to aid their team. They are used in the same manner as Bananas.''[[#ch1|<sup>1</sup>]]
|''Drive through the item boxes on the tracks to get the items contained within. The item inside is determined randomly. {{footnote|main|1}} In Balloon Battle, if the player is eliminated from the game and gets an Item Box, the player only receives an Item Box, as an actual item. This can be placed on the floor, and someone not eliminated can use it, but it only lasts for a short time before disappearing.''
|-
|-
|[[File:FItembox.PNG|100px]]
|[[File:MKDS Fake Item Box Artwork.png|100px]]
|[[Fake Item Box]]
|[[Fake Item Box]]
|''Looks just like an item box, but when a character runs into it, it knocks them over.''
|''Looks just like an item box, but when you run into it, it knocks you over.''
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDD BananaPeel.png|100px]]
|[[File:MKDD BananaPeel.png|100px]]
Line 586: Line 2,426:
|''Makes karts spin out when run over.''
|''Makes karts spin out when run over.''
|-
|-
|''No image available
|[[File:TripleBananasMKDS.png|100px]]
|[[Triple Bananas]]
|[[Triple Bananas]]
|''The player can press {{button|ds|l}} or {{button|ds|x}} to deploy behind the kart. The button can be tapped again to drop one.''
|''Press {{button|ds|l}} or {{button|ds|x}} to deploy behind the kart. Tap the button again to drop one.''
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDD GreenShell.png|100px]]
|[[File:MKDD GreenShell.png|100px]]
Line 594: Line 2,434:
|''When thrown, this shell travels in a straight line and knocks over the first kart it hits.''
|''When thrown, this shell travels in a straight line and knocks over the first kart it hits.''
|-
|-
|[[File:Triplegreenshell.jpg|100px]]
|[[File:MKDD Triple Green Shells.png|100px]]
|[[Triple Green Shells]]
|style="white-space:nowrap"|[[Triple Green Shells]]
|''Press {{button|ds|l}} or {{button|ds|x}} to deploy, then press the button again to launch a shell. Each one has the same effect as a single Green or Red Shell.''
|''Press {{button|ds|l}} or {{button|ds|x}} to deploy, then press the button again to launch a shell. Each one has the same effect as a single Green or Red Shell.''
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDD RedShell.png|100px]]
|[[File:MKDD RedShell.png|100px]]
|[[Red Shell]]
|[[Red Shell]]
|''These automatically lock onto and chase after the next kart in front of the user. When hit, the kart rolls over.''
|''These automatically lock onto and chase after the next kart in front of you. When hit, the kart rolls over.''
|-
|-
|[[File:Tripleredshell.jpg|100px]]
|[[File:MKDD Triple Red Shells.png|100px]]
|[[Triple Red Shells]]
|[[Triple Red Shells]]
|''Press {{button|ds|l}} or {{button|ds|x}} to deploy, then press the button again to launch a shell. Each one has the same effect as a single Green or Red Shell.''
|''Press {{button|ds|l}} or {{button|ds|x}} to deploy, then press the button again to launch a shell. Each one has the same effect as a single Red Shell.''
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDD SpinyShell.png|100px]]
|[[File:MKDD SpinyShell.png|100px]]
|[[Spiny Shell (Mario Kart)|Spiny Shell]]
|[[Spiny Shell (blue)|Spiny Shell]]
|''This shell travels and chases after the lead kart and blows up when it reaches its target. Any kart in the blast radius will be knocked over or spun around.''
|''This shell travels and chases after the lead kart and blows up when it reaches its target. Any kart in the blast radius will be knocked over or spun around.''
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDD Star.png|100px]]
|[[File:MKDD Star.png|100px]]
|[[Star]]
|[[Super Star|Star]]
|''The star makes the user multicolored, which means they are invincible against everyhing, and will be able to knock over items, course obstacles, and other racers and making them lose all items in their possession on the race field. In addition to this, the user gets a speed boost that will help them to catch other racers, a better kart handling, and immunity against off-road slow down effect.''
|''Makes you invincible for a brief period of time. While invincible, you will knock over any kart you hit.''
|-
|-
|[[File:Thunderbolt - Mario Kart Wii.png|100px]]
|[[File:MKDD Thunderbolt Artwork.png|100px]]
|[[Thunderbolt_(item)|Lightning]]
|[[Lightning]]
|''Makes all opponents spin out, drop their items, and shrink for a brief period of time.''
|''Makes all opponents spin out, drop their items, and shrink for a brief period of time.''
|-
|-
Line 623: Line 2,463:
|-
|-
|[[File:BlooperMKDS.png|100px]]
|[[File:BlooperMKDS.png|100px]]
|[[Blooper]]<br>''New Item''
|[[Blooper]]
|''Sprays ink on all of the karts in front of the user, obscuring those drivers' view/s of the track.''
|''Sprays ink on all of the karts in front of you, obscuring those drivers' view of the track.''
|-
|-
|[[File:Bullet Bill Mario.jpg|100px]]
|[[File:BulletBill-MKDS.png|100px]]
|[[Bullet Bill]]<br>''New Item''
|[[Bullet Bill]]
|''This transforms the user into a giant bullet bill, that will rocket down the track at very high speeds on auto-pilot. The bullet bill is unstoppable and gains invincibility, since it'll knock over items, course obstacles, or others players in the race, which make them lose their items.''
|''Briefly transforms the user into a Bullet Bill that soars through the air along the track, knocking over karts along the way.''
|-
|-
|[[File:BooMKDS.jpg|100px]]
|[[File:Boo-MKDS.png|100px]]
|[[Boo]]
|[[Boo]]
|''The boo makes the user invisible, so they will disappear from the map and from the upper screen, and their opponents won't be able to see them. The boo also makes the user invincible against everything, and they will be able to pass through items, course obstacles, and other racers. Additionally, the user is also immune to off-road kart slow down effect. Upon using, the boo will search for the most powerful item in the race field, will steal it and will bring it back to the user.''
|''Unleashes Boo, who turns you invisible for a brief time, making you impervious to enemy attacks, and steals an opponent's item.''
|}
|}
{{footnote|note|1|The instruction booklet provides this description in page 10}}


*<span id=ch1>1</span> — The instruction booklet does not provide a description for this item.
==Racing techniques==
 
==Racing techniques ==
===Rocket Start===
===Rocket Start===
Throughout the entire series, the '''[[Rocket Start]]''' allows racers to give them an extra boost of speed and get a head start when a race begins. To activate the technique for this installment, players should stay at the starting line and wait for the countdown to hit 2. When it does reach that number and when it starts to fade, players should hold the {{button|ds|A}} button to rev up the kart's engine. When ''START'' appears on the race screen, the kart receives a small boost of speed out of the starting line, which is a very helpful move to get first place early on in a race. But, there is a risk to this move. If players fail to succeed, and holds the same button after the final beep, it may make the player's kart falter, and takes a few seconds to get back up to normal speed. If the player holds the {{button|ds|A}} after the second "ding" sound is heard and end, the player can get a boost that is a little faster than the normal small boost.  
Throughout the entire series, the [[Rocket Start]] allow drivers to give them an extra speed boost and get a head start when a race begins. To use the technique for this installment, players should stay at the starting line and wait for the countdown to hit two. When it does reach that number and when it starts to fade, players should hold the {{button|ds|A}} button to rev up the kart's engine. When ''START'' appears on the race screen, the kart receives a small boost of speed out from the starting line, which is a very helpful move to get first place early on in a race. But, there is a risk to this move. If players hold the button before the two fades, it may make the player's kart falter, and takes a few seconds to get back up to normal speed. If the player holds the {{button|ds|A}} after the second "ding" sound is heard and end, the player can get a boost that is a little faster than the normal small boost.


[[File:Powersliding1.jpg|thumb|[[Yoshi]] powersliding at Figure-8 Circuit.]]
===Drifting and powersliding===
[[File:Powersliding1.png|thumb|[[Yoshi]] powersliding at Figure-8 Circuit.]]
In the entire ''Mario Kart'' series, players [[drift]] by holding the {{button|ds|R}} button on a turn. Gray wisps come out of their kart as they turn around corners, possibly tighter or better than normal turning.


===Drifting and powersliding===
The next step up is powersliding. While drifting, players can move the {{button|ds|pad}} Control Pad right and left repeatedly to produce sparks behind the kart. If done correctly, the sparks change their colors and intensity from blue to orange on each alternated move. After the sparks turn orange, the player releases the {{button|ds|R}} button to stop drifting and release a brief [[Mini-Turbo]] after powersliding. This can be used to dodge [[Spiny Shell (blue)|Spiny Shell]] if combined with a [[Hop (move)|hop]] only during 100cc and 150cc races.
In the entire ''Mario Kart'' series, players '''[[drift]]''' by holding the {{button|ds|R}} button on a turn. Gray wisps come out of their kart as they turn around corners, possibly tighter or better than normal turning.


The next step up is '''powersliding'''. While drifting, players can move the +Control Pad to the right, left, and vice versa to produce sparks behind the kart. If done correctly, the sparks change their colors and intensity from blue to orange on each alternated move. After the sparks turn orange, the player releases the {{button|ds|R}} button to stop drifting and release a brief [[Mini-Turbo]] after powersliding.
A player can perform a useful technique known as [[Mini-Turbo#Snaking|snaking]] by performing consecutive mini-turbos in a zigzagged direction, which offers a player the boost they need to get further ahead. This technique is much easier to perform with karts with higher handling, especially with [[Dry Bones]].


===Slipstreaming===
===Slipstreaming===
Back from ''Mario Kart 64'', '''[[slipstream]]''' is simply moving just behind another player. If racers can stay behind their opponent's vehicle for about four seconds, players get a momentary turbo boost that is strong enough to pass the other player.
Back from ''Mario Kart 64'', [[Slipstream]]ing is simply moving just behind another player. If racers can stay behind their opponent's vehicle for about four seconds, players get a momentary speed boost that is strong enough to pass the other player.


==Multiplayer==
==Multiplayer==
===Multi card play===
The multiplayer mode allows up to eight players to play either by multi-card (Normal) or by Download Play (Simple) mode.
Eight people or less can play via the wireless connection of the Nintendo DS. There are little to no restrictions while activating this. Players can access any character and kart combination they want as long as they unlocked it.
 
===Download Play===
Download Play can allow up to eight people playing the ''Mario Kart DS'' game using one (or more) game card(s). In this mode, players can only choose tracks from the Mushroom and Shell Cups. Also, instead of six battle tracks, players are only able to race on [[Nintendo DS]], [[Tart Top]] and [[Pipe Plaza]] (chosen randomly by the system). Only the people with the game can pick their character, while the others use Shy Guy only. Shy Guy is not playable in other modes. When the players that want to Download play begin to race, each player will have a different color of Shy Guy, randomly generated with each Download Play.
 
==Karts==
[[File:CharacterinMKDS.PNG|thumb|The kart selection screen in ''Mario Kart DS'' with Mario only.]]
In ''Mario Kart DS'', there are 36 different karts in total.
 
Every kart shows six ratings:
*'''Speed:''' How high the top speed of the kart is; how fast the kart can go. [[Luigi]] and [[R.O.B.]] have the fastest karts.
*'''Acceleration:''' The time the kart's top speed is achieved when accelerating (the higher the acceleration, the shorter players wait until they reach their kart's top speed, and the lower it is, the longer they wait). [[Dry Bones|Dry Bones's]] karts can reach their top speed very quickly.
*'''Weight:''' While a vehicle is heavy, the driver can knock a lighter kart. Unlike other stats, the character contributes to this stat, with [[Bowser]]'s and [[R.O.B.]] being very heavy.
*'''Handling:''' How tight the kart can normally turn without drifting. [[Dry Bones]] has the best turning curve.
*'''Drift:''' How tight the kart turns while drifting or powersliding. [[Princess Peach|Peach]] has the best drifting curve.
*'''Items:''' The variety of items to use when touching an [[Item Box]] (a high Items rating signifies a higher chance of getting Triple Bananas in first place, Triple Mushrooms in 3rd, 4th, etc).
 
Originally, only two karts are available for each character; an Exclusive Kart and a Standard Kart. As the player wins gold trophies in the 100cc Nitro Grand Prix, the player will unlock a second Exclusive Kart for each character. When the player wins gold trophies in the 150cc Nitro Grand Prix, four Exclusive Karts from different characters will become available, bringing the total to seven karts for each character. After winning gold trophies in the 150cc Retro Grand Prix (to unlock the Mirror) and the Nitro and Retro Grand Prixs in 150cc Mirror, each character can be paired in any of the 36 karts, making 432 combinations (excluding Shy Guy).  


The following ratings are from 0 to 10 in one-tenth intervals. The Items rating will be either 3.3, 6.7, or 10. For the three karts related to each character, each one will have one and just one of all three ratings, the standard kart always being 6.7.  
In Normal mode, players can select any character and kart combination they have unlocked. They can also pick any track that any Game Card has unlocked.


On a side note, it's worth noting that a kart with a high items rating will usually have lower overall stats than the standard karts. Likewise, karts with a low items rating will usually have higher overall stats than the standard karts. Karts with a high items rating tend to be heavier than the karts with a low items rating. Karts with high items rating also receive more Mushroom boosts in Time Trial mode. The player will get one Mushroom boost if the items rating is low, two if the items rating is normal, and three if the items rating is high.
In Simple mode, players can only select courses from the Mushroom Cup and the Shell Cup. Only three of the battle courses are available—[[Nintendo DS (battle course)|Nintendo DS]], [[Tart Top]] and [[Pipe Plaza]]—which are always selected by the game at random. Download Play participants are forced to play as Shy Guy, whose color is selected by the game randomly. This applies even if everyone in the room has the game.
 
The weight system used in ''Mario Kart DS'' is different from previous ''Mario Kart'' games. The weight class of the character is not as significant, as the weight does not create restrictions on the use of karts. However, the weight of a character can influence the weight of the kart. For example, Bowser driving on the Dry Bomber will have considerably more weight than Dry Bones on the same kart. For this reason, weight is omitted in the table below.
 
<br clear="all">
{| border="1" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=3 align="center" style="background:#fffcfc; border-collapse:collapse; text-align:center; font-family:arial" width=95%
|-
!<span style="color:#F00">'''Low stats'''</span> !! <span style="color:#090">'''High stats'''</span> !! Sp: Speed !! Acc: Acceleration !! Ha: Handling !! Dri: Drift !! Ite: Items
|}
 
<br clear="all">
{| class="sortable" border="1" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=3 align="center" style="background:#fffcfc; border-collapse:collapse; text-align:center; font-family:arial" width=95%
|-
!Kart !! Sp !! Acc || Ha !! Dri !! Ite !! Character !! Kart (2) !! Sp !! Acc !! Ha !! Dri !! Ite !! Character
|-
|[[File:MKDS 4WheelCradle.PNG|120px]]<br>[[4-Wheel Cradle]]
|3.3
|8.5
|6.1
|6.5
|<span style="color:#090">10</span>
|Toad
|[[File:Royale.png|120px]]<br>[[Royale]]
|4.1
|6.9
|4.3
|9.5
|<span style="color:#090">10</span>
|Peach
|-
|[[File:MKDS Banisher.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Banisher]]
|<span style="color:#F00">2.5</span>
|9.7
|9.2
|4.5
|<span style="color:#090">10</span>
|Dry Bones
|[[File:MKDSShootingStar.png|120px]]<br>[[Shooting Star (kart)|Shooting Star]]
|6.7
|7.5
|6.0
|5.9
|3.3
|Mario
|-
|[[File:MKDSBDasher.png|120px]]<br>[[B Dasher]]
|5.9
|6.8
|5.3
|5.6
|<span style="color:#090">10</span>
|Mario
|Standard BW
|9.7
|2.9
|2.8
|6.8
|6.7
|Bowser
|-
|[[File:Wariobrute33.png|120px]]<br>[[Brute]]
|9.3
|5.3
|5.0
|4.9
|3.3
|Wario
|Standard DB
|3.0
|9.9
|9.7
|4.7
|6.7
|Dry Bones
|-
|[[File:MKDS Cucumber.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Cucumber]]
|4.9
|8.8
|8.0
|3.6
|<span style="color:#090">10</span>
|Yoshi
|Standard DK
|8.0
|4.7
|3.4
|7.8
|6.7
|Donkey Kong
|-
|[[File:MDKS Dragonfly.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Dragonfly (kart)|Dragonfly]]
|8.3
|4.6
|4.5
|4.5
|<span style="color:#090">10</span>
|Wario
|Standard DS
|6.5
|6.5
|3.9
|8.8
|6.7
|Daisy
|-
|[[File:MKDS Dry bomber.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Dry Bomber]]
|3.4
|<span style="color:#090">10</span>
|<span style="color:#090">10</span>
|4.9
|3.3
|Dry Bones
|Standard LG
|7.1
|7.4
|7.3
|3.1
|6.7
|Luigi
|-
|[[File:MKDS Egg1.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Egg 1]]
|5.8
|9.2
|8.9
|4.1
|3.3
|Yoshi
|Standard MR
|6.6
|7.3
|5.6
|5.7
|6.7
|Mario
|-
|[[File:MKDS Gold mantis.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Gold Mantis]]
|7.6
|6.6
|6.0
|5.9
|3.3
|Waluigi
|Standard PC
|4.7
|7.3
|4.8
|9.8
|6.7
|Peach
|-
|[[File:MKDS Hurricane.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Hurricane]]
|<span style="color:#090">10</span>
|3.4
|3.1
|6.9
|3.3
|Bowser
|Standard RB
|9.7
|5.3
|6.6
|2.6
|6.7
|ROB
|-
|[[File:MKDS Light dancer.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Light Dancer]]
|6.7
|6.6
|4.3
|8.9
|3.3
|Daisy
|Standard TD
|3.9
|8.5
|6.4
|6.7
|6.7
|Toad
|-
|[[File:MKDS Lighttripper.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Light Tripper]]
|5.0
|7.5
|5.0
|<span style="color:#090">10</span>
|3.3
|Peach
|Standard WL
|7.1
|6.3
|5.6
|5.8
|6.7
|Waluigi
|-
|[[File:MKDS Mushmellow.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Mushmellow]]
|4.3
|8.7
|7.0
|7.0
|3.3
|Toad
|Standard WR
|8.8
|4.9
|4.7
|4.8
|6.7
|Wario
|-
|[[File:Poltergust4000.png|120px]]<br>[[Poltergust 4000]]
|7.5
|7.6
|7.7
|3.2
|3.3
|Luigi
|Standard YS
|5.5
|9.0
|8.5
|3.9
|6.7
|Yoshi
|-
|[[File:MKDS Power flower.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Power Flower (kart)|Power Flower]]
|5.8
|6.1
|3.5
|8.5
|<span style="color:#090">10</span>
|Daisy
|[[File:MKDS Streamliner.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Streamliner]]
|6.5
|7.1
|6.9
|2.9
|<span style="color:#090">10</span>
|Luigi
|-
|[[File:Rambirider.png|120px]]<br>[[Rambi Rider]]
|7.5
|4.4
|3.0
|7.5
|<span style="color:#090">10</span>
|Donkey Kong
|[[File:MKDS Tyrant.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Tyrant]]
|9.0
|<span style="color:#F00">2.5</span>
|<span style="color:#F00">2.5</span>
|6.5
|<span style="color:#090">10</span>
|Bowser
|-
|[[File:ROBBLS.png|120px]]<br>[[ROB-BLS]]
|<span style="color:#090">10</span>
|5.5
|6.9
|2.8
|3.3
|ROB
|[[File:MKDS Wildlife.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Wildlife]]
|8.3
|4.9
|3.7
|7.9
|3.3
|Donkey Kong
|-
|[[File:ROBLGS.png|120px]]<br>[[ROB-LGS]]
|9.0
|4.8
|6.0
|<span style="color:#F00">2.5</span>
|<span style="color:#090">10</span>
|ROB
|[[File:MKDS Zipper.PNG|120px]]<br>[[Zipper]]
|6.7
|5.9
|5.1
|5.5
|<span style="color:#090">10</span>
|Waluigi
|}
<small><center>''Note: Margin of error ± .2 points''<br>
Shy Guy's kart has identical stats to those of Yoshi's Standard YS.''</center></small>


==Options==
==Options==
{{multiple image|align=right|direction=horizontal|footer_align=center|footer=The emblem maker can be used to make a variety of designs, for example this picture of Mario.|image1=MkdsMarioEmblem.png|alt1=Emblem maker|width1=100|image2=MkdsMario.png|alt2=Emblem with Mario|width2=32|caption2=Result}}
{{multiple image|align=right|direction=horizontal|footer_align=center|footer=The emblem maker can be used to make a variety of designs, for example this picture of Mario.|image1=MKDS Mario Emblem Maker.png|alt1=Emblem maker|width1=100|image2=MKDS Mario Custom Emblem.png|alt2=Emblem with Mario|width2=32|caption2=Result}}
The options menu lets the player make their own emblem and name for racing throughout the game. They also have an option to make the emblem show up on the kart they are driving. Additionally, this emblem will show up next to a player's name while driving in a multiplayer or Nintendo WFC race. Other options include audio options and deleting data.
In the options menu, the player can select "Settings", "Edit", or "Erase Data". Under "Settings", the sound output can be changed between stereo, headphones, and surround and the "Locate Friend" feature can be togged on or off. "Locate Friend" notifies the player about friends who are seeking opponents while connected to the internet. Under "Edit", the player can change their nickname and make their own emblem for racing throughout the game. They also have an option to make the emblem show up on the kart they are driving. Additionally, this emblem shows up next to a player's name while driving in a multiplayer or Nintendo WFC race. "Erase Data" clears all save data.
{{br}}
{{br}}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{morepic}}
{{main-gallery}}
<center><gallery>
<gallery>
File:Mario Box Figure - Mario Kart DS.png|Mario in his [[B Dasher]] (Boxart picture)
MKDS Mario and B Dasher Cover Artwork.png|[[Mario]] in his [[B Dasher]]
File:Luigi4000.jpg|Luigi driving his [[Poltergust 4000]]
MKDS Luigi Poltergust 4000 Artwork.png|[[Luigi]] driving his [[Poltergust 4000]]
File:LakituMKDD.jpg|[[Lakitu]], holding up the Final Lap sign.
Princess Peach Spiny Shell Artwork - Mario Kart DS.png|[[Princess Peach|Peach]] driving her [[Royale]] holding a [[Spiny Shell]]
File:Powersliding1.jpg|Yoshi [[Drift|Power Sliding]]
MKDS Donkey Kong Rambi Rider Artwork.png|[[Donkey Kong]] driving his [[Rambi Rider]] with [[Triple Red Shells]]
File:RockyWrenchMKDS.png|Bowser driving past a [[Rocky Wrench]]
MKDS Brute Artwork.jpg|[[Wario]] driving his [[Brute]]
File:PokeyMKDS.png|[[Pokey]]
LakituMKDD.jpg|[[Lakitu (Mario Kart referee)|Lakitu]], holding up the Final Lap sign.
</gallery></center>
</gallery>


==Media==
==Media==
{{mainMedia}}
{{main-media}}
{{media
{{media table
|type1=audio
|file1=MKDS-Music-CircuitTheme.oga
|name1=01 Figure 8 Circuit
|title1=Figure 8 Circuit/Mario Circuit
|pipe1=Figure 8 Circuit/Mario Circuit
|description1=The main circuit theme
|description1=The main circuit theme
|length1=2:34
|length1=0:30
|name2=07 Waluigi Pinball
|file2=MKDS-Music-WaluigiPinball.oga
|pipe2=Waluigi Pinball/Wario Stadium
|title2=Waluigi Pinball/Wario Stadium
|description2=Waluigi Pinball/Wario Stadium theme
|description2=Waluigi Pinball/Wario Stadium theme
|length2=2:07
|length2=0:29
|name3=14 Rainbow Road
|file3=MKDS-Music-RainbowRoad.oga
|pipe3=Rainbow Road
|title3=Rainbow Road
|description3=Rainbow Road theme
|description3=Rainbow Road theme
|length3=4:19
|length3=0:30
}}
}}


==Beta elements==
==Pre-release and unused content==
{{Main|List of Mario Kart DS beta elements}}
{{Main|List of Mario Kart DS pre-release and unused content}}
There were two unused items: the [[Chain Chomp]] and [[Bowser's Shell]], although the Chain Chomp was the only one found in the item roulette. The Chain Chomp would have likely functioned the same as in ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]''
There were three unused items: the [[Chain Chomp]], [[Bowser's Shell]], and a purple [[Shell|Koopa Shell]], although the Chain Chomp was the only one found in the item roulette. The Chain Chomp would have likely functioned the same as in ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]''.
[[Professor Elvin Gadd]] was planned to be playable and would have had the [[Poltergust 4000]] as his kart. Birdo may have also be planned as a playable character as there is a pink version of the [[Egg 1]] found in the data.
[[Professor Elvin Gadd]] was planned to be playable and would have had the [[Poltergust 4000]] as his kart. Birdo may have also be planned as a playable character as there is a pink version of the [[Egg 1]] found in the data.


==Glitches==
==Glitches==
{{Main|List of glitches in Mario Kart DS}}
{{Main|List of Mario Kart DS glitches}}
==={{conjecturaltext|Choco Mountain boulder glitch}}===
===Choco Mountain boulder glitch===
In Choco Mountain, if the player goes to the lake and the water splashes before they fall, the boulder should hit them. If done correctly, they should start flying. The screen will then turn black as if they fell into the water. Lakitu will pick then them up. This glitch rarely works after the first time it's performed.
In Choco Mountain, if the player goes to the lake and the water splashes before they fall, the boulder should hit them. If done correctly, they should start flying. The screen will then turn black as if they fell into the water. Lakitu will then pick them up. This glitch rarely works after the first time it is performed.
 
==={{conjecturaltext|[[List of glitches in Mario Kart DS#Delfino Square Boardwalk Glitch|Delfino Square boardwalk glitch]]}}===
When the player goes up to the boardwalk that has the one item box, they must press {{button|ds|R}} when they are on the wall. If timed correctly, the player can float on the side of the road. This will work in any mode.
 
==={{conjecturaltext|Pipe Plaza Bob-omb glitch}}===
In Pipe Plaza, if the player has a [[Bob-omb]] and drops it near one of the pipe holes, another player or a CPU should hit the Bob-omb. If done correctly, the player should go through the pipe hole and he/she will fall. Lakitu will pick the player up as usual. This can also be done with a [[Super Star]], but is harder to pull off.
 
==={{conjecturaltext|Luigi's Mansion freeze glitch}}===
To perform this glitch, the player must pick the [[Luigi's Mansion (course)|Luigi's Mansion]] track in any mode. Once the race starts, the player must then park their character on the stairs at the entrance of the mansion. After that, the player must hold down both {{button|ds|A}} and {{button|ds|B}} to drift in place. If the player tries to turn, the game will freeze. This works with any character and kart.


===Mini-Spin turn item glitch===
To perform this glitch, the player must drive towards an item box in any mode (battle mode is preferred) and sit themselves right in the center where it appears so that they continuously break it open when it appears again. Then, the player should hold either left or right on {{button|ds|Pad}}. When the item box appears again, it will break as usual, and the player will turn a very small amount in the direction pressed. Given time, so long as the player doesn't move, the player can turn all the way round in the direction pressed.


==={{conjecturaltext|Battle Mode Glitch}}===
===Pipe Plaza Bob-omb glitch===
 
In Pipe Plaza, if the player has a [[Bob-omb]] and drops it near one of the pipe holes, another player or a CPU should hit the Bob-omb. If done correctly, the player should go through the pipe hole and they will fall. Lakitu will pick the player up as usual. This can also be done with a [[Super Star|Star]], but is harder to pull off.
In Battle Mode, when the player (with more than 2 balloons) touches a Banana and touches another Banana while spinning, the player will lose only 1 balloon.


==Staff==
==Staff==
{{main|List of Mario Kart DS staff}}
{{main|List of Mario Kart DS staff}}
===General Producer===
A few staff members from ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' returned to work on this game, including Hirotake Ohtsubo and Yoshihisa Morimoto as course designers and Yasuyuki Oyagi as one of the directors. Hiromu Takemura, who also worked as a course designer for ''Double Dash!!'' and a map designer for ''[[Super Mario Sunshine]]'', led as the course director. [[Hideki Konno]] returns as a producer after being absent from ''Double Dash!!''{{'}}s development. [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] served as the general producer and [[Satoru Iwata]] served as the executive producer.
*[[Shigeru Miyamoto]]
 
===Producer===
*[[Hideki Konno]]
 
===Directors===
*Makoto Wada
*Yasuyuki Oyagi
 
===Mission-Run Mode Director===
*Kimiharu Hyodo
 
===Wi-Fi Mode Director===
*Katsuhito Nishimura
 
===Planning===
*Shinya Hiratake
*Taku Matoba
 
===Programming Director===
*Katsuhisa Sato
 
===System Programming===
*Yusuke Shiraiwa


==Reception==
==Reception==
''Mario Kart DS'' was well received by game critics. It currently maintains a 9.2 average at [http://www.gamestats.com/objects/682/682877/index.html Gamestats], the highest score for a Nintendo DS game on the site (as of December 2006).
''Mario Kart DS'' received critical acclaim. It currently maintains a 9.2 average at [http://www.gamestats.com/objects/682/682877/index.html Gamestats], the highest score for a Nintendo DS game on the site (as of December 2006).


[http://ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/mario-kart-ds/667164p1.html Gamespy] reviewer Bryn Williams said that online, Nintendo "trimmed it back a little too much for my liking", but was certain that "Even with a few online flaws, this is the best ''Mario Kart'' ever." With a rank of 5 out of 5 and describing the multiplayer experience as "great".
[http://ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/mario-kart-ds/667164p1.html Gamespy] reviewer Bryn Williams said that online, Nintendo "trimmed it back a little too much for my liking", but was certain that "Even with a few online flaws, this is the best ''Mario Kart'' ever." With a rank of 5 out of 5 and describing the multiplayer experience as "great".
Line 1,055: Line 2,558:
[http://www.gamespot.com/ds/driving/mariokartds/review.html GameSpot] reviewer Justin Calvert had similar quips with the online feature: "Whether these opponents were leaving voluntarily or because of network problems is anybody's guess, but it's equally irritating either way." He finished up similarly by saying "''Mario Kart DS'' is without a doubt one of the best games to hit the Nintendo DS to date." ''Mario Kart DS'' received a score of 9.2 out of 10 and was regarded as GameSpot's Editor's Choice and DS game of the year.
[http://www.gamespot.com/ds/driving/mariokartds/review.html GameSpot] reviewer Justin Calvert had similar quips with the online feature: "Whether these opponents were leaving voluntarily or because of network problems is anybody's guess, but it's equally irritating either way." He finished up similarly by saying "''Mario Kart DS'' is without a doubt one of the best games to hit the Nintendo DS to date." ''Mario Kart DS'' received a score of 9.2 out of 10 and was regarded as GameSpot's Editor's Choice and DS game of the year.


[http://ds.ign.com/articles/666/666125p1.html IGN] has given an overall score of 9.5 out of 10, granting the game the IGN Editor's Choice Award and DS game of the year. Reviewer Craig Harris commented that "it's just hard to ignore just how limited the online presentation is.", but ended the review with this: "The only way to finish this review is just to say it: this is the greatest Mario Kart game ever developed, and is without a doubt the best DS game of 2005."
[http://ds.ign.com/articles/666/666125p1.html IGN] gave an overall score of 9.5 out of 10, granting the game the IGN Editor's Choice Award and DS game of the year. Reviewer Craig Harris commented that "it's just hard to ignore just how limited the online presentation is.", but ended the review with this: "The only way to finish this review is just to say it: this is the greatest Mario Kart game ever developed, and is without a doubt the best DS game of 2005."
{| class="wikitable reviews"
!colspan="4"style="font-size:120%; text-align:center; background-color:silver;"|Reviews
|-style="background-color:#E6E6E6"
|Release
|Reviewer, Publication
|Score
|Verdict
|-
|[[Nintendo DS]]
|Bryn Williams, [http://ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/mario-kart-ds/667164p1.html Gamespy]
|5/5
|"''In the end, it really boils down to this. If you're a fan of Nintendo, racing games, and want some of the best digital excitement 2005 has to offer, you need to get Mario Kart DS. The online shortcomings are annoying, yes, but very minor, and they are more than made up for by the amazing single-player content and local WiFi gameplay. If you absolutely hate, hate, hate karting games, then fair enough. Just be sure to book that next appointment with your shrink to figure out why that is.''"
|-
|[[Nintendo DS]]
|Justin Calvert, [https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mario-kart-ds-review/1900-6139765/ GameSpot]
|9.2/10
|"''Mario Kart DS is without a doubt one of the best games to hit the Nintendo DS to date. The game plays every bit as well as any of its predecessors, and adds just enough new features to the mix to make it worthy of your attention, even if you're still playing any of those games on a regular basis. The online play is undoubtedly the icing on an especially yummy cake, and even if you're not in a position to sample said icing, a yummy cake without icing is still a yummy cake.''"
|-
|[[Nintendo DS]]
|Craig Harris, [http://ds.ign.com/articles/666/666125p1.html IGN]
|9.5/10
|"''After experiencing Mario Kart DS, it's hard to imagine how Nintendo's going to improve on what they've done for this stunning portable rendition. There's so much gameplay and depth in this design, moreso than the series has ever had in the past. It's an amazingly addictive racer both in single and multiplayer modes, and even with the limitations of the online functions, it's impossible to avoid becoming addicted to the long distance Mario Kart match-ups. The only way to finish this review is just to say it: this is the greatest Mario Kart game ever developed, and is without a doubt the best DS game of 2005.''"
|-
|[[Nintendo DS]]
|Jeremy Parish, [https://web.archive.org/web/20060216140611/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3145630&did=1 1UP]
|8.7/10
|"''Everything about MKDS comes together into a surprisingly compelling package, a portable racing game on par with anything ever to appear on a console. Even for a skeptic like me. Like the victor of a tough kart race, MKDS has come from behind against steep odds to snatch the gold from the clutches of cynicism.''"
|-
!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"|[https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/mario-kart-ds 91]
|-
|colspan=2|GameRankings
|colspan=2|[https://www.gamerankings.com/ds/920788-mario-kart-ds/index.html 91.43%]
|}


==Notable mistakes and errors==
===Sales===
*The instruction booklet for earlier versions of this game makes an error in page 9. "Perform" is misspelled as "perfprm". This was fixed in later releases of the game.
''Mario Kart DS'' is the 3rd best selling game for the [[Nintendo DS]], selling 23.60 million copies worldwide.
*On page 12, the text of Blooper states, "Sprays ink on the all of the karts in front of you,...", where there is an extra "the" in between "on" and "all". This was not fixed in later releases of the game, however.
*The official artwork for Dry Bones shows that its kart is gold instead of grey.


==References to other games==
==References to other games==
*''[[Super Mario World]]'': The retro track, [[Donut Plains 1 (course)|Donut Plains 1]], which originally came from ''Super Mario Kart'' is based off [[Donut Plains|the level area of the same name]] in this game.
*''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'': The course [[DS Airship Fortress|Airship Fortress]] is based of the many airship based levels in this game. [[DS Desert Hills|Desert Hills]] is based on World 2 of this game, even featuring the [[Angry Sun]], [[Lava Bubble|Podoboo]]s, [[Fire Snake|Firesnake]]s, the pyramid, and two pipe formations taken from a level in this world. [[List_of_boss_arenas_in_Mario_Kart_DS#Water Arena|Water Arena]] and [[List_of_boss_arenas_in_Mario_Kart_DS#Sand Arena|Sand Arena]] use various objects from this game. A sprite of Mario and Luigi's heads appear on the Single Player and VS. mode bars.
*''[[Super Mario Kart]]'': [[Mario Circuit 1]], [[Donut Plains 1 (course)|Donut Plains 1]], [[Koopa Beach 2]], and [[Choco Island 2]] return as retro courses.
*''[[Super Mario Kart]]'': [[SNES Mario Circuit 1|Mario Circuit 1]], [[SNES Donut Plains 1|Donut Plains 1]], [[SNES Koopa Troopa Beach 2|Koopa Beach 2]], and [[SNES Choco Island 2|Choco Island 2]] return as retro courses.
*''[[Super Mario 64]]'': The track [[Tick-Tock Clock|Tick-Tock Clock]] is based off of the [[Tick Tock Clock|level]] of the same name in this game.
*''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'': The Rambi Rider is based off [[Rambi]] from this game.
*''[[Mario Kart 64]]'': [[Moo Moo Farm]], [[Frappe Snowland]], [[Choco Mountain]], and [[Banshee Boardwalk]] return as retro courses, and [[Block Fort]] returns as a playable battle course. Also, the name "[[Wario Stadium (N64)|Wario Stadium]]" is reused. Lastly, part of the credits theme from this game is used in the second part of the credits when Mirror Special Cup or Lightning Cup is beat in first place.
*''[[Super Mario 64]]'': The course [[DS Tick-Tock Clock|Tick-Tock Clock]] is based off of the [[Tick Tock Clock|level]] of the same name in this game.
*''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'': [[Peach Circuit]], [[Bowser Castle 2 (GBA)|Bowser Castle 2]], [[Luigi Circuit (GBA)|Luigi Circuit]], and [[Sky Garden]] return as retro courses.
*''[[Mario Kart 64]]'': [[N64 Moo Moo Farm|Moo Moo Farm]], [[N64 Frappe Snowland|Frappe Snowland]], [[N64 Choco Mountain|Choco Mountain]], and [[N64 Banshee Boardwalk|Banshee Boardwalk]] return as retro courses, and [[Block Fort]] returns as a playable battle course. Also, the name "[[Wario Stadium]]" is reused. Lastly, part of the credits theme from this game is used in the second part of the credits when Mirror Special Cup or Lightning Cup is beat in first place and the eight playable characters that are available from the start are taken from the eight playable characters in this game, including the same eight colored karts.
*''[[Super Mario Sunshine]]'': The track [[Delfino Square]] is based off the main area of this game, [[Delfino Plaza]].
*''[[Mobile Golf]]'': The Gold Mantis is based off [[Foreman Spike]]'s excavator from his artwork for this game.
*''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'': [[Luigi Circuit (GCN)|Luigi Circuit]], [[Baby Park]], [[Mushroom Bridge]], and [[Yoshi Circuit]] return as retro courses, and [[Pipe Plaza]] returns as a playable battle course. Also, sound effects are taken from this game, and the character icons from the character select menu are used at the end of a Grand Prix race and a VS match.
*''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'': [[GBA Peach Circuit|Peach Circuit]], [[GBA Bowser's Castle 2|Bowser Castle 2]], [[GBA Luigi Circuit|Luigi Circuit]], and [[GBA Sky Garden|Sky Garden]] return as retro courses. Also, the eight playable characters in this game were reused as the starting characters. The [[Lightning Cup]] returns as the highest-tier retro cup. The multiplayer-only Shy Guys and their kart share their statistics with Yoshi, similar to the multiplayer-only colored Yoshis from this game.
*''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'': The track [[Airship Fortress]] is based of the many airship based levels in this game. [[Desert Hills]] is based on World 2 of this game, even featuring the [[Angry Sun]], [[Podoboo]]s, [[Fire Snake]]s, the pyramid, and 2 pipe formations taken from a level in this world. [[Water Arena]] and [[Sand Arena]] use various objects from this game. A sprite of Mario and Luigi's heads appear on the Single Player and VS. mode bars.
*''[[Wario Land 4]]'': The Brute is based off the Wario Car in this game.
*''[[Mobile Golf]]'': The Golden Mantis is based off [[Foreman Spike]]'s digger from artwork for this game.
*''[[Luigi's Mansion]]'': The Poltergust 4000 is based off the Poltergust 3000 from this game. Also a [[DS Luigi's Mansion|course]] of the same name is based on this game.
*''[[Luigi's Mansion]]'': The Poltergust 4000 is based off the Poltergust 3000 from this game. Also a track of the same name as this game is based on this game.
*''[[Super Mario Sunshine]]'': The course [[DS Delfino Square|Delfino Square]] is based off the main area of this game, [[Delfino Plaza]]. Piantas also appear as spectators in this course.
*''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'': The Rambi Rider is based off [[Rambi the Rhinoceros|Rambi]] from this game.
*''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'': [[GCN Luigi Circuit|Luigi Circuit]], [[GCN Baby Park|Baby Park]], [[GCN Mushroom Bridge|Mushroom Bridge]], and [[GCN Yoshi Circuit|Yoshi Circuit]] return as retro courses, and [[Pipe Plaza]] returns as a playable battle course. Also, Wario Stadium seems to use elements from [[GCN Waluigi Stadium|Waluigi Stadium]]. Some sound effects are also taken from this game, and the character icons from the character select menu are used at the end of a Grand Prix race and a VS. match. The 3-2-1 starting countdown is also taken from this game, and it has appeared in every recurring game since then.
*''[[Wario Land 4]]'': The kart Brute is based off the Wario Car in this game.  
*''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]'': All of the bosses, with the exception of King Whomp, return from this game.
*''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]'': All of the boss battles are taken from this game. Also, Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and Wario have voice clips from this game.


==References in later games==
==References in later games==
*[[Nintendo Monopoly]] - The kart design on the space Mario Kart and on the [[Brick Block]] card "Renew kart license" is the same from this game.
*''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'': The [[Blooper]]'s design and the [[Dash Mushroom|Dash]]/[[Super Mushroom]]'s menu design return for the first time in this game and become their standard designs in subsequent games.
*''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' - [[Yoshi Falls]], [[Delfino Square]], [[Desert Hills]], and [[Peach Gardens]] appear as retro courses. [[Twilight House]] is a Retro Battle Course. This is also Dry Bones' second ''Mario Kart'' appearance.
*[[Nintendo Monopoly]]: The kart design on the space Mario Kart, the [[? Block]] card "Take a spin in the Kart", and on the [[Brick Block]] card "Renew kart license" is the same from this game.
*''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' - [[Luigi's Mansion (course)|Luigi's Mansion]], [[Waluigi Pinball]], [[DK Pass]], and [[Airship Fortress]] appear as retro courses. [[Palm Shore]] is a Retro Battle Course. Also the design of the standard kart is similar but has a rounder appearance. Also, part of the credits theme is similar to that in ''Mario Kart DS'', the kart Egg 1 re-appears too.
*''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'': Waluigi Pinball's theme is used as a song arrangement.
*''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP DX]]'' - Many of the karts are based off of ones from this game.
*''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'': [[DS Yoshi Falls|Yoshi Falls]], [[DS Delfino Square|Delfino Square]], [[DS Desert Hills|Desert Hills]], and [[DS Peach Gardens|Peach Gardens]] appear as classic race courses. [[DS Twilight House|Twilight House]] is a classic battle course. The item roulette and countdown chimes were reused in this game.
*''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' - [[Cheep Cheep Beach]], [[Wario Stadium (DS)|Wario Stadium]], and [[Tick Tock Clock]] return as retro courses.
*''[[Mario Sports Mix]]'': Waluigi owns a pinball-themed course in this game, [[Waluigi Pinball (court)|Waluigi Pinball]].
*''[[Mario Kart 7]]'': [[DS Luigi's Mansion|Luigi's Mansion]], [[DS Waluigi Pinball|Waluigi Pinball]], [[DS DK Pass|DK Pass]], and [[DS Airship Fortress|Airship Fortress]] appear as classic race courses. [[DS Palm Shore|Palm Shore]] is a classic battle course. Also the design of the standard kart is similar but has a rounder appearance. Also, part of the credits theme is similar to that in ''Mario Kart DS'', the karts B Dasher and Egg 1 re-appear too. The item roulette and countdown chimes were reused in this game once again.
*''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP 2]]'': Several character-exclusive karts greatly resemble ones present in this game.
*''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP DX]]'': Some of the character-exclusive karts present in ''Mario Kart Arcade GP 2'' return in this game.
*''[[Mario Kart 8]]'': [[DS Cheep Cheep Beach|Cheep Cheep Beach]], [[DS Wario Stadium|Wario Stadium]], and [[DS Tick-Tock Clock|Tick-Tock Clock]] return as classic race courses. The [[B Dasher]] returns as one of the four karts included in the [[The Legend of Zelda x Mario Kart 8|first DLC pack]].
*''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U]]'': Rainbow Road's theme is used in the "Rainbow Road Medley" arrangement.
*''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'': An arrangement of the music for Luigi's Mansion is used in {{classic-link|GCN|Luigi's Mansion}}. [[DS Shroom Ridge|Shroom Ridge]], [[DS Waluigi Pinball|Waluigi Pinball]], [[DS Peach Gardens|Peach Gardens]], and [[DS Mario Circuit|Mario Circuit]] reappear as classic courses in the ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass|Booster Course Pass]]''.
*''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'': The [[B Dasher]] appears as a spirit.
*''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'': [[DS Luigi's Mansion|Luigi's Mansion]], [[DS Waluigi Pinball|Waluigi Pinball]], [[DS Shroom Ridge|Shroom Ridge]], [[DS DK Pass|DK Pass]], [[DS Mario Circuit|Mario Circuit]], [[DS Airship Fortress|Airship Fortress]] and [[DS Peach Gardens|Peach Gardens]] return as classic race courses. All of this game's [[classic course]]s also return except for {{classic-link|N64|Moo Moo Farm}}, {{classic-link|GCN|Luigi Circuit}} and {{classic-link|N64|Banshee Boardwalk}}. [[DS Twilight House|Twilight House]] returns as a classic battle course. The [[B Dasher]], [[Poltergust 4000]], [[Streamliner]], [[Royale]], [[Egg 1]], [[Mushmellow]], [[Rambi Rider]] and [[Dragonfly]] return as karts. Challenges with unique objectives return as the fourth and final race in every cup.


==Names in other languages==
==Names in other languages==
{{foreignname
{{foreign names
|Jap=マリオカート DS
|Jap=マリオカートDS
|JapR=Mario Kāto DS
|JapR=Mario Kāto DS
|JapM=Mario Kart DS
|JapM=Mario Kart DS
|Spa=Mario Kart DS
|Fre=Mario Kart DS
|Ger=Mario Kart DS
|Ita=Mario Kart DS
|Kor=마리오 카트 DS
|Kor=마리오 카트 DS
|KorR=Mario Kateu DS
|KorR=Mario Kateu DS
|KorM=Mario Kart DS
|KorM=Mario Kart DS
|Chi=瑪利歐賽車DS
|ChiR=Mǎlìōu Sàichē DS
|ChiM=Mario Racing DS
}}
}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*This is the first and only ''Mario Kart'' game where Lakitu does not start the races off as a referee.
*This and ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'' are the only ''Mario Kart'' games in which [[Lakitu (Mario Kart referee)|Lakitu]] does not start the races.
*If this game is played on the original DS, Mario says "Wahoo!" on the first screen but if it is played on the DS Lite, DSi or 3DS, he says "Here we go!"
*If the game is played on the original Nintendo DS, Mario says "Yahoo!" on the Nintendo logo screen, but if it is played on the DS Lite, DSi, 3DS, or Wii U, he instead says "Here we go!"<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQGiv60MopE Mario Kart DS (Wii U) - 150cc - Grand Prix: All Cups & End Credits (1080p60fps)] ''YouTube''. Retrieved October 11, 2015</ref><ref>For comparison, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB1QP8Zun7g here] is the game on a normal DS.</ref>
*''Mario Kart DS'' is one of the few Nintendo DS games with a "Language Block", meaning that the in-game language (except Japanese) is the same as that of the Nintendo DS system. Japanese is the only language available for ''Mario Kart DS'' releases in Japan.
*On page 12 of the ''Mario Kart DS'' instruction booklet, the text for the [[Blooper]] reads, "Sprays ink on the all of the karts in front of you", where there is an erroneous "the" between "on" and "all". Earlier versions of the instruction booklet also featured a misspelling of "perform" as "perfprm" on page 9, but this was fixed in later releases of the booklet.
 
==References==
<references/>


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.mariokart.com/mkds/launch/index.html Official ''Mario Kart DS'' website (North America)]
{{NIWA|StrategyWiki=1}}
*[http://ms.nintendo-europe.com/mariokartds Official ''Mario Kart DS'' website (Europe)]
{{TCRF}}
{{BoxTop}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20051125012938/http://www.mariokart.com/mkds/launch/index.html Official ''Mario Kart DS'' website (North America)]
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/amcj/ Official ''Mario Kart DS'' website (Japan)]
*[https://m1.nintendo.net/docvc/NTR/USA/AMCE/AMCE_E.pdf American English instruction booklet]
*[https://m1.nintendo.net/docvc/NTR/JPN/AMCJ/AMCJ_J.pdf Japanese instruction booklet]
 
{{MKDS}}
{{MKDS}}
{{MK Players}}
{{Super Mario games}}
{{Mariogames}}
{{DS}}
{{DS}}
{{WiFi}}
{{Virtual Console}}
[[de:Mario Kart DS]]
[[de:Mario Kart DS]]
[[it:Mario Kart DS]]
[[it:Mario Kart DS]]
[[Category:Nintendo DS Games]]
[[Category:Mario Kart DS|*]]
[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Racing Games]]
[[Category:Nintendo DS games]]
[[Category:Racing games]]
[[Category:2005 games]]
[[Category:2005 games]]
[[Category:Mario Games]]
[[Category:Mario Kart DS| ]]
[[Category:2007 games]]
[[Category:2007 games]]
[[Category:Games with Wi-Fi Connection]]
[[Category:Games with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
[[Category:Mario Kart Series]]

Latest revision as of 23:45, November 25, 2024

Mario Kart DS
The North American Boxart for Mario Kart DS.
For alternate box art, see the game's gallery.
Developer Nintendo EAD
Publisher Nintendo
Platform(s) Nintendo DS, Virtual Console (Wii U)
Release date Nintendo DS:
USA November 14, 2005[?]
Australia November 17, 2005[?]
Europe November 25, 2005[?]
Japan December 8, 2005[?]
HK December 8, 2005[1]
ROC December 8, 2005[?]
South Korea April 5, 2007[?]
Virtual Console (Wii U):
Europe April 1, 2015[?]
Australia April 2, 2015[?]
South Africa April 2, 2015[2]
USA April 23, 2015[?]
Japan May 25, 2016[?]
Language(s) English (United States)
French (France)
German
Spanish (Spain)
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Genre Racing
Rating(s)
ESRB:E - Everyone
PEGI:3 - Three years and older
CERO:A - All ages
ACB:G - General
USK:0 - All ages
ClassInd:L - General audience
Mode(s) Single player
Local Wireless Play: 2–8 players
Wi-Fi Connection: 2–4 players
Format
Wii U:
Digital download
Nintendo DS:
Game Card
Input
Wii U:
Nintendo DS:
Serial code(s) USA NTR-AMCE-USA
Europe NTR-AMCP-EUR
Australia NTR-AMCE-AUS
Japan NTR-AMCJ-JPN
South Korea NTR-AMCK-KOR

Mario Kart DS is a racing game in the Mario Kart series for the Nintendo DS, developed and published by Nintendo. Mario Kart DS was released first in North America, on November 14, 2005, and is the only mainline Mario Kart game to be released first in North America. Unlike its predecessor, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, it retains the traditional single-driver kart racing elements in the Mario Kart series, where players race against seven competitors in obstacle tracks, using item-based weaponry to gain further advantages over their opponents. It is the first handheld Mario Kart title to use live-rendered 3D graphics for most of the objects in the game, including characters, vehicles, and racetracks.

Mario Kart DS expands and introduces mechanics that would later become the standard in future titles, most notably the Retro Grand Prix, and the advent of retro courses in general, that revamps tracks from all previous titles from the Mario Kart series. Mario Kart DS supports both single pak and multi-pak gameplay via DS Download Play, and is the first Super Mario title to support Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, allowing players to race against opponents by using online services across the world until the service was discontinued on May 20, 2014.

Mario Kart DS has its own mechanics that are not available in other Mario Kart games, such as customizing emblems for the vehicles, and the Missions mode, in which racers are tasked to complete objectives in a short series of events. The game also makes use of the Nintendo DS's features, using the bottom screen to display other HUD elements such as two types of maps, character order, and what items their opponents have.

On April 23, 2015, Mario Kart DS became available for purchase for the Wii U's Virtual Console service via the Nintendo eShop until March 27, 2023 after the service's discontinuation. Players who purchased the title before this date can still play it as long as it is on their Wii U device. The Virtual Console version is only playable in single-player mode.

Controls

Menu controls

  • +Control Pad - Scroll
  • A Button - Select
  • B Button - Back
  • Stylus - Tap selection

Race controls

  • A Button - Accelerate/Rocket Start (hold at 2 during the countdown before the race starts)
  • B Button - Brake/reverse
  • L Button/X Button - Use current Item/Stop Item Roulette/Equip Item
  • +Control Pad left or right - Steer
  • L Button/X Button + +Control Pad up or down - Throw items backward or forward.
  • R Button - Hop/Powerslide/Drift (Hold)/Mini-Turbo (Release)
  • Stylus/Y Button - Change map view (does not work in Mission Mode)
  • Start Button - Pause/resume game
  • Select Button - Blow Balloon (Balloon Battle), Toggle arrows/Mushrooms on/off (Time Trial)
  • Microphone - Blow Balloon (Balloon Battle)

Wii U Menu controls

  • +Control Pad - Scroll
  • A Button - Select
  • B Button - Back
  • Stylus - Tap selection

Wii U Race controls

  • A Button - Accelerate/Rocket Start (hold at 2 during the countdown before the race starts)
  • B Button - Brake/reverse
  • L Button/X Button - Use current Item/Stop Item Roulette/Equip Item
  • +Control Pad left or right - Steer
  • +Control Pad up or down - Throw items backward or forward.
  • R Button - Hop/Powerslide/Drift (Hold)/Mini-Turbo (Release)
  • Stylus/Y Button - Change map view (does not work in Mission Mode)
  • Plus Button - Pause/resume game
  • Minus Button - Blow Balloon (Balloon Battle), Toggle arrows/Mushrooms on/off (Time Trial)
  • Mic - Blow Balloon (Balloon Battle)

Game modes

The title screen with all twelve participants
The title screen after the game's completion.

As in Mario Kart 64 and Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, the game introduced sixteen courses for the four main cups: Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, Star Cup, and Special Cup, which are collectively known as the nitro cups. The game also includes sixteen courses that appeared in earlier Mario Kart games and are part of the retro cups: Shell Cup, Banana Cup, Leaf Cup, and the Lightning Cup. These cups are sorted by difficulty in the same way as the nitro cups.

In every retro cup, each of the four courses originate from a different Mario Kart game. Every retro cup has their courses ordered in the same way as the release order of the four previous Mario Kart games. Furthermore, every retro course's name starts with an abbreviation of the game console that their originating game was released for:

Starting with the following Mario Kart game, Mario Kart Wii, stages originating from Mario Kart DS were included as retro courses and were represented by the abbreviation "DS".

Grand Prix

Grand Prix is a single player-exclusive mode. In it, a player competes in each cup in 50cc, 100cc, 150cc, and Mirror 150cc engine classes, with ascending speed and difficulty. The game reuses the point system of Mario Kart: Double Dash!! by awarding 10/8/6/4/3/2/1/0 points for first to eighth place respectively. Similarly to Mario Kart: Super Circuit, a rating of how well a player performed is shown after the trophy presentation, from highest to lowest: ★★★, ★★, ★, A, B, C, D and E. An overall "game ranking" of ★, ★★, or ★★★ is shown in the Records area if the player has earned the designated rating in every cup and class.

Time Trial

Time Trial is a single player-exclusive mode. In it, the player's character races to complete a course in the fastest time. The item rating of a kart determines how many Mushrooms the racer can have once they start the race; vehicles with low item rate can only use one Mushroom; the ones with average item rate use two and the ones with high item rate use three. Players can choose to race against their best time as a Ghost, the Staff Ghost (raced by a Japanese Nintendo staff player with a * game ranking), or no Ghost. The game can download records from other players, allowing the player's character to race their Ghosts.

VS

In VS mode (single or multiplayer), player(s) choose their Karts and head out on the race track. They can earn points based of their finish position in each race. The player can also choose what course they race on (provided they've unlocked it). Up to eight players can play locally via wireless - simple mode only uses one game card but is limited. The essential requirement is that everyone has a DS or 3DS system. In VS mode, the player can choose the engine class, the CPU's difficulty level, the way the courses will be chosen - by the player, in order or random; the rules to win races (either free - infinite races; number of wins from 1 to 10 - where only the first racer earns points, or the number of races from 1 up to 32 (functions similarly to the All-Cup Tour from Mario Kart: Double Dash!), and team race mode.

It is possible to have up to eight players play using just one Mario Kart DS game card - using the DS Download Play locally. Here, only the Mushroom Cup and Shell Cup tracks are playable, and everyone except the host must play as a random color of Shy Guy, in which he becomes playable then. If everyone has a game card, all tracks are available and there are no limitations.

When playing in VS races where players place for a set number of races rather than for a set number of wins, players score points based off their finish position. If the game is being played in teams, the amount of points each player earns for each race is multiplied by about 1.5. The point system is the same as the one used in Wi-Fi when playing with 2-4 players and the one used in Grand Prix when playing with 8 players or with CPU opponents. However, when playing with 5-7 players, the distribution is as follows:

Point spread
Number of players 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th
2 players 10 5 - - - - - -
3 players 10 7 4 - - - - -
4 players 10 7 4 1 - - - -
5 players[3] 10 8 5 2 0 - - -
6 players[4] 10 8 6 3 1 0 - -
7 players[5] 10 8 6 4 2 1 0 -
8 players 10 8 6 4 3 2 1 0
  • Blue text indicates winning results.
  • Green text indicates moderate results.
  • Black text indicates losing results.

Battle

In single player battle mode, the user faces CPU controlled racers, whose difficulty can be set in the battle's setup menu. All racers drive their respective standard Kart only within this mode (note that all the standard karts have the same stats in battle mode and only the weight will differ, depending on the weight of the character chosen). Additionally, other players can join a battle locally. However, Battle Mode is unavailable on the Wi-Fi mode. Like in versus, battles can also be played in teams, and rounds in team battles end when all of one team's players have been eliminated.

Mario Kart DS is the only Mario Kart game to exclude console abbreviations from the names of its retro battle courses; in other words, the game does not name Block Fort and Pipe Plaza as N64 Block Fort and GCN Pipe Plaza respectively. Additionally, the retro battle courses do not retain their music from their original appearances, instead using the same music as the nitro battle courses.

Balloon Battle

Battle Course: Palm Shore
Mario in a Balloon Battle at Palm Shore.

The classic battle mode seen in all Mario Kart mainstream, gets a new twist in Mario Kart DS. From previous games, racers begin a match with three balloons. In this game, however, all players begin with a single balloon, though they can get more by blowing up their balloons using the microphone feature on the DS, or just holding the Select Button button. Each player has four balloons in stock (five in total) and racers can hold up to three balloons in battle. On the other hand, the less balloons a player has, the more powerful items they will obtain from the Item Boxes. Racers may also take possession of a balloon from their opponents if the thief has used a Mushroom and made contact to the opponent's kart. If the player loses all their balloons they are eliminated.

The following is what the game describes this mode as:

Burst your opponents' balloons with items! If all your inflated balloons burst, you lose! Blow into the mic to inflate your balloons!

Shine Runners

Adopted from the Mario Kart: Double Dash!! version, nine Shine Sprites are scattered onto the course at the beginning. Players need to capture the Shine Sprites, and to avoid being hit, as it causes a player to lose one sprite. The sprite then moves to a random spot for someone else to grab. In the meantime, a clock ticks down to zero. Anyone with or tied with the lowest Shine total when the clock hits zero is eliminated. The clock resets itself to a lower time and the battle continues until at least one is left (there are nine sprites to avoid a tie, but it is possible to have two players with four sprites each or four players with two sprites each or all eight players with one sprite each trying to get that last one on the course when time expires, or have three players with three sprites each; in either case, no one is eliminated and the clock resets as usual). The less sprites a player has, the better an item is obtained (Spiny Shells and Bullet Bills remain out). Shine Runners is almost the same as Coin Runners in Mario Kart Wii, Mario Kart 7 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, but instead of Shine Sprites, they use coins.

Collect more Shines than anyone else! Steal opponents' Shines to add to your total. Those with less Shines get booted over time.

Missions

Yoshi and Big Bully about to fight in Mission Mode.
Yoshi battling Big Bully in Mission Mode.

Missions mode is a new single-player mode for Mario Kart DS in which the player must complete some tasks and earn a ranking similarly to that in Grand Prix mode. It involves seven levels, each containing eight "missions" and a boss battle, most of which are taken from Super Mario 64 DS. The ranks almost always depend on how much time is left or taken. There are varying mission types:

  • Driving through gates - driving in between giant half wheels in the ground. Very often the player has to pass these gates in numerical order.
  • Collecting coins - Players must pick up all the coins set in the track. Players may lose these coins by some obstacle of such course.
  • Destroying item boxes - Players must run over Item Boxes. Usually the racer will obtain Mushrooms after taking a box. In some cases, Item Boxes will move, and the player will have to catch up with it. Other missions the player must take care not to pick up the Fake Item Boxes alongside real ones.
  • Using Stars, Bob-ombs, or shells to destroy enemies.
  • Driving backwards - players must use the B Button button to move, and directions on the +Control Pad are reversed. It is sometimes combined with other mission types.
  • Performing power boosts within a certain lap - as said. More power boosts are often required to finish faster, meaning a higher ranking.
  • Racing a CPU player for one lap - item boxes contain Mushrooms and Stars that the CPU cannot use - the key to win. CPU players will always perform a Rocket Start. This mission type also includes a race against a Red Car and a Chain Chomp.
  • Boss Battle - Unlocked after completion of the first eight missions in a level. The racer is usually required to use items in boss battles. Every boss is from Super Mario 64 DS, and each of them have their own battlefield stage and require a different strategy to defeat.

There are some one-time isolated missions that are self-explanatory. Each mission takes place on a course, often blocked off in some areas (sometimes even a battle course) and players are given a character in their own standard kart (CPU players are also in standard karts). None of the unlockable characters are playable, and Bowser and Donkey Kong do not fight a boss. Sometimes Mushrooms are laid across the track to help the player to complete the mission. When at least a ★ ranking is achieved on all missions and bosses in the first six levels, Level 7 is unlocked. When the boss battles of Level 6 and 7 are completed, the first version of the staff credits is shown.

Missions table

This section is under construction. Therefore, please excuse its informal appearance while it is being worked on. We hope to have it completed as soon as possible.

The following table includes the mission number, in-game mission description, time limit for the mission (0:00 signifies it is a race, and the mission finishes at 2:00 if the race is not completed), course, character the player plays as, and item distribution used. For a list of the item sets used, see here. CPU opponents always use set 1.

Mission Description Time limit Track Character Item set Notes
1-1 Drive through all 5 numbered gates in order! 0:35 Figure-8 Circuit Mario N/A There are mushrooms to help Mario along the way.
1-2 Collect all 15 coins! 0:30 GBA Peach Circuit Peach N/A
1-3 Destroy all 10 item boxes! 0:45 Yoshi Falls Yoshi 2 Each Item Box contains a Mushroom.
1-4 Get the Star and use it to hit 5 Cheep Cheeps! 0:40 Cheep Cheep Beach Wario 4
1-5 Drive through all 6 numbered gates in order! 0:30 Nintendo DS Toad N/A
1-6 Drive out of the mansion...backward! 0:45 Luigi's Mansion Luigi N/A The mission ends when Luigi exits the other side of the mansion.
1-7 Collect all 20 coins! 0:35 N64 Moo Moo Farm DK 3
1-8 Perform 4 power-slide turbo boosts in 1 lap! 0:45 SNES Mario Circuit 1 Mario N/A
Boss Use Mushrooms to crash into the Big Bully and knock him off the stage! 3:00 Water Arena* Yoshi 3
2-1 Crash into all 10 wooden crates and destroy every one! 0:55 Delfino Square Wario N/A
2-2 Collect all 10 coins! 0:30 Figure-8 Circuit Yoshi N/A One coin is behind where the player starts, so a Rocket Start is not necessary.
2-3 Drive through all 5 numbered gates in order! 0:45 SNES Donut Plains 1 DK N/A
2-4 Destroy all 5 item boxes! 0:35 Luigi's Mansion Luigi 2 Each Item Box contains a Mushroom.
2-5 Collect all 20 coins! 0:30 Cheep Cheep Beach Peach N/A
2-6 Use Bob-ombs to destroy all 5 Pokeys! 0:55 Desert Hills Wario 9
2-7 Drive through all 10 numbered gates in order! 0:55 GCN Luigi Circuit Toad 2
2-8 Perform 6 power-slide turbo boosts in 3 laps! 0:55 GCN Baby Park Peach 4
Boss Hit the Eyerok's eyeball 3 times with shells! 5:00 Sand Arena* Mario 11
3-1 Destroy all 5 item boxes! 0:50 Waluigi Pinball Wario 4 Takes place in the pinball table area, and all Item Boxes have a Star.
3-2 Drive through all 5 numbered gates in order...backward! 0:50 Delfino Square Bowser N/A
3-3 Collect all 15 coins while avoiding the Chain Chomp! 0:25 GCN Luigi Circuit Luigi N/A
3-4 Reach the finish before Yoshi! 0:00 Yoshi Falls Peach 8 Barriers block off the first two bridges and the third waterfall, and each Item Box has either a Star, Mushroom, or Triple Mushrooms.
3-5 Drive through all 8 numbered gates in order! 0:45 GCN Pipe Plaza Yoshi N/A
3-6 Hit Monty Moles with shells 5 times! 1:05 N64 Moo Moo Farm Luigi 11
3-7 Perform 10 power-slide turbo boosts in 1 lap! 1:10 Shroom Ridge DK N/A
3-8 Collect all 20 coins! 1:05 Twilight House Mario N/A
Boss Reach the finish before Goomboss! 0:00 GCN Baby Park Toad N/A
4-1 Reach the finish before Donkey Kong! 0:00 DK Pass** Wario 8 A single-lap race done in reverse. Each Item Box contains a Star, Mushroom, or Triple Mushrooms; there are also extra snowmen.
4-2 Blast 20 crabs!1 2:00 Palm Shore Yoshi 10
4-3 Reach the finish before the red car! 0:00 Shroom Ridge Mario 3 This car is much faster than normal and drives erratically. Along the way, each Item Box contains Triple Mushrooms.
4-4 Drive through all 7 numbered gates in order! 0:45 Desert Hills Wario 3 Each Item Box contains Triple Mushrooms
4-5 Collect all 15 coins. If you get squished by a Thwomp, you fail! 0:30 GBA Bowser Castle 2 Bowser N/A
4-6 Break all 10 item boxes while avoiding the Fake Items! 1:10 N64 Choco Mountain DK 2
4-7 Drive through all 10 gates!2 0:45 Waluigi Pinball Toad N/A Takes place in the pinball table area. The numbered gates can be driven through in any order, unlike other missions.
4-8 Perform 9 power-slide turbo boosts in 1 lap! 1:00 GBA Luigi Circuit Luigi N/A
Boss Collect 50 coins while avoiding King Boo! 5:00 Lava Arena* Peach N/A
5-1 Reach the finish before the stray Chain Chomp! 0:00 Peach Gardens Peach 3 The course features only one lap. After starting, the player can obtain a set of Triple Mushrooms from the only set of Item Boxes. Notably, this mission uses a rearrangement of the Chain Chomp themeMedia:MKDS-Music-ChainChomp.oga from Mario Kart: Double Dash!! as its background music exclusive to this mission, having a changed melody and extended bass line and bridge.
5-2 Drive backward and collect 15 coins! If you hit a snowman, you fail! 0:30 N64 Frappe Snowland DK N/A
5-3 Destroy all 5 item boxes! 0:35 SNES Koopa Beach 2 Toad 2
5-4 Drive through all 10 numbered gates in order! 1:05 GBA Bowser Castle 2 Bowser N/A
5-5 Complete 1 lap in the opposite direction within the time limit! 0:55 GCN Mushroom Bridge Mario 2
5-6 Collect all 18 coins! 0:45 Tart Top Yoshi N/A
5-7 Drive through all 8 numbered gates in order! 0:45 DK Pass** Toad N/A Toad has to drive through the course in reverse. Extra oncoming snowballs have been added.
5-8 Reach the finish before Mario! 0:00 Mario Circuit Luigi 8 There are extra Goombas and Piranha Plants. Each Item Box contains a Star, Mushroom, or Triple Mushrooms.
Boss Hit the Big Bob-omb with 3 Bob-ombs! 5:00 Sand Arena* Wario 9
6-1 Drive backward across the spinning bridge! If you fall, you're out! 0:30 Bowser Castle Bowser N/A
6-2 Get Stars and run over 15 Rocky Wrenches! 0:55 Airship Fortress Wario 4
6-3 Collect all 30 coins! 0:45 SNES Choco Island 2 Yoshi N/A
6-4 Destroy all 10 item boxes! 2:00 N64 Block Fort Mario 2
6-5 Drive through all 8 numbered gates in order! 0:50 GBA Sky Garden Peach 3
6-6 Perform 14 power-slide turbo boosts in 1 lap! 1:00 GCN Yoshi Circuit Yoshi N/A
6-7 Collect all 40 coins! 1:30 Tick-Tock Clock Toad N/A The coins form the shape of a Star.
6-8 Reach the finish before Peach! 0:00 Peach Gardens** Bowser 8 This mission features only one lap. Barriers block off some routes in the hedge maze, force the player to cut through the patch of flowers just before the topiary, and force the player to take the long way around the topiary itself. Each Item Box contains a Star, Mushroom, or Triple Mushrooms.
Boss Use Mushroom boosts to hit Chief Chilly and knock him off the stage 3 times! 5:00 Water Arena* Luigi 3
7-1 Perform 6 power-slide turbo boosts in 1 lap! 1:00 Rainbow Road Peach N/A
7-2 Reach the finish before Bowser! 0:00 Bowser Castle Mario 8
7-3 Complete 2 laps within the time limit!3 1:30 Tick-Tock Clock DK 3 There are two additional pendulums and all clock parts move faster, and each Item Box contains Triple Mushrooms.
7-4 Use shells to defeat all 30 Goombas within the time limit! 2:00 Mario Circuit Toad 5
7-5 Collect all 20 coins! 0:55 Wario Stadium Wario N/A There are two additional fire chains for the player to avoid.
7-6 Drive through all 8 numbered gates in order! 0:11 Nintendo DS Mario N/A
7-7 Drive backward and collect all 12 coins! If you hit a burner, you fail! 0:50 Airship Fortress Bowser N/A Bowser has to navigate a maze-like arrangement of wooden crates.
7-8 Break all 10 item boxes while avoiding the Fake Items! 1:05 N64 Banshee Boardwalk Luigi 2
Boss Reach the finish before Wiggler! 0:00 GCN Mushroom Bridge Mario 2 & 4
*Conjectural title based on surroundings.
**Denotes that the player drives through the course in the opposite direction.
1Using Green Shells (solo or triple) and Bob-ombs
2The gates don't necessarily have to be driven through in order.
3Players can use any means - normal or powersliding - to finish.

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection mode

Mario Kart DS was the first Nintendo game to support online play (which has since been discontinued) though it's worth noting that it's the second Mario Kart game to support online connectivity, with the Japanese version of Mario Kart: Super Circuit being the first (the use of online connectivity for this game was made primarily to exchange ghost data with other players).[6] Being one of the first Nintendo DS games to feature wireless connection, the game mode required some technical changes in order to avoid connection malfunctions and long time loads during online play.

The following changes and restrictions were applied to prevent excessive lag:

  • Only up to four players
  • Only the 100cc engine class was available
  • 12 of 32 courses were omitted
  • No multi-items
  • No spilled Items onto course to be used; items were just lost
  • Items could not be dragged behind the kart
  • Item roulette could not be stopped earlier
  • Course obstacles could not be destroyed (e.g. boxes in Delfino Square or snowballs in DK Pass)
Point Spread Comparisons
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th
Super Mario Kart
Mario Kart 64
Mario Kart: Super Circuit
9 6 3 1 0 0 0 0
Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
Mario Kart DS Grand Prix
10 8 6 4 3 2 1 0
Mario Kart DS Teams[7] 15 12 9 6 4 2 1 0
Mario Kart DS WFC 4 Players 10 7 4 1 -
Mario Kart DS WFC 3 Players 10 7 4 -
Mario Kart DS WFC 2 Players 10 5 -
Grove-green bg signifies victory results (great clapping, character(s) cheering), best after-race music
Lime-green bg signifies moderate results (mild clapping, moderate character reaction), same music in Wi-Fi as winner but different in Grand Prix
Normal bg signifies losing results, losing music (kart engine stops if not in Grand Prix mode if the player placed last). In Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64 and Mario Kart: Super Circuit, the race will be restarted (0 pts) if the racer comes in 5th-8th. If this happens more than three times (except in Mario Kart 64), the Grand Prix must be started over.
— means not available

Connection

Players could connect using a wireless connection or a Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector (preferably high-speed.) Racers would choose to search for other players in "Friends" (more info below), "Rivals" (players with a similar record), "Regional" or "Continental" in Non-American versions of the game (players in same country or continent), and "Worldwide", the latter possible to cause long lags. Other racers searching in the same category were randomly grouped. The game tried to find four players, but eventually settled for three or two if necessary. Players chose their characters, karts, and the course they wanted for the first of four races.

In addition to the 20 courses listed in order of when it is encountered, there was also a random button. After everyone's selection was placed, a course was chosen based on the responses. If all players each picked a different course, the system randomly picked one. If four players chose two courses, two each, the game randomly selected from those two. On the other hand, the most voted course by a group of users was selected to race. It proceeded like so for four races, then the points were tallied up, and after the match, a player's wins and losses were totaled.

Each player received one "win" for finishing ahead of a player and one "loss" for finishing behind of a player. If a player tied with another player, it did not count as a "win" or "loss". For example:

  • A player winning a 3-player match, or ties for 1st with one other player in a 4-player match receives 2 wins and 0 losses.
  • A player coming 2nd in a 4-player match receives 2 wins and 1 loss.
  • A player tied for third in a 4-player match gets only 2 losses, as compared to 3.
  • A player tied with all other players, no matter how many players are participating, was simply called a tie and did not affect either player's record.

Players could continue after the match to play the same racers again or quit to restart the process to find other players.

Issues

Problem: Trouble with friend codes

A) Friend Code System. Each copy of the game comes with a 12-digit code known as a "friend code". Players could enter codes into each other's "friend roster" to create a friend list, where Wi-Fi records between the players were stored. When a friend was online at the same time, a symbol would appear above the Wi-Fi strength symbol, whether trying to find racers or during racing. Yet, both (or more) players must have had each (or all) of their friend codes registered and be looking in the friends section at the same time to hook up. If the player were to find a racer to compete against elsewhere online, there was no communication for a friend code swap; the only way to race again is to do it right away by selecting continue after a match.

Problem: Disconnecting racers change the outcome of the match; it is later reflected in the match records.

B) Disconnecting. Take this scenario into consideration:
Bob started in a four-player match, but two people have disconnected since, and he is now in a two-player match against a three-star player, and has come second and third in the first two races. It is 20-11. Josh wins the next match, bringing the totals to 25-21. But, in the fourth race, the three-star player is a full half-lap ahead with one lap to go. Josh realizes that he might not win this race; however, Josh has researched about Wi-Fi connections and has learned a trick. He leaves his DS untouched, bringing his kart to a stop, then finds his wireless router, and disconnects it. According to the record-book, Bob has won the match from which he has disconnected.

Causes:

  • The two players who disconnected earlier are experiencing certain effects. When a player is disconnected from Wi-Fi via turning off his or her DS, the player is charged with the same number of losses as there are other players. Players can disconnect at any time, but if they cancel before the first course is chosen, there is no effect on the win-loss record. Other players finishing the whole match gain one win per disconnected player.
  • Refer to the point spread chart for WFC. Mid-match, due to disconnected players, the point spread can change. For example, when it goes down from four to three players, the point conversion is not affected for the top three. Yet, from three to two, it is. In the first two races, Josh lost three and six points to the three-star player, under the 10-7-4(-1) point spread. But, if he had won the last two races, under the 10-5 point spread, he would have recovered ten points - and would have won, 31-30, even though he came in third once and only won two out of four races.
  • Players occasionally disconnect when losing. A glitch in the game affects the final results, and this is exactly what Josh does in the scenario. Instead of turning off the DS, he disconnects his actual connection. The three-star player would have gained three wins, but when everyone disconnects, it takes no effect on the winning player's records.
    • To restate and make clear: if Josh would have played it out and lost the fourth race, the result would have been 35-26, in favor of the three-star player.

Characters

Drivers

The main game has 12 playable characters, 4 of which are unlockable. The eight starting characters, Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Toad, Donkey Kong, Wario, and Bowser, are the same eight characters available in Mario Kart 64 and Mario Kart: Super Circuit. The other four drivers can be unlocked by winning a gold trophy of certain cups in Grand Prix mode. Two of the unlockable characters, Daisy and Waluigi, return from Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, and the other two, Dry Bones and R.O.B., make their first Mario Kart playable appearances. A 13th racer, Shy Guy, debuts as a playable character sharing Yoshi's statistics, but is only available to players using DS Download Play. Discounting the multiplayer-exclusive Shy Guy, this is the first game since Super Mario Kart where the player classes are divided evenly, with four characters in each.

Default drivers

Driver Weight Class Signature kart Standard kart Unlockable kart Borrowed karts Description
Mario artwork
Mario
32
Medium B Dasher Standard MR Shooting Star 4-Wheel Cradle
Light Dancer
Banisher
Gold Mantis
Mario is familiar to racers one and all. With a balance of abilities, he is a racer suited to all situations.
Luigi artwork from Mario Kart DS
Luigi
32
Medium Poltergust 4000 Standard LG Streamliner Cucumber
Wildlife
Dragonfly
ROB-BLS
Mario's younger brother Luigi is ready to race. His superb traction makes it hard for him to spin out.
Princess Peach artwork
Peach
23
Light Royale Standard PC Light Tripper 4-Wheel Cradle
Wildlife
Power Flower
Dry Bomber
A generally genteel princess, the heart of a competitor burns deep within her. She is adapt at drifting.
Yoshi artwork
Yoshi
20
Light Egg 1 Standard YS Cucumber Mushmellow
Banisher
Poltergust 4000
Royale
While Yoshi is usually ridden by Mario, this time he's ready to race. Yoshi's traction is excellent.
Toad artwork from Mario Kart DS
Toad
17
Light Mushmellow Standard TD 4-Wheel Cradle Dry Bomber
Zipper
Shooting Star
Royale
Toad uses his tiny stature to his advantage as he skillfully weaves in and out of traffic on the track.
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong
41
Heavy Rambi Rider Standard DK Wildlife Hurricane
Power Flower
Gold Mantis
ROB-LGS
DK overwhelms his opponents with his jungle instincts. He drifts through comers like a mad-man...or a mad-ape!
Wario artwork from Mario Kart DS
Wario
44
Heavy Brute Standard WR Dragonfly Tyrant
Zipper
ROB-BLS
Shooting Star
As his name implies, he's the anti-hero to Mario's heroism. Other than acceleration, he has no foil.
Bowser artwork from Mario Kart DS
Bowser
50
Heavy Tyrant Standard BW Hurricane Light Dancer
ROB-LGS
Rambi Rider
Brute
Mario's arch-enemy is superb at using his driving skills to race through curves.

Unlockable drivers

Driver Weight Class Signature kart Standard kart Unlockable kart Borrowed karts Unlock method
Mario Kart DS artwork: Princess Daisy
Daisy
26
Medium Power Flower Standard DS Light Dancer B Dasher
Light Tripper
Egg 1
Rambi Rider
Obtain a gold trophy for every 50cc Retro Grand Prix cup
Dry Bones artwork from Mario Kart DS
Dry Bones(new)
14
Light Banisher Standard DB Dry Bomber Streamliner
Light Tripper
Cucumber
Mushmellow
Obtain a gold trophy for every 50cc Nitro Grand Prix cup
Waluigi artwork from Mario Kart DS
Waluigi
35
Medium Gold Mantis Standard WL Zipper B Dasher
Poltergust 4000
Brute
Tyrant
Obtain a gold trophy for every 100cc Retro Grand Prix cup
Artwork of R.O.B. from Mario Kart DS
R.O.B.(new)
50
Heavy ROB-BLS Standard RB ROB-LGS Streamliner
Egg 1
Dragonfly
Hurricane
Obtain a gold trophy for either every 150cc Mirror Nitro Grand Prix cup or Retro Grand Prix cup

DS Download Play only

Driver Weight Class Standard kart Description
Shy Guy in Mario Kart DS
Shy Guy(new)
20
Light Standard SG Shy Guy stares out from behind his mask, his gaze revealing the hidden weaknesses of his opponents. Shy Guy only appears in DS Download Play matches.

Other characters

These characters are non-playable. They appear as either spectators, hazards, or obstacles of certain courses.

Image Name Course appearance(s) Description
Angry Sun from Mario Kart DS Angry Sun Desert Hills The Angry Sun shoots out Fire Snakes onto certain areas of the track when the second lap begins.
MKDS Boo Sprite.png Boo Luigi's Mansion
N64 Banshee Boardwalk
In addition to being items in the game, Boos appear at certain parts of the race and make their trademark noises. These Boos are merely there for decoration, and are not hazards nor obstacles.
Bubba Bubba N64 Banshee Boardwalk Bubba jumps out of the water over the track. It does not hit any of the racers.
Bullet Bill from Mario Kart DS Bullet Bill Airship Fortress Also in addition to being an item in the game, Bullet Bills are shot out of the Airship towards the starting line, knocking out any racers in their path.
Burner from Mario Kart DS Burner Airship Fortress
Bowser Castle
Burners drop out of the ceiling onto the ground for a brief moment, setting the racer on fire if contact is made.
Chain Chomp from Mario Kart DS Chain Chomp Peach Gardens
GCN Luigi Circuit
In Peach Gardens, chain-less Chain Chomps are all around the path. Some have a tail of Item Boxes. In Luigi Circuit, a Chain Chomp chained to a stake lunges at nearby players.
MKDS Cheep Cheep Sprite.png Cheep Cheep Cheep Cheep Beach
SNES Koopa Beach 2
In both courses, Cheep Cheeps bounce on the shoreline and spin racers out of control if driven into them.
Fire Bar from Mario Kart DS Fire Bar Wario Stadium Different variations of Fire Bars are abundant on the track. Some spin in circles after a Dash Panel ramp. Others are in a triangle-like formation. Both set the racers on fire.
Firesnake from Mario Kart DS Firesnake Desert Hills Fire Snakes are projected from the Angry Sun and bounce around at certain points on the track.
Sprite of a Goomba from Mario Kart DS Goomba Mario Circuit Goombas are situated on the track and spin players out of control. If Lightning strikes or if they're hit by shells, they get squashed and drop Mushrooms, though they continue walking even while flattened.
Lava Bubble from Mario Kart DS Lava Bubble GBA Bowser Castle 2 Lava Bubbles jump out of lava pits at several places around the course. If a racer drives into a Lava Bubble, their kart is briefly set on fire, and they also usually fall into the lava.
MontyMoleMKDS.png Monty Mole Peach Gardens
N64 Moo Moo Farm
Monty Moles peak out of holes and then jump, posing as obstacles for the drivers.
Moo Moo from Mario Kart DS Moo Moo N64 Moo Moo Farm There are several Moo Moos in the background of the track, only posing as onlookers.
Sprite of a blue Pianta from Mario Kart DSSprite of a pink Pianta from Mario Kart DSSprite of a yellow Pianta from Mario Kart DS Pianta Delfino Square Piantas appear as spectators of the race. Additionally, a Pianta statue is found in the beginning of the track.
Sprite of a Piranha Plant from Mario Kart DS Piranha Plant Mario Circuit
SNES Choco Island 2
GCN Yoshi Circuit
Piranha Plants pose as obstacles on the race tracks, spinning drivers out of control for a brief moment.
PokeyMKDS.png Pokey Desert Hills Many Pokeys appear on the track, creating obstacles for the drivers.
Sprite of a Rocky Wrench from Mario Kart DS Rocky Wrench Airship Fortress Rocky Wrenches are a stage obstacle. They hide under lids on the track. Their pattern is to briefly peak out before exposing themselves. If a racer drives over a lid which a Rocky Wrench peeks from, their kart jumps slightly into the air. If racers drive into a Rocky Wrench, their kart will be knocked over.
Sprite of a Sidestepper from Mario Kart DS Sidestepper Cheep Cheep Beach Sidesteppers are stationed on the sand, spinning players out of control if driven into them.
Sprite of a Snowman from Mario Kart DS Snowman DK Pass
N64 Frappe Snowland
Snowmen are situated on the track, causing the player to be thrown backwards if driven into them.
Sprite of a Swoop from Mario Kart DS Swoop N64 Banshee Boardwalk A colony of Swoops fly towards the racers, slowing them down if they drive directly into the swarm.
Thwomp from Mario Kart DS Thwomp Bowser Castle
GBA Bowser Castle 2
Thwomps appear as enemies, performing their trademark slam attempt at the drivers below. Additionally, some Thwomps move side to side on the ground.
Venus Fire Trap from Mario Kart DS Venus Fire Trap Mario Circuit Venus Fire Traps are stationed in pipes and spit fire at oncoming racers.
Walking Tree from Mario Kart DS Walking Tree Luigi's Mansion Walking Trees walk in patterns and pose as obstacles for the drivers.

Karts

Mario in his Standard MR kart from the kart selection menu.
The kart selection screen in Mario Kart DS with Mario only.

In Mario Kart DS, there are 36 different karts (37 if including the Standard SG) in total.

Every kart shows six ratings:

  • Speed: How high the top speed of the kart is; how fast the kart can go. Bowser and R.O.B. have the fastest karts.
  • Acceleration: The time the kart's top speed is achieved when accelerating (the higher the acceleration, the shorter players wait until they reach their kart's top speed, and the lower it is, the longer they wait). Dry Bones' karts can reach their top speed very quickly.
  • Weight: When a vehicle is heavy, the driver can knock a lighter kart. Unlike other stats, the character contributes to this stat, with Bowser and R.O.B. being very heavy, and the former of which having the heaviest karts. Characters with a higher weight stat, however, will also apply a penalty to the vehicle's Off-Road stat (which is hidden to the player).
  • Handling: How tight the kart can normally turn without drifting. Dry Bones has the best turning curve.
  • Drift: How tight the kart turns while drifting or powersliding. Peach has the best drifting curve.
  • Items: The variety of items to use when touching an Item Box (a high Items rating signifies a higher chance of getting Triple Bananas in first place, Triple Mushrooms in third, fourth, etc.).

For all stats, one or more karts will have a rating of one hundred for that stat; for example, the Hurricane and ROB-BLS have speed ratings of one hundred, the Dry Bomber has both acceleration and handling rates of one hundred, the Tyrant has a weight rating of one hundred if normally paired with Bowser or R.O.B., the Light Tripper has a drift rating of one hundred, and each character has an items rating of one hundred for their heavier signature kart, an items rating of sixty-six for their standard kart, and an items rating of thirty-three for their lighter signature kart.

Originally, only two karts are available for each character; a signature kart and a standard kart. As the player wins gold trophies in the 100cc Nitro Grand Prix, the player will unlock a second signature kart for each character. When the player wins a gold trophy in either 150cc Special Cup or Lightning Cup, four signature karts from different characters will become available, bringing the total to seven karts for each character. After winning gold trophies in all eight cups in Mirror Mode, each character can be paired in any of the 36 karts, making 432 combinations (excluding Shy Guy). CPU drivers will only use their characters' respective karts in races and battles.

The following ratings are from zero to one hundred, directly obtained from the values used by the game to fill the bar in the kart selection screen.[8] The exception is weight, which due to needing to be combined with character weight for the full value, is instead from zero to fifty. On a side note, it is worth noting that a kart with a high items rating will usually have lower overall stats than the standard karts. Likewise, karts with a low items rating will usually have higher overall stats than the standard karts. Karts with a high items rating tend to be heavier than the karts with a low items rating. Karts with high items rating also receive more Mushroom boosts in Time Trial mode. The player will get one Mushroom boost if the items rating is low, two if the items rating is average, and three if the items rating is high. The weight class of the character does not play an important role in Mario Kart DS, as the weight does not create kart use restrictions.

Signature karts

The first type of karts are the signature karts. They are all unique and unlocked by default, with one per each character. By collecting all golden trophies in Nitro or Retro 150cc, signature karts are opened to certain other drivers. By collecting all golden trophies in 150cc Mirror Mode, any driver may use any other's signature karts.

Standard karts

The second type of karts are the standard karts, which are also available by default. They all follow a similar design to each other, with only the color differing, and tend to have more rounded statistics. They are automatically used for missions and battle modes, and are given mildly different statistics in the latter than in normal races, aside from the weight and item stats which are identical for all standard karts. They are not unlocked for alternate characters after collecting all golden trophies in Nitro or Retro 150cc, unlike the signature karts. However, they are still unlocked for other characters along with every other kart after collecting all golden trophies in 150cc Mirror Mode. The one exception is the Shy Guys' standard kart, which uses the same statistics as Yoshi's and is only available for Shy Guys as their sole kart.

Unlockable karts

The third group of karts are unlocked all at once after getting gold trophies on all Nitro cups on 100cc difficulty. They function the same as the default signature karts in that they are based around one character each, are unlocked for select other characters after collecting all golden trophies in Nitro or Retro 150cc, and are then unlocked for everyone after collecting all golden trophies in 150cc Mirror Mode.

Actual statistics

Mario Kart DS features several in-game statistics, some of which are not shown in the kart selection menu.[9] There are three types of Tires, either Small (S), Medium (M) or Large (L). Just like in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, there is a Mini-Turbo statistics that corresponds to the length of the Mini-Turbo boost in frames. Acceleration is determined by three triplets of values, that are presumably related to the acceleration while drifting and the acceleration in all other conditions; there is also a deceleration value that determines the speed of the next frame as fraction of the current speed when not accelerating (such as when the kart is spinning or the acceleration button is not being held). There are four different types of off-road terrains, and accordingly the karts have four off-road statistics that are the relative top speed in each type of terrain.

Actual statistics of Mario Kart DS
Driver Kart Tires Weight Mini-Turbo Top Speed Acceleration Deceleration Handling Drift Off-Road
Normal While Drifting
1st value 2nd value 3rd value 1st value 2nd value 3rd value Very Light Light Normal Heavy
Mario Standard MR kart_tire_M 0.5 45 7.5 0.0579 0.0239 0.7 0.0649 0.0239 0.75 0.984 0.0806 0.0537 0.9 0.7 0.5 0.3
Shooting Star kart_tire_S 0.2 51 7.523 0.0598 0.0249 0.7 0.0669 0.0249 0.75 0.984 0.0823 0.0547 0.9 0.7 0.5 0.3
B Dasher kart_tire_L 0.65 35 7.463 0.0549 0.0229 0.7 0.0608 0.0229 0.75 0.984 0.0789 0.0527 0.9 0.7 0.5 0.3
Donkey Kong Standard DK kart_tire_M 0.5 30 7.6 0.0449 0.0229 0.45 0.0669 0.0188 0.9 0.978 0.0708 0.0635 0.85 0.62 0.4 0.22
Wildlife kart_tire_S 0.35 34 7.623 0.0469 0.0239 0.45 0.0688 0.0198 0.9 0.978 0.0723 0.0647 0.85 0.62 0.4 0.22
Rambi Rider kart_tire_L 0.75 23 7.562 0.043 0.022 0.45 0.063 0.0178 0.9 0.978 0.0693 0.0623 0.85 0.62 0.4 0.22
Toad Standard TD kart_tire_M 0.5 50 7.35 0.085 0.0269 0.7 0.085 0.0278 0.75 0.988 0.0842 0.0586 0.92 0.74 0.55 0.34
Mushmellow kart_tire_S 0.25 56 7.372 0.0879 0.0278 0.7 0.0879 0.0288 0.75 0.988 0.0859 0.0598 0.92 0.74 0.55 0.34
4-Wheel Cradle kart_tire_L 0.7 39 7.313 0.0798 0.0259 0.7 0.0798 0.0259 0.75 0.988 0.0825 0.0574 0.92 0.74 0.55 0.34
Bowser Standard BW kart_tire_M 0.5 25 7.7 0.0398 0.0188 0.45 0.0588 0.0168 0.9 0.976 0.0684 0.0586 0.84 0.6 0.38 0.2
Hurricane kart_tire_S 0.45 28 7.723 0.0408 0.0198 0.45 0.0608 0.0178 0.9 0.976 0.0698 0.0598 0.84 0.6 0.38 0.2
Tyrant kart_tire_L 0.8 19 7.662 0.0378 0.0178 0.45 0.0559 0.0159 0.9 0.976 0.0669 0.0574 0.84 0.6 0.38 0.2
Peach Standard PC kart_tire_M 0.5 40 7.4 0.075 0.0298 0.45 0.1099 0.0249 0.9 0.982 0.0769 0.0732 0.88 0.67 0.46 0.27
Light Tripper kart_tire_S 0.3 45 7.422 0.0779 0.0308 0.45 0.1138 0.0259 0.9 0.982 0.0784 0.0747 0.88 0.67 0.46 0.27
Royale kart_tire_L 0.7 31 7.363 0.0708 0.0278 0.45 0.1038 0.0239 0.9 0.982 0.0754 0.0718 0.88 0.67 0.46 0.27
Wario Standard WR kart_tire_M 0.5 35 7.65 0.042 0.0188 0.7 0.0479 0.0168 0.75 0.98 0.0769 0.0488 0.86 0.64 0.43 0.24
Brute kart_tire_S 0.35 39 7.673 0.043 0.0198 0.7 0.0498 0.0178 0.75 0.98 0.0784 0.0498 0.86 0.64 0.43 0.24
Dragonfly kart_tire_L 0.75 27 7.612 0.0398 0.0178 0.7 0.0449 0.0159 0.75 0.98 0.0754 0.0479 0.86 0.64 0.43 0.24
Yoshi Standard YS kart_tire_M 0.5 60 7.45 0.095 0.0178 0.85 0.0618 0.0269 0.6 0.99 0.0928 0.0452 0.95 0.84 0.68 0.43
Egg 1 kart_tire_S 0.2 68 7.472 0.0979 0.0188 0.85 0.064 0.0278 0.6 0.99 0.0947 0.0461 0.95 0.84 0.68 0.43
Cucumber kart_tire_L 0.6 47 7.413 0.0898 0.0168 0.85 0.0588 0.0259 0.6 0.99 0.0908 0.0442 0.95 0.84 0.68 0.43
Luigi Standard LG kart_tire_M 0.5 55 7.55 0.063 0.0149 0.85 0.0488 0.0229 0.6 0.988 0.0879 0.0415 0.94 0.79 0.61 0.38
Poltergust 4000 kart_tire_S 0.25 62 7.573 0.0649 0.0159 0.85 0.0508 0.0239 0.6 0.988 0.0896 0.0422 0.94 0.79 0.61 0.38
Streamliner kart_tire_L 0.65 43 7.512 0.0598 0.0139 0.85 0.0459 0.022 0.6 0.988 0.0862 0.0408 0.94 0.79 0.61 0.38
Dry Bones Standard DB kart_tire_M 0.5 65 7.3 0.1199 0.022 0.85 0.073 0.0308 0.6 0.992 0.0977 0.0488 0.96 0.9 0.75 0.48
Dry Bomber kart_tire_S 0.4 73 7.322 0.1238 0.0229 0.85 0.0759 0.032 0.6 0.992 0.0996 0.0498 0.96 0.9 0.75 0.48
Banisher kart_tire_L 0.55 50 7.264 0.1128 0.021 0.85 0.0688 0.0288 0.6 0.992 0.0957 0.0479 0.96 0.9 0.75 0.48
Daisy Standard DS kart_tire_M 0.5 35 7.5 0.0618 0.0269 0.45 0.0898 0.022 0.9 0.98 0.0732 0.0684 0.86 0.64 0.43 0.24
Light Dancer kart_tire_S 0.3 39 7.523 0.064 0.0278 0.45 0.0928 0.0229 0.9 0.98 0.0747 0.0698 0.86 0.64 0.43 0.24
Power Flower kart_tire_L 0.55 27 7.463 0.0588 0.0259 0.45 0.085 0.021 0.9 0.98 0.0718 0.0669 0.86 0.64 0.43 0.24
Waluigi Standard WL kart_tire_M 0.5 40 7.55 0.0488 0.022 0.7 0.0559 0.0198 0.75 0.982 0.0806 0.0537 0.88 0.67 0.46 0.27
Gold Mantis kart_tire_S 0.45 45 7.573 0.0508 0.0229 0.7 0.0579 0.021 0.75 0.982 0.0823 0.0547 0.88 0.67 0.46 0.27
Zipper kart_tire_L 0.55 31 7.512 0.0459 0.021 0.7 0.053 0.0188 0.75 0.982 0.0789 0.0527 0.88 0.67 0.46 0.27
ROB Standard RB kart_tire_M 0.5 50 7.7 0.0459 0.012 0.85 0.043 0.0198 0.6 0.986 0.0842 0.0391 0.92 0.74 0.55 0.34
ROB-BLS kart_tire_S 0.38 56 7.723 0.0479 0.012 0.85 0.0449 0.021 0.6 0.986 0.0859 0.0398 0.92 0.74 0.55 0.34
ROB-LGS kart_tire_L 0.6 39 7.662 0.043 0.011 0.85 0.0408 0.0188 0.6 0.986 0.0825 0.0383 0.92 0.74 0.55 0.34
Shy Guy Standard SG kart_tire_M 0.5 60 7.45 0.095 0.0178 0.85 0.0618 0.0269 0.6 0.99 0.0928 0.0452 0.95 0.84 0.68 0.43
Battle Mode karts
Driver Kart Tires Weight Mini-Turbo Top Speed Acceleration Deceleration Handling Drift Off-Road
Normal While Drifting
1st value 2nd value 3rd value 1st value 2nd value 3rd value Very Light Light Normal Heavy
Mario Standard MR 0.5 35 7.35 0.0598 0.0149 0.8 0.0598 0.0198 0.85 0.98 0.0879 0.0635 0.9 0.7 0.5 0.3
Donkey Kong Standard DK 0.5 35 7.37 0.0508 0.0139 0.8 0.063 0.0198 0.85 0.98 0.0842 0.0659 0.85 0.62 0.4 0.22
Toad Standard TD 0.5 35 7.32 0.0659 0.0159 0.8 0.0659 0.021 0.85 0.98 0.0891 0.0647 0.92 0.74 0.55 0.34
Bowser Standard BW 0.5 35 7.39 0.0479 0.0139 0.8 0.054 0.0188 0.85 0.98 0.083 0.0647 0.84 0.6 0.38 0.2
Peach Standard PC 0.5 35 7.33 0.0598 0.0149 0.8 0.0718 0.021 0.85 0.98 0.0867 0.0684 0.88 0.67 0.46 0.27
Wario Standard WR 0.5 35 7.38 0.054 0.0139 0.8 0.054 0.0188 0.85 0.98 0.0867 0.0623 0.86 0.64 0.43 0.24
Yoshi Standard YS 0.5 35 7.34 0.0688 0.0159 0.8 0.0569 0.0198 0.85 0.98 0.0916 0.061 0.95 0.84 0.68 0.43
Luigi Standard LG 0.5 35 7.36 0.063 0.0149 0.8 0.0508 0.0188 0.85 0.98 0.0903 0.0598 0.94 0.79 0.61 0.38
Dry Bones Standard DB 0.5 35 7.31 0.0718 0.0159 0.8 0.0598 0.0198 0.85 0.98 0.0928 0.0623 0.96 0.9 0.75 0.48
Daisy Standard DS 0.5 35 7.35 0.0569 0.0149 0.8 0.0688 0.021 0.85 0.98 0.0854 0.0671 0.86 0.64 0.43 0.24
Waluigi Standard WL 0.5 35 7.36 0.0569 0.0149 0.8 0.0569 0.0198 0.85 0.98 0.0879 0.0635 0.88 0.67 0.46 0.27
ROB Standard RB 0.5 35 7.39 0.0569 0.0149 0.8 0.0479 0.0188 0.85 0.98 0.0891 0.0586 0.92 0.74 0.55 0.34
Shy Guy Standard SG 0.5 35 7.34 0.0688 0.0159 0.8 0.0569 0.0198 0.85 0.98 0.0916 0.061 0.95 0.84 0.68 0.43

Courses

In addition to the sixteen standard courses, Mario Kart DS is the first game in the series to include the Retro Grand Prix, which has been carried over into every future installment in the series to date. The Retro Grand Prix consists of sixteen courses from past Mario Kart games updated and compiled into four additional cups. This makes a total of 8 cups and 32 courses. Mario Kart DS is the only Mario Kart game where there is no Mario Circuit in the Flower Cup, unlike other Mario Kart games.

This is the only Mario Kart game to have three Grand Prix introduction fanfares; one for Figure-8 Circuit, Waluigi Pinball, Mario Circuit, and GCN Luigi Circuit, one for Wario Stadium, and one for the other courses.

Some courses were playable on the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. They are marked with the service's logo below.

Nitro Grand Prix

Mushroom Cup emblem.
Mushroom Cup
Screenshot of Figure-8 Circuit from Mario Kart DS
Figure-8 Circuit Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Yoshi Falls
Yoshi Falls Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Panorama of Cheep Cheep Beach seen in Mario Kart DS.
Cheep Cheep Beach Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Luigi's Mansion
Luigi's Mansion Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Flower Cup emblem.
Flower Cup
Desert Hills
Desert Hills Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Delfino Square from Mario Kart DS
Delfino Square Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Waluigi Pinball
Waluigi Pinball
Shroom Ridge
Shroom Ridge
Star Cup emblem.
Star Cup
DK Pass
DK Pass Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
The race track Tick Tock Clock in Mario Kart DS.
Tick-Tock Clock
Mario Circuit
Mario Circuit Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Airship Fortress
Airship Fortress
Special Cup emblem.
Special Cup
Screenshot of Mario Kart DS game featuring the Wario Stadium.
Wario Stadium Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Panorama of Peach Gardens seen in Mario Kart DS
Peach Gardens
Bowser's Castle
Bowser Castle
Rainbow Road (DS)
Rainbow Road Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection

Retro Grand Prix

Shell Cup emblem.
Shell Cup
Screenshot of SNES Mario Circuit 1 featured in Mario Kart DS
SNES Mario Circuit 1 Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Moo Moo Farm
N64 Moo Moo Farm Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
GBA Peach Circuit seen in Mario Kart DS.
GBA Peach Circuit Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Luigi Circuit
GCN Luigi Circuit Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Banana Cup emblem.
Banana Cup
Screenshot of Donut Plains 1 in Mario Kart DS
SNES Donut Plains 1
Screenshot of Frappe Snowland
N64 Frappe Snowland Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Screenshot of GBA Bowser Castle 2
GBA Bowser Castle 2
Screenshot of Baby Park
GCN Baby Park Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Leaf Cup emblem.
Leaf Cup
Image of Koopa Beach 2
SNES Koopa Beach 2
Screenshot of Choco Mountain
N64 Choco Mountain Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Screenshot of GBA Luigi Circuit
GBA Luigi Circuit
Mushroom Bridge
GCN Mushroom Bridge
Lightning Cup emblem.
Lightning Cup
Screenshot of Choco Island 2
SNES Choco Island 2 Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
N64 Banshee Boardwalk as it is seen in Mario Kart DS
N64 Banshee Boardwalk
Screenshot of GBA Sky Garden
GBA Sky Garden Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Screenshot of GCN Yoshi Circuit
GCN Yoshi Circuit Playable on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection

Battle courses

In Battle mode, there are six battle stages, four of which are original and two of which are from earlier Mario Kart games. As Battle mode was unavailable over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, these courses were unavailable as well. Nevertheless, the mode was available through DS Download Play with three of its courses; Nintendo DS, Tart Top, and Pipe Plaza.

Nitro courses
Retro courses

Staff ghosts

Each race course has a Staff Ghost. Staff Ghosts are Time Trial races that were previously done by a Nintendo staff member. Every course has its unlockable Staff Ghost that the player can race against if their completion time is close to the Staff Ghost's. The player's record must be no more than 108% of the Staff Ghost's completion time to unlock.

Course Time Name Character Kart Unlock time[10]
Figure-8 Circuit 1:36:481 Ninten★たなか Mario Standard MR 1:44:199
Yoshi Falls 0:57:677 Ninten★まっは Yoshi Egg 1 1:02:291
Cheep Cheep Beach 1:43:654 Ninten★しんご Donkey Kong Standard DK 1:51:946
Luigi's Mansion 1:59:357 Ninten★しんご Luigi Streamliner 2:08:905
Desert Hills 1:31:262 Ninten★かつ R.O.B. ROB-LGS 1:38:562
Delfino Square 1:54:601 Ninten★いわ Peach Royale 2:03:769
Waluigi Pinball 2:23:288 Ninten★しんや Waluigi Gold Mantis 2:34:751
Shroom Ridge 2:05:123 Ninten★ジョー Toad Mushmellow 2:15:132
DK Pass 2:14:607 Ninten★™NN Donkey Kong Wildlife 2:25:375
Tick-Tock Clock 1:54:903 Ninten★だい8 Daisy Light Dancer 2:04:085
Mario Circuit 1:56:533 Ninten★モリオ Mario Shooting Star 2:05:855
Airship Fortress 2:07:748 Ninten★シュン Bowser Hurricane 2:17:967
Wario Stadium 2:14:868 Ninten★マトゥ Wario Brute 2:25:657
Peach Gardens 1:52:989 Ninten★ゆきつ Peach Royale 2:02:028
Bowser Castle 2:19:661 Ninten★ひろむ Bowser Hurricane 2:30:833
Rainbow Road 2:16:246 Ninten★たえこ R.O.B. ROB-BLS 2:27:145
SNES Mario Circuit 1 0:50:688 Ninten★いわ Mario Standard MR 0:54:743
N64 Moo Moo Farm 1:17:751 Ninten★だる® Donkey Kong Wildlife 1:23:971
GBA Peach Circuit 1:12:011 Ninten★だい8 Peach Royale 1:17:771
GCN Luigi Circuit 1:29:759 Ninten★おつぼ Luigi Poltergust 4000 1:36:939
SNES Donut Plains 1 1:08:027 Ninten★しばた Dry Bones Dry Bomber 1:13:469
N64 Frappe Snowland 2:08:781 Ninten★ジョー Wario Brute 2:19:083
GBA Bowser Castle 2 1:52:258 Ninten★ジョー Bowser Standard BW 2:01:238
GCN Baby Park 0:50:920 Ninten★ひょう Toad Mushmellow 0:54:993
SNES Koopa Beach 2 0:54:847 Ninten★しんや Yoshi Egg 1 0:59:34
N64 Choco Mountain 2:15:571 Ninten★イシビ Wario Dragonfly 2:26:416
GBA Luigi Circuit 1:46:581 Ninten★モリオ Luigi Poltergust 4000 1:55:107
GCN Mushroom Bridge 1:30:600 Ninten★ひょう Toad Mushmellow 1:37:847
SNES Choco Island 2 1:01:620 Ninten★おつぼ Waluigi Zipper 1:06:549
N64 Banshee Boardwalk 2:14:403 Ninten★まさ Dry Bones Dry Bomber 2:25:155
GBA Sky Garden 1:44:400 Ninten★ドリー Daisy Power Flower 1:52:752
GCN Yoshi Circuit 1:48:793 Ninten★たろう Yoshi Standard YS 1:57:496

Items

For information on the probability of obtaining each item from an Item Box, see Mario Kart DS item probability distributions.

As with other Mario Kart games, a main element of Mario Kart DS are the pick-up items that allow the racer to take certain advantage over their opponents. An item can be obtained by driving into an Item Box. This causes the item roulette at the top-left corner of the screen. Racers in higher positions receive less powerful items than racers in lower positions. Some items are unavailable in Battle Mode, and in the mode, similar to normal races, leaders with the most Balloons or Shine Sprites receive less powerful items.

Each kart has an Items stats ratio, which determines the variety of items that a racer can receive; karts with a higher items ratio are more likely to receive rare items. In subsequent games, this stat was removed, making position the only factor that influences items. When the Item Roulette has chosen a normal item, it makes a simple chime, but if the racer receives a more powerful item, it makes a stronger chime.

The game introduces two items, Bullet Bill and Blooper, both of which have since appeared in every subsequent Mario Kart game. Most of Mario Kart DS's item artworks are from Mario Kart: Double Dash!! except for the Fake Item Box, Triple Bananas, Boo, Bullet Bill and Blooper.

Image Name Instruction booklet description
Artwork of a Mushroom in Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (reused for Mario Kart DS and Super Mario Strikers) Mushroom Provides a short speed boost.
Artwork of Triple Mushrooms in Mario Kart: Double Dash (also used for Mario Kart DS) Triple Mushrooms Each press of L Button or X Button uses up one Mushroom.
Artwork of a Golden Mushroom in Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (also reused for Mario Kart DS) Golden Mushroom Allows you to use Mushroom boosts as many times as you want for a short period of time.
Artwork of an Item Box in Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (also used for Mario Kart DS) Item Box Drive through the item boxes on the tracks to get the items contained within. The item inside is determined randomly. 1 In Balloon Battle, if the player is eliminated from the game and gets an Item Box, the player only receives an Item Box, as an actual item. This can be placed on the floor, and someone not eliminated can use it, but it only lasts for a short time before disappearing.
Artwork of a Fake Item Box in Mario Kart DS Fake Item Box Looks just like an item box, but when you run into it, it knocks you over.
Artwork of a Banana in Mario Kart Double Dash!! (reused for Mario Kart DS and Super Mario Strikers) Banana Makes karts spin out when run over.
Triple Bananas from Mario Kart DS Triple Bananas Press L Button or X Button to deploy behind the kart. Tap the button again to drop one.
Artwork of a Green Shell in Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (reused for Mario Kart DS and Super Mario Strikers) Green Shell When thrown, this shell travels in a straight line and knocks over the first kart it hits.
Artwork of Triple Green Shells in Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (also used for Mario Kart DS) Triple Green Shells Press L Button or X Button to deploy, then press the button again to launch a shell. Each one has the same effect as a single Green or Red Shell.
Artwork of a Red Shell in Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (reused for Mario Kart DS and Super Mario Strikers) Red Shell These automatically lock onto and chase after the next kart in front of you. When hit, the kart rolls over.
Artwork of Triple Red Shells in Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (also used for Mario Kart DS) Triple Red Shells Press L Button or X Button to deploy, then press the button again to launch a shell. Each one has the same effect as a single Red Shell.
Artwork of a Spiny Shell in Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (also used for Mario Kart DS) Spiny Shell This shell travels and chases after the lead kart and blows up when it reaches its target. Any kart in the blast radius will be knocked over or spun around.
Artwork of a Star in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!  (also used for Mario Kart DS) Star Makes you invincible for a brief period of time. While invincible, you will knock over any kart you hit.
Artwork of Lightning in Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (also used for Mario Kart DS and Mario Kart Wii) Lightning Makes all opponents spin out, drop their items, and shrink for a brief period of time.
Artwork of a Bob-omb in Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (reused for Mario Kart DS and Super Mario Strikers) Bob-omb Explodes after a brief pause or when another kart comes near it. Any kart in the blast radius will be knocked over or spun around.
Artwork of a Blooper in Mario Kart DS Blooper Sprays ink on all of the karts in front of you, obscuring those drivers' view of the track.
Bullet Bill from Mario Kart DS Bullet Bill Briefly transforms the user into a Bullet Bill that soars through the air along the track, knocking over karts along the way.
Boo from Mario Kart DS Boo Unleashes Boo, who turns you invisible for a brief time, making you impervious to enemy attacks, and steals an opponent's item.

1 - The instruction booklet provides this description in page 10

Racing techniques

Rocket Start

Throughout the entire series, the Rocket Start allow drivers to give them an extra speed boost and get a head start when a race begins. To use the technique for this installment, players should stay at the starting line and wait for the countdown to hit two. When it does reach that number and when it starts to fade, players should hold the A Button button to rev up the kart's engine. When START appears on the race screen, the kart receives a small boost of speed out from the starting line, which is a very helpful move to get first place early on in a race. But, there is a risk to this move. If players hold the button before the two fades, it may make the player's kart falter, and takes a few seconds to get back up to normal speed. If the player holds the A Button after the second "ding" sound is heard and end, the player can get a boost that is a little faster than the normal small boost.

Drifting and powersliding

A Mini-Turbo used in Mario Kart DS.
Yoshi powersliding at Figure-8 Circuit.

In the entire Mario Kart series, players drift by holding the R Button button on a turn. Gray wisps come out of their kart as they turn around corners, possibly tighter or better than normal turning.

The next step up is powersliding. While drifting, players can move the +Control Pad Control Pad right and left repeatedly to produce sparks behind the kart. If done correctly, the sparks change their colors and intensity from blue to orange on each alternated move. After the sparks turn orange, the player releases the R Button button to stop drifting and release a brief Mini-Turbo after powersliding. This can be used to dodge Spiny Shell if combined with a hop only during 100cc and 150cc races.

A player can perform a useful technique known as snaking by performing consecutive mini-turbos in a zigzagged direction, which offers a player the boost they need to get further ahead. This technique is much easier to perform with karts with higher handling, especially with Dry Bones.

Slipstreaming

Back from Mario Kart 64, Slipstreaming is simply moving just behind another player. If racers can stay behind their opponent's vehicle for about four seconds, players get a momentary speed boost that is strong enough to pass the other player.

Multiplayer

The multiplayer mode allows up to eight players to play either by multi-card (Normal) or by Download Play (Simple) mode.

In Normal mode, players can select any character and kart combination they have unlocked. They can also pick any track that any Game Card has unlocked.

In Simple mode, players can only select courses from the Mushroom Cup and the Shell Cup. Only three of the battle courses are available—Nintendo DS, Tart Top and Pipe Plaza—which are always selected by the game at random. Download Play participants are forced to play as Shy Guy, whose color is selected by the game randomly. This applies even if everyone in the room has the game.

Options

Emblem maker
Emblem with Mario
Result
The emblem maker can be used to make a variety of designs, for example this picture of Mario.

In the options menu, the player can select "Settings", "Edit", or "Erase Data". Under "Settings", the sound output can be changed between stereo, headphones, and surround and the "Locate Friend" feature can be togged on or off. "Locate Friend" notifies the player about friends who are seeking opponents while connected to the internet. Under "Edit", the player can change their nickname and make their own emblem for racing throughout the game. They also have an option to make the emblem show up on the kart they are driving. Additionally, this emblem shows up next to a player's name while driving in a multiplayer or Nintendo WFC race. "Erase Data" clears all save data.

Gallery

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Mario Kart DS.

Media

For a complete list of media for this subject, see List of Mario Kart DS media.
Audio.svg Figure 8 Circuit/Mario Circuit - The main circuit theme
File infoMedia:MKDS-Music-CircuitTheme.oga
0:30
Audio.svg Waluigi Pinball/Wario Stadium - Waluigi Pinball/Wario Stadium theme
File infoMedia:MKDS-Music-WaluigiPinball.oga
0:29
Audio.svg Rainbow Road - Rainbow Road theme
File infoMedia:MKDS-Music-RainbowRoad.oga
0:30
Help:MediaHaving trouble playing?

Pre-release and unused content

Main article: List of Mario Kart DS pre-release and unused content

There were three unused items: the Chain Chomp, Bowser's Shell, and a purple Koopa Shell, although the Chain Chomp was the only one found in the item roulette. The Chain Chomp would have likely functioned the same as in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!. Professor Elvin Gadd was planned to be playable and would have had the Poltergust 4000 as his kart. Birdo may have also be planned as a playable character as there is a pink version of the Egg 1 found in the data.

Glitches

Main article: List of Mario Kart DS glitches

Choco Mountain boulder glitch

In Choco Mountain, if the player goes to the lake and the water splashes before they fall, the boulder should hit them. If done correctly, they should start flying. The screen will then turn black as if they fell into the water. Lakitu will then pick them up. This glitch rarely works after the first time it is performed.

Mini-Spin turn item glitch

To perform this glitch, the player must drive towards an item box in any mode (battle mode is preferred) and sit themselves right in the center where it appears so that they continuously break it open when it appears again. Then, the player should hold either left or right on +Control Pad. When the item box appears again, it will break as usual, and the player will turn a very small amount in the direction pressed. Given time, so long as the player doesn't move, the player can turn all the way round in the direction pressed.

Pipe Plaza Bob-omb glitch

In Pipe Plaza, if the player has a Bob-omb and drops it near one of the pipe holes, another player or a CPU should hit the Bob-omb. If done correctly, the player should go through the pipe hole and they will fall. Lakitu will pick the player up as usual. This can also be done with a Star, but is harder to pull off.

Staff

Main article: List of Mario Kart DS staff

A few staff members from Mario Kart: Double Dash!! returned to work on this game, including Hirotake Ohtsubo and Yoshihisa Morimoto as course designers and Yasuyuki Oyagi as one of the directors. Hiromu Takemura, who also worked as a course designer for Double Dash!! and a map designer for Super Mario Sunshine, led as the course director. Hideki Konno returns as a producer after being absent from Double Dash!!'s development. Shigeru Miyamoto served as the general producer and Satoru Iwata served as the executive producer.

Reception

Mario Kart DS received critical acclaim. It currently maintains a 9.2 average at Gamestats, the highest score for a Nintendo DS game on the site (as of December 2006).

Gamespy reviewer Bryn Williams said that online, Nintendo "trimmed it back a little too much for my liking", but was certain that "Even with a few online flaws, this is the best Mario Kart ever." With a rank of 5 out of 5 and describing the multiplayer experience as "great".

GameSpot reviewer Justin Calvert had similar quips with the online feature: "Whether these opponents were leaving voluntarily or because of network problems is anybody's guess, but it's equally irritating either way." He finished up similarly by saying "Mario Kart DS is without a doubt one of the best games to hit the Nintendo DS to date." Mario Kart DS received a score of 9.2 out of 10 and was regarded as GameSpot's Editor's Choice and DS game of the year.

IGN gave an overall score of 9.5 out of 10, granting the game the IGN Editor's Choice Award and DS game of the year. Reviewer Craig Harris commented that "it's just hard to ignore just how limited the online presentation is.", but ended the review with this: "The only way to finish this review is just to say it: this is the greatest Mario Kart game ever developed, and is without a doubt the best DS game of 2005."

Reviews
Release Reviewer, Publication Score Verdict
Nintendo DS Bryn Williams, Gamespy 5/5 "In the end, it really boils down to this. If you're a fan of Nintendo, racing games, and want some of the best digital excitement 2005 has to offer, you need to get Mario Kart DS. The online shortcomings are annoying, yes, but very minor, and they are more than made up for by the amazing single-player content and local WiFi gameplay. If you absolutely hate, hate, hate karting games, then fair enough. Just be sure to book that next appointment with your shrink to figure out why that is."
Nintendo DS Justin Calvert, GameSpot 9.2/10 "Mario Kart DS is without a doubt one of the best games to hit the Nintendo DS to date. The game plays every bit as well as any of its predecessors, and adds just enough new features to the mix to make it worthy of your attention, even if you're still playing any of those games on a regular basis. The online play is undoubtedly the icing on an especially yummy cake, and even if you're not in a position to sample said icing, a yummy cake without icing is still a yummy cake."
Nintendo DS Craig Harris, IGN 9.5/10 "After experiencing Mario Kart DS, it's hard to imagine how Nintendo's going to improve on what they've done for this stunning portable rendition. There's so much gameplay and depth in this design, moreso than the series has ever had in the past. It's an amazingly addictive racer both in single and multiplayer modes, and even with the limitations of the online functions, it's impossible to avoid becoming addicted to the long distance Mario Kart match-ups. The only way to finish this review is just to say it: this is the greatest Mario Kart game ever developed, and is without a doubt the best DS game of 2005."
Nintendo DS Jeremy Parish, 1UP 8.7/10 "Everything about MKDS comes together into a surprisingly compelling package, a portable racing game on par with anything ever to appear on a console. Even for a skeptic like me. Like the victor of a tough kart race, MKDS has come from behind against steep odds to snatch the gold from the clutches of cynicism."
Aggregators
Compiler Platform / Score
Metacritic 91
GameRankings 91.43%

Sales

Mario Kart DS is the 3rd best selling game for the Nintendo DS, selling 23.60 million copies worldwide.

References to other games

References in later games

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese マリオカートDS[?]
Mario Kāto DS
Mario Kart DS
Chinese 瑪利歐賽車DS[?]
Mǎlìōu Sàichē DS
Mario Racing DS
French Mario Kart DS[?] -
German Mario Kart DS[?] -
Italian Mario Kart DS[?] -
Korean 마리오 카트 DS[?]
Mario Kateu DS
Mario Kart DS
Spanish Mario Kart DS[?] -

Trivia

  • This and Mario Kart Tour are the only Mario Kart games in which Lakitu does not start the races.
  • If the game is played on the original Nintendo DS, Mario says "Yahoo!" on the Nintendo logo screen, but if it is played on the DS Lite, DSi, 3DS, or Wii U, he instead says "Here we go!"[11][12]
  • Mario Kart DS is one of the few Nintendo DS games with a "Language Block", meaning that the in-game language (except Japanese) is the same as that of the Nintendo DS system. Japanese is the only language available for Mario Kart DS releases in Japan.
  • On page 12 of the Mario Kart DS instruction booklet, the text for the Blooper reads, "Sprays ink on the all of the karts in front of you", where there is an erroneous "the" between "on" and "all". Earlier versions of the instruction booklet also featured a misspelling of "perform" as "perfprm" on page 9, but this was fixed in later releases of the booklet.

References

  1. ^ Akfamilyhome (April 1, 2020). A History of Nintendo's Hong Kong Releases. YouTube (Chinese (English subtitles available)). Retrieved June 5, 2024. (Archived May 25, 2024, 11:22:53 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  2. ^ https://www.nintendo.com/en-za/Games/Nintendo-DS/Mario-Kart-DS-271518.html#gameDetails
  3. ^ Point System for 5 Players.
  4. ^ Point System for 6 Players.
  5. ^ Point System for 7 Players.
  6. ^ Mario Kart Super Circuit § Misc.
  7. ^ https://youtu.be/rHS3RQfqxSg?t=835
  8. ^ A transcription of the in-game statistics of Mario Kart DS. The values used to fill the bars in the kart selection screen are found in the kartmenuparam and charmenuparam sections.
  9. ^ A transcription of the in-game statistics of Mario Kart DS. Please note that due to the 16-bit Fixed Point format used by the game, rational numbers are shown as integers that must be divided by 4096.
  10. ^ https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ekw2H8dZvsBGEOS-MJWkR2hDFflBpWnX3VhxcWhff_8/edit#gid=1195895108[better source needed]
  11. ^ Mario Kart DS (Wii U) - 150cc - Grand Prix: All Cups & End Credits (1080p60fps) YouTube. Retrieved October 11, 2015
  12. ^ For comparison, here is the game on a normal DS.

External links