Mario Kart DS: Difference between revisions

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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='''[[Nintendo DS]]''':<br>{{released|USA|November 14, 2005|Australia|November 17, 2005|Europe|November 25, 2005|Japan|December 8, 2005|HK|December 8, 2005|ROC|December 8, 2005|South Korea|April 5, 2007}} '''[[Virtual Console]] ([[Wii U]])''':<br>{{released|Europe|April 1, 2015|Australia|April 2, 2015|USA|April 23, 2015|Japan|May 25, 2016}}
|release='''Nintendo DS''':<br>{{release|USA|November 14, 2005|Australia|November 17, 2005|Europe|November 25, 2005|Japan|December 8, 2005|HK|December 8, 2005|ROC|December 8, 2005|South Korea|April 5, 2007}} '''Virtual Console (Wii U)''':<br>{{release|Europe|April 1, 2015|Australia|April 2, 2015|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}}
|platforms=[[Nintendo DS]], [[Virtual Console]] ([[Wii U]])
|platforms=[[Nintendo DS]], [[Virtual Console]] ([[Wii U]])
|media={{media|nds=1|wiiudl=1}}
|media={{media|ds=1|wiiudl=1}}
|input={{input|nds=1|stylus=1|wiiu=1}}
|input={{input|ds=1|stylus=1|wiiu=1}}
|ids=NTR-AMCE-USA (North America)
}}
}}
'''''Mario Kart DS''''' is a [[Nintendo DS]] racing 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. It was released first in North America, in November 14, 2005, being the first and only mainstream ''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 race-tracks.
'''''Mario Kart DS''''' is a racing game part of 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'' expands and introduces mechanics that would later become the standard in future titles, with the most standout and notable being 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'' was the first ''Mario'' title to support [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]], allowing players to race against opponents using online services across the world. However, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection has been discontinued, making playing ''Mario Kart DS'' online no longer possible. ''Mario Kart DS''{{'}}s unique mechanics introduced include its single player-oriented [[Mario Kart DS#Missions|mission]] mode that tasks players to complete objectives in a short series of special events, including defeating ''Mario'' franchise bosses and the ability to create custom [[emblem]]s for their vehicles. ''Mario Kart DS'' takes advantage of the Nintendo DS features as well, using the bottom screen to display other HUD elements such as two types of maps, character order, and what items their opponents have.
''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. On May 20, 2014, the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection has been discontinued, making online play no longer possible.


On April 23, 2015, the game became available to purchase on the [[Virtual Console]] service for the [[Wii U]], via the eShop, coinciding with the near 10th anniversary of the game's initial release, and the 2nd DLC pack for ''[[Mario Kart 8]]''. However, the Virtual Console version of the game is only playable in single player mode.
''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.


==Characters==
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.
===Drivers===
 
A total of 12 characters (13 including [[Shy Guy]]) take part in the fifth installment of the ''Mario Kart'' series. Only eight can be chosen at the beginning, but the player can win gold trophies in the [[Mario Kart (series)#Modes of play|Grand Prix]] mode to unlock the other four drivers. The eight starting characters, Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Toad, Donkey Kong, Wario and Bowser were taken from ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'', while two playable characters, Daisy and Waluigi, return from ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', and two playable characters, Dry Bones and R.O.B., make their first ''Mario Kart'' playable appearance.
==Controls==
===Menu controls===
*{{button|ds|Pad}} - Scroll
*{{button|ds|A}} - Select
*{{button|ds|B}} - Back
*{{button|ds|Stylus}} - Tap selection
 
===Race controls===
*{{button|ds|A}} - Accelerate/[[Rocket Start]] (hold at 2 during the countdown before the race starts)
*{{button|ds|B}} - Brake/reverse
*{{button|ds|L}}/{{button|ds|X}} - Use current Item/Stop Item Roulette/Equip Item
*{{Button|Padleftright}} - Steer
*{{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|Stylus}}/{{button|ds|Y}} - Change map view (does not work in Mission Mode)
*{{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)#Modes of play|Time Trial]])
*{{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==
[[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!!]]'', 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 (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 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 [[#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.


==== Starting drivers====
===VS===
<gallery perrow=4>
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.
MKDS-Mario Artwork.png | [[File:EmbMario.png|link=Mario]] <br> '''Medium''' <br>
MKDS-Luigi Artwork.png | [[File:EmbLuigi.png|link=Luigi]] <br> '''Medium''' <br>
MKDS-Peach Artwork.png | [[File:EmbPeach.png|link=Princess Peach]] <br> '''Light''' <br>
MKDS-Yoshi Artwork.png | [[File:EmbYoshi.png|link=Yoshi]] <br> '''Light'''  <br>
MKDS-Toad Artwork.png | [[File:EmbToad.png|link=Toad]] <br> '''Light'''  <br>
MKDS-Donkey Kong Artwork.png | [[File:EmbDK.png|link=Donkey Kong]] <br> '''Heavy'''  <br>
MKDS-Wario Artwork.png | [[File:EmbWario.png|link=Wario]] <br> '''Heavy''' <br>
MKDS-Bowser Artwork.png | [[File:EmbBowser.png|link=Bowser]] <br> '''Heavy'''  <br>
</gallery>


====Unlockable drivers====
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.
<gallery>
PrincessDaisyMKDS.png | [[File:EmbDaisy.png|link=Princess Daisy]] <br> '''Medium''' <br>
MKDS-Dry Bones Artwork.png | [[File:EmbDryBones.png|link=Dry Bones]] <br> '''Light''' <br>  <br> '''''New Driver'''''
MKDS-Waluigi Artwork.png | [[File:EmbWaluigi.png|link=Waluigi]] <br> '''Medium''' <br>
MKDS-ROB Artwork.png | [[File:EmbROB.png|link=R.O.B.]] <br> '''Heavy''' <br>  <br> '''''New Driver'''''
</gallery>


=====Unlock criteria=====
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" style="margin:auto;max-width:60em"
{|class="wikitable"
!colspan=9|'''Point spread'''
|-
|-
!style="background:#d0d0d0; width:15em"|Character
!Number of players!!1st!!2nd!!3rd!!4th!!5th!!6th!!7th!!8th
!style="background:#d0d0d0; width:35em"|Criteria
|-
|-
|'''2 players'''||<span style="color:#0000FF">10</span>||5||-||-||-||-||-||-
|-
|-
!style="text-align:center;" width=15% | [[Dry Bones]]
|'''3 players'''||<span style="color:#0000FF">10</span>||7||4||-||-||-||-||-
|Obtain all Gold Trophies on 50cc Nitro Grand Prix cups.
|-
|-
!style="" width=15% | [[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]
|'''4 players'''||<span style="color:#0000FF">10</span>||<span style="color:green">7</span>||4||1||-||-||-||-
|Obtain all Gold Trophies on 50cc Retro Grand Prix cups.
|-
|-
!style="" width=15% | [[Waluigi]]
|'''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||-||-||-
|Obtain all Gold Trophies on 100cc Retro Grand Prix cups.
|-
|-
!style="r" width=15% | [[R.O.B.]]
|'''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||-||-
|Obtain all Gold Trophies on Mirror Mode cups (Nitro or Retro).
|-
|'''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.


====Download play only====
===Battle===
<gallery>
In Battle mode, there are six battle stages, four of which are original and two of which are from earlier ''Mario Kart'' games:
Shy Guy - MKDS.png|[[Shy Guy]] (random color)<br>'''Light''' <br> <br> '''''New Driver'''''
<gallery heights=80>
MKDS Nintendo DS Course Icon.png|[[Nintendo DS (battle course)|Nintendo DS]]
MKDS Twilight Shore Course Icon.png|[[DS Twilight House|Twilight House]]{{footnote|main|*}}
MKDS Palm Shore Course Icon.png|[[DS Palm Shore|Palm Shore]]{{footnote|main|*}}
MKDS Tart Top Course Icon.png|[[Tart Top]]
MKDS N64 Block Fort Course Icon.png|[[Block Fort]]{{footnote|main|*}}
MKDS GCN Pipe Plaza Course Icon.png|[[Pipe Plaza]]
</gallery>
</gallery>
{{footnote|note|*|Not playable in the simple version of multiplayer mode.}}


====Non-playable characters====
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 (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.
The following characters appear in the game as spectators, hazards, or obstacles of certain courses.
 
{|border=1 cellpadding=3 style=border-collapse:collapse;width:100%
''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.
|-style="background:gray;color:white"
 
!width=10%| Name
====Balloon Battle====
!width=20% | Course Appearance(s)
[[File:MKDSPalmShore.png|thumb|Mario in a Balloon Battle at [[DS Palm Shore|Palm Shore]].]]
!width=70% | Description
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.
|-style=background:#219F4B;color:white
 
|-
The following is what the game describes this mode as:
|align="center" | [[Angry Sun]]
<blockquote>''Burst your opponents' balloons with items! If all your inflated balloons burst, you lose! Blow into the mic to inflate your balloons!''</blockquote>
----
 
[[File:MKDSAngrySun.png]]
====Shine Runners====
|align="center" | [[Desert Hills]]
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.
|align="center" | The Angry Sun shoots out [[Fire Snake]]s onto certain areas of the track when the second lap begins.
 
|-
<blockquote>''Collect more Shines than anyone else! Steal opponents' Shines to add to your total. Those with less Shines get booted over time.''</blockquote>
|align="center" | [[Boo]]
 
----
===Missions===
[[File:BooMKDS.png]]
[[File:Mario Kart DS Big Bully.png|thumb|[[Yoshi]] battling [[Big Bully]] in Mission Mode.]]
|align="center" | [[Luigi's Mansion (DS)|Luigi's Mansion]] and [[Banshee Boardwalk|<small>N64</small> Banshee Boardwalk]]
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:
|align="center" | 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, and are not hazards nor obstacles.
*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 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.
*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.
*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====
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="wikitable"style="width:100%;max-width:100em"
|-
|-class=expandable
!colspan="6"|Level 1
|-
!Mission!!Description!!Time limit!!Track!!Character!!Item set
|-
|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
|-
|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
|-
|-
|align="center" | [[Cheep Chomp|Boss Bass]]
|style=width:3%|1-3||style="text-align:left;"|''Destroy all '''10 item boxes'''!''||0:45||Yoshi Falls||Yoshi||2
----
[[File:MKDSBossBass.png|60px]]
|align="center" | <small>N64</small> Banshee Boardwalk
|align="center" | Boss Bass jumps out of the water over the track. It makes no interaction with the racers.
|-
|-
|align="center" | [[Bullet Bill]]
|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
----
[[File:MKDSBulletBill.png]]
|align="center" | [[Airship Fortress]]
|align="center" | 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.
|-
|-
|align="center" | [[Burner]]
|style=width:3%|1-5||style="text-align:left;"|''Drive through all '''6 numbered gates''' in order!''||0:30||Nintendo DS||Toad||N/A
----
[[File:MKDSBurner.png]]
|align="center" | Airship Fortress and [[Bowser Castle (DS)|Bowser Castle]]
|align="center" | Burners drop out of the ceiling onto the ground for a brief moment, setting the racer on fire if contact is made.
|-
|-
|align="center" | [[Chain Chomp]]
|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
----
[[File:MKDSChainChomp.png]]
|align="center" | [[Peach Gardens (DS)|Peach Gardens]] and [[Luigi Circuit (GCN)|<small>GCN</small> Luigi Circuit]]
|align="center" | 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.
|-
|-
|align="center" | [[Cheep Cheep]]
|style=width:3%|1-7||style="text-align:left;"|''Collect all '''20 coins'''!''||0:35||<small>N64</small> Moo Moo Farm||DK||3
----
[[File:CheepCheepMKDS.png]]
|align="center" | [[Cheep Cheep Beach]] and [[Koopa Beach 2|<small>SNES</small> Koopa Beach 2]]
|align="center" | In both courses, Cheep Cheeps bounce on the shoreline and spin racers out of control if driven into them.
|-
|-
|align="center" | [[Sidestepper]]
|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
----
[[File:SidestepperMKDS.png]]
|align="center" | Cheep Cheep Beach
|align="center" | Sidesteppers are stationed on the sand, spinning players out of control if driven into them.
|-
|-
|align="center" | [[Fire Bar]]
|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
----
|-class=expandable
[[File:MKDSFireBar.png]]
!colspan="6"|Level 2
|align="center" | [[Wario Stadium (DS)|Wario Stadium]]
|align="center" | 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.
|-
|-
|align="center" | [[Fire Piranha Plant]]
|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
----
[[File:MKDSFirePiranhaPlant.png]]
|align="center" | [[Mario Circuit (DS)|Mario Circuit]]
|align="center" | Fire Piranha Plants are stationed in [[Warp Pipe|pipe]]s and spit fire at oncoming racers.
|-
|-
|align="center" | [[Fire Snake]]
|style=width:3%|2-2||style="text-align:left;"|''Collect all '''10 coins'''!''||0:30||Figure-8 Circuit||Yoshi||N/A
----
[[File:MKDSFireSnake.png]]
|align="center" | Desert Hills
|align="center" | Fire Snakes are projected from the Angry Sun and bounce around at certain points on the track.
|-
|-
|align="center" | [[Goomba]]
|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
----
[[File:MKDSGoomba.png]]
|align="center" | Mario Circuit
|align="center" | Goombas are situated on the track and spin players out of control. If [[Lightning]] strikes, they turn into [[Mushroom]]s.
|-
|-
|align="center" | [[Lava Bubble]]
|style=width:3%|2-4||style="text-align:left;"|''Destroy all '''5 item boxes'''!''||0:35||Luigi's Mansion||Luigi||2
----
[[File:MKDSLavaBubble.png]]
|align="center" | [[Bowser Castle 2 (GBA)|<small>GBA</small> Bowser Castle 2]]
|align="center" | Lava Bubbles jump out of lava pits at many places around the map. If driven into, they set players on fire, usually resulting in the racer falling into the lava as well.
|-
|-
|align="center" | [[Monty Mole]]
|style=width:3%|2-5||style="text-align:left;"|''Collect all '''20 coins'''!''||0:30||Cheep Cheep Beach||Peach||N/A
----
[[File:MontyMoleMKDS.png]]
|align="center" | Peach Gardens and [[Moo Moo Farm|<small>N64</small> Moo Moo Farm]]
|align="center" | Monty Moles peak out of holes and then jump, posing as obstacles for the drivers.
|-
|-
|align="center" | [[Moo Moo]]
|style=width:3%|2-6||style="text-align:left;"|''Use Bob-ombs to destroy all '''5 Pokeys'''!''||0:55||Desert Hills||Wario||9
----
[[File:MKDSMooMoo.png]]
|align="center" | <small>N64</small> Moo Moo Farm
|align="center" | Moo Moos are abundant in the background of the track, only posing as onlookers.
|-
|-
|align="center" | [[Pianta]]
|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
----
[[File:Pianta MKDS blue.png]][[File:Pianta MKDS pink.png]][[File:Pianta MKDS yellow.png]]
|align="center" | [[Delfino Square]]
|align="center" | Piantas appear as spectators of the race. Additionally, a Pianta statue is found in the beginning of the track.
|-
|-
|align="center" | [[Piranha Plant]]
|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
----
[[File:Piranha Plant MKDS sprite.png]]
|align="center" | Mario Circuit and [[Choco Island 2|<small>SNES</small> Choco Island 2]]
|align="center" | Piranha Plants pose as obstacles on the race tracks, spinning drivers out of control for a brief moment.
|-
|-
|align="center" | [[Pokey]]
|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
----
|-class=expandable
[[File:PokeyMKDS.png]]
!colspan="6" | Level 3
|align="center" | Desert Hills
|align="center" | Many Pokeys appear on the track, creating obstacles for the drivers.
|-
|-
|align="center" | [[Rocky Wrench]]
|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
----
[[File:RockyWrenchDS.png]]
|align="center" | Airship Fortress
|align="center" | Rocky Wrenches are situated under lids on the track. They briefly peak out, causing the driver to slightly jump if driven over. After peaking out, they expose their entire bodies, creating an obstacle for the drivers.
|-
|-
|align="center" | [[Snowman]]
|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
----
[[File:MKDSSnowman.png]]
|align="center" | [[DK Pass]] and [[Frappe Snowland|<small>N64</small> Frappe Snowland]]
|align="center" | Snowmen are situated on the track, causing the player to spin out if driven into them.
|-
|-
|align="center" | [[Swoop]]
|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
----
[[File:MKDS Swoop.png]]
|align="center" | <small>N64</small> Banshee Boardwalk
|align="center" | A colony of Swoops fly towards the racers, slowing them down if they drive directly into the swarm.
|-
|-
|align="center" | [[Thwomp]]
|style=width:3%|3-4||style="text-align:left;"|''Reach the finish before '''Yoshi'''!''||0:00||Yoshi Falls||Peach||8
----
[[File:MKDSThwomp.png]]
|align="center" | Bowser Castle and <small>GBA</small> Bowser Castle 2
|align="center" | Thwomps appear as enemies, performing their trademark slam attempt at the drivers below. Additionally, some Thwomps move side to side on the ground.
|-
|-
|align="center" | [[Walking Tree]]
|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
----
|-
[[File:MKDSTree.png]]
|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
|align="center" | Luigi's Mansion
|-
|align="center" | Walking Trees walk in patterns and pose as obstacles for the drivers.
|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
|}
|-
 
|style=width:3%|3-8||style="text-align:left;"|''Collect all '''20 coins'''!''||1:05||Twilight House||Mario||N/A
==Controls==
|-
===Menu controls===
|style=width:3%|Boss||style="text-align:left;"|''Reach the finish before '''[[Goomboss]]'''!''||0:00||<small>GCN</small> Baby Park||Toad||N/A
* {{button|ds|Pad}} - Scroll
|-class=expandable
* {{button|ds|A}} - Select
!colspan="6"|Level 4
* {{button|ds|B}} - Back
|-
* {{button|ds|Stylus}} - Tap selection
|style=width:3%|4-1||style="text-align:left;"|''Reach the finish before '''Donkey Kong'''!''||0:00||DK Pass**||Wario||8
 
|-
===Race controls===
|style=width:3%|4-2||style="text-align:left;"|''Blast '''20 crabs'''!''<sub>1</sub>||2:00||Palm Shore||Yoshi||10
* {{button|ds|A}} - Accelerate/[[Rocket Start]] (hold at 2 during the countdown before the race starts)
|-
* {{button|ds|B}} - Brake/reverse
|style=width:3%|4-3||style="text-align:left;"|''Reach the finish before the '''red car'''!''||0:00||Shroom Ridge||Mario||3
* {{button|ds|L}}/{{button|ds|X}} - Use current Item/Stop Item Roulette/Equip Item
* {{Button|Padleftright}} - Steer
* {{Button|Padupdown}} - Throw items backward or forward.
* {{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|gba|start}} - Pause/resume game
* {{button|gba|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)
 
===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==
[[File:WiFiSTP 2.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 also includes sixteen courses that appeared in earlier ''Mario Kart'' games, each of which has an abbreviation which referred to the game console where it debuted. The ''Super Mario Kart'' tracks were represented by the abbreviation [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]]; the ''Mario Kart 64'' tracks by [[Nintendo 64|N64]]; the ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'' tracks by [[Game Boy Advance|GBA]]; and the ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' tracks by [[Nintendo GameCube|GCN]]. The order of the tracks by game is the exact same as the order that the games themselves were released: SNES, N64, GBA, and GCN. ''Mario Kart Wii'' and the successors added on to this, with DS, Wii, and 3DS the appropriate abbreviations for those games respectively.
 
These classic courses make up the retro cups: the [[Shell Cup]], [[Banana Cup]] and [[Leaf Cup]], as well as the [[Lightning Cup]] from ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'', and these cups are sorted by difficulty in the exact same way that the nitro cups are, with the Shell Cup being on par with the Mushroom Cup, the Banana Cup being on par with the Flower Cup, the Leaf Cup being on par with the Star Cup, and the Lightning Cup being on par with the Special Cup. There are a total of thirty-two courses in eight cups. In addition, four new battle courses appear, while <small>N64</small> Block Fort and <small>GCN</small> Pipe Plaza appear in this game as Retro Battle Courses.
 
===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; for example, if the player earned three-star rankings in all cups and all classes, then they would have a game ranking of three stars, but if they only got two-star rankings in some cups or classes, then they would only have a game ranking of two-stars, and the same applies for all other ranks.
 
===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 series)|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.
 
===VS===
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, only the Mushroom Cup and Shell Cup tracks are playable, and everyone 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
|style=width:3%|4-4||style="text-align:left;"|''Drive through all '''7 numbered gates''' in order!''||0:45||Desert Hills||Wario||3
|-
|-
| '''2 players''' || <span style="color:#0000FF">10</span> || 5 || - || - || - || - || - || -
|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
|-
|-
| '''3 players''' || <span style="color:#0000FF">10</span> || 7 || 4 || - || - || - || - || -
|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
|-
|-
| '''4 players''' || <span style="color:#0000FF">10</span> || <font color=green>7</font> || 4 || 1 || - || - || - || -
|style=width:3%|4-7||style="text-align:left;"|''Drive through all '''10 gates'''!''<sub>2</sub>||0:45||Waluigi Pinball||Toad||N/A
|-
|-
| '''5 players'''<ref>[https://youtu.be/z6A0ZIWyouc?t=118 Point System for 5 Players.]</ref> || <span style="color:#0000FF">10</span> || <font color=green>8</font> || 5 || 2 || 0 || - || - || -
|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
|-
|-
| '''6 players'''<ref>[https://youtu.be/5ULBDigX0MU?t=134 Point System for 6 Players.]</ref> || <span style="color:#0000FF">10</span> || <font color=green>8</font> || <font color=green>6</font> || 3 || 1 || 0 || - || -
|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
|-class=expandable
!colspan="6" | Level 5
|-
|-
| '''7 players'''<ref>[https://youtu.be/4-GyAdxLfKw?t=245 Point System for 7 Players.]</ref> || <span style="color:#0000FF">10</span> || <font color=green>8</font> || <font color=green>6</font> || 4 || 2 || 1 || 0 || -
|style=width:3%|5-1||style="text-align:left;"|''Reach the finish before the '''stray Chain Chomp'''!''||0:00||Peach Gardens||Peach||3
|-
|-
| '''8 players''' || <span style="color:#0000FF">10</span> || <font color=green>8</font> || <font color=green>6</font> || 4 || 3 || 2 || 1 || 0
|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
|}
 
*'''<span style="color:#0000FF">Blue</span>''' text indicate winning results.
*'''<font color=green>Green</font>''' text indicate moderate results.
*'''Black''' text indicate losing results.
 
===Battle===
In Battle mode, players play a different aspect of kart racing that was born from ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' on one of six stages, two of them from past ''Mario Kart'' games. The stages are the following:
 
<gallery>
MKDS-CourseIcon-NintendoDS.png|[[Nintendo DS (battle course)|Nintendo DS]]
MKDS-CourseIcon-TwilightHouse.png|[[Twilight House]]*
MKDS-CourseIcon-PalmShore.png|[[Palm Shore]]*
MKDS-CourseIcon-TartTop.png|[[Tart Top]]
MKDS-CourseIcon-N64-BlockFort.png|[[Block Fort|<small>N64</small> Block Fort]]*
MKDS-CourseIcon-GCN-PipePlaza.png|[[Pipe Plaza|<small>GCN</small> Pipe Plaza]]
</gallery>
 
Tracks listed with * above are not playable in the simple version of multiplayer mode. 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 (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.
 
''Mario Kart DS'' is the only ''Mario Kart'' game that have the name of the retro battle courses that do not state the abbreviation of the game console version of the ''Mario Kart'' game they were from; in other words, the game does not list Block Fort and Pipe Plaza as <small>'''N64'''</small> Block Fort and <small>'''GCN'''</small> Pipe Plaza. Additionally, its retro battle courses do not have the same music as in their original appearances. Instead, they have the same music used for nitro battle courses.
 
====Balloon Battle====
[[File:MKDSPalmShore.png|thumb|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 [[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.
 
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>
 
====Shine Runners====
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]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'', 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>
 
===Missions===
[[File:Gran Bronco.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:
 
*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 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.
*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.
*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]].
*Boss Battle - Unlocked after completion of the first eight courses in a level. Using items is usually a must in boss battles.
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. Boss battles are unique. They have their own battlefields and different strategies are used to beat them. When the boss battles of Level 6 and 7 are completed, the first version of the staff credits will roll. All of the bosses come from ''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]''.
 
====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.
 
{|class="collapsible wikitable" style="width:100%;max-width:100em"
|-
|-
!colspan="5" style="background:#d0d0d0"|Mission Mode
|style=width:3%|5-3||style="text-align:left;"|''Destroy all '''5 item boxes'''!''||0:35||<small>SNES</small> Koopa Beach 2||Toad||2
|-class=expandable
!colspan="5"|Level 1
|-
|-
|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%|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
|-
|-
|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%|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
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|1-3||style="text-align:left;"|Destroy all '''10 item boxes'''!||0:45||Yoshi Falls||Yoshi
|style=width:3%|5-6||style="text-align:left;"|''Collect all '''18 coins'''!''||0:45||Tart Top||Yoshi||N/A
|-
|-
|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%|5-7||style="text-align:left;"|''Drive through all '''8 numbered gates''' in order!''||0:45||DK Pass**||Toad||N/A
|-
|-
|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%|5-8||style="text-align:left;"|''Reach the finish before '''Mario'''!''||0:00||Mario Circuit||Luigi||8
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|1-6||style="text-align:left;"|Drive out of the [[Luigi's Mansion (DS)|mansion]]...'''backwards'''!||0:45||Luigi's Mansion||Luigi
|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
|-
|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%|1-8||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%|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
|-class=expandable
|-class=expandable
!colspan="5"|Level 2
!colspan="6"|Level 6
|-
|-
|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%|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
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|2-2||style="text-align:left;"|Collect all '''10 coins'''!||0:30||Figure-8 Circuit||Yoshi
|style=width:3%|6-2||style="text-align:left;"|''Get Stars and run over '''15 Rocky Wrenches'''!''||0:55||Airship Fortress||Wario||4
|-
|-
|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%|6-3||style="text-align:left;"|''Collect all '''30 coins'''!''||0:45||<small>SNES</small> Choco Island 2||Yoshi||N/A
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|2-4||style="text-align:left;"|Destroy all '''5 item boxes'''!||0:35||Luigi's Mansion||Luigi
|style=width:3%|6-4||style="text-align:left;"|''Destroy all '''10 item boxes'''!''||2:00||<small>N64</small> Block Fort||Mario||2
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|2-5||style="text-align:left;"|Collect all '''20 coins'''!||0:30||Cheep Cheep Beach||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
|-
|-
|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%|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
|-
|-
|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%|6-7||style="text-align:left;"|''Collect all '''40 coins'''!''||1:30||Tick-Tock Clock||Toad||N/A
|-
|-
|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%|6-8||style="text-align:left;"|''Reach the finish before '''Peach'''!''||0:00||Peach Gardens**||Bowser||8
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|Boss||style="text-align:left;"|Hit  [[Eyerok|Eyerok's]] eyeball '''3 times''' with shells!||5:00||[[List_of_boss_arenas_in_Mario_Kart_DS#Sand Arena|Sand Arena]]*||Mario
|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
|-class=expandable
|-class=expandable
!colspan="5" | Level 3
!colspan="6" | Level 7
|-
|-
|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%|7-1||style="text-align:left;"|''Perform '''6 power-slide turbo boosts''' in '''1 lap'''!''||1:00||Rainbow Road||Peach||N/A
|-
|-
|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%|7-2||style="text-align:left;"|''Reach the finish before '''Bowser!''||0:00||Bowser Castle||Mario||8
|-
|-
|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%|7-3||style="text-align:left;"|''Complete '''2 laps''' within the time limit!''<sub>3</sub>||1:30||Tick-Tock Clock||DK||3
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|3-4||style="text-align:left;"|Reach the finish before '''Yoshi'''!||0:00||Yoshi Falls||Peach
|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>
|-
|-
|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%|7-5||style="text-align:left;"|''Collect all '''20 coins'''!''||0:55||Wario Stadium||Wario||N/A
|-
|-
|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%|7-6||style="text-align:left;"|''Drive through all '''8 numbered gates''' in order!''||0:11||Nintendo DS||Mario||N/A
|-
|-
|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%|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
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|3-8||style="text-align:left;"|Collect all '''20 coins'''!||1:05||Twilight House||Mario
|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
|-
|-
|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 '''[[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>
|-class=expandable
|}
!colspan="5"|Level 4
:<nowiki>*</nowiki>Conjectural title based on surroundings.
|-
:<nowiki>**</nowiki>Denotes that the player drives through the course in the opposite direction.
|style=width:3%|4-1||style="text-align:left;"|Reach the finish before '''Donkey Kong'''!||0:00||DK Pass**||Wario
:<sub>1</sub>Using Green Shells (solo or triple) and Bob-ombs
:<sub>2</sub>The gates don't necessarily have to be driven through in order.
:<sub>3</sub>Players 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).<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 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 [[List of items|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)
{|class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto;text-align:center;max-width:60em"
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|4-2||style="text-align:left;"|Blast '''20 crabs'''!<sub>1</sub>||2:00||Palm Shore||Yoshi
!colspan="9" style="background:#e0e0e0"|Point Spread Comparisons
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|4-3||style="text-align:left;"|Reach the finish before the '''red car'''!||0:00||Shroom Ridge||Mario
!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
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|4-4||style="text-align:left;"|Drive through all '''7 numbered gates''' in order!||0:45||Desert Hills||Wario
|'''''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
|-
|-
|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
|'''''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
|-
|-
|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
|'''''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
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|4-7||style="text-align:left;"|Drive through all '''10 gates'''!<sub>2</sub>||0:45||Waluigi Pinball||Toad
|'''''Mario Kart DS'' WFC 4 Players'''||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"|10||style="background:#CF0"|7||4||1||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||-
|-
|-
|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
|'''''Mario Kart DS'' WFC 3 Players'''||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"|10||7||4||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||-
|-
|-
|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
|'''''Mario Kart DS'' WFC 2 Players'''||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"|10||5||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||-
|-class=expandable
!colspan="5" | Level 5
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|5-1||style="text-align:left;"|Reach the finish before the '''stray Chain Chomp'''!||0:00||Peach Gardens||Peach
|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
|-
|}
|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
====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.
|style=width:3%|5-3||style="text-align:left;"|Destroy all '''5 item boxes'''!||0:35||<small>SNES</small> Koopa Beach 2||Toad
 
|-
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.
|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
 
|-
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:
|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
*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.
|style=width:3%|5-6||style="text-align:left;"|Collect all '''18 coins'''!||0:45||Tart Top||Yoshi
*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.
|style=width:3%|5-7||style="text-align:left;"|Drive through all '''8 numbered gates''' in order!||0:45||DK Pass**||Toad
Players could continue after the match to play the same racers again or quit to restart the process to find other players.
|-
 
|style=width:3%|5-8||style="text-align:left;"|Reach the finish before '''Mario'''!||0:00||Mario Circuit||Luigi
====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 [[Mario Kart (series)#Modes of play|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, but is only available to players using DS Download Play.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!class=unsortable style="background-color:#FF0000;color:white"|Artwork
!style="background-color:#FF0000;color:white"|Name
!style="background-color:#FF0000;color:white"|Weight
!class=unsortable style="background-color:#FF0000;color:white"|Description
|-
|height=160px|[[File:MKDS Mario Standard Kart Artwork.png|150x150px]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:Mario MKDS icon.png]]<br>'''<big>[[Mario]]</big>'''<br>[[File:MKDSEmblemMario.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|32<br>Medium
|Mario is familiar to racers one and all. With a balance of abilities, he is a racer suited to all situations.
|-
|height=160px|[[File:Luigi in Standard LG MKDS artwork.png|150x150px]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:Luigi MKDS icon.png]]<br>'''<big>[[Luigi]]</big>'''<br>[[File:MKDSEmblemLuigi.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|32<br>Medium
|Mario's younger brother Luigi is ready to race. His superb traction makes it hard for him to spin out.
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|Boss||style="text-align:left;"|Hit the [[King Bob-omb]] with '''3 Bob-ombs'''!||5:00||Sand Arena*||Wario
|height=160px|[[File:MKDS Peach Artwork.png|150x150px]]
|-class=expandable
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:Peach MKDS icon.png]]<br>'''<big>[[Princess Peach|Peach]]</big>'''<br>[[File:MKDSEmblemPeach.png]]
!colspan="5"|Level 6
|style="text-align:center"|23<br>Light
|A generally genteel princess, the heart of a competitor burns deep within her. She is adapt at drifting.
|-
|height=160px|[[File:MKDS Yoshi Artwork.png|150x150px]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:Yoshi MKDS icon.png]]<br>'''<big>[[Yoshi]]</big>'''<br>[[File:MKDSEmblemYoshi.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|20<br>Light
|While Yoshi is usually ridden by Mario, this time he's ready to race. Yoshi's traction is excellent.
|-
|-
|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
|height=160px|[[File:MKDS Toad Artwork.png|150x150px]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:Toad MKDS icon.png]]<br>'''<big>[[Toad]]</big>'''<br>[[File:MKDSEmblemToad.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|17<br>Light
|Toad uses his tiny stature to his advantage as he skillfully weaves in and out of traffic on the track.
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|6-2||style="text-align:left;"|Get Stars and run over '''15 Rocky Wrenches'''!||0:55||Airship Fortress||Wario
|height=160px|[[File:MKDS Donkey Kong Standard Kart Artwork.png|150x150px]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:DK MKDS icon.png]]<br>'''<big>[[Donkey Kong]]</big>'''<br>[[File:MKDSEmblemDK.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|41<br>Heavy
|DK overwhelms his opponents with his jungle instincts. He drifts through comers like a mad-man...or a mad-ape!
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|6-3||style="text-align:left;"|Collect all '''30 coins'''!||0:45||<small>SNES</small> Choco Island 2||Yoshi
|height=160px|[[File:MKDS Wario Artwork.png|150x150px]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:Wario MKDS icon.png]]<br>'''<big>[[Wario]]</big>'''<br>[[File:MKDSEmblemWario.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|44<br>Heavy
|As his name implies, he's the anti-hero to Mario's heroism. Other than acceleration, he has no foil.
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|6-4||style="text-align:left;"|Destroy all '''10 item boxes'''!||2:00||<small>N64</small> Block Fort||Mario
|height=160px|[[File:MKDS Bowser Artwork.png|150x150px]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:Bowser MKDS icon.png]]<br>'''<big>[[Bowser]]</big>'''<br>[[File:MKDSEmblemBowser.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|50<br>Heavy
|Mario's arch-enemy is superb at using his driving skills to race through curves.
|-style="background-color:#ccc"
|height=160px|[[File:MKDS Dry Bones Artwork.png|150x150px]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:Dry Bones MKDS icon.png]]<br>'''<big>[[Dry Bones]]</big>'''<br>[[File:MKDSEmblemDryBones.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|14<br>Light
|Dry Bones can be unlocked by obtaining a gold trophy for every 50cc Nitro Grand Prix cup.
|-style="background-color:#ccc"
|height=160px|[[File:PrincessDaisyMKDS.png|150x150px]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:Daisy MKDS icon.png]]<br>'''<big>[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]</big>'''<br>[[File:MKDSEmblemDaisy.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|26<br>Medium
|Princess Daisy can be unlocked by obtaining a gold trophy for every 50cc Retro Grand Prix cup.
|-style="background-color:#ccc"
|height=160px|[[File:MKDS Waluigi Artwork.png|150x150px]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:Waluigi MKDS icon.png]]<br>'''<big>[[Waluigi]]</big>'''<br>[[File:MKDSEmblemWaluigi.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|35<br>Medium
|Waluigi can be unlocked by obtaining a gold trophy for every 100cc Retro Grand Prix cup.
|-style="background-color:#ccc"
|height=160px|[[File:MKDS ROB Artwork.png|150x150px]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:ROB MKDS icon.png]]<br>'''<big>[[R.O.B.]]</big>'''<br>[[File:MKDSEmblemROB.png]]
|style="text-align:center"|50<br>Heavy
|R.O.B. can be unlocked by obtaining a gold trophy for either every 150cc Mirror Nitro Grand Prix cup or Retro Grand Prix cup.
|-style="background-color:lightpink"
|height=160px|[[File:MKDS Shy Guy Artwork.png|150x150px]]
|style="text-align:center"|[[File:MKDS Red Shy Guy Mugshot.png]]<br>'''<big>[[Shy Guy]]</big>'''<br>[[File:MKDSEmblemShyGuy.png|link=Shy Guy]]
|style="text-align:center"|20<br>Light
|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.
|}
*<small>Characters highlighted in '''gray''' are unlockable.</small>
*<small>Characters highlighted in '''pink''' are only available via DS Download Play.</small>
 
===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=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="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=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="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=width:3%|6-7||style="text-align:left;"|Collect all '''40 coins'''!||1:30||Tick-Tock Clock||Toad
|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=width:3%|6-8||style="text-align:left;"|Reach the finish before '''Peach'''!||0:00||Peach Gardens**||Bowser
|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=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="text-align:center"|[[File:MKDSBurner.png]]
|-class=expandable
|style="text-align:center"|[[Burner]]
!colspan="5" | Level 7
|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=width:3%|7-1||style="text-align:left;"|Perform '''6 power-slide turbo boosts''' in '''1 lap'''!||1:00||Rainbow Road||Peach
|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=width:3%|7-2||style="text-align:left;"|Reach the finish before '''Bowser!||0:00||Bowser Castle||Mario
|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=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="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=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="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=width:3%|7-5||style="text-align:left;"|Collect all '''20 coins'''!||0:55||Wario Stadium||Wario
|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.
|-
|-
|style=width:3%|7-6||style="text-align:left;"|Drive through all '''8 numbered gates''' in order!||0:11||Nintendo DS||Mario
|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=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="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=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="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=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="text-align:center"|[[File:Pianta MKDS blue.png]][[File:Pianta MKDS pink.png]][[File:Pianta MKDS yellow.png]]
|}
|style="text-align:center"|[[Pianta]]
:<nowiki>*</nowiki>Conjectural title based on surroundings.
|style="text-align:center"|[[DS Delfino Square|Delfino Square]]
:<nowiki>**</nowiki>Denotes that the player drives through the course in the opposite direction.
|Piantas appear as spectators of the race. Additionally, a Pianta statue is found in the beginning of the track.
:<sub>1</sub>Using Green Shells (solo or triple) and Bob-ombs
:<sub>2</sub>The gates don't necessarily have to be driven through in order.
:<sub>3</sub>Players can use any means - normal or powersliding - to finish.
 
===Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection mode===
''Mario Kart DS'' was the first ''Mario Kart'' game to support online play (since the discontinuation of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, online play is no longer possible); 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>http://tcrf.net/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 and restrictions were applied to prevent excessive lags:
*Only up to four players
*Only the 100cc engine class was available
*12 of 32 courses were omitted
*No triple [[Banana]]s or triple shells
*No spilled [[List of items|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)
 
{|align=center class="wikitable" style="margin:auto;text-align:center;max-width:60em"
|-
|-
!colspan="9" style="background:#e0e0e0"|Point Spread Comparisons
|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="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
|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.
|-
|-
|'''''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
|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.
|-
|-
|'''''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
|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.
|-
|-
|'''''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
|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.
|-
|-
|'''''Mario Kart DS'' WFC 4 Players''' ||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"| 10 ||style="background:#CF0"| 7 || 4 || 1 || &mdash;|| &mdash;|| &mdash;|| -
|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.
|-
|-
|'''''Mario Kart DS'' WFC 3 Players''' ||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"| 10 || 7 || 4 || &mdash;|| &mdash;|| &mdash;|| &mdash;|| -
|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.
|-
|-
|'''''Mario Kart DS'' WFC 2 Players''' ||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"| 10 || 5 || &mdash;|| &mdash;|| &mdash;|| &mdash;|| &mdash;|| -
|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.
|-
|-
| 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
|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.
|}
|}


====Connection====
==Karts==
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.
[[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|Dry Bones's]] 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.


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.
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> 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.


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:
===Displayed statistics===
*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.
====Standard karts====
*A player coming 2nd in a 4-player match receives 2 wins and 1 loss.
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;margin:1em"
*A player tied for third in a 4-player match gets only 2 losses, as compared to 3.
!colspan="8"|<big>Menu values of ''Mario Kart DS''</big>
*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.
 
==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. ''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.
 
===Nitro Grand Prix===
 
{| style="width:700px;margin:auto;text-align:center" class="wikitable"
|-
!width="25%" | [[File:MKDS-MushroomCup.png]]<br>[[Mushroom Cup]]
!width="25%" | [[File:MKDS-FlowerCup.png]]<br>[[Flower Cup]]
!width="25%" | [[File:MKDS-StarCup.png]]<br>[[Star Cup]]
!width="25%" | [[File:MKDS-SpecialCup.png]]<br>[[Special Cup]]
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-Figure8Circuit.png]]<br>[[Figure-8 Circuit]]*
!width=130px|Kart
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-DesertHills.png]]<br>[[Desert Hills]]*
!width=105px|Driver
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-DKPass.png]]<br>[[DK Pass]]*
!width=86px|Speed
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-WarioStadium.png]]<br>[[Wario Stadium (DS)|Wario Stadium]]*
!width=86px|Acceleration
!width=86px|Weight
!width=86px|Handling
!width=86px|Drift
!width=86px|Items
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-YoshiFalls.png]]<br>[[Yoshi Falls]]*
!rowspan=4 height=150px|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart MR Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Standard MR]]
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-DelfinoSquare.png]]<br>[[Delfino Square]]*
|rowspan=4|[[File:Mario MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Mario]]
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-TickTockClock.png]]<br>[[Tick-Tock Clock (DS)|Tick-Tock Clock]]
!colspan=6|Race
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-PeachGardens.png]]<br>[[Peach Gardens (DS)|Peach Gardens]]
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-CheepCheepBeach.png]]<br>[[Cheep Cheep Beach]]*
|64
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-WaluigiPinball.png]]<br>[[Waluigi Pinball (DS)|Waluigi Pinball]]
|72
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-MarioCircuit.png]]<br>[[Mario Circuit (DS)|Mario Circuit]]*
|32
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-BowserCastle.png]]<br>[[Bowser Castle (DS)|Bowser Castle]]
|56
|-
|57
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-LuigisMansion.png]]<br>[[Luigi's Mansion (DS)|Luigi's Mansion]]*
|66
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-ShroomRidge.png]]<br>[[Shroom Ridge]]
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-AirshipFortress.png]]<br>[[Airship Fortress]]
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-RainbowRoad.png]]<br>[[Rainbow Road (DS)|Rainbow Road]]*
|}
 
===Retro Grand Prix===
{| style="width:700px;margin:auto;text-align:center" class="wikitable"
|-
!width="25%" | [[File:MKDS-ShellCup.png]]<br>[[Shell Cup]]
!width="25%" | [[File:MKDS-BananaCup.png]]<br>[[Banana Cup]]
!width="25%" | [[File:MKDS-LeafCup.png]]<br>[[Leaf Cup]]
!width="25%" | [[File:MKDS-LightningCup.png]]<br>[[Lightning Cup]]
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-SNES-MarioCircuit1.png]]<br>[[Mario Circuit 1|<small>SNES</small> Mario Circuit 1]]*
!colspan=6|Battle
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-SNES-DonutPlains1.png]]<br>[[Donut Plains 1 (SNES)|<small>SNES</small> Donut Plains 1]]
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-SNES-KoopaBeach2.png]]<br>[[Koopa Beach 2|<small>SNES</small> Koopa Beach 2]]
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-SNES-ChocoIsland2.png]]<br>[[Choco Island 2|<small>SNES</small> Choco Island 2]]*
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-N64-MooMooFarm.png]]<br>[[Moo Moo Farm|<small>N64</small> Moo Moo Farm]]*
|50
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-N64-FrappeSnowland.png]]<br>[[Frappe Snowland|<small>N64</small> Frappe Snowland]]*
|54
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-N64-ChocoMountain.png]]<br>[[Choco Mountain|<small>N64</small> Choco Mountain]]*
|32
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-N64-BansheeBoardwalk.png]]<br>[[Banshee Boardwalk|<small>N64</small> Banshee Boardwalk]]
|50
|50
|66
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-GBA-PeachCircuit.png]]<br>[[Peach Circuit|<small>GBA</small> Peach Circuit]]*
!rowspan=4 height=150px|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart LG Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Standard LG]]
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-GBA-BowserCastle2.png]]<br>[[Bowser Castle 2 (GBA)|<small>GBA</small> Bowser Castle 2]]
|rowspan=4|[[File:Luigi MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Luigi]]
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-GBA-LuigiCircuit.png]]<br>[[Luigi Circuit (GBA)|<small>GBA</small> Luigi Circuit]]
!colspan=6|Race
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-GBA-SkyGarden.png]]<br>[[Sky Garden (GBA)|<small>GBA</small> Sky Garden]]*
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-GCN-LuigiCircuit.png]]<br>[[Luigi Circuit (GCN)|<small>GCN</small> Luigi Circuit]]*
|72
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-GCN-BabyPark.png]]<br>[[Baby Park|<small>GCN</small> Baby Park]]*
|74
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-GCN-MushroomBridge.png]]<br>[[Mushroom Bridge|<small>GCN</small> Mushroom Bridge]]
|32
|[[File:MKDS-CourseIcon-GCN-YoshiCircuit.png]]<br>[[Yoshi Circuit|<small>GCN</small> Yoshi Circuit]]*
|73
|}
|32
<nowiki>*</nowiki> - <small>Was playable on [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]</small>
|66
 
===Staff Ghosts===
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. Most courses require a minimum of completing a course at least 5–10 seconds after the Staff Ghost does.
 
{|class=wikitable border="1" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2 auto style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial; margin:0 auto; text-align:center" width=50%
!Course
!Time
!Name
!Character/Kart
|-
|-
|'''Figure-8 Circuit'''
!colspan=6|Battle
|1:36:481
|Ninten★たなか
|[[File:Mario MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Mario<br>[[File:Standard MR icon.png]]<br>Standard MR
|-
|-
|'''Yoshi Falls'''
|56
|0:57:677
|58
|Ninten★まっは
|32
|[[File:Yoshi MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Yoshi<br>[[File:Egg 1 icon.png]]<br>Egg 1
|63
|31
|66
|-
|-
|'''Cheep Cheep Beach'''
!rowspan=4 height=150px|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart PC Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Standard PC]]
|1:43:654
|rowspan=4|[[File:Peach MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
|Ninten★しんご
!colspan=6|Race
|[[File:DK MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Donkey Kong<br>[[File:Standard DK icon.png]]<br>Standard DK
|-
|-
|'''Luigi's Mansion'''
|47
|1:59:357
|73
|Ninten★しんご
|32
|[[File:Luigi MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Luigi<br>[[File:Streamliner icon.png]]<br>Streamliner
|48
|97
|66
|-
|-
|'''Desert Hills'''
!colspan=6|Battle
|1:31:262
|Ninten★かつ
|[[File:ROB MKDS record icon.png]]<br>R.O.B.<br>[[File:ROB-LGS icon.png]]<br>ROB-LGS
|-
|-
|'''Delfino Square'''
|38
|1:54:601
|55
|Ninten★いわ
|32
|[[File:Peach MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Peach<br>[[File:Royale icon.png]]<br>Royale
|44
|75
|66
|-
|-
|'''Waluigi Pinball'''
!rowspan=4 height=150px|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart YS Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Standard YS]]
|2:23:288
|rowspan=4|[[File:Yoshi MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Yoshi]]
|Ninten★しんや
!colspan=6|Race
|[[File:Waluigi MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Waluigi<br>[[File:Gold Mantis icon.png]]<br>Gold Mantis
|-
|-
|'''Shroom Ridge'''
|55
|2:05:123
|90
|Ninten★ジョー
|32
|[[File:Toad MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Toad<br>[[File:Mushmellow icon.png]]<br>Mushmellow
|84
|39
|66
|-
|-
|'''DK Pass'''
!colspan=6|Battle
|2:14:607
|Ninten★™NN
|[[File:DK MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Donkey Kong<br>[[File:Wildlife icon.png]]<br>Wildlife
|-
|-
|'''Tick-Tock Clock'''
|44
|1:54:903
|71
|Ninten★だい8
|32
|[[File:Daisy MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Daisy<br>[[File:Light Dancer icon.png]]<br>Light Dancer
|69
|38
|66
|-
|-
|'''Mario Circuit'''
!rowspan=4 height=150px|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart TD Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Standard TD]]
|1:56:533
|rowspan=4|[[File:Toad MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Toad]]
|Ninten★モリオ
!colspan=6|Race
|[[File:Mario MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Mario<br>[[File:Shooting Star MKDS icon.png]]<br>Shooting Star
|-
|-
|'''Airship Fortress'''
|39
|2:07:748
|85
|Ninten★シュン
|32
|[[File:Bowser MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Bowser<br>[[File:Hurricane icon.png]]<br>Hurricane
|65
|67
|66
|-
|-
|'''Wario Stadium'''
!colspan=6|Battle
|2:14:868
|Ninten★マトゥ
|[[File:Wario MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Wario<br>[[File:Brute icon.png]]<br>Brute
|-
|-
|'''Peach Gardens'''
|31
|1:52:989
|69
|Ninten★ゆきつ
|32
|[[File:Peach MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Peach<br>[[File:Royale icon.png]]<br>Royale
|56
|56
|66
|-
|-
|'''Bowser Castle'''
!rowspan=4 height=150px|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart DK Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Standard DK]]
|2:19:661
|rowspan=4|[[File:DK MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Donkey Kong]]
|Ninten★ひろむ
!colspan=6|Race
|[[File:Bowser MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Bowser<br>[[File:Hurricane icon.png]]<br>Hurricane
|-
|-
|'''Rainbow Road'''
|80
|2:16:246
|47
|Ninten★たえこ
|32
|[[File:ROB MKDS record icon.png]]<br>R.O.B.<br>[[File:ROB-BLS icon.png]]<br>ROB-BLS
|34
|77
|66
|-
|-
|'''<small>SNES</small> Mario Circuit 1'''
!colspan=6|Battle
|0:50:688
|Ninten★いわ
|[[File:Mario MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Mario<br>[[File:Standard MR icon.png]]<br>Standard MR
|-
|-
|'''<small>N64</small> Moo Moo Farm'''
|63
|1:17:751
|32
|Ninten★だる®
|32
|[[File:DK MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Donkey Kong<br>[[File:Wildlife icon.png]]<br>Wildlife
|31
|63
|66
|-
|-
|'''<small>GBA</small> Peach Circuit'''
!rowspan=4 height=150px|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart WR Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Standard WR]]
|1:12:011
|rowspan=4|[[File:Wario MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Wario]]
|Ninten★だい8
!colspan=6|Race
|[[File:Peach MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Peach<br>[[File:Royale icon.png]]<br>Royale
|-
|-
|'''<small>GCN</small> Luigi Circuit'''
|88
|1:29:759
|50
|Ninten★おつぼ
|32
|[[File:Luigi MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Luigi<br>[[File:Poltergust 4000 icon.png]]<br>Poltergust 4000
|48
|47
|66
|-
|-
|'''<small>SNES</small> Donut Plains 1'''
!colspan=6|Battle
|1:08:027
|Ninten★しばた
|[[File:Dry Bones MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Dry Bones<br>[[File:Dry Bomber icon.png]]<br>Dry Bomber
|-
|-
|'''<small>N64</small> Frappe Snowland'''
|69
|2:08:781
|38
|Ninten★ジョー
|32
|[[File:Wario MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Wario<br>[[File:Brute icon.png]]<br>Brute
|44
|44
|66
|-
|-
|'''<small>GBA</small> Bowser Castle 2'''
!rowspan=4 height=150px|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart BW Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Standard BW]]
|1:52:258
|rowspan=4|[[File:Bowser MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Bowser]]
|Ninten★ジョー
!colspan=6|Race
|[[File:Bowser MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Bowser<br>[[File:Standard BW icon.png]]<br>Standard BW
|-
|-
|'''<small>GCN</small> Baby Park'''
|96
|0:50:920
|30
|Ninten★ひょう
|32
|[[File:Toad MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Toad<br>[[File:Mushmellow icon.png]]<br>Mushmellow
|28
|67
|66
|-
|-
|'''<small>SNES</small> Koopa Beach 2'''
!colspan=6|Battle
|0:54:847
|Ninten★しんや
|[[File:Yoshi MKDS record icon.png]]<br>[[Yoshi]]<br>[[File:Egg 1 icon.png]]<br>Egg 1
|-
|-
|'''<small>N64</small> Choco Mountain'''
|75
|2:15:571
|25
|Ninten★イシビ
|32
|[[File:Wario MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Wario<br>[[File:Dragonfly icon.png]]<br>Dragonfly
|25
|56
|66
|-
|-
|'''<small>GBA</small> Luigi Circuit'''
!rowspan=4 height=150px|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart DB Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Standard DB]]
|1:46:581
|rowspan=4|[[File:Dry Bones MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Dry Bones]]
|Ninten★モリオ
!colspan=6|Race
|[[File:Luigi MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Luigi<br>[[File:Poltergust 4000 icon.png]]<br>Poltergust 4000
|-
|-
|'''<small>GCN</small> Mushroom Bridge'''
|31
|1:30:600
|99
|Ninten★ひょう
|32
|[[File:Toad MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Toad<br>[[File:Mushmellow icon.png]]<br>Mushmellow
|96
|47
|66
|-
|-
|'''<small>SNES</small> Choco Island 2'''
!colspan=6|Battle
|1:01:620
|Ninten★おつぼ
|[[File:Waluigi MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Waluigi<br>[[File:Zipper icon.png]]<br>Zipper
|-
|-
|'''<small>N64</small> Banshee Boardwalk'''
|25
|2:14:403
|75
|Ninten★まさ
|32
|[[File:Dry Bones MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Dry Bones<br>[[File:Dry Bomber icon.png]]<br>Dry Bomber
|75
|44
|66
|-
|-
|'''<small>GBA</small> Sky Garden'''
!rowspan=4 height=150px|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart DS Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Standard DS]]
|1:44:400
|rowspan=4|[[File:Daisy MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Daisy]]
|Ninten★ドリー
!colspan=6|Race
|[[File:Daisy MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Daisy<br>[[File:Power Flower icon.png]]<br>Power Flower
|-
|-
|'''<small>GCN</small> Yoshi Circuit'''
|64
|1:48:793
|64
|Ninten★たろう
|32
|[[File:Yoshi MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Yoshi<br>[[File:Standard YS icon.png]]<br>Standard YS
|40
|}
|87
 
|66
==Items==
:''To know the probability of obtaining each item when an Item Box is opened in the various modes, see [[Mario Kart DS item probability distributions]].''
 
''Mario Kart DS'' includes the main element preserved in every ''Mario Kart'' created; 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 also features some additional items to increase the challenge. There are also two new items: the [[Blooper]] and [[Bullet Bill]].
 
Normally, lead 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. In subsequent games, this stat was removed so the only factor influencing items is position.
 
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 Versus Mode, leaders who have the most [[Balloon]]s or Shines will receive less powerful items accordingly.
 
[[Super Star|Star]]s, [[Bullet Bill]]s, and [[Boo]]s are examples of powerful items, as they provide speed boosts and total invincibility.
 
NOTE: These artworks - except Fake Item Box, Boo, Triple Banana and the new items - are reused from ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]''
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
!Image
!colspan=6|Battle
!Name
!align="center"|Instruction Booklet Description
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDDMushroom.png|100px]]
|50
|[[Mushroom]]
|50
|''Provides a short speed boost.''
|32
|38
|69
|66
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDD Triple Mushrooms.png|100px]]
!rowspan=4 height=150px|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart WL Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Standard WL]]
|[[Mushroom|Triple Mushrooms]]
|rowspan=4|[[File:Waluigi MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Waluigi]]
|''Each press of {{button|ds|l}} or {{button|ds|x}} uses up one Mushroom.''
!colspan=6|Race
|-
|-
|[[File:Golden mushroom.PNG|100px]]
|72
|[[Golden Mushroom]]
|63
|''Allows you to use Mushroom boosts as many times as you want for a short period of time.''
|32
|56
|57
|66
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDD ItemBox.png|100px]]
!colspan=6|Battle
|[[Item Box]]
|''Drive through the item boxes on the tracks to get the items contained within. The item inside is determined randomly.''[[#ch1|<sup>1</sup>]] ''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]]
|56
|[[Fake Item Box]]
|50
|''Looks just like an item box, but when you run into it, it knocks you over.''
|32
|50
|50
|66
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDD BananaPeel.png|100px]]
!rowspan=4 height=150px|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart RB Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Standard RB]]
|[[Banana]]
|rowspan=4|[[File:ROB MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[R.O.B.]]
|''Makes karts spin out when run over.''
!colspan=6|Race
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDS Triple Bananas.jpg|100px]]
|96
|[[Banana|Triple Bananas]]
|53
|''Press {{button|ds|l}} or {{button|ds|x}} to deploy behind the kart. Tap the button again to drop one.''
|32
|65
|27
|66
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDD GreenShell.png|100px]]
!colspan=6|Battle
|[[Green Shell]]
|''When thrown, this shell travels in a straight line and knocks over the first kart it hits.''
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDD Triple Green Shells.png|100px]]
|75
|[[Green Shell|Triple Green Shells]]
|49
|''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.''
|32
|56
|25
|66
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDD RedShell.png|100px]]
!rowspan=4 height=150px|[[File:MKDS Standard Kart SG Model.png|120x120px]]<br>{{conjectural|[[Standard SG]]}}
|[[Red Shell]]
|rowspan=4|[[File:MKDS Red Shy Guy Mugshot.png]]<br>[[Shy Guy]]
|''These automatically lock onto and chase after the next kart in front of you. When hit, the kart rolls over.''
!colspan=6|Race
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDD Triple Red Shells.png|100px]]
|55
|[[Red Shell|Triple Red Shells]]
|90
|''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.''
|32
|84
|39
|66
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDD SpinyShell.png|100px]]
!colspan=6|Battle
|[[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.''
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDD Star.png|100px]]
|44
|[[Super Star|Star]]
|71
|''Makes you invincible for a brief period of time. While invincible, you will knock over any kart you hit.''
|32
|-
|69
|[[File:Thunderbolt - Mario Kart Wii.png|100px]]
|38
|[[Lightning]]
|66
|''Makes all opponents spin out, drop their items, and shrink for a brief period of time.''
|}
 
====Default signature karts====
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.
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;margin:1em"
!colspan="10"|<big>Menu values of ''Mario Kart DS''</big>
|-
|-
|[[File:MKDD Bob-omb.png|100px]]
!width=130px|Kart
|[[Bob-omb]]
!width=105px|Driver
|''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.''
!width=86px|Speed
!width=86px|Acceleration
!width=86px|Weight
!width=86px|Handling
!width=86px|Drift
!width=86px|Items
!colspan=2|Secondary drivers
|-
|-
|[[File:BlooperMKDS.png|100px]]
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS B Dasher Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[B Dasher]]
|[[Blooper]]<br>''New Item''
|[[File:Mario MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Mario]]
|''Sprays ink on all of the karts in front of you, obscuring those drivers' view of the track.''
|58
|69
|41
|52
|55
|100
|width=105px|[[File:Daisy MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]
|width=105px|[[File:Waluigi MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Waluigi]]
|-
|-
|[[File:Bullet Bill Mario.jpg|100px]]
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS Poltergust 4000 Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Poltergust 4000]]
|[[Bullet Bill]]<br>''New Item''
|[[File:Luigi MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Luigi]]
|''Briefly transforms the user into a Bullet Bill that soars through the air along the track, knocking over karts along the way.''
|75
|76
|17
|77
|33
|33
|[[File:Yoshi MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Yoshi]]
|[[File:Waluigi MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Waluigi]]
|-
|-
|[[File:BooMKDS.jpg|100px]]
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS Royale Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Royale]]
|[[Boo]]
|[[File:Peach MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
|''Unleashes Boo, who turns you invisible for a brief time, making you impervious to enemy attacks, and steals an opponent's item.''
|41
|}
|69
 
|44
*<span id=ch1>1</span> — The instruction booklet provides this description in page 10.
|45
 
|94
==Racing techniques ==
|100
===Rocket Start===
|[[File:Yoshi MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Yoshi]]
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:Toad MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Toad]]
 
|-
===Drifting and powersliding===
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS Egg 1 Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Egg 1]]
[[File:Powersliding1.png|thumb|[[Yoshi]] powersliding at Figure-8 Circuit.]]
|[[File:Yoshi MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Yoshi]]
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.
|59
 
|91
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. This can be used to dodge [[Spiny Shell (blue)|Spiny Shell]] if combined with a [[Hop (move)|hop]] only during 100cc and 150cc races.
|14
 
|89
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]].
|41
 
|33
===Slipstreaming===
|[[File:Daisy MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]
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.
|[[File:ROB MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[R.O.B.]]
 
|-
==Multiplayer==
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS Mushmellow Model.png|120x100px]]<br>[[Mushmellow]]
===Multi card play===
|[[File:Toad MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Toad]]
Up to eight players 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. All tracks unlocked on any copy of the game can be selected as well.
|43
 
|87
===Download Play===
|17
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.
|69
 
|69
==Karts==
|33
[[File:Mario in Standard MR MKDS.png|thumb|The kart selection screen in ''Mario Kart DS'' with Mario only.]]
|[[File:Yoshi MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Yoshi]]
In ''Mario Kart DS'', there are 36 different karts in total.
|[[File:Dry Bones MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Dry Bones]]
 
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|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. 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]] 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, the [[Light Tripper]] has a drift rating of one-hundred, and each character has one kart each with an items rating of one-hundred (one of the Exclusive Karts), an items rating of sixty-six (all of the Standard Karts), and an items rating of thirty-three (one of the Exclusive Karts).
 
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 a gold trophy in either 150cc [[Special Cup]] or [[Lightning Cup]], four Exclusive Karts from different characters will become available, bringing the total to seven karts for each character. After winning gold trophies in all eight 150cc cups (to unlock the Mirror) and all 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 exclusive or standard 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> 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 normal, 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.
 
{{more images|section=yes|Images for the Standard TD, BW, PC, WR, YS, LG, DB, DS, WL, RB and SG, matching the one for the Standard MR}}
{{br}}
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; margin:auto;"
!colspan="9"|<big>In-game menu values of ''Mario Kart DS''</big>
|-
|-
!Driver
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS Rambi Rider Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Rambi Rider]]
!Driver Weight
|[[File:DK MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Donkey Kong]]
!Kart
|74
!Speed
|44
!Acceleration
|47
!Weight
|31
!Handling
|74
!Drift
!Items
|-
!rowspan="3"|Mario
|rowspan="3"|32
![[File:BDasher.png|120px]]<br>[[B Dasher]]
|58
|69
|41
|52
|55
|100
|100
|[[File:Bowser MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Bowser]]
|[[File:Daisy MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]
|-
|-
![[File:StandardKartMR.png|120px]]<br>[[Standard MR]]
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS Brute Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Brute]]
|[[File:Wario MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Wario]]
|92
|53
|23
|51
|49
|33
|[[File:Bowser MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Bowser]]
|[[File:Waluigi MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Waluigi]]
|-
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS Tyrant Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Tyrant]]
|[[File:Bowser MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Bowser]]
|90
|25
|50
|25
|64
|64
|72
|100
|32
|[[File:Wario MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Wario]]
|56
|[[File:Waluigi MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Waluigi]]
|57
|66
|-
|-
![[File:Shooting Star.png|120px]]<br>[[Shooting Star (kart)|Shooting Star]]
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS Banisher Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Banisher]]
|67
|[[File:Dry Bones MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Dry Bones]]
|74
|25
|14
|97
|60
|35
|59
|91
|33
|45
|100
|[[File:Mario MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Mario]]
|[[File:Yoshi MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Yoshi]]
|-
|-
!rowspan="3"|Luigi
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS Power Flower Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Power Flower (kart)|Power Flower]]
|rowspan="3"|32
|[[File:Daisy MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]
![[File:Poltergust4000model.png|120px]]<br>[[Poltergust 4000]]
|58
|75
|61
|76
|35
|17
|36
|77
|84
|100
|[[File:Peach MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
|[[File:DK MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Donkey Kong]]
|-
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS Gold Mantis Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Gold Mantis]]
|[[File:Waluigi MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Waluigi]]
|75
|65
|29
|60
|59
|33
|33
|[[File:Mario MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Mario]]
|[[File:DK MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Donkey Kong]]
|-
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS ROB-BLS Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[ROB-BLS]]
|[[File:ROB MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[R.O.B.]]
|100
|55
|25
|69
|28
|33
|33
|[[File:Luigi MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Luigi]]
|[[File:Wario MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Wario]]
|}
====Unlockable signature karts====
These karts are unlocked after getting gold trophies on all Nitro cups on 100cc difficulty.
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;margin:1em"
!colspan="10"|<big>Menu values of ''Mario Kart DS''</big>
|-
|-
![[Standard LG]]
!width=130px|Kart
|72
!width=105px|Driver
!width=86px|Speed
!width=86px|Acceleration
!width=86px|Weight
!width=86px|Handling
!width=86px|Drift
!width=86px|Items
!colspan=2|Secondary drivers
|-
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS Shooting Star Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Shooting Star (kart)|Shooting Star]]
|[[File:Mario MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Mario]]
|67
|74
|74
|32
|14
|73
|60
|32
|59
|66
|33
|width=105px|[[File:Toad MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Toad]]
|width=105px|[[File:Wario MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Wario]]
|-
|-
![[File:Streamlinermodel.png|120px]]<br>[[Streamliner]]
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS Streamliner Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Streamliner]]
|[[File:Luigi MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Luigi]]
|66
|66
|71
|71
Line 987: Line 1,029:
|30
|30
|100
|100
|[[File:Dry Bones MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Dry Bones]]
|[[File:ROB MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[R.O.B.]]
|-
|-
!rowspan="3"|Peach
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS Light Tripper Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Light Tripper]]
|rowspan="3"|23
|[[File:Peach MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
![[File:Royalemodel.png|120px]]<br>[[Royale]]
|41
|69
|44
|45
|94
|100
|-
![[Standard PC]]
|47
|73
|32
|48
|97
|66
|-
![[File:LightTripper.png|120px]]<br>[[Light Tripper]]
|51
|51
|75
|75
Line 1,013: Line 1,040:
|100
|100
|33
|33
|[[File:Daisy MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]
|[[File:Dry Bones MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Dry Bones]]
|-
|-
!rowspan="3"|Yoshi
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS Cucumber Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Cucumber]]
|rowspan="3"|20
|[[File:Yoshi MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Yoshi]]
![[File:EggOne.png|120px]]<br>[[Egg 1]]
|49
|59
|88
|91
|38
|14
|80
|89
|37
|41
|100
|[[File:Luigi MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Luigi]]
|[[File:Dry Bones MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Dry Bones]]
|-
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS 4-Wheel Cradle Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[4-Wheel Cradle]]
|[[File:Toad MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Toad]]
|33
|33
|83
|44
|61
|64
|100
|[[File:Mario MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Mario]]
|[[File:Peach MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
|-
|-
![[Standard YS]]
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS Wildlife Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Wildlife]]
|55
|[[File:DK MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Donkey Kong]]
|90
|32
|84
|84
|39
|50
|66
|23
|37
|79
|33
|[[File:Luigi MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Luigi]]
|[[File:Peach MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
|-
|-
![[File:Cucumber.png|120px]]<br>[[Cucumber]]
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS Dragonfly Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Dragonfly]]
|49
|[[File:Wario MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Wario]]
|88
|82
|38
|46
|80
|47
|37
|45
|45
|100
|100
|[[File:Luigi MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Luigi]]
|[[File:ROB MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[R.O.B.]]
|-
|-
!rowspan="3"|Toad
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS Hurricane Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Hurricane (kart)|Hurricane]]
|rowspan="3"|17
|[[File:Bowser MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Bowser]]
![[File:Mushmellow.png|100px]]<br>[[Mushmellow]]
|100
|43
|34
|87
|29
|17
|32
|69
|69
|69
|33
|33
|[[File:DK MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Donkey Kong]]
|[[File:ROB MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[R.O.B.]]
|-
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS Dry Bomber Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Dry Bomber]]
|[[File:Dry Bones MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Dry Bones]]
|34
|100
|26
|100
|49
|33
|[[File:Peach MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
|[[File:Toad MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Toad]]
|-
|-
![[Standard TD]]
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS Light Dancer Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Light Dancer]]
|39
|[[File:Daisy MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]
|85
|32
|65
|67
|67
|66
|66
|-
|20
![[File:4WheelCradle.png|120px]]<br>[[4-Wheel Cradle]]
|43
|90
|33
|33
|83
|[[File:Mario MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Mario]]
|44
|[[File:Bowser MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Bowser]]
|61
|64
|100
|-
|-
!rowspan="3"|Donkey Kong
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS Zipper Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[Zipper (kart)|Zipper]]
|rowspan="3"|41
|[[File:Waluigi MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Waluigi]]
![[File:RambiRider.png|120px]]<br>[[Rambi Rider]]
|66
|74
|59
|44
|35
|47
|52
|31
|55
|74
|100
|100
|[[File:Toad MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Toad]]
|[[File:Wario MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Wario]]
|-
|-
![[File:StandardKartDK.png|120px]]<br>[[Standard DK]]
!height=150px|[[File:MKDS ROB-LGS Model.png|120x120px]]<br>[[ROB-LGS]]
|80
|[[File:ROB MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[R.O.B.]]
|47
|90
|32
|48
|34
|38
|77
|61
|66
|25
|100
|[[File:DK MKDS icon.png]]<br>[[Donkey Kong]]
|[[File:Bowser MKDS icon.png]]<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>
|-
|-
![[File:Wildlife.png|120px]]<br>[[Wildlife]]
!rowspan="3"|Driver
|84
!rowspan="3"|Kart
|50
!rowspan="3"|Tires
|23
!rowspan="3"|Weight
|37
!rowspan="3"|Mini-Turbo
|79
!rowspan="3"|Top Speed
|33
!colspan="6"|Acceleration
!rowspan="3"|Deceleration
!rowspan="3"|Handling
!rowspan="3"|Drift
!rowspan="2" colspan="4"|Off-Road
|-
|-
!rowspan="3"|Wario
!colspan="3"|Normal
|rowspan="3"|44
!colspan="3"|While Drifting
![[File:Brute.png|120px]]<br>[[Brute]]
|92
|53
|23
|51
|49
|33
|-
|-
![[Standard WR]]
!1st value
|88
!2nd value
|50
!3rd value
|32
!1st value
|48
!2nd value
|47
!3rd value
|66
!Very Light
!Light
!Normal
!Heavy
|-
|-
![[File:Dragonfly.png|120px]]<br>[[Dragonfly (kart)|Dragonfly]]
!rowspan="3"|Mario
|82
!Standard MR
|46
|''kart_tire_M''
|47
|0.5
|45
|45
|45
|7.5
|100
|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
|-
|-
!rowspan="3"|Bowser
!Shooting Star
|rowspan="3"|50
|''kart_tire_S''
![[File:Tyrant.png|120px]]<br>[[Tyrant]]
|0.2
|90
|51
|25
|7.523
|50
|0.0598
|25
|0.0249
|64
|0.7
|100
|0.0669
|0.0249
|0.75
|0.984
|0.0823
|0.0547
|0.9
|0.7
|0.5
|0.3
|-
|-
![[Standard BW]]
!B Dasher
|96
|''kart_tire_L''
|30
|0.65
|32
|35
|28
|7.463
|67
|0.0549
|66
|0.0229
|0.7
|0.0608
|0.0229
|0.75
|0.984
|0.0789
|0.0527
|0.9
|0.7
|0.5
|0.3
|-
|-
![[File:Hurricanemodel.png|120px]]<br>[[Hurricane]]
!rowspan="3"|Donkey Kong
|100
!Standard DK
|34
|''kart_tire_M''
|29
|0.5
|32
|30
|69
|7.6
|33
|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
|-
|-
!rowspan="3"|Daisy
!Wildlife
|rowspan="3"|26
|''kart_tire_S''
![[File:PowerFlowermodel.png|120px]]<br>[[Power Flower (kart)|Power Flower]]
|0.35
|58
|34
|61
|7.623
|35
|0.0469
|36
|0.0239
|84
|0.45
|100
|0.0688
|-
|0.0198
![[Standard DS]]
|0.9
|64
|0.978
|64
|0.0723
|32
|0.0647
|40
|0.85
|87
|0.62
|66
|0.4
|0.22
|-
|-
![[File:LightDancer.png|120px]]<br>[[Light Dancer]]
!Rambi Rider
|67
|''kart_tire_L''
|66
|0.75
|20
|23
|43
|7.562
|90
|0.043
|33
|0.022
|-
|0.45
!rowspan="3"|Dry Bones
|0.063
|rowspan="3"|14
|0.0178
![[File:Banisher.png|120px]]<br>[[Banisher]]
|0.9
|25
|0.978
|97
|0.0693
|35
|0.0623
|91
|0.85
|45
|0.62
|100
|0.4
|0.22
|-
|-
![[Standard DB]]
!rowspan="3"|Toad
|31
!Standard TD
|99
|''kart_tire_M''
|32
|0.5
|96
|50
|47
|7.35
|66
|0.085
|-
|0.0269
![[File:DryBomber.png|120px]]<br>[[Dry Bomber]]
|0.7
|34
|0.085
|100
|0.0278
|26
|0.75
|100
|0.988
|49
|0.0842
|33
|0.0586
|0.92
|0.74
|0.55
|0.34
|-
|-
!rowspan="3"|Waluigi
!Mushmellow
|rowspan="3"|35
|''kart_tire_S''
![[File:GoldMantis.png|100px]]<br>[[Gold Mantis]]
|0.25
|75
|56
|65
|7.372
|29
|0.0879
|60
|0.0278
|59
|0.7
|33
|0.0879
|0.0288
|0.75
|0.988
|0.0859
|0.0598
|0.92
|0.74
|0.55
|0.34
|-
|-
![[Standard WL]]
!4-Wheel Cradle
|72
|''kart_tire_L''
|63
|0.7
|32
|39
|56
|7.313
|57
|0.0798
|66
|0.0259
|-
|0.7
![[File:Zipper.png|120px]]<br>[[Zipper (kart)|Zipper]]
|0.0798
|66
|0.0259
|59
|0.75
|35
|0.988
|52
|0.0825
|55
|0.0574
|100
|0.92
|0.74
|0.55
|0.34
|-
|-
!rowspan="3"|ROB
!rowspan="3"|Bowser
|rowspan="3"|50
!Standard BW
![[File:ROBBLSmodel.png|120px]]<br>[[ROB-BLS]]
|''kart_tire_M''
|100
|0.5
|55
|25
|25
|69
|7.7
|28
|0.0398
|33
|0.0188
|-
|0.45
![[Standard RB]]
|0.0588
|96
|0.0168
|53
|0.9
|32
|0.976
|65
|0.0684
|27
|0.0586
|66
|0.84
|0.6
|0.38
|0.2
|-
|-
![[File:ROBLGSmodel.png|100px]]<br>[[ROB-LGS]]
!Hurricane
|90
|''kart_tire_S''
|48
|0.45
|38
|28
|61
|7.723
|25
|0.0408
|100
|0.0198
|-
|0.45
!Shy Guy
|0.0608
|20
|0.0178
![[Standard SG]]
|0.9
|55
|0.976
|90
|0.0698
|32
|0.0598
|84
|0.84
|39
|0.6
|66
|0.38
|0.2
|-
|-
!rowspan="13" colspan="3"|Unknown Karts{{footnote|main|1}}
!Tyrant
|50
|''kart_tire_L''
|54
|0.8
|32
|19
|50
|7.662
|50
|0.0378
|66
|0.0178
|0.45
|0.0559
|0.0159
|0.9
|0.976
|0.0669
|0.0574
|0.84
|0.6
|0.38
|0.2
|-
|-
|63
!rowspan="3"|Peach
|32
!Standard PC
|32
|''kart_tire_M''
|31
|0.5
|63
|40
|66
|7.4
|-
|0.075
|31
|0.0298
|69
|0.45
|32
|0.1099
|56
|0.0249
|56
|0.9
|66
|0.982
|0.0769
|0.0732
|0.88
|0.67
|0.46
|0.27
|-
|-
|75
!Light Tripper
|25
|''kart_tire_S''
|32
|0.3
|25
|45
|56
|7.422
|66
|0.0779
|-
|0.0308
|38
|0.45
|55
|0.1138
|32
|0.0259
|44
|0.9
|75
|0.982
|66
|0.0784
|0.0747
|0.88
|0.67
|0.46
|0.27
|-
|-
|69
!Royale
|38
|''kart_tire_L''
|32
|0.7
|44
|31
|44
|7.363
|66
|0.0708
|-
|0.0278
|44
|0.45
|71
|0.1038
|32
|0.0239
|69
|0.9
|38
|0.982
|66
|0.0754
|0.0718
|0.88
|0.67
|0.46
|0.27
|-
|-
|56
!rowspan="3"|Wario
|58
!Standard WR
|32
|''kart_tire_M''
|63
|0.5
|31
|35
|66
|7.65
|-
|0.042
|25
|0.0188
|75
|0.7
|32
|0.0479
|75
|0.0168
|44
|0.75
|66
|0.98
|0.0769
|0.0488
|0.86
|0.64
|0.43
|0.24
|-
|-
|50
!Brute
|50
|''kart_tire_S''
|32
|0.35
|38
|39
|69
|7.673
|66
|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
|-
|-
|56
!Dragonfly
|50
|''kart_tire_L''
|32
|0.75
|50
|27
|50
|7.612
|66
|0.0398
|-
|0.0178
|75
|0.7
|49
|0.0449
|32
|0.0159
|56
|0.75
|25
|0.98
|66
|0.0754
|0.0479
|0.86
|0.64
|0.43
|0.24
|-
|-
|44
!rowspan="3"|Yoshi
|71
!Standard YS
|32
|''kart_tire_M''
|69
|0.5
|38
|60
|66
|7.45
|-
|0.095
!colspan="9"|{{footnote|note|1}}: <small>The table with the menu values of the karts show the statistics of 13 additional karts, it's unknown if those karts are actually karts used in the game, since they don't have associated data about the tires.</small>
|0.0178
|}
|0.85
 
|0.0618
==In-game statistics==
|0.0269
''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.
|0.6
 
|0.99
{|class="wikitable center"
|0.0928
!colspan="19"|<big>In-game statistics of ''Mario Kart DS''</big>
|0.0452
|0.95
|0.84
|0.68
|0.43
|-
|-
!rowspan="3"|Driver
!Egg 1
!rowspan="3"|Kart
|''kart_tire_S''
!rowspan="3"|Tires
|0.2
!rowspan="3"|Weight
|68
!rowspan="3"|Mini-Turbo
|7.472
!rowspan="3"|Top Speed
|0.0979
!colspan="6"|Acceleration
|0.0188
!rowspan="3"|Deceleration
|0.85
!rowspan="3"|Handling
|0.064
!rowspan="3"|Drift
|0.0278
!rowspan="2" colspan="4"|Off-Road
|0.6
|0.99
|0.0947
|0.0461
|0.95
|0.84
|0.68
|0.43
|-
|-
!colspan="3"|Normal
!Cucumber
!colspan="3"|While Drifting
|''kart_tire_L''
|-
|0.6
!1st value
|47
!2nd value
|7.413
!3rd value
|0.0898
!1st value
|0.0168
!2nd value
|0.85
!3rd value
|0.0588
!Very Light
|0.0259
!Light
|0.6
!Normal
|0.99
!Heavy
|0.0908
|0.0442
|0.95
|0.84
|0.68
|0.43
|-
|-
!rowspan="3"|Mario
!rowspan="3"|Luigi
!Standard MR
!Standard LG
|''kart_tire_M''
|''kart_tire_M''
|0.5
|0.5
|45
|55
|7.5
|7.55
|0.0579
|0.063
|0.0239
|0.0149
|0.7
|0.85
|0.0649
|0.0488
|0.0239
|0.0229
|0.75
|0.6
|0.984
|0.988
|0.0806
|0.0879
|0.0537
|0.0415
|0.9
|0.94
|0.7
|0.79
|0.5
|0.61
|0.3
|0.38
|-
|-
!Shooting Star
!Poltergust 4000
|''kart_tire_S''
|''kart_tire_S''
|0.2
|0.25
|51
|62
|7.523
|7.573
|0.0598
|0.0649
|0.0249
|0.0159
|0.7
|0.85
|0.0669
|0.0508
|0.0249
|0.0239
|0.75
|0.6
|0.984
|0.988
|0.0823
|0.0896
|0.0547
|0.0422
|0.9
|0.94
|0.7
|0.79
|0.5
|0.61
|0.3
|0.38
|-
|-
!B Dasher
!Streamliner
|''kart_tire_L''
|''kart_tire_L''
|0.65
|0.65
|35
|43
|7.463
|7.512
|0.0549
|0.0598
|0.0229
|0.0139
|0.7
|0.85
|0.0608
|0.0459
|0.0229
|0.022
|0.75
|0.6
|0.984
|0.988
|0.0789
|0.0862
|0.0527
|0.0408
|0.9
|0.94
|0.7
|0.79
|0.5
|0.61
|0.3
|0.38
|-
|-
!rowspan="3"|Donkey Kong
!rowspan="3"|Dry Bones
!Standard DK
!Standard DB
|''kart_tire_M''
|''kart_tire_M''
|0.5
|0.5
|30
|65
|7.6
|7.3
|0.0449
|0.1199
|0.0229
|0.022
|0.45
|0.85
|0.0669
|0.073
|0.0188
|0.0308
|0.6
|0.992
|0.0977
|0.0488
|0.96
|0.9
|0.9
|0.978
|0.75
|0.0708
|0.48
|0.0635
|0.85
|0.62
|0.4
|0.22
|-
|-
!Wildlife
!Dry Bomber
|''kart_tire_S''
|''kart_tire_S''
|0.35
|0.4
|34
|73
|7.623
|7.322
|0.0469
|0.1238
|0.0239
|0.0229
|0.45
|0.85
|0.0688
|0.0759
|0.0198
|0.032
|0.6
|0.992
|0.0996
|0.0498
|0.96
|0.9
|0.9
|0.978
|0.75
|0.0723
|0.48
|0.0647
|0.85
|0.62
|0.4
|0.22
|-
|-
!Rambi Rider
!Banisher
|''kart_tire_L''
|''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
|0.75
|23
|0.48
|7.562
|-
|0.043
!rowspan="3"|Daisy
|0.022
!Standard DS
|''kart_tire_M''
|0.5
|35
|7.5
|0.0618
|0.0269
|0.45
|0.45
|0.063
|0.0898
|0.0178
|0.022
|0.9
|0.9
|0.978
|0.98
|0.0693
|0.0732
|0.0623
|0.0684
|0.85
|0.86
|0.62
|0.64
|0.4
|0.43
|0.22
|0.24
|-
|-
!rowspan="3"|Toad
!Light Dancer
!Standard TD
|''kart_tire_S''
|''kart_tire_M''
|0.3
|0.5
|39
|50
|7.523
|7.35
|0.064
|0.085
|0.0278
|0.0269
|0.45
|0.7
|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
|0.085
|0.0278
|0.021
|0.75
|0.9
|0.988
|0.98
|0.0842
|0.0718
|0.0586
|0.0669
|0.92
|0.86
|0.74
|0.64
|0.55
|0.43
|0.34
|0.24
|-
|-
!Mushmellow
!rowspan="3"|Waluigi
|''kart_tire_S''
!Standard WL
|0.25
|''kart_tire_M''
|56
|0.5
|7.372
|40
|0.0879
|7.55
|0.0278
|0.0488
|0.022
|0.7
|0.7
|0.0879
|0.0559
|0.0288
|0.0198
|0.75
|0.75
|0.988
|0.982
|0.0859
|0.0806
|0.0598
|0.0537
|0.92
|0.88
|0.74
|0.67
|0.55
|0.46
|0.34
|0.27
|-
|-
!4-Wheel Cradle
!Gold Mantis
|''kart_tire_L''
|''kart_tire_S''
|0.45
|45
|7.573
|0.0508
|0.0229
|0.7
|0.7
|39
|0.0579
|7.313
|0.021
|0.0798
|0.75
|0.0259
|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
|0.7
|0.0798
|0.053
|0.0259
|0.0188
|0.75
|0.75
|0.988
|0.982
|0.0825
|0.0789
|0.0574
|0.0527
|0.92
|0.88
|0.74
|0.67
|0.55
|0.46
|0.34
|0.27
|-
|-
!rowspan="3"|Bowser
!rowspan="3"|ROB
!Standard BW
!Standard RB
|''kart_tire_M''
|''kart_tire_M''
|0.5
|0.5
|25
|50
|7.7
|7.7
|0.0398
|0.0459
|0.0188
|0.012
|0.45
|0.85
|0.0588
|0.043
|0.0168
|0.0198
|0.9
|0.976
|0.0684
|0.0586
|0.84
|0.6
|0.6
|0.38
|0.986
|0.2
|0.0842
|-
|0.0391
!Hurricane
|0.92
|0.74
|0.55
|0.34
|-
!ROB-BLS
|''kart_tire_S''
|''kart_tire_S''
|0.45
|0.38
|28
|56
|7.723
|7.723
|0.0408
|0.0479
|0.0198
|0.012
|0.45
|0.85
|0.0608
|0.0449
|0.0178
|0.021
|0.9
|0.976
|0.0698
|0.0598
|0.84
|0.6
|0.6
|0.38
|0.986
|0.2
|0.0859
|0.0398
|0.92
|0.74
|0.55
|0.34
|-
|-
!Tyrant
!ROB-LGS
|''kart_tire_L''
|''kart_tire_L''
|0.8
|0.6
|19
|39
|7.662
|7.662
|0.0378
|0.043
|0.0178
|0.011
|0.45
|0.85
|0.0559
|0.0408
|0.0159
|0.0188
|0.9
|0.976
|0.0669
|0.0574
|0.84
|0.6
|0.6
|0.38
|0.986
|0.2
|0.0825
|0.0383
|0.92
|0.74
|0.55
|0.34
|-
|-
!rowspan="3"|Peach
!Shy Guy
!Standard PC
!Standard SG
|''kart_tire_M''
|''kart_tire_M''
|0.5
|0.5
|40
|60
|7.4
|7.45
|0.075
|0.095
|0.0298
|0.0178
|0.45
|0.85
|0.1099
|0.0618
|0.0249
|0.0269
|0.9
|0.6
|0.982
|0.99
|0.0769
|0.0928
|0.0732
|0.0452
|0.88
|0.95
|0.67
|0.84
|0.46
|0.68
|0.27
|0.43
|-
|-
!Light Tripper
!colspan="19"|Battle Mode karts
|''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
!rowspan="3"|Driver
|''kart_tire_L''
!rowspan="3"|Kart
|0.7
!rowspan="3"|Tires
|31
!rowspan="3"|Weight
|7.363
!rowspan="3"|Mini-Turbo
|0.0708
!rowspan="3"|Top Speed
|0.0278
!colspan="6"|Acceleration
|0.45
!rowspan="3"|Deceleration
|0.1038
!rowspan="3"|Handling
|0.0239
!rowspan="3"|Drift
|0.9
!rowspan="2" colspan="4"|Off-Road
|0.982
|-
|0.0754
!colspan="3"|Normal
|0.0718
!colspan="3"|While Drifting
|0.88
|0.67
|0.46
|0.27
|-
|-
!rowspan="3"|Wario
!1st value
!Standard WR
!2nd value
|''kart_tire_M''
!3rd value
!1st value
!2nd value
!3rd value
!Very Light
!Light
!Normal
!Heavy
|-
!Mario
!Standard MR
|
|0.5
|0.5
|35
|35
|7.65
|7.35
|0.042
|0.0598
|0.0188
|0.0149
|0.8
|0.0598
|0.0198
|0.85
|0.98
|0.0879
|0.0635
|0.9
|0.7
|0.7
|0.0479
|0.5
|0.0168
|0.3
|0.75
|0.98
|0.0769
|0.0488
|0.86
|0.64
|0.43
|0.24
|-
|-
!Brute
!Donkey Kong
|''kart_tire_S''
!Standard DK
|0.35
|
|39
|0.5
|7.673
|35
|0.043
|7.37
|0.0508
|0.0139
|0.8
|0.063
|0.0198
|0.0198
|0.7
|0.85
|0.0498
|0.0178
|0.75
|0.98
|0.98
|0.0784
|0.0842
|0.0498
|0.0659
|0.86
|0.85
|0.64
|0.62
|0.43
|0.4
|0.24
|0.22
|-
|-
!Dragonfly
!Toad
|''kart_tire_L''
!Standard TD
|0.75
|
|27
|0.5
|7.612
|35
|0.0398
|7.32
|0.0178
|0.0659
|0.7
|0.0449
|0.0159
|0.0159
|0.75
|0.8
|0.0659
|0.021
|0.85
|0.98
|0.98
|0.0754
|0.0891
|0.0479
|0.0647
|0.86
|0.92
|0.64
|0.74
|0.43
|0.55
|0.24
|0.34
|-
|-
!rowspan="3"|Yoshi
!Bowser
!Standard YS
!Standard BW
|''kart_tire_M''
|
|0.5
|0.5
|60
|35
|7.45
|7.39
|0.095
|0.0479
|0.0178
|0.0139
|0.8
|0.054
|0.0188
|0.85
|0.85
|0.0618
|0.98
|0.0269
|0.083
|0.0647
|0.84
|0.6
|0.6
|0.99
|0.38
|0.0928
|0.2
|0.0452
|0.95
|0.84
|0.68
|0.43
|-
|-
!Egg 1
!Peach
|''kart_tire_S''
!Standard PC
|0.2
|
|68
|0.5
|7.472
|35
|0.0979
|7.33
|0.0188
|0.0598
|0.85
|0.0149
|0.064
|0.8
|0.0278
|0.0718
|0.6
|0.021
|0.99
|0.85
|0.0947
|0.98
|0.0461
|0.0867
|0.95
|0.0684
|0.84
|0.88
|0.68
|0.67
|0.43
|0.46
|0.27
|-
|-
!Cucumber
!Wario
|''kart_tire_L''
!Standard WR
|0.6
|
|47
|0.5
|7.413
|35
|0.0898
|7.38
|0.0168
|0.054
|0.85
|0.0139
|0.0588
|0.8
|0.0259
|0.054
|0.6
|0.0188
|0.99
|0.85
|0.0908
|0.98
|0.0442
|0.0867
|0.95
|0.0623
|0.84
|0.86
|0.68
|0.64
|0.43
|0.43
|0.24
|-
|-
!rowspan="3"|Luigi
!Yoshi
!Standard LG
!Standard YS
|''kart_tire_M''
|
|0.5
|0.5
|55
|35
|7.55
|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
|0.063
|0.0149
|0.0149
|0.8
|0.0508
|0.0188
|0.85
|0.85
|0.0488
|0.98
|0.0229
|0.0903
|0.6
|0.0598
|0.988
|0.0879
|0.0415
|0.94
|0.94
|0.79
|0.79
Line 1,811: Line 2,078:
|0.38
|0.38
|-
|-
!Poltergust 4000
!Dry Bones
|''kart_tire_S''
!Standard DB
|0.25
|
|62
|0.5
|7.573
|35
|0.0649
|7.31
|0.0718
|0.0159
|0.0159
|0.8
|0.0598
|0.0198
|0.85
|0.85
|0.0508
|0.98
|0.0239
|0.0928
|0.6
|0.0623
|0.988
|0.96
|0.0896
|0.9
|0.0422
|0.75
|0.94
|0.48
|0.79
|0.61
|0.38
|-
|-
!Streamliner
!Daisy
|''kart_tire_L''
!Standard DS
|0.65
|
|43
|0.5
|7.512
|35
|0.0598
|7.35
|0.0139
|0.0569
|0.0149
|0.8
|0.0688
|0.021
|0.85
|0.85
|0.0459
|0.98
|0.022
|0.0854
|0.6
|0.0671
|0.988
|0.86
|0.0862
|0.64
|0.0408
|0.43
|0.94
|0.24
|0.79
|0.61
|0.38
|-
|-
!rowspan="3"|Dry Bones
!Waluigi
!Standard DB
!Standard WL
|''kart_tire_M''
|
|0.5
|0.5
|65
|35
|7.3
|7.36
|0.1199
|0.0569
|0.022
|0.0149
|0.8
|0.0569
|0.0198
|0.85
|0.85
|0.073
|0.98
|0.0308
|0.0879
|0.6
|0.0635
|0.992
|0.88
|0.0977
|0.67
|0.0488
|0.46
|0.96
|0.27
|0.9
|0.75
|0.48
|-
|-
!Dry Bomber
!ROB
|''kart_tire_S''
!Standard RB
|0.4
|
|73
|0.5
|7.322
|35
|0.1238
|7.39
|0.0229
|0.0569
|0.85
|0.0149
|0.0759
|0.8
|0.032
|0.0479
|0.6
|0.0188
|0.992
|0.85
|0.0996
|0.98
|0.0498
|0.0891
|0.96
|0.0586
|0.9
|0.92
|0.75
|0.74
|0.48
|0.55
|0.34
|-
|-
!Banisher
!Shy Guy
|''kart_tire_L''
!Standard SG
|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
|0.5
|35
|35
|7.5
|7.34
|0.0618
|0.0688
|0.0269
|0.0159
|0.45
|0.8
|0.0898
|0.0569
|0.022
|0.0198
|0.9
|0.85
|0.98
|0.98
|0.0732
|0.0916
|0.0684
|0.061
|0.86
|0.95
|0.64
|0.84
|0.68
|0.43
|0.43
|0.24
|}
 
==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 <small>GCN</small> Luigi Circuit, one for Wario Stadium, and one for the other courses.
===Nitro Grand Prix===
{|class="wikitable"style="width:700px;margin:1em auto;text-align:center"
|-
!width="25%"|[[File:MKDS Mushroom Cup Emblem.png]]<br>[[Mushroom Cup]]
!width="25%"|[[File:MKDS Flower Cup Icon.png]]<br>[[Flower Cup]]
!width="25%"|[[File:MKDS Star Cup Emblem.png]]<br>[[Star Cup]]
!width="25%"|[[File:MKDS Special Cup Emblem.png]]<br>[[Special Cup]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Figure 8 Circuit Course Icon.png]]<br>[[Figure-8 Circuit]]*
|[[File:MKDS Desert Hills Course Icon.png]]<br>[[DS Desert Hills|Desert Hills]]*
|[[File:MKDS DK Pass Course Icon.png]]<br>[[DS DK Pass|DK Pass]]*
|[[File:MKDS Wario Stadium Course Icon.png]]<br>[[DS Wario Stadium|Wario Stadium]]*
|-
|[[File:MKDS Yoshi Falls Course Icon.png]]<br>[[DS Yoshi Falls|Yoshi Falls]]*
|[[File:MKDS Delfino Square Course Icon.png]]<br>[[DS Delfino Square|Delfino Square]]*
|[[File:MKDS Tick-Tock Clock Course Icon.png]]<br>[[DS Tick-Tock Clock|Tick-Tock Clock]]
|[[File:MKDS Peach Gardens Course Icon.png]]<br>[[DS Peach Gardens|Peach Gardens]]
|-
|[[File:MKDS Cheep Cheep Beach Course Icon.png]]<br>[[DS Cheep Cheep Beach|Cheep Cheep Beach]]*
|[[File:MKDS Waluigi Pinball Course Icon.png]]<br>[[DS Waluigi Pinball|Waluigi Pinball]]
|[[File:MKDS Mario Circuit Course Icon.png]]<br>[[DS Mario Circuit|Mario Circuit]]*
|[[File:MKDS Bowser Castle Course Icon.png]]<br>[[Bowser Castle (Mario Kart DS)|Bowser Castle]]
|-
|-
!Light Dancer
|[[File:MKDS Luigi's Mansion Course Icon.png]]<br>[[DS Luigi's Mansion|Luigi's Mansion]]*
|''kart_tire_S''
|[[File:MKDS Shroom Ridge Course Icon.png]]<br>[[DS Shroom Ridge|Shroom Ridge]]
|0.3
|[[File:MKDS Airship Fortress Course Icon.png]]<br>[[DS Airship Fortress|Airship Fortress]]
|39
|[[File:MKDS Rainbow Road Course Icon.png]]<br>[[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart DS)|Rainbow Road]]*
|7.523
|}
|0.064
 
|0.0278
===Retro Grand Prix===
|0.45
{|class="wikitable"style="width:700px;margin:1em auto;text-align:center"
|0.0928
|-
|0.0229
!width="25%"|[[File:MKDS Shell Cup Emblem.png]]<br>[[Shell Cup]]
|0.9
!width="25%"|[[File:MKDS Banana Cup Emblem.png]]<br>[[Banana Cup]]
|0.98
!width="25%"|[[File:MKDS Leaf Cup Emblem.png]]<br>[[Leaf Cup]]
|0.0747
!width="25%"|[[File:MKDS Lightning Cup Emblem.png]]<br>[[Lightning Cup]]
|0.0698
|-
|0.86
|[[File:MKDS SNES Mario Circuit 1 Course Icon.png]]<br>{{classic-link|SNES|Mario Circuit 1}}*
|0.64
|[[File:MKDS SNES Donut Plains 1 Course Icon.png]]<br>{{classic-link|SNES|Donut Plains 1}}
|0.43
|[[File:MKDS SNES Koopa Beach 2 Course Icon.png]]<br>{{classic-link|SNES|Koopa Troopa Beach 2|Koopa Beach 2}}
|0.24
|[[File:MKDS SNES Choco Island 2 Course Icon.png]]<br>{{classic-link|SNES|Choco Island 2}}*
|-
|-
!Power Flower
|[[File:MKDS N64 Moo Moo Farm Course Icon.png]]<br>{{classic-link|N64|Moo Moo Farm}}*
|''kart_tire_L''
|[[File:MKDS N64 Frappe Snowland Course Icon.png]]<br>{{classic-link|N64|Frappe Snowland}}*
|0.55
|[[File:MKDS N64 Choco Mountain Course Icon.png]]<br>{{classic-link|N64|Choco Mountain}}*
|27
|[[File:MKDS N64 Banshee Boardwalk Course Icon.png]]<br>{{classic-link|N64|Banshee Boardwalk}}
|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
|[[File:MKDS GBA Peach Circuit Course Icon.png]]<br>{{classic-link|GBA|Peach Circuit}}*
!Standard WL
|[[File:MKDS GBA Bowser Castle 2 Course Icon.png]]<br>{{classic-link|GBA|Bowser's Castle 2|Bowser Castle 2}}
|''kart_tire_M''
|[[File:MKDS GBA Luigi Circuit Course Icon.png]]<br>{{classic-link|GBA|Luigi Circuit}}
|0.5
|[[File:MKDS GBA Sky Garden Course Icon.png]]<br>{{classic-link|GBA|Sky Garden}}*
|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
|[[File:MKDS GCN Luigi Circuit Course Icon.png]]<br>{{classic-link|GCN|Luigi Circuit}}*
|''kart_tire_S''
|[[File:MKDS GCN Baby Park Course Icon.png]]<br>{{classic-link|GCN|Baby Park}}*
|0.45
|[[File:MKDS GCN Mushroom Bridge Course Icon.png]]<br>{{classic-link|GCN|Mushroom Bridge}}
|45
|[[File:MKDS GCN Yoshi Circuit Course Icon.png]]<br>{{classic-link|GCN|Yoshi Circuit}}*
|7.573
|}
|0.0508
<nowiki>*</nowiki> - <small>Was playable on [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]</small>
|0.0229
 
|0.7
===Staff Ghosts===
|0.0579
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.
|0.021
{|class="wikitable"style="border-collapse:collapse;font-family:arial;margin:0 auto;text-align:center"border="1"cellspacing="0"cellpadding="2"width="50%"
|0.75
!Course
|0.982
!Time
|0.0823
!Name
|0.0547
!Character
|0.88
!Kart
|0.67
!Unlock time<ref>https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ekw2H8dZvsBGEOS-MJWkR2hDFflBpWnX3VhxcWhff_8/edit#gid=1195895108{{better source}}</ref>
|0.46
|-
|0.27
|'''Figure-8 Circuit'''
|1:36:481
|Ninten★たなか
|[[File:Mario MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Mario
|[[File:Standard MR icon.png]]<br>Standard MR
|1:44:199
|-
|'''Yoshi Falls'''
|0:57:677
|Ninten★まっは
|[[File:Yoshi MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Yoshi
|[[File:Egg 1 icon.png]]<br>Egg 1
|1:02:291
|-
|-
!Zipper
|'''Cheep Cheep Beach'''
|''kart_tire_L''
|1:43:654
|0.55
|Ninten★しんご
|31
|[[File:DK MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Donkey Kong
|7.512
|[[File:Standard DK icon.png]]<br>Standard DK
|0.0459
|1:51:946
|0.021
|-
|0.7
|'''Luigi's Mansion'''
|0.053
|1:59:357
|0.0188
|Ninten★しんご
|0.75
|[[File:Luigi MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Luigi
|0.982
|[[File:Streamliner icon.png]]<br>Streamliner
|0.0789
|2:08:905
|0.0527
|-
|0.88
|'''Desert Hills'''
|0.67
|1:31:262
|0.46
|Ninten★かつ
|0.27
|[[File:ROB MKDS record icon.png]]<br>R.O.B.
|[[File:ROB-LGS icon.png]]<br>ROB-LGS
|1:38:562
|-
|-
!rowspan="3"|ROB
|'''Delfino Square'''
!Standard RB
|1:54:601
|''kart_tire_M''
|Ninten★いわ
|0.5
|[[File:Peach MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Peach
|50
|[[File:Royale icon.png]]<br>Royale
|7.7
|2:03:769
|0.0459
|-
|0.012
|'''Waluigi Pinball'''
|0.85
|2:23:288
|0.043
|Ninten★しんや
|0.0198
|[[File:Waluigi MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Waluigi
|0.6
|[[File:Gold Mantis icon.png]]<br>Gold Mantis
|0.986
|2:34:751
|0.0842
|-
|0.0391
|'''Shroom Ridge'''
|0.92
|2:05:123
|0.74
|Ninten★ジョー
|0.55
|[[File:Toad MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Toad
|0.34
|[[File:Mushmellow icon.png]]<br>Mushmellow
|2:15:132
|-
|-
!ROB-BLS
|'''DK Pass'''
|''kart_tire_S''
|2:14:607
|0.38
|Ninten★™NN
|56
|[[File:DK MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Donkey Kong
|7.723
|[[File:Wildlife icon.png]]<br>Wildlife
|0.0479
|2:25:375
|0.012
|-
|0.85
|'''Tick-Tock Clock'''
|0.0449
|1:54:903
|0.021
|Ninten★だい8
|0.6
|[[File:Daisy MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Daisy
|0.986
|[[File:Light Dancer icon.png]]<br>Light Dancer
|0.0859
|2:04:085
|0.0398
|-
|0.92
|'''Mario Circuit'''
|0.74
|1:56:533
|0.55
|Ninten★モリオ
|0.34
|[[File:Mario MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Mario
|[[File:Shooting Star MKDS icon.png]]<br>Shooting Star
|2:05:855
|-
|-
!ROB-LGS
|'''Airship Fortress'''
|''kart_tire_L''
|2:07:748
|0.6
|Ninten★シュン
|39
|[[File:Bowser MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Bowser
|7.662
|[[File:Hurricane icon.png]]<br>Hurricane
|0.043
|2:17:967
|0.011
|-
|0.85
|'''Wario Stadium'''
|0.0408
|2:14:868
|0.0188
|Ninten★マトゥ
|0.6
|[[File:Wario MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Wario
|0.986
|[[File:Brute icon.png]]<br>Brute
|0.0825
|2:25:657
|0.0383
|-
|0.92
|'''Peach Gardens'''
|0.74
|1:52:989
|0.55
|Ninten★ゆきつ
|0.34
|[[File:Peach MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Peach
|[[File:Royale icon.png]]<br>Royale
|2:02:028
|-
|-
!Shy Guy
|'''Bowser Castle'''
!Standard SG
|2:19:661
|''kart_tire_M''
|Ninten★ひろむ
|0.5
|[[File:Bowser MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Bowser
|60
|[[File:Hurricane icon.png]]<br>Hurricane
|7.45
|2:30:833
|0.095
|-
|0.0178
|'''Rainbow Road'''
|0.85
|2:16:246
|0.0618
|Ninten★たえこ
|0.0269
|[[File:ROB MKDS record icon.png]]<br>R.O.B.
|0.6
|[[File:ROB-BLS icon.png]]<br>ROB-BLS
|0.99
|2:27:145
|0.0928
|-
|0.0452
|'''<small>SNES</small> Mario Circuit 1'''
|0.95
|0:50:688
|0.84
|Ninten★いわ
|0.68
|[[File:Mario MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Mario
|0.43
|[[File:Standard MR icon.png]]<br>Standard MR
|0:54:743
|-
|-
!rowspan="13" colspan="2"|Unknown Karts{{footnote|main|1}}
|'''<small>N64</small> Moo Moo Farm'''
|
|1:17:751
|0.5
|Ninten★だる®
|35
|[[File:DK MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Donkey Kong
|7.35
|[[File:Wildlife icon.png]]<br>Wildlife
|0.0598
|1:23:971
|0.0149
|0.8
|0.0598
|0.0198
|0.85
|0.98
|0.0879
|0.0635
|0.9
|0.7
|0.5
|0.3
|-
|-
|
|'''<small>GBA</small> Peach Circuit'''
|0.5
|1:12:011
|35
|Ninten★だい8
|7.37
|[[File:Peach MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Peach
|0.0508
|[[File:Royale icon.png]]<br>Royale
|0.0139
|1:17:771
|0.8
|0.063
|0.0198
|0.85
|0.98
|0.0842
|0.0659
|0.85
|0.62
|0.4
|0.22
|-
|-
|
|'''<small>GCN</small> Luigi Circuit'''
|0.5
|1:29:759
|35
|Ninten★おつぼ
|7.32
|[[File:Luigi MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Luigi
|0.0659
|[[File:Poltergust 4000 icon.png]]<br>Poltergust 4000
|0.0159
|1:36:939
|0.8
|-
|0.0659
|'''<small>SNES</small> Donut Plains 1'''
|0.021
|1:08:027
|0.85
|Ninten★しばた
|0.98
|[[File:Dry Bones MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Dry Bones
|0.0891
|[[File:Dry Bomber icon.png]]<br>Dry Bomber
|0.0647
|1:13:469
|0.92
|0.74
|0.55
|0.34
|-
|-
|
|'''<small>N64</small> Frappe Snowland'''
|0.5
|2:08:781
|35
|Ninten★ジョー
|7.39
|[[File:Wario MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Wario
|0.0479
|[[File:Brute icon.png]]<br>Brute
|0.0139
|2:19:083
|0.8
|-
|0.054
|'''<small>GBA</small> Bowser Castle 2'''
|0.0188
|1:52:258
|0.85
|Ninten★ジョー
|0.98
|[[File:Bowser MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Bowser
|0.083
|[[File:Standard BW icon.png]]<br>Standard BW
|0.0647
|2:01:238
|0.84
|-
|0.6
|'''<small>GCN</small> Baby Park'''
|0.38
|0:50:920
|0.2
|Ninten★ひょう
|[[File:Toad MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Toad
|[[File:Mushmellow icon.png]]<br>Mushmellow
|0:54:993
|-
|-
|
|'''<small>SNES</small> Koopa Beach 2'''
|0.5
|0:54:847
|35
|Ninten★しんや
|7.33
|[[File:Yoshi MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Yoshi
|0.0598
|[[File:Egg 1 icon.png]]<br>Egg 1
|0.0149
|0:59:34
|0.8
|-
|0.0718
|'''<small>N64</small> Choco Mountain'''
|0.021
|2:15:571
|0.85
|Ninten★イシビ
|0.98
|[[File:Wario MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Wario
|0.0867
|[[File:Dragonfly icon.png]]<br>Dragonfly
|0.0684
|2:26:416
|0.88
|-
|0.67
|'''<small>GBA</small> Luigi Circuit'''
|0.46
|1:46:581
|0.27
|Ninten★モリオ
|[[File:Luigi MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Luigi
|[[File:Poltergust 4000 icon.png]]<br>Poltergust 4000
|1:55:107
|-
|-
|
|'''<small>GCN</small> Mushroom Bridge'''
|0.5
|1:30:600
|35
|Ninten★ひょう
|7.38
|[[File:Toad MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Toad
|0.054
|[[File:Mushmellow icon.png]]<br>Mushmellow
|0.0139
|1:37:847
|0.8
|0.054
|0.0188
|0.85
|0.98
|0.0867
|0.0623
|0.86
|0.64
|0.43
|0.24
|-
|-
|
|'''<small>SNES</small> Choco Island 2'''
|0.5
|1:01:620
|35
|Ninten★おつぼ
|7.34
|[[File:Waluigi MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Waluigi
|0.0688
|[[File:Zipper icon.png]]<br>Zipper
|0.0159
|1:06:549
|0.8
|0.0569
|0.0198
|0.85
|0.98
|0.0916
|0.061
|0.95
|0.84
|0.68
|0.43
|-
|-
|
|'''<small>N64</small> Banshee Boardwalk'''
|0.5
|2:14:403
|35
|Ninten★まさ
|7.36
|[[File:Dry Bones MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Dry Bones
|0.063
|[[File:Dry Bomber icon.png]]<br>Dry Bomber
|0.0149
|2:25:155
|0.8
|-
|0.0508
|'''<small>GBA</small> Sky Garden'''
|0.0188
|1:44:400
|0.85
|Ninten★ドリー
|0.98
|[[File:Daisy MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Daisy
|0.0903
|[[File:Power Flower icon.png]]<br>Power Flower
|0.0598
|1:52:752
|0.94
|0.79
|0.61
|0.38
|-
|-
|
|'''<small>GCN</small> Yoshi Circuit'''
|0.5
|1:48:793
|35
|Ninten★たろう
|7.31
|[[File:Yoshi MKDS record icon.png]]<br>Yoshi
|0.0718
|[[File:Standard YS icon.png]]<br>Standard YS
|0.0159
|1:57:496
|0.8
|}
|0.0598
 
|0.0198
==Items==
|0.85
:''For information on the probability of obtaining each item from an Item Box, see [[Mario Kart DS item probability distributions]].''
|0.98
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.
|0.0928
 
|0.0623
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 ''plong'' sound, but if the racer receives a more powerful item, it makes a stronger ''plong'' sound.
|0.96
 
|0.9
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.
|0.75
{|class="wikitable"
|0.48
!style="background-color:red;color:white"|Image
!style="background-color:red;color:white"|Name
!style="background-color:red;color:white;text-align:center"|Instruction booklet description
|-
|[[File:MKDDMushroom.png|100px]]
|[[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]]
|''Provides a short speed boost.''
|-
|[[File:MKDD Triple Mushrooms.png|100px]]
|[[Triple Mushrooms]]
|''Each press of {{button|ds|l}} or {{button|ds|x}} uses up one Mushroom.''
|-
|-
|
|[[File:Golden Mushroom.png|100px]]
|0.5
|[[Golden Dash Mushroom|Golden Mushroom]]
|35
|''Allows you to use Mushroom boosts as many times as you want for a short period of time.''
|7.35
|-
|0.0569
|[[File:MKDD ItemBox.png|100px]]
|0.0149
|[[Item Box]]
|0.8
|''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.''
|0.0688
|-
|0.021
|[[File:MKDS Fake Item Box Artwork.png|100px]]
|0.85
|[[Fake Item Box]]
|0.98
|''Looks just like an item box, but when you run into it, it knocks you over.''
|0.0854
|0.0671
|0.86
|0.64
|0.43
|0.24
|-
|-
|
|[[File:MKDD BananaPeel.png|100px]]
|0.5
|[[Banana]]
|35
|''Makes karts spin out when run over.''
|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
|-
|-
|
|[[File:TripleBananasMKDS.png|100px]]
|0.5
|[[Triple Bananas]]
|35
|''Press {{button|ds|l}} or {{button|ds|x}} to deploy behind the kart. Tap the button again to drop one.''
|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
|-
|-
|
|[[File:MKDD GreenShell.png|100px]]
|0.5
|[[Green Shell]]
|35
|''When thrown, this shell travels in a straight line and knocks over the first kart it hits.''
|7.34
|-
|0.0688
|[[File:MKDD Triple Green Shells.png|100px]]
|0.0159
|style="white-space:nowrap"|[[Triple Green Shells]]
|0.8
|''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.''
|0.0569
|-
|0.0198
|[[File:MKDD RedShell.png|100px]]
|0.85
|[[Red Shell]]
|0.98
|''These automatically lock onto and chase after the next kart in front of you. When hit, the kart rolls over.''
|0.0916
|0.061
|0.95
|0.84
|0.68
|0.43
|-
|-
!colspan="19"|{{footnote|note|1}}: <small>The statistics' tables show the statistics of 13 additional karts, it's unknown if those karts are actually karts used in the game, since they don't have associated data about the tires.</small>
|[[File:MKDD Triple Red Shells.png|100px]]
|}
|[[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 Red Shell.''
==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}}
|[[File:MKDD SpinyShell.png|100px]]
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.
|[[Spiny Shell (blue)|Spiny Shell]]
{{br}}
|''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.''
 
|-
==Gallery==
|[[File:MKDD Star.png|100px]]
{{main-gallery}}
|[[Super Star|Star]]
<gallery>
|''Makes you invincible for a brief period of time. While invincible, you will knock over any kart you hit.''
Mario Box Figure - Mario Kart DS.png|Mario in his [[B Dasher]] (Box art picture)
|-
Luigi (alt 2) - Mario Kart DS.png|Luigi driving his [[Poltergust 4000]]
|[[File:MKDD Thunderbolt Artwork.png|100px]]
LakituMKDD.jpg|[[Lakitu]], holding up the Final Lap sign.
|[[Lightning]]
Powersliding1.png|Yoshi [[Drift|Power Sliding]]
|''Makes all opponents spin out, drop their items, and shrink for a brief period of time.''
RockyWrenchMKDS.png|Bowser driving past a [[Rocky Wrench]]
|-
PokeyMKDS.png|[[Pokey]]
|[[File:MKDD Bob-omb.png|100px]]
</gallery>
|[[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.''
|-
|[[File:BlooperMKDS.png|100px]]
|[[Blooper]]
|''Sprays ink on all of the karts in front of you, obscuring those drivers' view of the track.''
|-
|[[File:BulletBill-MKDS.png|100px]]
|[[Bullet Bill]]
|''Briefly transforms the user into a Bullet Bill that soars through the air along the track, knocking over karts along the way.''
|-
|[[File:Boo-MKDS.png|100px]]
|[[Boo]]
|''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}}
 
==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 {{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.
 
===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.
 
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.
 
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===
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==
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 (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.
 
==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=MKDS Mario Emblem Maker.png|alt1=Emblem maker|width1=100|image2=MKDS Mario Custom Emblem.png|alt2=Emblem with Mario|width2=32|caption2=Result}}
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}}
 
==Gallery==
{{main-gallery}}
<gallery>
MKDS Mario and B Dasher Cover Artwork.png|[[Mario]] in his [[B Dasher]]
MKDS Luigi Poltergust 4000 Artwork.png|[[Luigi]] driving his [[Poltergust 4000]]
Princess Peach Spiny Shell Artwork - Mario Kart DS.png|[[Princess Peach|Peach]] driving her [[Royale]] holding a [[Spiny Shell]]
MKDS Donkey Kong Rambi Rider Artwork.png|[[Donkey Kong]] driving his [[Rambi Rider]] with [[Triple Red Shells]]
MKDS Brute Artwork.jpg|[[Wario]] driving his [[Brute]]
LakituMKDD.jpg|[[Lakitu (Mario Kart referee)|Lakitu]], holding up the Final Lap sign.
</gallery>


==Media==
==Media==
{{main-media}}
{{main-media}}
{{media table
{{media table
|type1=audio
|file1=MKDS-Music-CircuitTheme.oga
|name1=MKDS-Music-CircuitTheme
|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
|type2=audio
|file2=MKDS-Music-WaluigiPinball.oga
|name2=MKDS-Music-WaluigiPinball
|title2=Waluigi Pinball/Wario Stadium
|pipe2=Waluigi Pinball/Wario Stadium
|description2=Waluigi Pinball/Wario Stadium theme
|description2=Waluigi Pinball/Wario Stadium theme
|length2=2:07
|length2=0:29
|type3=audio
|file3=MKDS-Music-RainbowRoad.oga
|name3=MKDS-Music-RainbowRoad
|title3=Rainbow Road
|pipe3=Rainbow Road
|description3=Rainbow Road theme
|description3=Rainbow Road theme
|length3=4:19
|length3=0:30
}}
}}


==Pre-release and unused content==
==Pre-release and unused content==
{{Main|List of Mario Kart DS pre-release and unused content}}
{{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.


Line 2,383: Line 2,626:
{{Main|List of Mario Kart DS glitches}}
{{Main|List of Mario Kart DS glitches}}
===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 then pick 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.


===Delfino Square boardwalk glitch===
===Mini-Spin turn item 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.
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.


===Pipe Plaza Bob-omb 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 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.
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.
 
===Luigi's Mansion Freeze glitch===
To perform this glitch the player must pick the [[Luigi's Mansion (DS)|Luigi's Mansion]] track in any mode with any character and kart. Once the race starts, the player must then park their character on the stairs at the entrance of the mansion. After that, hold down both {{button|ds|A}} and {{button|ds|B}} to drift in place. If the player tries to turn, the game will sometimes freeze. This glitch was fixed on the Wii U Virtual Console release.
 
===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.


==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 general 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==
Line 2,432: Line 2,645:
[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"
''Mario Kart DS'' is the 3rd best selling game for the [[Nintendo DS]], selling 23.56 million copies worldwide.
!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|{{nowrap|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 booklet.
''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 booklet, however.


==References to other games==
==References to other games==
*''[[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]], [[Lava Bubble|Podoboo]]s, [[Fire Snake]]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 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 (SNES)|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.
*''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'': The Rambi Rider is based off [[Rambi the Rhino|Rambi]] from this game.
*''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'': The Rambi Rider is based off [[Rambi]] from this game.
*''[[Super Mario 64]]'': The track [[Tick-Tock Clock (DS)|Tick-Tock Clock]] is based off of the [[Tick Tock Clock|level]] of the same name in this game.
*''[[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 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 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.
*''[[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.
*''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'': Donkey Kong's voice clips are reused in the Beta Kiosk Demo of this game, but not in the final version.
*''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'': Donkey Kong's voice clips are reused in the Beta Kiosk Demo of this game, but not in the final version.
*''[[Mobile Golf]]'': The Golden Mantis is based off [[Foreman Spike]]'s excavator from his artwork for this game.
*''[[Mobile Golf]]'': The Gold Mantis is based off [[Foreman Spike]]'s excavator from his artwork for 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. Also, the eight playable characters in this game were reused as the starting characters. The [[Lightning Cup]] returns as the highest-tier retro cup.
*''[[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.
*''[[Wario Land 4]]'': The Brute is based off the Wario Car in this game.
*''[[Wario Land 4]]'': The Brute is based off the Wario Car in 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 course is based on 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.
*''[[Super Mario Sunshine]]'': The track [[Delfino Square]] is based off the main area of this game, [[Delfino Plaza]]. Piantas also appear as spectators in this track.
*''[[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.
*''[[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, Wario Stadium seems to use elements from [[Waluigi Stadium (GCN)|Waluigi Stadium]]. Some sound effects and some of the playable characters' voice clips 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.
*''[[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 and some of the playable characters' voice clips 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.
*''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]'': All of the bosses, with the exception of King Whomp, return from this game. Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Yoshi also have voice clips recycled from this game.
*''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]'': All of the bosses, with the exception of King Whomp, return from this game. Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Yoshi also have voice clips recycled from this game.
*''[[Donkey Kong Jungle Beat]]'': Many of Donkey Kong's voice clips are recycled from this game.
*''[[Donkey Kong Jungle Beat]]'': Many of Donkey Kong's voice clips are recycled from this game.


==References in later games==
==References in later games==
*''[[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.
*[[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.
*[[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 Wii]]'': [[Yoshi Falls]], [[Delfino Square]], [[Desert Hills]], and [[Peach Gardens (DS)|Peach Gardens]] appear as retro courses. [[Twilight House]] is a Retro Battle Course. This is also Dry Bones' second ''Mario Kart'' appearance. The item roulette and countdown chimes were reused in this game. The opening portion of Rainbow Road's music is used in the music for [[Rainbow Road (Wii)|Rainbow Road]] in this game.
*''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'': Waluigi Pinball's theme is used as a song arrangement.
*''[[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 Sports Mix]]'': Waluigi owns a pinball-themed course in this game, [[Waluigi Pinball (court)|Waluigi Pinball]].
*''[[Mario Sports Mix]]'': Waluigi owns a pinball-themed course in this game, [[Waluigi Pinball (court)|Waluigi Pinball]].
*''[[Mario Kart 7]]'': [[Luigi's Mansion (DS)|Luigi's Mansion]], [[Waluigi Pinball (DS)|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 karts B Dasher and Egg 1 re-appear too. The item roulette and countdown chimes were reused in this game once again.
*''[[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 DX]]'': Many of the karts are based off of ones from this game.
*''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP 2]]'': Several character-exclusive karts greatly resemble ones present in this game.
*''[[Mario Kart 8]]'': [[Cheep Cheep Beach]], [[Wario Stadium (DS)|Wario Stadium]], and [[Tick-Tock Clock (DS)|Tick-Tock Clock]] return as retro 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]].
*''[[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 Deluxe]]'': An arrangement of the music for Luigi's Mansion is used in [[Luigi's Mansion (GCN)|<small>GCN</small> Luigi's Mansion]].
*''[[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==
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==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*This is the only ''Mario Kart'' game where Lakitu does not start the matches 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 the game is played on the original DS, Mario says, "Yahoo!" on the Nintendo logo screen but if it is played on the DS Lite, DSi, 3DS, or Wii U, he says, "Here we go!"<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWRagaZYDYg Mario Kart DS on DS lite] ''YouTube''. Retrieved October 11, 2015</ref>
*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 games on the DS to have a "Language Block". Depending on the language of the DS, the language of the game will change; however, it will not change into Japanese on non-Japanese copies of the game.
*''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==
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==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)]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20051125012938/http://www.mariokart.com/mkds/launch/index.html Official ''Mario Kart DS'' website (North America)]
*[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/amcj/ Official ''Mario Kart DS'' website (Japan)]
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/amcj/ Official ''Mario Kart DS'' website (Japan)]
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