Mario Kart DS

 DS
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 878 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 767 out of 878
  2. Mixed: 78 out of 878
  3. Negative: 33 out of 878
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  1. Crocco
    Feb 21, 2023
    10
    If you need some evidence to prove if this game is one of the best on DS, I played it so much that I wore out the R trigger on my DS Lite and had to repair it
  2. Derpcat
    Sep 12, 2022
    10
    This game is so good for no reason. I’m not a huge fan of Mario Kart,(My favorite Mario spin-offs are the Paper Marios) but this game got me hooked. The last Mario Kart, Mario Kart for the GBA, wasn’t the greatest. But in 4 years, they went from trash to treasure. How?

    This Mario Kart had a huge graphical update, as the DS could at least try to do 3d, while the GBA couldn’t at all. The    This game is so good for no reason. I’m not a huge fan of Mario Kart,(My favorite Mario spin-offs are the Paper Marios) but this game got me hooked. The last Mario Kart, Mario Kart for the GBA, wasn’t the greatest. But in 4 years, they went from trash to treasure. How?


    This Mario Kart had a huge graphical update, as the DS could at least try to do 3d, while the GBA couldn’t at all. The presentation isn’t the star of the show here, but it’s certainly quite good. This game is oozing with content. There are tons of single player unlockables, all found through racing. My favorite unlockable is Waluigi, but I don’t remember how to get him. You could also play as R.O.B if you tried enough. The single player modes are the greatest in the series. You can complete missions to get unlockables. They all have challenge, and while you could rage at them, they were fun. There were lots of online stuff to do, like share your best times on tracks, battle modes (My favorite) and, actual racing.

    I’m at a loss of words to explain why this game is so good. I think this is the best Mario Kart game. Praise Waluigi Pinball!!    … Expand
  3. Kdog152
    Nov 25, 2022
    10
    Mario Kart 8 deluxe may be a great, but Mario Kart ds is the best in the series. Yes, you read that right, I think this game is better than Mario kart 8 deluxe and the overrated Mario kart Wii. (No, I don't think Wii is bad). This was the first game I ever played back when I was only 5 years old, and I still love it to this day. This game has only 1 flaw, and I'll to that later. TheMario Kart 8 deluxe may be a great, but Mario Kart ds is the best in the series. Yes, you read that right, I think this game is better than Mario kart 8 deluxe and the overrated Mario kart Wii. (No, I don't think Wii is bad). This was the first game I ever played back when I was only 5 years old, and I still love it to this day. This game has only 1 flaw, and I'll to that later. The controls are perfect; the character roster is perfect, the graphics were decent for the ds, and the tracks are great. The Nitro tracks are very creative and have so many references o past games in the series. This was the first game in the series to properly introduce retro tracks, and for a first try, they did pretty well. Yes, they have been stripped down, but they had to so the ds could handle it. I will say though, this game ruined GCN (Game cube Nintendo system) Baby part and made one of the worst tracks in the series. They shortened it from 7 laps to 5 and made it really bland. Thankfully though, it's the only dud in this masterpiece of a kart racer. There's nothing to dislike about this game, it's a must buy. The mission mode is great, and I wonder why they still haven't brought it bad to this day and the battle mode is perfect in this game. The multi-player and single player vs mode is fantastic as well. This game came out when Nintendo actually cared about their mascot and in a time where they weren't lazy. Too bad they got worse as time went along. Overall, this game is a 10/10.… Expand
  4. onlyinohio
    Feb 1, 2023
    10
    This is THE game of my childhood and probably the first video game I have ever played. I just love every single pixel in this game and still play it sometimes today.
  5. 3run0
    Aug 22, 2023
    10
    In my opinion, Mario kart DS is the best Mario kart game. It has a lot of fun tracks, characters and karts. Also its pretty awesome that you can play this game on the go. 10/10 recommended to play
  6. TrippieSay5
    Jul 24, 2023
    10
    Gra która dała mi wiele radości mimo swej prostoty. I takie drobne szczegóły jak możliwość ustawienia swojego tagu na carcie
  7. RandomReviwer
    Aug 10, 2023
    10
    I haven't played too many Mario karts yet besides playing 64 before ds and still needing to beat double dash and 7 but even if I do still need to beat those other games I come back to DS. DS has a good amount of modes and online was probably good back then but these are reasons why its worth going back too. 1. Is that all the characters are good even though I will admit Dry bones and robI haven't played too many Mario karts yet besides playing 64 before ds and still needing to beat double dash and 7 but even if I do still need to beat those other games I come back to DS. DS has a good amount of modes and online was probably good back then but these are reasons why its worth going back too. 1. Is that all the characters are good even though I will admit Dry bones and rob are a bit of an odd inclusion but I don't mind (probably because dry bones is the best in my opinion) and the track them self are either the best tracks in the franchise or the worse. Now hear me out figure 8 circuit and shroom ridge and etc. aren't bad by any mean but compared o other tracks in the game and in the entirely of the franchise these tracks are pretty forgettable but when they are good here good like waluigi pinball, Luigi's mansion, Delfino square, etc. and this game introduced retro tracks which have been a stable since and gives more replay value. 2. Battle mode is great though compared to double dash there are less modes and the tracks are fine but really the only one I'm going back to are block fort Tho driving on a DS isn't bad. The mode present are balloon battle and newly added shine runners which are both good on their own right and this entry is the first one being able to play by yourself with coms. 3. A reason why you should come back to this entry is because exclusive to DS is mission mode which are 6 levels all with little challenge in each level and when you finish all the challenge there a boss fight and when you beat them you go onto the next level and it's a great addition to the single player side of Mario kart and surprisingly hasn't been in ant future Mario kart games. 4. A couple little thing left like your able to make an emblem that you may see during a race but its still a nice little edition plus the game did introduce online play to the series which had only some tracks you could play (at least that's what I heard). So at the end of the day even with those couple flaws with the game ill still give it a 10 because of a pretty balanced yet wacky races it has plus some exclusives not even in modern titles and some of the most memorable/least memorable in the entire franchise so either way you should get the game already! Actually wait 9.9 they mad baby park 5 laps (but because I can't do decimals ill round it up to 10)… Expand
  8. Natanoksi
    Aug 28, 2023
    10
    This is Mariokart at its finest. This is Nintendos best idea at a Mariokart game, despite it decent graphics for the DS, the gameplay is astinoshing, in this game you find some of the best maps in the whole of the Mariokart series also packed with incredible soundtracks and even after you finish the prix you can play missions which is perfect addition to the game. If you just got a DS buy this.
  9. MathewA.
    Jan 8, 2006
    9
    Mario Kart DS is worth buying for the single player experience alone, but the addition of online gameplay and wireless multiplayer make it a must-buy for any DS owner out there. Not quite a ten, but pretty damn close.
  10. SaphireP.
    Mar 4, 2007
    9
    If you don't have an wireless connection it's an awful shame because you're missing out on a lot of fun that could be have, but even without online multiplayer the game fares well in itself with bonus mission and time trial modes, it puts itself up as the best and most popular Mario Kart title in the series so far. Keep on kartin'
  11. DavidN.
    Jun 3, 2007
    9
    It isn't perfect by any means, but it's the best racing game on the DS, and I dare say, THE best game on the DS at the moment. From the lame trend of 'casual games' for the DS, I see Mario Kart being the top title for a long time.
  12. HexenM.
    Sep 7, 2007
    9
    I like this game but their are not enough corses to play on. It is fun at all turms.The Wi-fi mode is fun and meny times I've gotten 1st place in it. I wish that their were more corses.I would give it a 9 out of 10.
  13. JulianR
    Nov 10, 2008
    9
    An absolutely brilliant game. One of the best DS games ever made. My only issue is it's very easy to get frustrated, especially with 150 cc mirror.
  14. johnl
    Aug 7, 2009
    9
    it is one of the best games in the world. best graphics in the world today but it is hard to find things on the internet that is on the game
  15. DarrenZ.
    Nov 16, 2005
    9
    There's really nothing bad to say about this one. I took off one point because of the anemic online options and lack of Rumble Pak support, but those are niggling criticisms at best. This is a terrific game!
  16. JohnnyD.
    Apr 27, 2006
    9
    this game really good challanging and fun , their are some raelly good tracks many fun caracktars and unlockabals.
  17. CoreyS.
    May 20, 2006
    9
    A great game that you can play over and over again. The best new addition to the series is the online play. The online may be missing some of the things from single player but it's great to finally have a good challenge.
  18. ChrisH.
    Aug 10, 2006
    9
    Although this game is truly addicting and great graphically, once completed you can probably beat any track and come first in the hardest setting. The wifi is good, but again unreliable and when you play the other players are in the bloody air. Other than this the game is amazing!
  19. Jon
    Jan 3, 2007
    9
    The game is very fun, offers a lot of cars, Mirror Mode is an unexpected feature, and the ballon battles, shine runners, and missions make it very versatile depending on your intrests in a racing game. Allowing custom logos is awesome.
  20. DennisI.
    Jul 11, 2007
    9
    It's my favorite DS-Game, it was not cheap, but the money was worth it.
  21. KikaE.
    Aug 9, 2008
    9
    This game was a fun ride! My only complaint is that snaking is too easy to do, and overpowers people who choose to do that. And this game is no where near easy, very challenging, whether it be WiFi or 150cc Mirror or not.
  22. WhyNot?
    Feb 16, 2009
    9
    When I first played Mario Kart DS, waaaay back in 2006, I thought "hmm, this is probably the same as Mario Kart 64 and the original for the SNES". Two minutes was all it took to change my mind. After playing one track, I realized that I was holding a masterpiece. Of course, you may wonder "isn't this the same Mario Kart as the last 4 versions?" Aha, but that's where you're When I first played Mario Kart DS, waaaay back in 2006, I thought "hmm, this is probably the same as Mario Kart 64 and the original for the SNES". Two minutes was all it took to change my mind. After playing one track, I realized that I was holding a masterpiece. Of course, you may wonder "isn't this the same Mario Kart as the last 4 versions?" Aha, but that's where you're wrong. With 16 brand-new tracks, 12 characters to race with (anyone remember ROB?), and multiplayer capabilities both locally and online, this is probably better than any other version. For a DS game, the graphics are beautiful -- it may not look like the Wii version, but what more do you want from a handheld? The music on the tracks is surprisingly catchy, too. My only gripe is the limited Wi-Fi capabilities. Why not be able to have an eight-player race? That's the only thing keeping me from giving it a higher score. I give Mario Kart a 93 out of 100.… Expand
  23. WesG.
    Nov 16, 2005
    9
    As if the nostalgia of seeing the old SNES tracks in 3D wasn't enough, the new tracks are fantastic (especially in the unlockable courses). The single player game gets a little old, but as with all Mario Karts, it's really all about the multiplayer. Single cart play, while restricted, really doesn't get old.
  24. JeffE.
    Nov 22, 2005
    9
    However kicka.s it is, the online play still leaves much to be desired - especially given the fact that they included mock versions of the battle modes just to show us indeed how awesome those modes would be if they were online. I also find that there are limited choices with setting up a game with both friends and random strangers etc. It's more of a roulette game - which is fine. However kicka.s it is, the online play still leaves much to be desired - especially given the fact that they included mock versions of the battle modes just to show us indeed how awesome those modes would be if they were online. I also find that there are limited choices with setting up a game with both friends and random strangers etc. It's more of a roulette game - which is fine. Chat would've been nice also. I'm definitely not harping on the game I just focused on the negatives first cos everything else is basically flawless. Single player modes are great and the online play that does exist is pretty genius and great fun. I just wish they would've put more time into this one - with more options I don't think i'd be looking for another DS game for a long while.… Expand
  25. TylerM.
    Jan 22, 2006
    9
    Mario Kart is an excellent game even for people who dislike racing games. This game takes the best of every Mario Kart and makes it successful. The wi-fi is the main problem for me because you must have the friend code of another person to play against them but other than that the wi-fi is well executed, as well as the game.
  26. Tom
    Oct 26, 2006
    9
    I love this game. There's loads for you to do in single player: 8 cups to win x 4 speed groups, time trials, missions and you can even have ballons battles/"shinerunner" battles with 7 other CPU karts. I'm also addicted to the online play, making my own emblem for people to see when I overtake them. You can play random people, or people who, by their stats, are similar in I love this game. There's loads for you to do in single player: 8 cups to win x 4 speed groups, time trials, missions and you can even have ballons battles/"shinerunner" battles with 7 other CPU karts. I'm also addicted to the online play, making my own emblem for people to see when I overtake them. You can play random people, or people who, by their stats, are similar in ability to you so it becomes more of a challenge. Buy this game, your DS NEEDS it.… Expand
  27. MatthewS.
    Jan 27, 2007
    9
    This game is one in a million! It's the greatest MK game by far, no doubt there. The only flaw I see is the fact that you can't play the other 16 courses on Wifi. (Well, I once played a guy who was somehow able to do pick Tick Tock Clock, Bowser Castle and some strange course called Shy Guy. So there must be some code or unlockable way to get it). Anyway, this game is the bomb This game is one in a million! It's the greatest MK game by far, no doubt there. The only flaw I see is the fact that you can't play the other 16 courses on Wifi. (Well, I once played a guy who was somehow able to do pick Tick Tock Clock, Bowser Castle and some strange course called Shy Guy. So there must be some code or unlockable way to get it). Anyway, this game is the bomb and you won't be disappointed!… Expand
  28. ShanellG.
    Jul 17, 2007
    9
    Great game it has a great range of levels and characters in my opinion it's well spent money.
  29. PatrickC.
    Jul 21, 2008
    9
    Brilliant game design! I bought this just as a change-of-pace game (I don't usually care for real-time games), taking a chance just because it was rated so high. I'm not disappointed. Lots of fun, very addictive. Plenty of variety, considering it's basically just racing around a track. Three speeds to choose from, so it's easy enough for beginners to get into, yet Brilliant game design! I bought this just as a change-of-pace game (I don't usually care for real-time games), taking a chance just because it was rated so high. I'm not disappointed. Lots of fun, very addictive. Plenty of variety, considering it's basically just racing around a track. Three speeds to choose from, so it's easy enough for beginners to get into, yet there's plenty of room for skill-building.… Expand
  30. ChuwawaStomp
    Nov 25, 2005
    9
    It is a very good game with many options and with al long playdure,i played 50 cc in 3 hours and then i havent played 100 cc and 150 cc yet and then also the missions,it is a superior game,the best you can get for the nintendo ds
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best DS Game of 2005
1
#1 Most Discussed DS Game of 2005
1
#1 Most Shared DS Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 64 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 63 out of 64
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 64
  3. Negative: 0 out of 64
  1. 1UP
    90
    Everything about MKDS comes together into a surprisingly compelling package, a portable racing game on par with anything ever to appear on a console.
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  2. eToychest
    95
    Reason alone to own the DS platform. All of the fun that has been intrinsic to the series is intact, and the much-anticipated online component simply seals the deal. This is best game in the series by far, and perhaps the best kart-style racing game ever to come along.
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  3. IGN
    95
    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.
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