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. 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.
  2. CameronC.
    Apr 28, 2006
    10
    Mario Kart has always been an addictive game to play in your spare time, and this one keeps the tradition on. This game also features much more for replay value such as mission mode, and online gameplay to test yourself against the greatest gamers out their. The only question that i ponder is how will nintendo top their next Mario Kart game after this one?
  3. JohnnyD.
    Apr 27, 2006
    9
    this game really good challanging and fun , their are some raelly good tracks many fun caracktars and unlockabals.
  4. Richard
    Apr 11, 2006
    10
    Wow! This game definitely lived up to the hype! The graphics are smooth and slick and the controls are very simple easy to learn. The online experience is incredible and setting up is just as easy as turning on the game. There are tons of modes and stuff that you can do. In addition to the grand prix and time trials, you have over 50 unique missions that are designed to improve your Wow! This game definitely lived up to the hype! The graphics are smooth and slick and the controls are very simple easy to learn. The online experience is incredible and setting up is just as easy as turning on the game. There are tons of modes and stuff that you can do. In addition to the grand prix and time trials, you have over 50 unique missions that are designed to improve your skills offensively and defensively. Mario Kart DS is truly a masterful racing game; it is a Mario kart fan's dream come true. It has brought the Mario kart series into full gear and boy, what a rush of fun!… Expand
  5. BalthamosN.
    Apr 3, 2006
    8
    Pretty fun game. If you liked Mario Kart 64, then you will probably like this game. As in all racing games, you go through tournaments and circuits. A new addition is missions; you are told to do something "like collect x coins in x seconds". Those will keep you occupied for a little bit. Multiplayer makes it a blast to play. Theres nothing better than playing with a bunch of your Pretty fun game. If you liked Mario Kart 64, then you will probably like this game. As in all racing games, you go through tournaments and circuits. A new addition is missions; you are told to do something "like collect x coins in x seconds". Those will keep you occupied for a little bit. Multiplayer makes it a blast to play. Theres nothing better than playing with a bunch of your MarioKart 64 vet friends and the horrifying scream of "blue shell". A must if you like Mario Kart.… Expand
  6. MichaelA.
    Mar 30, 2006
    10
    This game is so unbelievably great! My only downside is that the AI is too easy, but I found a way to make beating the computers harder. This game definitely deserves a 10. Nintendo, you've done it again!
  7. [Anonymous]
    Mar 16, 2006
    10
    Best DS game
  8. JG
    Feb 10, 2006
    8
    This is what the DS has been waiting for, finally a game that is very entertaining and the online mode is awesome!
  9. JamesD.
    Jan 30, 2006
    10
    An excellent game to play both wireless and alone.
  10. BrianD.
    Jan 29, 2006
    10
    A perfect Mario Kart game. Wish there were more N64 tracks though.
  11. CraigT.
    Jan 27, 2006
    10
    The Best DS Game I Have Ever Played... Ever.
  12. JimmyK.
    Jan 26, 2006
    10
    This is an awesome game especially if you have wifi. If you don't you can still play up to 7 people only if one person has the game. Perfect for school bus rides!
  13. 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.
  14. AnthonyC.
    Jan 19, 2006
    10
    MKDS is a great game. It does what it sets out to do. Quick, VERY fun spurts of gaming. Excellent and smooth graphics. I play this portable game on WIFI more than I play my consoles. A must buy if you have WIFI.
  15. 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.
  16. AlexP.
    Jan 3, 2006
    10
    Immense! Well and truely! Delivers the goods just like any of its predecessors. Cant wait to get my WiFi USB connecter and play against the World. Good going Nintendo!
  17. BlakeR.
    Dec 29, 2005
    10
    Very fun game. Gives entertainment for hours even without the online play which i hear makes it even better. Top of the line mario ds game.
  18. AnonymousMC
    Dec 28, 2005
    5
    really i dont understand all the hype there is about this game...the online capabilities are limited, the graphics i think are sloppy even for the ds, and its just the same old mario kart that we've played before only with online play...if this is supposed to be nintendo's best for the ds then...im really disappointed....
  19. HunterR.
    Dec 27, 2005
    7
    Mario Kart DS is more a tech demo than a full-fledged game. If you've played any other Mario Kart game, you won't find much here. The graphics are beautiful, the gameplay is fun, but there isn't much variation in gameplay. It isn't hard to play through the game in an hour, and the unlockable features really don't add much replay value. It's a fun ride, and a Mario Kart DS is more a tech demo than a full-fledged game. If you've played any other Mario Kart game, you won't find much here. The graphics are beautiful, the gameplay is fun, but there isn't much variation in gameplay. It isn't hard to play through the game in an hour, and the unlockable features really don't add much replay value. It's a fun ride, and a great gift for the new bundle pack, but it's still just another Mario Kart game.… Expand
  20. CraigB.
    Dec 24, 2005
    10
    wow this game is the best in the series i dont even like racing games, but ive been playing this one for hours.
  21. JoshB.
    Dec 23, 2005
    10
    hey, i think nintendo wi fi on mario cart ds is awesome i love racing online its the best. If you don't have wi fi the game is still awesome you are just racing the computer. but when you race on wi fi people will try to cheat and mess you up!
  22. DesmondF.
    Dec 15, 2005
    10
    best mariokart game ever
  23. BobJ.
    Dec 9, 2005
    10
    Great racing game, Mario Kart fans will love this game. You get more karts, new tracks, and sweat unlocable chacters.
  24. JimmyG.
    Dec 6, 2005
    10
    Mario Kart DS is a great improvement to all the others. Sure the online needs work, but the single player and Wi-fi local is so great, you can't criticize it for the minor stuff. This is the greatest DS game out there.
  25. UseR
    Dec 1, 2005
    10
    "But what about all those who can't get online?" What is with these rubbish reviewers? If u can;t get online, u can play single cart wireless play or multi cart wireless!! Fer crying out loud, u give it an average score just to be different, well that or ur just a deprived chld...anyway This game is fantastic game, best mario cart game ever, and has lifted the bar on the series an "But what about all those who can't get online?" What is with these rubbish reviewers? If u can;t get online, u can play single cart wireless play or multi cart wireless!! Fer crying out loud, u give it an average score just to be different, well that or ur just a deprived chld...anyway This game is fantastic game, best mario cart game ever, and has lifted the bar on the series an extra notch. Way to go Nintendo, keep up the great work!! If u haven't got this game yet, ur missing out!!… Expand
  26. Adultgamer
    Dec 1, 2005
    4
    not a bad attempt but still nothing compairs to the original SNES version. i think its time to upgrade to a better handheld. and while we are hear have you seen the mess of burnout DS, this hand held is just not made to display 3D graphics.
  27. JoshG.
    Nov 28, 2005
    10
    This is the best game for the ds so far and it allows gamers to play for hours at a time with the story, multiplayer download play, and Wi-Fi internet. In my eyes this game is flawless.
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. JackS.
    Nov 21, 2005
    10
    i think it was really good but one down is that i finished it in about 1 and a half days(and i wasn't playting it continously). all in all i thought is was EXCELLENT*. * May be biased
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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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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