Mario Kart DS
| Mario Kart DS | |
|---|---|
 Game logo | |
| Developer(s) | Nintendo EAD |
| Publisher(s) | Nintendo |
| Producer(s) | Hideki Konno  |
| Series | Mario Kart |
| Platform(s) | Nintendo DS |
| Release | |
| Genre(s) | Kart racing |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Mario Kart DS is a 2005 racing game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. It is the fifth game in the series and the first which used Nintendo's free online service, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The game was released in North America on November 14, 2005,[1] in Australia on November 17, 2005,[2] in Europe on November 25, 2005,[3] in Japan on December 8, 2005,[4] and lastly South Korea on April 5, 2007.[5]
It got very positive reviews, and scored an average of 91% from Metacritic.[6]
Like other games in the Mario Kart series, Mario Kart DS involves characters from Mario games racing each other in go-karts on tracks themed from locations in the Mario series. The game, like other Mario Kart games, employs various weapons or items that players can use to help themselves or slow down others.
Mario Kart DS is the first Mario Kart game ever to have computer opponents in battle mode. In battle mode, up to eight carts have four balloons and battle each other until one wins. Another change is that players start with one balloon and must blow into the microphone to blow up other balloons. With fewer balloons, players get better items, but run the risk of getting knocked out early. With more balloons, they are safer, but get items that are not as good.
Mario Kart DS is also the first online Mario Kart title. It used the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and was the first game to do so. Players used "friend codes" and pick four tracks to race. Some tracks cannot be played over Wi-Fi because the game might slow down due to large obstacles.
List of characters
Starters
Unlockables
- Princess Daisy
- Dry Bones
- Waluigi
- R.O.B.
Voice actors
- Charles Martinet: Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi
- Jen Taylor: Peach and Toad
- Scott Burns: Bowser
- Deanna Mustard: Daisy
- Toru Asakawa: Dry Bones and R.O.B.
References
- 1 2 Harris, Craig (November 3, 2005). "Mario Kart DS Hands-on". IGN. Retrieved April 17, 2026.
- 1 2 "MARIO KART DS – WIRELESS – ONLINE AND OUT NOW". Nintendo.com.au. Archived from the original on November 24, 2005. Retrieved April 17, 2026.
- 1 2 Gibson, Ellie (October 13, 2005). "More Mario Kart DS details". Eurogamer. Retrieved April 17, 2026.
- 1 2 "マリオカートＤＳ" (in Japanese). Nintendo.co.jp. Retrieved April 17, 2026.
- 1 2 "마리오 카트 DS" (in Korean). Nintendo.co.kr. Archived from the original on April 22, 2008. Retrieved April 17, 2026.
- ↑ "Mario Kart DS Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 21 February 2010. Retrieved 22 October 2006.