View source for Mario Kart DS

{{Short description|2005 video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2016}}
{{Infobox video game
| image = Mario Kart DS cover.jpg
| alt = Video game box art. A video game character, Mario, leaps over a racing cart.
| caption = North American box art
| developer = [[Nintendo EAD]]
| publisher = [[Nintendo]]
| director = {{Unbulleted list|Makoto Wada|Yasuyuki Oyagi}}
| producer = [[Hideki Konno]]
| composer = Shinobu Tanaka
| series = ''[[Mario Kart]]''
| platforms = {{Unbulleted list|[[Nintendo DS]]}}
<!-- Do not add more regions per [[Template:Infobox video game#released]] -->| released = {{Video game release|NA|November 14, 2005|AUS|November 17, 2005|PAL|November 25, 2005|JP|December 8, 2005}}
| genre = [[Kart racing game|Kart racing]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
| designer = Yoshiki Haruhana
| programmer = Katsuhisa Sato
}}

'''''Mario Kart DS'''''{{efn|{{nihongo|'''''Mario Kart DS'''''|マリオカートDS|Mario Kāto Dī Esu||}}}} is a 2005 [[kart racing game]] developed and published by [[Nintendo]] for the [[Nintendo DS]] [[handheld game console]]. It was released in November 2005 in North America, Europe, and Australia, and on December 8, 2005, in Japan, and rereleased for the [[Wii U]]'s [[Virtual Console]] in North America and [[PAL region]]s in April 2015 and in Japan in May 2016.

The game is the fifth main entry in the ''[[Mario Kart]]'' series, and the first playable via the [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]] online service.  Like other games in the series, ''Mario Kart DS'' features [[List of Mario franchise characters|characters]] from the [[Mario (franchise)|''Mario'' series]] and pits them against each other as they race in [[kart]]s on tracks based on locations in the ''Mario'' series.

''Mario Kart DS'' was acclaimed for its refined gameplay, robust single-player content, and innovative multiplayer features, particularly its pioneering online Wi-Fi functionality. Reviewers highlighted its blend of accessibility, depth, and nostalgic appeal, though some noted limitations in the online mode and frustration with the [[rubberband AI]]. The game received several awards, including Editors' Choice Awards from ''[[GameSpot]]'' and ''[[IGN]]'', ''[[G-Phoria]]''{{'}}s Best Handheld Game award, and ''IGN''{{'}}s Best Racing/Driving Game.

''Mario Kart DS'' was the best-selling game in its first two months. It is the [[List of best-selling Nintendo DS video games|third-bestselling Nintendo DS game]] as of March 2016 and the third-bestselling ''Mario Kart'' game, behind ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', with 23.6 million copies sold worldwide.

==Gameplay==
{{See also|Mario Kart#Gameplay|l1=Gameplay of the Mario Kart series}}
[[File:Mario Kart DS screenshot.png|thumb|[[Mario]] racing on Figure-8 Circuit, the introductory track of the game. The top screen shows [[Item (game terminology)|item]] boxes that are in front of him, and the bottom screen shows a [[bird's-eye view]] of the immediate vicinity.|alt=A video game screenshot with a racing kart on the top screen and a map of the race course on the bottom screen.|283x283px]]
''Mario Kart DS'' is a [[racing game]] in which the player, as a ''[[Mario (franchise)|Mario]]'' franchise character, races in a [[kart]] against seven other characters.<ref name=ign/> Each course features [[Item (game terminology)|item]] boxes that the player can drive through to receive a randomly selected item. Some items allow the player to attack other racers to slow them down, while other items can be used to speed up their own kart to pass other racers more easily.<ref name=manual>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/mario-kart-ds-instruction-booklet/mode/2up |title=''Mario Kart DS'' instruction manual |author=Nintendo |publisher=Nintendo |date=November 14, 2005}}</ref>{{rp|10}}

The game features a base roster of the eight [[Player character|playable character]]s from ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'',<ref name=manual />{{rp|31}} along with four unlockable characters [[Princess Daisy|Daisy]], Dry Bones, [[Waluigi]], and [[R.O.B.]] for a total of 12.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.engadget.com/2005-11-09-r-o-b-a-hidden-character-in-mario-kart-ds.html | title=R.O.B. A hidden character in Mario Kart DS | date=November 10, 2005 }}</ref> Each character has three unique karts to choose from,<ref name=manual />{{rp|31}} each of which vary in attributes such as top speed, acceleration, and handling.<ref name=gamespot/>

The game features five single-player [[Game mechanics#Game modes|game modes]]: [[Grand Prix motor racing|Grand Prix]], [[Time trial#Video games|Time Trial]], Versus, Battle, and Mission.<ref name=manual />{{rp|13–21}} The Grand Prix and Versus modes require the player to choose an engine class from among [[50 cc|50cc]], 100cc, and 150cc.<ref name=manual />{{rp|13}} The classes serve as [[difficulty level]]s—the higher the engine class, the faster all karts go. In addition, a mirror mode can be unlocked, in which karts use 150cc engines and tracks are horizontally flipped. The game features 32 courses across eight cups, half of which contain new tracks (known as Nitro Grand Prix), and half of which contain tracks from previous ''Mario Kart'' games, such as [[Baby Park]] from ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash]]''<ref name="Destruct">{{Cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/baby-park-in-double-dash-is-easily-the-best-mario-kart-track/|title=Baby Park in Double Dash is easily the best Mario Kart track|last=Andriessen|first=CJ|date=23 April 2017|website=[[Destructoid]]|access-date=25 July 2024|archive-date=15 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315005255/https://www.destructoid.com/baby-park-in-double-dash-is-easily-the-best-mario-kart-track/|url-status=live}}</ref> (known as Retro Grand Prix).<ref name=manual />{{rp|13}}

The game also features a multiplayer mode, in which eight players race each other using the [[DS Download Play]] feature for consoles without a cartridge or a multi-card [[wireless LAN]] connection.<ref name=manual />{{rp|27–29}} This version has limited courses available,<ref name=manual />{{rp|27}} and players with no cartridges play as [[Shy Guy (Mario)|Shy Guy]], a character unavailable in normal play.<ref name=manual />{{rp|34}}

Until its discontinuation on May 20, 2014, ''Mario Kart DS'' supported online play via the [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]], in which up to 4 players could play together.<ref name=manual />{{rp|37}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-killing-online-support-for-mario-kart-wii-super-smash-bros-brawl-in-may/1100-6417983/|title=Nintendo killing online support for Mario Kart Wii, Super Smash Bros. Brawl in May|first=Eddie|last=Makuch|date=February 27, 2014|access-date=August 2, 2014|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111225059/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-killing-online-support-for-mario-kart-wii-super-smash-bros-brawl-in-may/1100-6417983/|url-status=live|website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref>

==Development and release==
[[Nintendo]] announced on May 11, 2004, that they planned to release a ''[[Mario Kart]]'' game for the [[Nintendo DS]], releasing some gameplay video footage at the same time.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=January 8, 2009 |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/513/513232p1.html |title=E3 2004: ''Mario Kart'' on DS |publisher=IGN |date=May 11, 2004 |author=Harris, Craig |archive-date=June 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607014751/http://ds.ign.com/articles/513/513232p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The company offered the game for the public to play for the first time at the 2005 [[Game Developers Conference]], where the game's wireless feature was also showcased. ''Mario Kart DS'' was produced by [[Hideki Konno]].<ref name=ign-interview>{{cite web |access-date=January 8, 2009 |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/617/617391p1.html |title=E3 2005: ''Mario Kart DS'' Interview |publisher=IGN |date=May 19, 2005 |author=Harris, Craig |archive-date=June 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607014818/http://ds.ign.com/articles/617/617391p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The game runs at a consistent 60 [[frames per second]] and uses full 3D characters and environments.<ref name="ign-gdc">{{cite web |author=Harris, Craig |date=March 10, 2005 |title=GDC 2005: ''Mario Kart'' Impressions |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/595/595106p1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607014800/http://ds.ign.com/articles/595/595106p1.html |archive-date=June 7, 2011 |access-date=January 8, 2009 |publisher=IGN}}</ref>

''Mario Kart DS'' is the first ''Mario Kart'' iteration to support online play. Konno remarked that although both ''Mario Kart DS'' and the [[Halo (series)|''Halo'' series]] feature online play, he noted that most of the people who use the feature in ''Halo'' games were "[[Gamer#Hardcore gamer|hardcore gamers]]". With ''Mario Kart DS'', Konno wanted "everyone to go online, and the technology and time is right for that to happen". As the ''Mario Kart'' game for the Nintendo DS, the developers tested several features that took advantage of the device's bottom [[touchscreen]]. They considered letting players place items anywhere on the track instead of just behind their kart. However, the developers found it too confusing because the game already had too many distractions, making it difficult to control where to place items while racing.<ref name=ign-interview />

In an interview, Konno noted that tracks from previous ''Mario Kart'' games were included in ''Mario Kart DS'' so that players who played the original ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' on the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] would feel more familiar with the DS iteration of the series.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=February 18, 2012 |url=http://www.cubed3.com/news/4200 |title=Nintendo Interview &#124; Hideki Konno on All Things ''Mario Kart'' |work=Cubed3 |date=August 20, 2012 |author=Riley, Adam |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304103434/http://www.cubed3.com/news/4200 |url-status=live }}</ref>

''Mario Kart DS'' was released by [[Nintendo]] for the [[Nintendo DS]] in North America on November 14, 2005,<ref name="NLife" /> in Australia on November 17, 2005,<ref name="NWR">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/game/1242/|title=''Mario Kart DS''|access-date=December 30, 2020|website=Nintendo World Report|archive-date=October 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030225324/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/game/1242|url-status=live}}</ref> in Europe in November 2005,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamepro.de/spiele/mario-kart-ds,7156.html|title=''Mario Kart DS''|access-date=December 30, 2020|website=gamepro.de|archive-date=August 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810045904/https://www.gamepro.de/spiele/mario-kart-ds,7156.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamezone.de/Mario-Kart-DS-Spiel-13691/|title=''Mario Kart DS''|access-date=December 30, 2020|website=gamezone.de|date=November 28, 2005 |archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102230315/https://www.gamezone.de/Mario-Kart-DS-Spiel-13691/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NLife" /> and in Japan on December 8, 2005.<ref name="NLife">{{cite web |access-date=December 30, 2020 |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/games/ds/mario_kart_ds |title=Mario Kart DS Overview |work=[[Nintendo Life]] |date=August 7, 2019 |archive-date=January 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103002911/https://www.nintendolife.com/games/ds/mario_kart_ds |url-status=live }}</ref> Nintendo later revealed that ''Mario Kart DS'' would also be sold bundled with a new red-colored Nintendo DS starting on November 28, 2005, along with "a checkered-flag wrist strap, and racing-inspired decals to customize new red handheld".<ref>{{cite web |access-date=January 8, 2009 |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/658/658077p1.html |title=Nintendo Reveals Red-Hot DS Bundle |work=IGN |date=October 12, 2005 |author=Adams, David |archive-date=March 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312094210/http://ds.ign.com/articles/658/658077p1.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Makuch|first=Eddie|date=October 21, 2010|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-anniversary-bundles-wii-remote-plus-coming-nov-7/1100-6282568/|title=Mario anniversary bundles, Wii Remote Plus coming Nov. 7|website=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=October 3, 2024}}</ref>

==Reception==
===Critical response===
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 91/100<ref name=metacritic>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ds/mariokartds |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070126052559/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ds/mariokartds |title=''Mario Kart DS'' |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CNET Networks]] |archive-date=January 26, 2007 |access-date=January 8, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| 1UP = 8.9/10<ref name=1up>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3145630&did=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060618111538/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3145630&did=1 |title=''Mario Kart DS'' DS Review |work=1Up.com |last=Parish |first=Jeremy |date=November 10, 2005 |archive-date=June 18, 2006 |access-date=January 8, 2009 |df=mdy-all |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| CVG = 9/10<ref name=cvg>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=130044 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926205449/https://www.gamesradar.com/?id=130044 |title=DS Review: ''Mario Kart DS'' |last=Wales |first=Matt |work=Computer and Video Games |date=November 24, 2005 |archive-date=September 26, 2018 |access-date=January 8, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| EGM = 26/30<ref name=EGM>{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/electronic-gaming-monthly-issue-199-january-2006_202106/page/130/mode/2up |title=Review Crew: ''Mario Kart DS'' |last1=Bettenhausen |first1=Shane |last2=Ford |first2=Greg |last3=Linn |first3=Demian |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=January 2006 |issue=199 |page=130}}</ref>
| EPD = 9/10<ref name=ElecPlay>{{cite web |url=http://www.elecplay.com/reviews_article.php?article=11258 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208170052/http://www.elecplay.com/reviews_article.php?article=11258 |title=''Mario Kart DS'' |last=Chapman |first=David |website=[[EP Daily|Electric Playground]] |archive-date=February 8, 2007 |access-date=June 11, 2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| EuroG = 9/10<ref name=eurogamer>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_mariokart_ds |title=''Mario Kart DS'' Review |work=Eurogamer |date=November 22, 2005 |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |archive-date=October 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013091503/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_mariokart_ds |access-date=January 8, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GI = 8.5/10<ref name=GameInformer>{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/game-informer-issue-152-december-2005_202409/page/187/mode/2up |title=Reviews: ''Mario Kart DS'' |last=Helgeson |first=Matt |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |issue=152 |date=December 2005 |page=187}}</ref>
| GamePro = 4.5/5<ref name=gamepro>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/ds/games/reviews/49814.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070127221957/http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/ds/games/reviews/49814.shtml |title=Review: ''Mario Kart DS'' for DS |magazine=[[GamePro]] |author=Rice Burner |date=November 14, 2005 |archive-date=January 27, 2007 |access-date=January 8, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GameRev = A−<ref name=gamerev>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/ds/mario_kart_ds |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060526094953/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/ds/mario_kart_ds |title=''Mario Kart DS'' – DS Review |work=GameRevolution |last=Silverman |first=Ben |date=November 15, 2005 |archive-date=May 26, 2006 |access-date=January 8, 2009 |df=mdy-all |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GSpot = 9.2/10<ref name=gamespot>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ds/driving/mariokartds/review.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907053939/http://www.gamespot.com/ds/driving/mariokartds/review.html |title=''Mario Kart DS'' Review |website=[[GameSpot]] |last=Calvert |first=Justin |date=November 14, 2005 |archive-date=September 7, 2011 |access-date=January 8, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpy = 5/5<ref name=gamespy>{{cite web |access-date=January 8, 2009 |url=http://ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/mario-kart-ds/667164p1.html |title=''Mario Kart DS'' (DS) |work=GameSpy |date=November 16, 2005 |last=Williams |first=Bryn |archive-date=August 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812235204/http://ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/mario-kart-ds/667164p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GameZone = 9.5/10<ref name=gamezone>{{cite web |url=http://nds.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r24080.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227070106/http://nds.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r24080.htm |title=''Mario Kart DS'' Review |work=GameZone |last=Bedigian |first=Louis |date=December 12, 2005 |archive-date=December 27, 2008 |access-date=January 9, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| IGN = 9.5/10<ref name=ign>{{cite web |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/666/666125p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230012510/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/11/12/mario-kart-ds |title=''Mario Kart DS'' |last=Harris |first=Craig |website=[[IGN]] |date=November 11, 2005 |archive-date=December 30, 2020 |access-date=January 8, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| NP = 9/10<ref name=NintendoPower>{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/nintendo-power-issue-199-january-2006/page/104/mode/2up |title=Reviews: ''Mario Kart DS'' |last=Shepperd |first=Chris |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |publisher=[[Nintendo of America]] |date=January 2006 |issue=199 |page=104}}</ref>
| NWR = 10/10<ref name=nwr>{{cite web |access-date=January 8, 2009 |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?CFID=92669d9c-07c5-49b6-9881-f1dba26b49f3&CFTOKEN=0&artid=4450 |title=''Mario Kart DS'' |work=Nintendo World Report |date=November 19, 2005 |last=Sklens |first=Mike |archive-date=February 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201050602/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=4450 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| PALGN = 9/10<ref name=PALGN>{{cite web |url=http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=3423&sid=6b70d1478c2b3904f7cad29c7136a8ea |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111225136/http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=3423&sid=6b70d1478c2b3904f7cad29c7136a8ea |title=''Mario Kart DS'' Review |author=Brendan |website=PALGN |date=November 21, 2005 |archive-date=January 11, 2009 |access-date=June 11, 2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| XPlay = 5/5<ref name=xplay>{{cite web |url=http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/53129/Mario_Kart_DS_Review.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051227085810/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/53129/Mario_Kart_DS_Review.html |title=''Mario Kart DS'' Review |last=Satterfield |first=Shane |website=[[Xplay]] |publisher=[[G4 Media (TV company)|G4 Media]] |date=December 13, 2005 |archive-date=December 27, 2005 |access-date=January 8, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}
''Mario Kart DS'' received "universal acclaim" from critics, according to the [[Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[Metacritic]],<ref name=metacritic /> where its 91/100 rating is the third-highest for any Nintendo DS title.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cooper|first=Dalton|date=August 12, 2019|url=https://gamerant.com/best-nintendo-ds-games-metacritic/|title=The 10 Best Nintendo DS Games Ever Made (According To Metacritic)|website=Game Rant|publisher=[[Valnet]]|access-date=April 8, 2025}}</ref> It was often called the best entry in the ''Mario Kart'' series, with Craig Harris of ''[[IGN]]'' declaring it the best kart racing game ever.<ref name=ign/><ref name=cvg/><ref name=ElecPlay/><ref name=gamespy/><ref name=nwr/>

The gameplay was lauded for its precision, accessibility, and depth, blending classic ''Mario Kart'' mechanics with refined additions. Reviewers appreciated the return to the series' roots, with tight controls, power-sliding, drafting, and turbo boosts adding strategic layers. Bryn Williams of ''[[GameSpy]]'' praised the "pixel-perfect" controls and the balance of racing skill and power-up strategy.<ref name=gamespy/> Mike Sklens of ''Nintendo World Report'' noted the removal of ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash]]''{{'}}s "gimmicky" features, making the game more focused and intense.<ref name=nwr/> Shane Satterfield of ''[[Xplay]]'' highlighted the learning curve for D-pad power-slides but found them satisfying.<ref name=xplay/> Harris emphasized the tight, responsive mechanics, combining the best elements from past titles.<ref name=ign/> Tom Bramwell of ''[[Eurogamer]]'' and Chris Shepperd of ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' noted frustrations with the [[rubberband AI]], with [[blue shell]]s and catch-up mechanics causing unfair losses.<ref name=eurogamer/><ref name=NintendoPower/>

The single-player experience was considered robust, with a deep Grand Prix mode, innovative Missions mode, and varied Time Trial and Battle modes. The inclusion of 16 new tracks and 16 retro tracks from previous ''Mario Kart'' games was said to add significant replay value and nostalgia. Justin Calvert of ''[[GameSpot]]'' and Louis Bedigian of ''GameZone'' highlighted the 32 tracks (split evenly between new and retro), with standout new courses like Waluigi Pinball and Airship Fortress.<ref name=gamespot/><ref name=gamezone/> Matt Wales of ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' called the new tracks "tightly-focused, inventive, and downright fun".<ref name=cvg/> Bramwell and ''[[EP Daily|Electric Playground]]''{{'}}s David Chapman praised the Missions mode as a fresh addition.<ref name=ElecPlay/><ref name=eurogamer/> However, Greg Ford of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' (''EGM'') found the missions forgettable,<ref name=EGM/> and Brendan of ''PALGN'' noted the 150cc difficulty could have been tougher.<ref name=PALGN/>

The multiplayer, especially local Wi-Fi for up to eight players, was a highlight, described as offering chaotic, fun racing and battle modes. The single-cart multiplayer option was appreciated for accessibility, though limited in tracks and characters. Williams described local eight-player matches as "pure gaming [[nirvana]]".<ref name=gamespy/> Chapman and ''[[GamePro]]''{{'}}s Rice Burner praised the single-cart mode's inclusivity.<ref name=ElecPlay/><ref name=gamepro/> Calvert and Sklens commended the battle modes for adding strategy and chaos.<ref name=gamespot/><ref name=nwr/>

The online mode, a first for Nintendo, was regarded as a groundbreaking addition but limited by simplistic matchmaking, lack of communication, and restricted track selection. Despite these flaws, it was praised for smooth performance and accessibility. Williams noted the ease of connecting but criticized the lack of a lobby system and four-player limit.<ref name=gamespy/> Satterfield and ''[[1Up Network|1Up.com]]''{{'}}s Jeremy Parish lamented the cumbersome friend code system and inability to add opponents post-race.<ref name=1up/><ref name=xplay/> Chapman and ''[[Game Informer]]''{{'}}s Matt Helgeson appreciated the simplicity but wished for more features like online Battle mode.<ref name=ElecPlay/><ref name=GameInformer/> Shepperd found the four-player limit sparse compared to local play.<ref name=NintendoPower/>

The 16 new tracks were deemed among the series' best, with designs like Waluigi Pinball, Airship Fortress, and Tick-Tock Clock being praised for their creativity. The retro tracks, while evoking nostalgia, had a more mixed reception. Shane Bettenhausen of ''EGM'' ranked the new tracks among the best ever,<ref name=EGM/> while Bedigian noted the retro tracks' 3D upgrades but called the [[Game Boy Advance]] tracks visually lacking.<ref name=gamezone/> Bramwell praised the new tracks' adrenaline-charged design and the retro tracks' polished remakes,<ref name=eurogamer/> though Bettenhausen found the retro selection uneven.<ref name=EGM/>

The mix of classic power-ups and new additions was considered well-balanced, adding strategic depth without unbalancing the game. Calvert and Williams highlighted the Blooper and Bullet Bill for their strategic impact.<ref name=gamespot/><ref name=gamespy/> Ben Silverman of ''[[GameRevolution]]'' noted the lack of new defensive items but found the arsenal effective.<ref name=gamerev/> Wales appreciated the Blooper's novelty and the slipstream mechanic's tactical value.<ref name=cvg/>

The graphics and audio received mixed responses. Shepperd praised the near-[[Nintendo 64]] quality visuals,<ref name=NintendoPower/> while Satterfield noted the blocky, plain aesthetics compared to [[PlayStation Portable]] games.<ref name=xplay/> Bedigian criticized the sound quality and overabundant effects,<ref name=gamezone/> but Brendan loved the atmospheric track music and character catchphrases.<ref name=PALGN/>

By the end of the game's debut week in the United States, 112,000 people purchased it, of which 52,000 of them had logged onto Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to play against other people over the Internet.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=January 8, 2009 |url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/11_22_05_07_04AM.htm |title=Nearly Half of ''Mario Kart DS'' Owners Play Via Wi-Fi in First Week |work=GameZone |date=November 22, 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218192602/http://www.gamezone.com/news/11_22_05_07_04AM.htm |archive-date=February 18, 2009}}</ref> ''Mario Kart DS'' received Editors' Choice awards from ''IGN'' and ''GameSpot''.<ref name=ign /><ref name=gamespot /> The game was nominated by ''GameSpot'' for several Best of 2005 awards, including Best Multiplayer Game,<ref>{{cite web|access-date=January 8, 2009 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/pages/features/bestof2005/index.php?day=2&page=17 |title=Best Multiplayer Game |work=GameSpot |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061020182908/http://www.gamespot.com/pages/features/bestof2005/index.php?day=2&page=17 |archive-date=October 20, 2006}}</ref> Best Driving Game,<ref>{{cite web |access-date=January 8, 2009 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/pages/features/bestof2005/index.php?day=4&page=6 |title=Best Driving Game |work=GameSpot |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105083747/http://www.gamespot.com/pages/features/bestof2005/index.php?day=4&page=6 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Best DS Game, winning the lattermost.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=January 8, 2009 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/pages/features/bestof2005/index.php?day=5&page=2 |title=Best DS Game |work=GameSpot |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930220941/http://www.gamespot.com/pages/features/bestof2005/index.php?day=5&page=2 |archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref> The game received ''[[G-Phoria]]''{{'}}s Best Handheld Game award.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=January 8, 2009 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ds/driving/mariokartds/news.html?sid=6155587 |title=G4 announces G-phoria winners, books Jack Thompson |work=GameSpot |date=August 10, 2006 |author=Thorsen, Tor |archive-date=August 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811102410/http://www.gamespot.com/mario-kart-ds/news/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''IGN'' gave the game the awards for Best Racing/Driving Game.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=January 8, 2009 |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2005/ds/5.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051223155007/http://bestof.ign.com/2005/ds/5.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 23, 2005 |title=Best Racing/Driving Game |work=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |access-date=January 8, 2009 |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2005/ds/21.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051223145454/http://bestof.ign.com/2005/ds/21.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 23, 2005 |title=Game of the Year |work=IGN}}</ref> During the [[9th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]], the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] nominated ''Mario Kart DS'' in the categories of "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Racing Game of the Year|Racing Game of the Year]]" and "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Online Game of the Year|Outstanding Achievement in Online Gameplay]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2006&idGame=139 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Mario Kart DS |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |website=interactive.org |access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref> ''[[GamesRadar]]'' named ''Mario Kart DS'' the best DS game of all time, beating out [[Pokémon Black and White|''Pokémon Black'' and ''White'']] (2nd) and ''[[Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars]]'' (3rd).<ref>{{cite web | access-date=February 3, 2013 | url=http://www.gamesradar.com/best-ds-games/ | title=Best DS Games | work=[[GamesRadar]] | author=GamesRadar staff | date=September 15, 2012 | archive-date=November 19, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119205309/https://www.gamesradar.com/best-ds-games/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

===Sales===
''Mario Kart DS'' was the best-selling handheld game in its debut month of November 2005 in the United States.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Best Selling Games |journal=NPD |date=December 2005}}</ref> It was the 10th best-selling game of 2008, and the best-selling Nintendo DS game of that year.<ref>{{cite web|title=NPD: Nintendo Drives '08 Industry Sales Past $21 Billion |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/npd-nintendo-drives-08-industry-sales-past-21-billion-/?biz=1 |publisher=GameDaily |access-date=January 15, 2009 |date=January 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090117013042/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/npd-nintendo-drives-08-industry-sales-past-21-billion-/?biz=1 |archive-date=January 17, 2009}}</ref> In Japan, the game sold 224,411 copies in its first week.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Best Selling Games |magazine=Famitsu |date=January 2006}}</ref> ''Mario Kart DS'' sold 3,112,363 units as of July 2008,<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Best Selling Games |magazine=Famitsu |date=July 2008}}</ref> and 3,224,996 copies as of January 2009, making it the sixth best-selling game for the Nintendo DS since the console's release.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Best Selling Games |magazine=Famitsu |date=January 2009}}</ref> In the United States, it sold 910,000 copies and earned $31&nbsp;million by August 2006. During the period between January 2000 and August 2006, it was the 23rd highest-selling game launched for the [[Game Boy Advance]], [[Nintendo DS]], or [[PlayStation Portable]] in that country.<ref name=nextgensales>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010052300/http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3557&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=0 |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3557&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=0 |title=The Century's Top 50 Handheld Games |author=Keiser, Joe |date=August 2, 2006 |work=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |archive-date=October 10, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2009, ''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]'' ranked the game 26th on a list of greatest Nintendo games.<ref>{{cite web | author=East, Tom | date=February 24, 2009 | title=100 Best Nintendo Games: Part 4 | url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7276 | work=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]] | publisher=[[Future plc]] | access-date=September 9, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226213643/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7276 | archive-date=February 26, 2009 | url-status=dead }}</ref> As of March 2016, ''Mario Kart DS'' has sold 23.6&nbsp;million units worldwide.<ref name="mar16">{{cite web|date=March 31, 2016|title=Top Selling Software Sales Units|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/sales/software/ds.html|access-date=April 27, 2016|website=[[Nintendo]]|archive-date=January 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129164222/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/sales/software/ds.html|url-status=live}}</ref><!--<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2014/06/02/mario-kart-8-speeds-to-over-1-2-million-sales-in-opening-weekend.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140604084937/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2014/06/02/mario-kart-8-speeds-to-over-1-2-million-sales-in-opening-weekend.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=June 4, 2014|title=''Mario Kart 8'' Speeds To Over 1.2 Million Sales in Opening Weekend|last=Futter|first=Mike|date=June 2, 2014|work=[[Game Informer]]|publisher=[[GameStop]]|access-date=June 2, 2014}}</ref>-->

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
*{{Official website|https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-DS/Mario-Kart-DS-271518.html}}
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/amcj/ Official website] {{in lang|ja}}
*{{IMDb title|0496536}}
*{{MobyGames|id=/mario-kart-ds}}
{{commons category}}
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{{Mario Kart}}
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[[Category:Mario Kart|DS]]
[[Category:2005 video games]]
[[Category:Mario racing games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Nintendo DS games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Virtual Console games]]
[[Category:Virtual Console games for Wii U]]