Release Information
| Region | Name | Release |
|---|---|---|
 |
Mario Kart DS | 14 Nov 2005 |
 |
Mario Kart DS | 25 Nov 2005 |
 |
マリオカートDS Mario Kart DS | 08 Dec 2005 |
Re-releases
| System | |
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Wii U Virtual Console | - | 23 Apr 2015 | 02 Apr 2015 |
Mario Kart DS
| System | Nintendo DS |
|---|---|
| Developer | Nintendo |
| Genre | Racing |
| Series | Super Mario Series |
The fifth instalment in the racing series starring Mario and friends. Race laps around a series of circuits set in the Mario world, using items to attack your opponents or speed ahead.
You are given points based on your rank. Clear four stages in each Cup with the most total points to win. As well as new stages, there is also a selection of stages from past Mario Kart games, and a mission mode where you can test your skills in short stages and boss battles.
As well as wireless single-cart multiplayer racing and battles, you can also go online to play against friends, or choose to play strangers locally, continentally or worldwide.
Cameos
R.O.B.
Screenshot Required
One of the unlockable characters is R.O.B., the Robotic Operating Buddy NES accessory. In the Japanese version, ROB is "Famicom Robot" and appears in his original Japanese colours.
The ROB-BLS kart is based on R.O.B.'s Stack-Up set, with trays surrounding him. The ROB-LGS kart appears to stand for "R.O.B. Legs".
Cameo Karts
Several of the karts are references to other games:
Screenshot Required
Clown Car Copter
Bowser's Clown Car Copter is based on the Koopa Clown Car that he used in Super Mario World and Paper Mario.
Screenshot Required
Rambi Rider
Donkey Kong's Rambi Rider car is based on Rambi, Donkey Kong's animal buddy from Donkey Kong Country.
Nintendo DS Battle Course
Screenshot Required
One of the Battle courses takes place on a giant Nintendo DS.
Super Mario Bros. 3 Icons
Screenshot Required
When you start the game, the icon that appears next to the 1-player mode is Mario's head from Super Mario Bros. 3. When the multiplayer game is loading, Mario and Luigi's 8-bit heads both appear, overlapping each other.
Wario Stadium
Screenshot Required
In Wario Stadium, 8-bit sprites of a Super Mushroom and Star Man from Super Mario Bros., as well as the NES font, all appear on displays around the course.
Shroom Ridge
Screenshot Required
On the Shroom Ridge track, the trucks feature sprites of Cheep Cheep from Super Mario Bros. 3 and Berries from Super Mario World on the side.
