Mario Kart DS

Platform: Nintendo DS™ (NDS™)
Publisher / Developer: Nintendo
Region: Japan
Product code: NTR-P-AMCJ
Release year: 2005 (JP)

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🏎️ What kind of game is it?

Mario Kart DS is the Nintendo DS entry in the iconic kart racing series, featuring Mario and friends racing across classic and new tracks with items, drifting, and competitive multiplayer.

It’s widely regarded as one of the best Mario Kart games due to its tight controls and strong multiplayer focus.

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🕹️ Gameplay highlights

• Grand Prix, Time Trial, VS, and Battle modes

• 32 tracks total:

  • 16 brand-new DS tracks

  • 16 classic tracks from earlier Mario Kart games

• Mission Mode (unique to Mario Kart DS)

  • Complete challenges like boss races and item missions

• Online-style AI and ghost racing (offline today, but still playable locally)

• Precise drift mechanics and classic item balance

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🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Multiplayer

• Local wireless multiplayer for up to 8 players

• Download Play supported (only one cartridge needed)

• Original Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection online racing is now discontinued, but all local modes work perfectly

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🌍 Region & compatibility

• Nintendo DS cartridges are region-free

• This Japanese version (NTR-P-AMCJ) works on all Nintendo DS, DS Lite, DSi, 3DS, and 2DS systems worldwide

• Language differences are minimal; menus are easy to navigate even without Japanese

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⭐ Why it’s notable

• First Mario Kart with online multiplayer (historically)

• Introduced Mission Mode

• Excellent balance between accessibility and competitive depth

• A must-have title for DS owners and collectors

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📌 Additional notes

• Japanese, US, and EU versions are functionally identical aside from language

• Save data is stored on the cartridge

• Still one of the most popular DS games for local multiplayer