Mario Kart DS review

Mario Kart DS takes first place because it gives a collector the most game for the least money and the least effort. Nintendo's own listing describes 32 courses spread over Grand Prix, Time Trial, VS., Battle and Mission modes, and notes that it was the first entry in the series to bring back classic courses from earlier Mario Kart titles. It also added the Blooper and Bullet Bill items and an emblem editor for customizing karts. Nintendo lists support for 1 to 8 players and a PEGI 3 rating, so it works for a child, a solo player chasing Mission mode or a group with several systems. The cost is low: DKOldies lists a used cartridge at $34.99. The main loss is online play, which ended with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection on May 20, 2014, and the Wii U Virtual Console release drops wireless features and is no longer sold.

Who it is for

Collectors who want one cheap, instantly playable cartridge that also works for groups of friends.

Price

Used DS cartridge from $34.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $34.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• 32 courses across Grand Prix, Time Trial, VS., Battle and Mission modes
• First Mario Kart to bring back classic courses from earlier games
• Introduced the Blooper and Bullet Bill items
• Emblem editor for customizing karts
• 1 to 8 players, per Nintendo's listing

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Lowest-priced Nintendo first-party pick here at $34.99 used
• Strength: Mission mode adds single-player content beyond the races
• Strength: Rated PEGI 3, so it suits every age
• Weakness: Online play ended when Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection closed on May 20, 2014
• Weakness: Multiplayer needs other DS systems nearby
• Weakness: The Wii U Virtual Console version is single player and can no longer be bought

Key facts

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Developer: Nintendo
• Players: 1 to 8
• Age rating: PEGI 3
• Courses: 32

Where it ranks

Mario Kart DS is No. 1 in our Best Nintendo DS Games of All Time verdict.