Common Sense Media Review
By Erin Bell
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fresh, fun go-karting with cartoonish mischief.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 46 kid reviews
Kids say that this game is a fun and accessible racing experience perfect for players of all ages. While the gameplay is easy to pick up and entertaining, some have noted that certain mechanics can be tricky to master and the shoulder buttons of the device may wear out with prolonged use.
- fun gameplay
- accessible for ages
- some tricky mechanics
- possible button wear
- great for friends
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
Like its predecessors, MARIO KART DS combines traditional racing mechanics with whimsical course design. A typical example is a course called Waluigi Pinball where you navigate around a giant pinball machine with bumpers, gutters, and giant rolling silver balls. Grand Prix mode offers eight Cup championships with four courses each; Nitro Grand Prix circuit offers 16 new courses, while the Retro Grand Prix offers a blend of classic courses from past Mario Kart games. Players choose from a roster of 11 Mario regulars to drive the kart; each character has a signature kart and a few fun alternatives like an egg, tank, or a tractor.
Is It Any Good?
Part of what makes this game so good is the plethora of game modes beyond the Grand Prix modes including Time Trials, VS races, Battle and Mission. The game allows up to three other people to compete through an ad hoc network or over WiFi.
One slightly controversial aspect is the effort to try to level the playing field: Power-ups are still a big part of the racing strategy, and karts running at the back of the pack receive better power-ups than those at the front. This is great if players of varying skill levels and ages want to play together, but it can be frustrating for the leaders. Still, the Mario Kart series has always been more about fun and inclusiveness than purely skills-based racing, and Mario Kart DS is no different. The game's stellar course design, top-notch production values, and depth make it the game by which all other DS kart racing titles must measure themselves.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about fairness. Should drivers at the back of the pack get the best power-ups? Why or why not? When in life is it good to give those falling behind an extra boost?
Game Details
- Platform : Nintendo DS
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Nintendo
- Release date : November 14, 2005
- Genre : Racing
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks )
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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