Mario Kart DS

Mario Kart DS is the continuation of the long-running racing game series that began on the Super Nintendo with Super Mario Kart . It features 16 new tracks as well as 16 tracks from the previous four games, with each set split up into the Nitro and Retro Grand Prix, respectively. Eight racers are initially available, each with two go-karts to choose from. A number of characters and additional karts are also available to unlock. New items have been added to the arsenal, including a Blooper squid that squirts ink onto the screens of other players and a Bullet Bill power-up that transforms the player into a giant, fast-travelling bullet on autopilot.

One of the features of this version is its support for online Internet play through Nintendo's WiFi service. Mario Kart DS owners can challenge up to three other people in Grand Prix mode on 20 of the 32 tracks. Players can also match up with friends by trading "Friend Codes" that are generated based on the DS that is used and the copy of the game owned. Custom emblems to use on karts are supported through the game's paint program.

Battle mode is also present with eight-player support and 6 tracks. This time, there are two modes to choose from: "Balloon Battle" and "Shine Runners". Balloon Battle is similar to the previous versions of this mode, with the exception that every player starts with only one balloon and five in reserve. Players can have two additional balloons by either holding the Select button while standing still to inflate them, or by blowing into the DS's microphone. "Shine Runners" tasks players with collecting "Shines", with the winner being the one who has the most.

New to the series is "Mission Mode", which comprises a series of single-player, objective-based missions. Each mission takes place on a section of a race track and tasks the player with goals not normally seen in the other game modes. Such tasks include picking up coins on the track, using items to take out enemies, and racing through numbered gates. Missions are split up into six sets of 8, with a ninth mission for each, where players must battle against a boss character.

Local wireless multiplayer is supported for up to eight people in Grand Prix, VS, and Battle Modes. Time trial "ghost" data can be shared as well, and DS owners who don't have the game can use the Download & Play option to join in Grand Prix mode. However, non- Mario Kart owners are limited to selecting Shy Guy as their character.