How to Play Mario Kart on DS

Mario Kart DS allows you to play five different ways. Combining classic design with new challenges and items, Mario Kart DS has scored positive reviews. You can race grand prix style, compete against other opponents or the clock, battle or go on missions.

Instructions

1. Pick your player from the pit row. Shy Guy joins Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, Yoshi, Wario, DK and Bowser in Mario Kart DS. When you pick your player, evaluate the speed and acceleration of the kart with their off-road ability. Also think about the weight of the kart, how well the player drifts around corners and the item score.

2. Earn the most points to win the grand prix races, which consist of four races per cup. Nintendo uses the Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, Star Cup and Special Cup from earlier versions and adds Shell Cup, Banana Cup, Leaf Cup and Lightning Cup.

3. Race against the clock in time trials. You can try to beat your time or share your times with your friends and see if they can beat your time.

4. Link with other players who have their own DS systems or via Wi-Fi. Mario Kart DS allows you to link up to eight players with DS systems using one Mario Kart cartridge. Online, you play against a maximum of three other players.

5. Complete missions and unlock new challenges in mission mode or battle. In Balloon Battle, try to pop your opponent's balloons or play Shine Runners to collect the most Shine Sprites.

6. Use the map screen to track your progress and your opponents. You can also see the locations for items and traps. The column on the left shows the order of your opponents and the weapons or items they have.

7. Hit the special items box to get items, which include weapons to take out your opponents or items to boost your speed. New items for Mario Kart DS include Bob-omb, Bullet Bill and Blooper.