Mario Kart DS is a classic Mario Kart game for the Nintendo DS released in 2005. Known for its creative track designs, fun multiplayer modes, and large selection of playable characters, Mario Kart DS has unlockable karts, courses, and other surprises that reward skilled gameplay. This guide will walk you through exactly how to unlock all the secret items and racers in Mario Kart DS.
Unlocking Cups and Courses
Mario Kart DS has a total of 32 race tracks spread across 8 Cups of 4 tracks each. While 16 tracks are available from the start, the other 16 tracks are unlockables obtained by completing certain requirements.
Nitro Grand Prix Cups
There are two Nitro Grand Prix Cups – the Leaf Cup and the Lightning Cup. These contain brand new Mario Kart courses.
To unlock:
- Leaf Cup: Win gold trophies on 50cc and 100cc in the Mushroom, Flower, Star, and Special Cups
- Lightning Cup: Win gold trophies on 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc in the four base game Nitro Cups (Mushroom, Flower, Star, and Special)
Winning gold trophies requires finishing in 1st place in every course in a Cup. Adjust the engine class using the options menu to control the game’s speed and difficulty.
Retro Grand Prix Cups
There are also two unlockable Retro Grand Prix cups – the Egg Cup and the Boo Cup. These Cups contain classic Mario Kart courses.
To unlock:
- Egg Cup: Win gold trophies on 100cc in Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup
- Boo Cup: Win gold trophies on 100cc in all 16 base game courses.
Retro Cups bring back race tracks from past Mario Kart games. The Egg Cup has courses from Mario Kart: Super Circuit on GBA, while the Boo Cup brings back courses from Mario Kart 64.
Unlocking Battle Courses
In addition to race tracks, there are five battle mode courses to unlock in Mario Kart DS.
To unlock:
- Battle Course 1 – Play VS mode once
- Battle Course 2 – Win gold in 50cc Mushroom Cup
- Battle Course 3 – Win gold in 100cc Star Cup
- Battle Course 4 – Win gold in 150cc Special Cup
- Battle Course 5 – Win 1,350 races
Winning battles in these unlocked courses also contributes to unlocking the playable R.O.B. character.
Unlocking Characters
Mario Kart DS features 12 playable drivers with 8 starting characters and 4 to unlock. Each character has minor differences in speed, acceleration, and weight which affects their performance.
Default Characters
- Mario
- Luigi
- Peach
- Yoshi
- Donkey Kong
- Wario
- Bowser
- Toad
Unlockable Characters
There are four unlockable characters that can be used in all game modes once obtained.
Dry Bones:
Dry Bones is an undead boney Koopa Troopa that needs to be unlocked.
To unlock:
- Win Gold Trophy on 50cc Flower Cup
R.O.B.:
R.O.B is a vintage Nintendo robot accessory that can be unlocked.
To unlock R.O.B:
- Play VS Mode 250 times
- Win 100 battles
R.O.B. is unlocked by meeting either requirement, not both. Mix up single and multiplayer battles across unlocked courses to unlock him efficiently.
Waluigi:
Waluigi is Wario’s tricky rival. Unlock him by:
- Getting at least 1 star rank in every 150cc base game cup
Gold trophies not required – just 1 star minimum to demonstrate skill needed to handle Waluigi’s poor acceleration.
Shy Guy:
Shy Guy wearing a colored robe is unlocked by:
- Winning 150cc Lightning Cup
Shy Guy has good acceleration and handling – fitting rewards for beating all nitro cups on the highest speed.
Practice drifting and using items effectively to maintain speed so you can meet the tight requirements to unlock Shy Guy.
Unlocking Vehicles Parts
Mario Kart DS has a deep kart customization system that is essential for competitive play. Winning cups at high difficulties unlocks new frames, tires, and gliders that impact speed, acceleration, handling, and other stats.
Here’s how to unlock all 27 kart parts:
Kart Frames:
- Standard Kart – Default
- Booster Seat – Win 50cc Lighting Cup
- Cheep Charger – Win 100cc Mushroom Cup
- Tiny Titan – Play Time Trial mode once
- Dry Bomber – Win 50cc Egg Cup
- Power Flower – Win 100cc Flower Cup
- Barrel Train – Win 150cc Star Cup
- Sneakster – Win 150cc Special Cup
- Bolt Buggy – Win 100cc Leaf Cup
- Koopa Dasher – Win 150cc Egg Cup
- Para-Wing – Win 100cc Lightning Cup
Tires:
- Standard – Default
- Monster – Win 50cc Mushroom Cup
- Roller – Win 50cc Flower Cup
- Mushroom – Win 100cc Mushroom Cup
- Sponge – Play 32 courses
- Wood – Win 50cc Star Cup
- Red Monster – Win 100cc Flower Cup
- Gold – Win 150cc Lighting Cup
Gliders:
- Super Glider – Default
- Flower Glider – Win 50cc Leaf Cup
- Blooper – Win 50cc Special Cup
- Plane Glider – Win 50cc Egg Cup
- Paraglider – Win 150cc Mushroom Cup
- Mushroom Glider – Win 100cc Egg Cup
Mix and match these parts to build the best kart to suit your racing style and the course demands. Powerful parts tend become available after beating 150cc cups using less powerful default parts – a true test of skill!
Unlocking Multiplayer Modes
Mario Kart DS has a variety of multiplayer Vs battle modes that first need unlocking. These range from straight up balloon bursting battles to more strategic “capture the flag” style games.
To unlock:
- Vs Mode – Play Grand Prix once
- Battle Mode – Play Vs Mode once
- Shine Runners Mode – Win 50 battles
- Shine Thieves Mode – Win 100 battles
Win battles in solo play against AI or connected multiplayer against friends to unlock Shine battle modes.
Unlocking Missions
Mario Kart DS has special single player Missions that challenge you to beat objectives other than just coming 1st place in a normal race. These include collecting coins, hitting enemies with items, and more.
There are a total of 9 Missions divided into sets of 3.
To unlock:
- Mission 1-1 – Win Mushroom Cup
- Mission 1-2 – Complete Mission 1-1
- Mission 1-3 – Complete Mission 1-2
And so on until Mission 3-3. Completing each mission unlocks the next in sequence across the nine missions spread across three mission packs.
Missions provide fun distractions from standard races, test Mario Kart DS skills, and unlocking them all demonstrates mastery of the game.
Tips for Unlocking Everything
Here are some final tips for unlocking all cups, modes, parts, racers and missions in Mario Kart DS:
- Start on lower speeds – Unlocks are easier by starting on 50cc and 100cc before moving up to harder 150cc races.
- Time Trials – Practice courses in Time Trial mode to prepare for tougher Cup races.
- Customize karts – Mix and match unlocked kart parts to maximize speed on tough 150cc cups.
- Multiplayer – Race friends or battle AIs to unlock items without playing Grand Prix over and over.
- Use drift – Drift around tight corners by hopping into slides. It’s essential for high speeds.
- Take shortcuts – Learn track shortcuts to shave seconds off your time.
- Items – Master using items to attack enemies and breakaway in 1st place.
With some dedication, skill, and probing every corner of Mario Kart DS, you’ll unlock all the secret characters, courses, and awesome kart parts in no time. Then enjoy showing off rare items during multiplayer against friends!
Conclusion
Unlocking everything in Mario Kart DS can be a challenging task, but it’s also a rewarding one. By following the tips in this guide, you can increase your chances of success. So what are you waiting for? Start playing today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I unlock all the characters in Mario Kart DS?
To unlock all the characters in Mario Kart DS, you need to win gold trophies in various cups. The specific cups required for each character are as follows:
- Dry Bones: Win the gold trophy in the 50cc Special Cup.
- Daisy: Win the gold trophy in the 50cc Lightning Cup.
- Waluigi: Win the gold trophy in the 100cc Lightning Cup.
- R.O.B.: Win the gold trophy in the Mirror Mode Special Cup.
- Shy Guy: Win the gold trophy in the 50cc Leaf Cup or play 100 races.
- Mii: Create a Mii character using the Mii Channel on your Nintendo DS.
- Bowser Jr.: Play as Bowser and get a 1-star ranking in all 100cc Cups.
- Birdo: Play 16 races on 16 different courses with Yoshi.
- Petey Piranha: Play as Koopa Troopa and get a 1-star ranking on all 50cc and 100cc Cups.
- King Boo: Get at least a 1-star ranking on all 150cc Cups.
How do I unlock all the items in Mario Kart DS?
To unlock all the items in Mario Kart DS, you need to win gold trophies in various cups. The specific cups required for each item are as follows:
- Daisy Cruiser: Win the gold trophy in the 150cc Special Cup.
- Funky Kong: Win the gold trophy in the 150cc Shell Cup.
- Dry Bones Kart: Win the gold trophy in the 150cc Banana Cup.
- Boo’s Scooter: Win the gold trophy in the 150cc Leaf Cup.
What is the fastest kart in Mario Kart DS?
The fastest kart in Mario Kart DS is the Standard Kart S, which has a top speed of 2.5. However, it is also the most difficult kart to control. For beginners, the Mach Bike is a good option, as it has a good balance of speed and handling.
What is the best way to collect coins in Mario Kart DS?
The best way to collect coins in Mario Kart DS is to drive over them, hit them with items, or complete laps. You can also find coins hidden in some tracks.
How do I use items in Mario Kart DS?
To use items in Mario Kart DS, you need to press the L or R button. The specific item you use will depend on which item you are holding. You can pick up items by driving over them or hitting them with other items.
