| Mario Kart DS - Characters
A look at the characters and secret characters in this game.
There are eight characters and four secret characters in Mario Kart DS not including Shyguy. Until you unlock karts for all characters, the character will determine what kart they can use. Have a look at the unlockables section for more information.
The characters can be split into three groups, which are Light, Medium and Heavy. Below is a table (taken from the instruction booklet); the more stars that they have, the better! Depending on your feel of the kart and/or character it's up to you who you choose.
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ACCELERATION |
SPEED |
HANDLING |
| Light |
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| Medium |
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| Heavy |
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Mario (Medium)
Mario Mario is an italian plumber who has his name in the game. He is an all rounded character, and I'm not talking about his belly. He has no weaknesses neither any strong points, however he is a balanced character who can cope with fatty Bowsers, or skinny snaking Toads. |
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Luigi (Medium)
Luigi is Mario's brother, and is an all-rounder as well. He has cool grip, and one of his karts is a vacuum cleaner inspired by the Poltergust from Luigi's Mansion I presume. |
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Princess Peach (Light)
This is Mario's bia... cough, Peach is a lightweight and is amazing at drifiting. Princess Peach has her own track which is located outside her castle and is called Peach Gardens. |
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Yoshi (Light)
This guy has always been riden on by Mario's fat-ass. Now Yoshi can drive something! Yoshi is an ideal character for snaking. He may not have great speed, but by snaking, he can easily catch up with heavyweights! |
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Toad (Light)
Isn't it weird that he has a mushroom on his head. I mean how does hear anything without any ears? Anyhoo, this guy is similar to Yoshi and for some reason girls find him cute. Probably because Peach uses him as a slave!!! Setting a good example Toad. |
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Donkey Kong (Heavy)
DK! Donkey Kong! Once rivals with Mario, Donkey Kong is back in line to race. This guy is cool and is good at drifting at high speeds. Not a good candidate for snaking. |
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Bowser (Heavy)
I'm surprised this kart can handle Bowser's heavy weight. This guy is amazing for knocking slimmer people off the course. Try Rainbow Road for example. You do not want to be between him and DK. You'll be like the tennis ball in a game of Tennis! |
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Wario (Heavy)
Wario. Mario's copycat. This purpiless yellow dude has a jabber-gut on him, and can knock opponents off in a flash. However, as all heavyweights, he has poor acceleration, but his speed makes up for it! |
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Shyguy (Light)
Unfortunately, this dude is only available in Single Card DS Download Play. By this, I mean that users without Mario Kart DS can play as him, as long as another Mario Kart DS owner/host allows them to. He's an amazing character and plays like a dream! |
Unlockable Characters:
If you don't want to know how to unlock these characters turn away now. If you're tempted; have a look. Basically all you do is complete all the Grand Prix with a Gold. Simple enough.
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Waluigi (Medium)
This lanky character is Wario's brother. He's the bad version of Luigi supposedly.
- Unlock him by winning all cups in 100cc |
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Daisy (Medium)
Sorry, but her voice is annoying. Everytime she passes you she has to scream high-pitch. Keep your volume on mute when you see her. Gosh!
- Unlock her by winning all Retro Cups in 50cc |
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Drybones (Light)
This guy is probably the substitues for Koopa, and he plays like a dream. Similar to Yoshi and Toad. It's amazing how something that is made of bones can drive a kart, through a shell and turn into banzai bill.
- Unlock bone boy by winning all Nitro Cups in 50cc |
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R.O.B (Heavy)
Many feel unsatisfied having this guy in the Mario Kart series. This guy was a peripheral that was used for the NES/ Famicom. Robotic Operating Buddy. Yup.
- Unlock this special character by getting all Gold in Nitro Cup's Mirror Mode |
Isn't it a pity Koopa or Baby Mario wasn't selectable and you could only use Shyguy in Download Play. Pity.
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