Mario Kart DS Unlockables
Unlockable Characters and items
| Unlockable | How to Unlock |
|---|---|
| Item - Choose from 7 karts for each character | Get a gold trophy in every cup in Nitro Grand Prix on 150cc |
| Character - Waluigi | Get a Gold Trophy on every cup in Retro Grand Prix on 100cc |
| Item - 3rd kart for all characters | Get a Gold Trophy on every cup in Nitro Grand Prix on 100cc |
| Character - Daisy | Get a Gold Trophy on every cup in Retro Grand Prix on 50cc |
| Character - Dry Bones | Get a Gold Trophy on every cup in Nitro Grand Prix on 50cc |
| Unlock R.O.B. as a racer | Finish either 150cc Mirror Mode Class with Gold Trophies on all cups |
| Unlock "Mission 7" in Mission Mode | Get at least a 1-star ranking on all levels of every mission in Mission Levels 1-6 |
| 150cc Mirror Mode | Finish 150cc Retro Class with Gold trophies on every cup |
| Item - Choose from any kart for each character | Get a gold trophy in every cup in the Grand Prix on 150cc mirror that you didn't use to unlock R.O.B. |
Unlockable Cups
Each of the unlockable cups are only unlocked in one engine class at a time. For example, if you unlock Star Cup in 50cc you will still have to unlock it in 150cc.
| Unlockable | How to Unlock |
|---|---|
| Lightning Cup | Get Gold on Leaf Cup |
| Special Cup | Get Gold on Star Cup |
| Leaf Cup | Get Gold on Shell Cup and Banana Cup |
| Star Cup | Get Gold on Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup |
Alternate Title Screen
| Unlockable | How to Unlock |
|---|---|
| Alternate Title Screen | Finish all classes with gold trophies on all cups |
Staff Ghost Times - Nitro Cups
These ghosts are unlocked in Time Trial mode by obtaining a specific time on each course. The ghosts are those of the staff who made the game, and are all very difficult to overcome. The times given for each track are those of the Staff Ghost; the ability to race the Ghost is acquired by timing a few seconds more than the Staff Ghost on that track. It varies from track to track, though the required time is usually within 5 to 10 seconds of the Staff Ghost's time.
| Unlockable | How to Unlock |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Road | 2:16:246 |
| Bowser Castle | 2:19:661 |
| Wario Stadium | 2:14:868 |
| Peach Gardens | 1:52:989 |
| Airship Fortress | 2:07:748 |
| Mario Circuit | 1:56:533 |
| Tick-Tock Clock | 1:54:903 |
| DK Pass | 2:14:607 |
| Shroom Ridge | 2:05:123 |
| Walugi Pinabll | 2:23:288 |
| Delfino Square | 1:54:601 |
| Desert Hills | 1:31:262 |
| Luigi's Mansion | 1:59:357 |
| Cheep Cheep Beach | 1:43:654 |
| Yoshi Falls | 0:57:677 |
| Figure-8 Circuit | 1:36:481 |
Staff Ghost Times - Retro Cups
These ghosts are unlocked in Time Trial mode by obtaining a specific time on each course. The ghosts are those of the staff who made the game, and are all very difficult to overcome. The times given for each track are those of the Staff Ghost; the ability to race the Ghost is acquired by timing a few seconds more than the Staff Ghost on that track. It varies from track to track, though the required time is usually within 5 to 10 seconds of the Staff Ghost's time.
| Unlockable | How to Unlock |
|---|---|
| Mario Circuit 1 | 0:50:688 |
| Moo Moo Farm | 1:17:751 |
| Peach Circuit | 1:12:011 |
| Luigi Circuit | 1:29:759 |
| Donut Plains 1 | 1:08:027 |
| Frappe Snowland | 2:08:781 |
| Bowser Castle 2 | 1:52:258 |
| Baby Park | 0:50:920 |
| Koopa Beach 2 | 0:54:847 |
| Choco Mountain | 2:15:571 |
| Luigi Circuit | 1:46:581 |
| Mushroom Bridge | 1:30:600 |
| Choco Island 2 | 1:01:620 |
| Banshee Boardwalk | 2:14:403 |
| Sky Garden | 1:44:400 |
| Yoshi Circuit | 1:48:793 |
Alternate Ending Screen
Different "Thank you for playing" screen after credits.
| Unlockable | How to Unlock |
|---|---|
| Alternate Ending Screen | Finish all classes with gold trophies on all cups (including mirror mode) |
Earn a star for your nickname
The staff ghosts have stars next to their nicknames when you see them on tracks. You can earn a star for yourself as well. It is only visible to other players in-game, but the star appears in your Records screen (Records button from the main menu) when you earn it.
| Unlockable | How to Unlock |
|---|---|
| Starred nickname | Beat all cups in all modes with 1-star rating or better |
| Have two stars next to your name on wifi. | Get a two star rating on all prixs. |
| Have three stars next to your name on wifi. | Get a three star rating on all prixs. |
Mario Kart DS Secrets
Turbo Boost After Lakitu Retrieval
If you fall off the track or get stuck underwater for more than a couple moments, Lakitu comes to pull you out and place you on the track again. When he picks you up, wait until you're dropped onto the track again, then press the acceleration at that exact moment and you'll get a turbo boost if you timed it correctly.
Turbo Boost at Start of Race
To get a turbo boost at the start of a race, do not hold the acceleration button down prior to the race starting. Wait until just after the number 2 in the countdown disappears, then hold A. If done right, you will receive a turbo boost as soon as the race starts.
Mario Kart DS FAQs & Walk-Throughs
Hints & FAQs provided courtesy of GameFAQs.
