All Collectibles Guide
Collecting all the hidden items and unlockables in Mario Kart DS is a sificant undertaking that rewards dedicated players with new characters, karts, and even the coveted Mirror Mode. These collectibles are primarily earned through success in the Grand Prix and Mission Mode.
Unlocking Karts:
Each character in Mario Kart DS has a set of unlockable karts that offer different stat distributions. To unlock these, you must achieve a Gold Trophy (1st place) in every cup of a specific Grand Prix difficulty. For example, winning all cups in the 50cc Mushroom Cup will unlock a new kart for one character, while completing 100cc will unlock another, and so on. The final set of karts is unlocked by winning all cups in the 150cc Nitro Grand Prix.
Unlocking Characters:
Mario Kart DS features a roster of unlockable characters that expand your racing options. To unlock Luigi, you must win the 100cc Mushroom and Shell Cups. Peach is unlocked by winning the 150cc Mushroom and Leaf Cups. Waluigi is obtained by winning the 100cc Star Cup. Donkey Kong can be unlocked by winning the 150cc Star Cup. Finally, the challenging Bowser Jr. is unlocked by completing all missions with at least a 1-star rating.
Unlocking Mirror Mode:
Mirror Mode, where all the tracks are flipped horizontally, is a sificant challenge and a testament to your mastery of the game. To unlock Mirror Mode, you must achieve a Gold Trophy in all cups across all four 150cc Grand Prix cups (Mushroom, Shell, Leaf, and Lightning). This requires consistent performance and a deep understanding of every track in reverse.
Collecting Stars on Tracks:
While not a traditional "collectible," earning stars on each track in Grand Prix mode is a key indicator of your skill. Achieving a Gold Trophy in every cup of a given Grand Prix difficulty (50cc, 100cc, 150cc) will grant you a star next to that difficulty on the main menu. Earning all three stars for a difficulty sifies complete mastery of that tier.
Mission Mode Stars:
As mentioned in the Mission Mode section, earning 1, 2, or 3 stars in each mission contributes to unlocking Bowser Jr. and other rewards. The total number of stars you accumulate across all missions is tracked, and reaching certain thresholds will unlock content. Aiming for 3 stars on every mission is the ultimate goal for completionists.