Mario Kart DS is a racing game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS handheld console. It is the fifth installment in the Mario Kart series and was released in 2005.

The game features a variety of modes, including Grand Prix, Time Trials, and VS mode, where players can race against each other via local wireless play. The game also includes online play through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service, allowing players to compete against other players from around the world.

Players can choose from a selection of characters from the Mario universe, each with their own unique vehicles and attributes. The game features 32 tracks in total, with 16 new tracks and 16 classic tracks from previous Mario Kart games.

Mario Kart DS introduces new items to the series, such as the Blooper, which can obstruct the view of other players, and the Bullet Bill, which provides a speed boost and automatically steers the player towards the lead racer.

Overall, Mario Kart DS is a beloved entry in the Mario Kart franchise, with its fun and engaging gameplay, a large selection of tracks and characters, and the addition of online play making it a fan-favorite among both casual and competitive players.