Release: 2005 Platform: Nintendo DS Who would've thought that the most complete Mario Kart package would come in the form of a portable game? Mario Kart DS might not have featured much in the way of flashy new gimmicks like many of the later iterations, but its online functionality and clean aesthetics made it totally mandatory for Nintendo DS owners. The online play meant that, for the first time, Mario Kart players could race against their friends anywhere, with the gameplay allowing for sessions ranging from short bursts to tournament marathons. Other features, such as the Retro Grand Prix, which allowed players to try out some classic courses from the franchise's history, along with controls that thankfully avoided the touch screen made Mario Kart DS the best way to experience the series' celebrated gameplay.
