Mastering Mario Kart DS: Your Ultimate Luigi 50cc Retro Grand Prix Speedrun Guide

Hey there, fellow racers and speedrun enthusiasts! Are you tired of seeing those ghosts on the leaderboards and dreaming of your own world record? Do you want to leave your mates in the dust, not just in a casual race, but in a true display of skill and dedication? If you're diving into Mario Kart DS and aiming for perfection, especially in the iconic Retro Grand Prix 50cc with Luigi, then you've landed in the right pit stop. This isn't just a casual walkthrough; this is your deep-dive guide to understanding the nuances, the glitches, and the absolute best strats to shave off those precious seconds. We're going to dissect every turn, every item box, and every potential shortcut to help you achieve that sweet, sweet PB. Get ready to transform your gameplay from a friendly competition into a serious speedrun attempt.

Unlocking the Retro Grand Prix 50cc with Luigi

The Retro Grand Prix in Mario Kart DS is a classic for a reason. It throws you back to some of the most beloved tracks from earlier installments, but with the DS's unique mechanics. Kicking things off in 50cc is the perfect place to start for any aspiring speedrunner. It's a slower pace, which allows for more deliberate execution of advanced techniques and a better understanding of the track layouts before you ramp up to the faster classes. When you choose Luigi, you're opting for a character with specific strengths. While he might not be the absolute top-tier pick for every single speedrun category, mastering him in 50cc is a fantastic stepping stone. His slightly higher top speed compared to some lighter characters can be advantageous on longer straights, but it's his handling and acceleration that we'll need to optimize.

Dissecting the Retro Grand Prix Tracks (50cc Focus)

The Retro Grand Prix 50cc is your proving ground. Mastering these tracks is crucial for any speedrun attempt in Mario Kart DS. Let's break down each one:

Mario Circuit

This course is often the opener, designed to get you acquainted with the game's core mechanics.
  • Key Features: Tight turns, a few gentle jumps, and a well-known mushroom shortcut.
  • Speedrun Strat: The mushroom shortcut at the end of the lap is your bread and butter. Aim to get a mushroom item and use it precisely as you approach the ramp. Even without a mushroom, a well-timed hop can give you a slight boost. Focus on clean drifts through the earlier turns to build mini-turbo boosts.

Moo Moo Farm

A fan favorite from Mario Kart 64, this track offers a different kind of challenge.
  • Key Features: Open fields, wandering cows (obstacles!), and a somewhat hidden shortcut.
  • Speedrun Strat: The cows can disrupt your flow, so learn their patterns. The shortcut here requires a bit more precision. It's often a series of small jumps or bumps. Perfecting the hop or mini-turbo entry into this shortcut is key to shaving off seconds. Item boxes in the center are high-value targets.

Peach Circuit

This course tests your ability to handle winding paths and maintain momentum.
  • Key Features: Numerous twists and turns, requiring constant steering adjustments.
  • Speedrun Strat: Drifting is absolutely paramount here. You'll want to chain drifts together to maintain your speed boost. Look for opportunities to use items like bananas or shells defensively to prevent opponents from disrupting your lines.

Luigi Circuit

Closing out the Grand Prix, this track is named after your chosen racer, and it's all about speed.
  • Key Features: Long straightaways interspersed with challenging corners. Plenty of item box opportunities.
  • Speedrun Strat: Utilize Luigi's top speed here, but don't neglect the corners. Mastering the mini-turbo drifts on the straights and using item boxes effectively is critical. A well-timed Star or Bullet Bill can be race-winning.
In my experience, the biggest time-saver on Luigi Circuit is learning to drift *just* as you exit the turn before a long straight. This gives you a boost right when you need it most.

Luigi's Role and Advanced Techniques

Luigi in Mario Kart DS at 50cc presents an interesting dynamic for speedrunning. His stats, while not as universally dominant as some others, can be leveraged with the right techniques.
Understanding character stats is foundational for any serious speedrun. For Luigi, it's about maximizing his strengths and mitigating his weaknesses.
* Top Speed vs. Acceleration: Luigi has decent top speed, which is great for maintaining pace on long straights. However, his acceleration isn't the highest. This means that recovering from stumbles, collisions, or slow starts can cost you more time. * Handling: His handling is generally good, allowing for precise steering. This is vital for hitting those tight lines and executing perfect drifts. To truly excel with Luigi in a speedrun, you need to focus on:
  • Minimizing Stumbles: Every bump, every slight off-course moment is amplified due to his acceleration. Stick to the racing line like glue.
  • Exploiting Drifts: Chain drifts to keep your speed meter full. This compensates for slower acceleration out of corners.
  • Strategic Item Use: More on this below, but using items to *avoid* losing speed is as important as using them to gain advantage.

Mastering Item Management for Speed

In Mario Kart DS, items are more than just weapons; they are tools for strategic advantage in a speedrun. Simply using an item the moment you get it is a beginner's mistake. * Defensive Item Holding: Holding a shell or banana behind your kart is a classic defensive tactic against red shells. In a speedrun, this is crucial. Getting hit by a red shell can cost you several seconds, potentially ruining a perfect run. Always try to have a defensive item if possible, especially on tricky sections. * Offensive Item Usage:
  • Mushrooms: Save these for shortcuts or to break out of a slow drift. Timing is everything. Using a mushroom on a straight where you already have speed is often a waste.
  • Stars/Bullet Bills: These are game-changers. Use them to skip large sections of a track or to blast through opponents and obstacles. On tracks with significant shortcuts, saving these for those moments can be incredibly effective.
  • Boosters (e.g., Green Shells): Use these to hit opponents ahead or clear items. A well-aimed green shell can deny an opponent a crucial boost.
* Item Box Chaining: On subsequent item boxes, if you have a duplicate item (like two bananas), consider holding one for defense and using the other. Knowing the item box order on each track can also help you anticipate what you'll get.

The Art of the Drift: Building Mini-Turbos

Drifting in Mario Kart DS is not just about turning; it's about generating speed boosts, known as mini-turbos.
The R button is your best friend. Master its timing, and you'll see your lap times plummet.
Here’s the breakdown:
  1. Initiate the Drift: As you approach a turn, hold down the R button and flick the control stick in the direction of the turn.
  2. Steering: While holding R, use the control stick to guide your kart through the turn.
  3. Spark Generation:
    • Tap R again while drifting for a **blue mini-turbo**. This requires precise timing and is often achieved by tapping R twice quickly.
    • The longer you hold the initial drift, the more potent the boost becomes.
  4. Release and Boost: Release the R button as you straighten out to gain the speed boost.
Practice is key. Each turn on each track requires a slightly different approach to drifting. For Luigi, executing these drifts cleanly is even more important to maintain momentum, compensating for his acceleration.

Speedrunning Glitches and Skips (Advanced)

While this guide focuses on core techniques, true speedrunners often delve into game-specific glitches and out-of-bounds skips. Mario Kart DS has its share, though 50cc runs typically rely more on precise execution of intended mechanics. For the Retro Grand Prix, keep an eye out for:
  • Wall Kicks: Using certain terrain to bounce your kart.
  • Item Glitches: Sometimes items can be used in unintended ways for boost or positioning.
  • AI Manipulation: Understanding how the AI behaves can sometimes lead to strategic advantages.
Exploring resources like speedrun.com for Mario Kart DS will reveal the most up-to-date and optimized routes, often incorporating these advanced techniques. A good speedrun demands constant learning and adaptation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is 50cc the best class for speedrunning Mario Kart DS?

For learning the game's mechanics, track layouts, and basic techniques, 50cc is excellent. However, most top-tier speedrun categories are in 150cc or Mirror mode due to the significantly higher speeds, where advanced techniques like drifting and item management become even more critical. But mastering 50cc is a crucial first step.

Q2: What character is best for speedrunning Mario Kart DS?

This often depends on the specific track and category. Characters like Dry Bowser or Waluigi are frequently used for their balanced stats or specific advantages. However, with dedicated practice and optimized strats, any character, including Luigi, can achieve impressive times.

Q3: How do I get a mushroom shortcut on Mario Circuit?

You need to acquire a Mushroom item from an item box and use it precisely as you approach the ramp located towards the end of the lap. Timing is key to successfully clearing the shortcut.

Q4: What does RNG stand for in gaming?

RNG stands for Random Number Generation. In games like Mario Kart, it refers to the unpredictable nature of item drops, enemy movements, or other random events. Speedrunners often try to minimize their reliance on good RNG or develop strategies that work well even with unfavorable RNG.

Q5: Can I use glitches in official speedruns?

It depends on the specific speedrun category. There are typically 'Glitchless' categories where such techniques are forbidden, and 'Any%' or 'Glitched' categories where they are allowed and often essential for achieving the fastest times.

In conclusion, dominating the Retro Grand Prix 50cc with Luigi in Mario Kart DS is an achievable goal with the right approach. By dissecting each track, mastering Luigi's unique characteristics, employing strategic item management, and perfecting the art of the drift, you'll be well on your way to shaving significant time off your runs. Remember, consistency is key in speedrunning. Keep practicing, analyzing your own gameplay, and learning from the best. The world record is out there, waiting for you to claim it! What are your favorite Luigi strats for the Retro Grand Prix? Did any of these tips surprise you? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, join our Discord channel to discuss strats with fellow speedrunners, and keep pushing for those PBs!

The Unfolding Saga: A Deep Dive into the World Record History of New Super Mario Bros. DS

New Super Mario Bros. DS gameplay screenshot showcasing iconic levels
Ever felt that nagging itch, that competitive fire burning within, wondering about the absolute pinnacle of speed and precision in your favorite games? For fans of the Mushroom Kingdom, the journey through *New Super Mario Bros. DS* has been a particularly fascinating one. What started as a seemingly overlooked title in the speedrunning community, plagued by early recording and hardware limitations, has evolved into a testament to dedication, innovation, and relentless pursuit of perfection. This is the epic world record history of *New Super Mario Bros. DS*, a story of shattered records and the players who dared to dream faster.

Table of Contents

The Dawn of Speedrunning: Early Hurdles and Obscurity

When *New Super Mario Bros. DS* first hit the shelves, the speedrunning scene wasn't the organized, globally connected phenomenon it is today. The idea of meticulously optimizing every jump and fireball for a sub-minute completion seemed distant for this particular title. Early attempts were hampered by a lack of widespread knowledge about its mechanics and, critically, the difficulty in capturing clean gameplay footage from the Nintendo DS. This meant that initial runs were often overlooked, not due to a lack of skill, but due to the technical barriers preventing them from being widely shared and verified. It was a niche within a niche, a hidden gem waiting to be unearthed by dedicated players. The absence of readily available advanced movement techniques and deep understanding of the game's engine meant that players were often at the mercy of basic gameplay, making significant time saves feel like distant dreams.

Unlocking the Secrets: The Evolution of Strategies

As the DS emulation scene grew and recording technology improved, a dedicated group of players began to delve deeper into the game's code and physics. This era saw the discovery and refinement of crucial strats and glitches that would fundamentally change how the game was played at speed. Players started experimenting with precise jumps, manipulating enemy AI, and finding ways to optimize movement through levels that weren't immediately obvious. The introduction of the `Any%` category became the primary focus, aiming to complete the game as quickly as possible, regardless of collecting items or reaching certain milestones. This pushed runners to find the most efficient path, often involving risky but rewarding maneuvers. The community began to document these discoveries, sharing videos and discussions on forums and early community platforms. It was during this period that concepts like frame-perfect inputs and optimal RNG manipulation started to become part of the conversation, even if not fully understood or exploited initially.
The early days were about raw exploration. We were essentially mapping uncharted territory, finding out what the game would allow and what it wouldn't. Every new skip or trick felt like a monumental discovery.

Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Major Record Progression

With a growing understanding of the game's mechanics, the world record for *New Super Mario Bros. DS* began to see significant drops. Players like Pidgey and Yiply were instrumental in pushing the boundaries, introducing new routing and demonstrating superior execution. The focus shifted from simply finishing the game to shaving off fractions of seconds, and then whole seconds, from the previous best times. This period was characterized by intense competition, with multiple runners constantly vying for the top spot. Discoveries made by one player would often be quickly adopted and improved upon by others, creating a dynamic and fast-paced evolution of the speedrun. The community itself became a crucial part of this progression, with shared knowledge accelerating the process. It was no longer just about individual skill, but about collective understanding and innovation. The refinement of techniques like efficient use of power-ups and precise wall jumps became paramount. Even seemingly minor optimizations in level traversal could lead to substantial time savings over the course of the entire game. The community also began to analyze the specific challenges presented by each level, developing tailored strategies to overcome them as quickly as possible. This included mastering the timing of specific jumps and the optimal sequence of actions to minimize Mario's movement time and maximize his forward momentum.

The Reigning Champions and the Unbeatable Records

Today, the world record for *New Super Mario Bros. DS* stands as a testament to years of dedication and cutting-edge strategy. Players like Glitchman24 and AndreMH have been at the forefront, achieving times that were once thought impossible. The current records often involve intricate sequences of glitches and highly optimized movement that demand near-perfect execution. These runners are not just playing the game; they are dissecting it, understanding its deepest intricacies to shave off every possible millisecond. The level of skill required is immense, often relying on frame-perfect inputs and an intimate knowledge of the game's physics engine. The pursuit of these records is a continuous cycle of practice, analysis, and refinement. A single mistake can cost precious seconds, making consistency a crucial factor. The community at sites like GamingSpeedrun.com actively tracks these progressions, celebrating each new milestone and dissecting the strategies that lead to them. The dedication of these runners is truly inspiring, showcasing the incredible potential of human skill and perseverance in video games.
Screenshot of a challenging New Super Mario Bros. DS level being speedrun

Technical Hurdles and Community Innovations

The journey of *New Super Mario Bros. DS* speedrunning has been heavily influenced by the technical limitations and innovations within the community. Early on, the lack of reliable recording methods meant that many impressive feats went undocumented. As technology advanced, so did the possibilities. The development of better capturing hardware and more sophisticated emulation allowed for cleaner runs and more accurate timing. Moreover, the community's collaborative spirit has been a driving force. Platforms like Discord have become vital hubs for strategizing, sharing new discoveries, and coordinating efforts. This collaborative environment has allowed for the rapid identification and exploitation of game mechanics, leading to faster times and more refined routes. The sharing of saves and set seeds (where applicable) has also played a role in allowing runners to practice specific segments more efficiently, though true RSG (Random Seed Glitchless) or SSG (Set Seed Glitchless) categories still test raw adaptability.
It’s not just about personal bests; it’s about collectively understanding the game on a level most players never reach. We’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, not just for ourselves, but for the entire community.

Why New Super Mario Bros. DS Still Captivates Speedrunners

Despite being a game from the Nintendo DS era, *New Super Mario Bros. DS* continues to hold a special place in the hearts of speedrunners. Its blend of classic Mario platforming with new mechanics and a diverse range of levels provides a rich playground for optimization. The game offers a perfect balance: it's accessible enough for newcomers to grasp the basics, yet deep enough to allow for significant technical mastery and strategic innovation. The evolution of its world record history is a fascinating case study in how communities uncover the hidden depths of games. It demonstrates that even seemingly straightforward titles can hold complex secrets that reward dedicated exploration. The ongoing pursuit of faster times, the constant discovery of new skips, and the incredible execution displayed by top runners make *New Super Mario Bros. DS* a perennial favorite for those who love to push the limits of gameplay. It’s a game that continues to challenge, inspire, and entertain the speedrunning community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the current Any% world record for New Super Mario Bros. DS?
A1: The Any% world record is held by players like Glitchman24 and AndreMH, with times consistently pushing the boundaries of human capability. For the most up-to-date record, it's best to check the official leaderboards on sites like speedrun.com.

Q2: What are some of the most important glitches or skips used in NSMB DS speedruns?
A2: Key discoveries include various out-of-bounds exploits, precise wall jumps that allow for sequence breaks, and manipulation of enemy AI to gain speed. The specific glitches and skips are constantly evolving as runners discover new techniques.

Q3: Is New Super Mario Bros. DS a difficult game to speedrun?
A3: Yes, it is considered a challenging speedrun. It requires high precision, extensive knowledge of the game's mechanics, and the ability to consistently execute difficult tricks and sequences, often involving tight timing and precise inputs.

Q4: How did early speedrunning of this game differ from today?
A4: In the early days, speedruns were hampered by technical limitations in recording and verification, as well as a less developed understanding of the game's engine. Today, with better technology and community knowledge, speedruns are far more optimized and often involve complex glitches and strategies that were undiscovered initially.

In conclusion, the world record history of *New Super Mario Bros. DS* is a captivating narrative of dedication, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of speed. From its humble beginnings, shrouded by technical challenges, to the current era of mind-bending glitches and near-perfect execution, this game continues to be a proving ground for the most skilled speedrunners. The evolution of its records is a powerful example of what can be achieved when a passionate community comes together to explore the deepest secrets of a beloved title. What are your thoughts on the NSMB DS speedrun? Have you ever attempted a speedrun yourself? Share your experiences and favorite record-breaking moments in the comments below! Your insights help build a stronger community of players.