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Crash Team Racing vs Mario Kart DS

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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Crash Team Racing
Crash Team RacingKart racing chaos with Crash and friends on the track.
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Mario Kart DS
Mario Kart DSRace on classic and new tracks with friends in handheld Mario Kart fun.
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Overview
Description

Crash Team Racing (CTR) is a fast‑paced kart racing game that pits Crash Bandicoot and his allies against a colorful cast of characters across vibrant, themed tracks. The game blends tight controls, power‑ups, and split‑screen multiplayer for endless competitive fun. Originally released in 1999, CTR has been re‑released for modern consoles, offering both nostalgic single‑player challenges and chaotic multiplayer races that keep friends battling for the top spot.

Mario Kart DS continues the iconic racing series with 16 brand‑new tracks and 16 classic tracks from the previous four games, split into Nitro and Retro Grand Prix modes. Eight racers start with two karts each, and additional characters, karts, and items can be unlocked as you play. New power‑ups like the Blooper squid and Bullet Bill add fresh strategy, while the game supports both single‑player challenges and multiplayer races via local wireless. Its family‑friendly design makes it perfect for kids and party settings alike.

Pricing
Paid (One-time)
Paid (One-time)
Category
Racing
Racing
Best for
Racing fans and families
Family and casual racing fans
Specifications
General
msrp
$19.99−50%
$39.99
release date
1999-10-19
2005-11-14
Specifications
developer
Naughty Dog
Nintendo EAD Software Development Group No.1
publisher
Sony Computer Entertainment
Nintendo
age rating
PEGI 3, ESRB E
PEGI 3, ESRB E
multiplayer
Single player, Multiplayer, Split screen
Single player, Multiplayer
critic score
88/100
90/100+2%
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Highly replayable with many unlockables
  • Responsive controls and satisfying drift mechanics
  • Entertaining split‑screen multiplayer
  • Vibrant, varied track designs
  • Large variety of tracks mixing new and classic designs.
  • Innovative new items add fresh strategy.
  • Robust multiplayer options with local wireless support.
  • Family‑friendly rating makes it suitable for all ages.
Cons
  • Graphics are dated compared to modern titles
  • Online features limited to leaderboards only
  • No cross‑platform play
  • Limited to handheld hardware; no console or PC version.
  • Graphics are dated compared to modern titles.
  • Online play is restricted to local wireless only.
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

More alternatives & similar tools

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Mario Kart: Super Circuit
Mario Kart: Super Circuit

Fast-paced kart racing with 40 tracks and battle mode on the go

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Mario Kart DS
Mario Kart DS

Race on classic and new tracks with friends in handheld Mario Kart fun.

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Crash Bandicoot
Crash Bandicoot

Spin, jump, and smash your way through a wacky, colorful adventure.

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Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back
Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back

Crash returns with faster action and wilder levels

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Alternatives to Mario Kart DS

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Mario Kart Wii
Mario Kart Wii

Race against 12 players using bikes and motion controls in this classic Nintendo party racer.

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Mario Kart 8
Mario Kart 8

Race with Mario and friends in anti‑gravity tracks on the Nintendo Switch.

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Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
Mario Kart: Double Dash!!

Double the racers, double the fun in chaotic kart racing.

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Crash Team Racing
Crash Team Racing

Kart racing chaos with Crash and friends on the track.

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Crash Team Racing offers cheaper, classic console split‑screen racing with 32 tracks, while Mario Kart DS costs more but adds wireless multiplayer for up to eight and a mix of new and classic tracks.

Key differences

  • •Price: $19.99 (Crash) vs $39.99 (Mario Kart DS).
  • •Multiplayer capacity: up to 4 split‑screen (Crash) vs up to 8 via local wireless (Mario Kart DS).
  • •Platform: console (PlayStation) for Crash vs handheld Nintendo DS for Mario Kart DS.
  • •Track mix: Crash only original tracks; Mario Kart DS combines 16 new and 16 classic tracks.
  • •Critic scores: 88/100 (Crash) vs 90/100 (Mario Kart DS).
DimensionWinner

Gameplay & fun factor

Mario Kart DS adds fresh power‑ups and a larger roster, earning a higher critic score (90 vs 88).

Mario Kart DS

Platform availability

Crash runs on PlayStation consoles, offering a traditional TV experience; Mario Kart DS is limited to the DS handheld.

Crash Team Racing

Price & value

Crash costs $19.99, half the price of Mario Kart DS's $39.99, providing better raw cost value.

Crash Team Racing

Multiplayer / co‑op

Mario Kart DS supports up to eight players via local wireless, versus Crash's four-player split‑screen limit.

Mario Kart DS

Content & replayability

Both offer 32 tracks and unlockable characters/karts, delivering comparable replay depth.

Tie

Difficulty & accessibility

Both have family‑friendly ESRB E ratings and similar control schemes; no clear advantage.

Tie

Graphics & performance

Both are described as dated compared to modern titles; no factual distinction provided.

Tie

Choose Crash Team Racing if…

Buyers seeking a low‑cost console racer with split‑screen play and classic 1999 nostalgia.

Choose Mario Kart DS if…

Buyers wanting handheld convenience, larger local multiplayer, and a mix of new and classic Mario tracks.

Common questions

Which game is cheaper?

Crash Team Racing costs $19.99, while Mario Kart DS costs $39.99.

How many players can race together?

Crash supports up to 4 players via split‑screen; Mario Kart DS supports up to 8 players via local wireless.

Do either of the games have online multiplayer?

Neither offers full online play; Crash only has leaderboards, and Mario Kart DS is limited to local wireless.