Play Cars (Supremacy) (G) Online

Cars: Mater-National Championship came out on the Nintendo DS in 2006, published by THQ. It was one of many licensed racers on the platform, a time when developers were still figuring out how to use both screens effectively for driving games. This one tried to capture the spirit of the first Cars film, focusing on the smaller-town racing scene around Radiator Springs.

You control Lightning McQueen, competing in a series of circuits to become the Mater-National champion. The core gameplay involves standard racing on winding tracks, but it uses the touch screen for a unique boost mechanic; you rapidly tap an icon to build up a speed burst. You also collect coins during races to unlock new parts and upgrade your car's handling, top speed, and acceleration. The AI can be surprisingly aggressive, especially in later events, making clean driving important. It feels like a straightforward arcade racer that tries to make the most of the DS hardware.