Play Ridge Racer DS Online

Game Overview

Ridge Racer DS takes the chaotic drift-heavy racing from the N64 version and squeezes it onto the tiny DS screen—somehow it works. You’ve got all the original tracks, but now there’s a weirdly fun mix of new rides, like a car shaped like Pac-Man’s ghost or something from Mario Kart’s rejected concept art.

The touchscreen controls are… an experience. You can either tap the virtual steering wheel with the stylus (good luck not overcorrecting) or use the thumb ring if you’ve got the coordination of a surgeon. Menus are all touch-based too, which feels slick until you accidentally restart a race mid-turn.

Multiplayer’s where it shines, though. Six players can race wirelessly, and only one person actually needs the game card—the rest just download a stripped-down version. It’s genius for impromptu races, though you’ll want everyone to own the full game if you’re after all the cars and tracks. Just don’t expect anyone to brake politely in the final lap.