How to Unlock R.O.B. in Mario Kart DS

How to Unlock R.O.B. in Mario Kart DS

One of the most iconic hidden characters in Mario Kart DS isn’t a plumber or a princess—it’s a robot. That’s right: R.O.B. (Robotic Operating Buddy) is not just a cool Easter egg, but also a powerful driver with unique karts that can turn the tide in your races.

Unlocking R.O.B. isn’t a quick task, though. It requires dedication, precision, and a whole lot of gold. If you’re wondering how to unlock R.O.B. in Mario Kart DS, you’re in the right place.

This guide will walk you step-by-step through everything you need to know to bring R.O.B. onto the track, including unlock requirements, hidden cups, and a few tips to make the process easier.

Who is R.O.B. in Mario Kart DS?

R.O.B., short for Robotic Operating Buddy, is a real-life Nintendo accessory from the NES era turned cult-favorite character. In Mario Kart DS, he makes a surprising appearance as a secret unlockable racer, complete with his own exclusive karts and unique stats.

He’s the only character in the game not from the traditional Mario universe, and unlocking him is considered a badge of honor among longtime players.

Unlocking R.O.B. – Step-by-Step Guide

To unlock R.O.B., you need to achieve gold trophies in every cup in the game. This includes both Nitro Cups (new tracks) and Retro Cups (classic tracks). Here’s a detailed roadmap to get there:

Step 1: Understand the Cup System

In Mario Kart DS, the Grand Prix mode is split into two sections:

• Nitro Cups: Mushroom, Flower, Star, and Special Cup

• Retro Cups: Shell, Banana, Leaf, and Lightning Cup

Not all of these cups are available from the beginning. Some must be unlocked by performing well in the previous ones.

Step 2: Unlock the Hidden Cups

Before you can even try to get gold in all eight cups, you need to unlock the Special and Lightning Cups.

Unlock the Special Cup

• Play through and get a Gold Trophy in the Star Cup.

• Once achieved, the Special Cup will be unlocked.

Unlock the Lightning Cup

• Play through and get a Gold Trophy in the Leaf Cup.

• Once achieved, the Lightning Cup becomes available.

Without these two unlocked, you won’t be able to complete the full requirement for unlocking R.O.B.

Step 3: Get Gold in Every Cup

Now comes the real challenge.

What Counts as Gold?

• You need to place 1st overall in a cup. This means finishing all four tracks with the highest total points.

• The game awards a Gold Trophy for that performance.

⚠️ Warning: Don’t confuse a Bronze or Silver trophy with Gold. You must get first place in the cup to get the gold. The trophy color appears on the results screen at the end.

Cups Required for Gold:

Step 4: Finish the Final Cup and Unlock R.O.B.

After getting a gold trophy in all eight cups, finishing the Special Cup and Lightning Cup will trigger a special screen:

• A blue box appears at the end of your final Gold Cup.

• It says:
  “You can now choose R.O.B. on the character selection screen!”

Press A to return to the main menu.

Head over to the character selection screen, and there you’ll find him—a white, retro-looking robot standing among your roster.

What Makes R.O.B. Special in Mario Kart DS?

Once unlocked, R.O.B. comes with two of his own karts, and they’re not just for show—they’re powerhouses:

Default Karts:

• ROB-LGS: A balanced, lightweight kart.

• ROB-BLS: A heavyweight beast with excellent top speed.

R.O.B. himself is considered a heavyweight character, giving him an edge in terms of speed and stability, though at the cost of slower acceleration. His top speed and drift stats make him especially useful on technical tracks where you can maintain momentum.

Tips for Unlocking R.O.B. Efficiently

• Practice Time Trials to master tough tracks.

• Focus on 100cc or 150cc difficulties where AI are more competitive but still manageable.

• Avoid using characters or karts with poor acceleration or drift early on.

• Use characters like Yoshi or Luigi who have balanced stats if you’re struggling.

Final Thoughts

Unlocking R.O.B. in Mario Kart DS isn’t just about adding another racer—it’s a nostalgic, rewarding experience that harks back to Nintendo’s legacy. If you’ve been grinding cups and gold trophies without knowing what’s at the end, now you know: it’s not just bragging rights—it’s a robot.

So grab your DS, race your best, and unlock that robotic legend. R.O.B. is waiting.

FAQs About Unlocking R.O.B.

Do I need to play on 150cc to unlock R.O.B.?
No. You can unlock R.O.B. on any engine class, as long as you get Gold Trophies in every Nitro and Retro cup.

What happens if I get a Silver or Bronze trophy?
You’ll need to replay that cup until you win first place and earn the Gold Trophy.

Can I unlock R.O.B. in Time Trials or Vs Mode?
No. Only Grand Prix mode cups count toward unlocking R.O.B.

Do I need to win every race individually?
Not necessarily. You just need enough points across the four tracks to place first overall in the cup.

Will my progress reset if I lose one cup?
No. You only need to re-do the cups where you haven’t earned Gold. Your Gold Trophies are saved individually.