Modes of Play

Grand Prix

(1 player) In this mode, drivers race against 11 other CPU players in a quest to finish first. There are eight cups to choose from, ranging from the most to the least difficult. Drivers earn points by placing within twelve positions (see chart above.). A driver with the most points at the end of the four races wins the cup.

Time Trial

(1 player) Drivers race for the fastest time on a selected course. The fastest record is able to be raced again as a ghost. Drivers can also race staff records, Regional Records/Champions (WiFi must be used,) World Records/Champions (WiFi also must be used,) and Friend Records (Friend must be registered, friend must send the ghost for Ghost Races, and WiFi also must be used.)

VS Race

(1 to 4 players, up to 12 online) Drivers can race to their own custom settings, but it is otherwise relatively the same to Grand Prix, other than the fact that drivers can see the other racers' character's names.

Battle

(1 to 4 players, up to 12 online) Drivers team up with each other in a battle for the most points. Items only work against the other team so it won't have an effect to the driver's team. The player can only select the Standard Kart or Bike.

There are two ways to battle:

Balloon Battle

Drivers get points by using items to hit their opponents. If drivers lose all of their balloons, one point is deducted.

Coin Runners

The goal for drivers is to obtain more coins than the other team. If drivers hit opponents, opponents drop their coins. However, the certain amount of coins fall depends on the item that hits the player.

Ghost Race

(Mario Kart Channel, 1 player) A Time Trial race with ghosts made by players around the world with relatively the same skill level to the actual player.

Competition (also known as Tournament)

(Mario Kart Channel, 1 player) Drivers compete in a timed competition with specific goals (see list below). This mode serves as the replacement of Mission Mode from Mario Kart DS. New tournaments are posted twice a month.

Note: Grand Prix mode for 50cc using Karts only, 100cc using for bikes only, 150cc using for Bikes and Karts and Mirror for Bikes and Karts. If drivers win all the tracks in 50cc or 100cc, it is possible to play with both bikes and karts. Mirror Mode is unlockable by gaining first place on all 150cc Grand Prixes.