Use the time trial mode![edit]
If you're having trouble with certain tracks on the Grand Prix, run through them in Time Trial mode a few times until you can consistently play through them with no major mistakes and few minor mistakes. This is more helpful than you might think, because navigating the track and dealing with your opponents are two separate problems. When you've mastered the former, you'll be better equipped to handle the latter. A few minutes of practice might save you hours of frustration.
Speed boost at start of race[edit]
The ideal time to rev up your car at the start of the race is just after the first beep. If you time it right, you'll start off with a speed boost (equivalent to a mushroom). Err on the side of being too late than too early, though, because if you're too early, you'll peel out instead.
Split the rankings[edit]
If you have an opportunity, it's worthwhile to split the rankings of the CPU opponents. For instance, suppose you have these results:
Race 1:
- You (9 pts)
- Princess Peach (6 pts)
- Donkey Kong Jr. (3 pts)
Race 2:
- You (18 pts)
- Donkey Kong Jr. (9 pts)
- Princess Peach (9 pts)
You now have a 9-point lead over second place, whereas you'd only have a 6-point lead if Peach finished second in both races. This gives you extra leg room in case one of your future races doesn't go so well.
Choose your character[edit]
The first time you play this game, you'll have trouble controlling your kart. Start with Koopa and Toad for easy kart handling when it comes to tracks that has tight corners. In order of difficulty, Peach and Yoshi is the second easiest, Mario and Luigi is both all rounders and lastly, DK and Bowser as the hardest.
Computer "cheating"[edit]
There are certain things that CPU controlled racers can do which human players cannot. This is regarded by some as cheating. Below is a list of these special abilities.
- Unlimited items - All CPU racers have only one item they can use, but they can use it an unlimited number of times. Note that Mario and Luigi become invincible rather than firing or dropping a weapon.
- Jumping - All CPU racers can jump any weapon, such as banana peels, red shells, etc.
- Hazard Ignore - ALL CPU racers ignore other hazards except falling into the pit and deep water.
Computer "weaknesses"[edit]
All CPU racers are unable to use floor speed boosts or the yellow jumping bars.
Counter-steering[edit]
Just turn in the opposite direction of the curve for a split second before letting go of the drift/hop button.
Long drift spin-out[edit]
If you drift for too long, you will spin out as if you had stepped on a banana, to avoid this, you can hop many times as this will reset the timer.
Braking[edit]
You may use the break and stop accelerating for a brief moment to better control your car during curves.