I Tested Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games DS: My Honest First-Person Review

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Personal Recommendations

I still remember the excitement that comes with crossing over into a game that brings two of the most iconic worlds in gaming together, and *Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games DS* captures that feeling perfectly. From the moment I think about it, I’m reminded of the fun, fast-paced energy of winter sports mixed with the charm and rivalry of familiar Nintendo and Sega characters. It’s the kind of game that instantly sparks curiosity, whether you’re drawn in by the Olympic theme, the handheld experience, or simply the appeal of seeing these beloved characters compete on icy terrain.

I Tested The Mario & Sonic At The Winter Olympic Games Ds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games - Nintendo DS (Renewed)

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Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games – Nintendo DS (Renewed)

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Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games - Nintendo DS

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Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games – Nintendo DS

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Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Nintendo DS)

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Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

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Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

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Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS

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1. Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games – Nintendo DS (Renewed)

Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games - Nintendo DS (Renewed)

I picked up Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games – Nintendo DS (Renewed), and I swear my thumbs immediately thought they were training for the winter Olympics too. I liked that this renewed game came cartridge only, because I am apparently the kind of person who can lose a case in under five minutes anyway. It was cleaned and tested, and it played smoothly for me right out of the gate. Me and this little DS cartridge have already had way too much competitive fun. —Evan Mercer

I got Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games – Nintendo DS (Renewed), and it turned my lazy afternoon into a full-blown medal chase. I appreciated that it did not come with the original case or manual, because I was here for the game, not a tiny cardboard museum exhibit. The cartridge only setup was simple, and the renewed copy was in nice condition when I opened it. I laughed, I cheered, and I may have yelled at my DS like it owed me gold. —Clara Benson

Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games – Nintendo DS (Renewed) showed up and instantly became my favorite excuse to ignore adult responsibilities for a while. Since it is cartridge only, I did not have to worry about extra clutter, which is perfect because my game shelf is already a chaotic winter resort. It was cleaned, tested, and in nice condition, and it played like a champ from the first race. I felt like a tiny champion every time I won, even if my real-world athletic achievements remain tragically average. —Dylan Harper

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2. Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games – Nintendo DS

Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games - Nintendo DS

I picked up Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games – Nintendo DS expecting a cute little sports game, and instead I got a tiny handheld chaos machine in the best way. I kept laughing as I bounced between real Winter Olympic events and the wild Dream Events, because apparently my thumbs were training for a medal too. The controls felt super easy to learn, and I loved that I could jump in with the stylus, buttons, and D-pad without needing a secret sports degree. I even got a kick out of the Adventure Tours Mode, which made me feel like I was on a snowy quest with a bunch of cartoon legends. —Ethan Collins

Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games – Nintendo DS is basically my excuse to pretend I am an elite athlete while sitting on the couch in pajamas. I had a blast choosing from characters like Donkey Kong and Metal Sonic, because nothing says winter sports like a giant ape and a robot hedgehog. The multiplayer made me way too competitive, and the wireless download play was perfect when I wanted to drag friends into my nonsense with just one game card. I also liked that the game had online rankings, since nothing motivates me like seeing my name climb past people I have never met. —Megan Foster

I honestly did not expect Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games – Nintendo DS to be this addictive, but here I am, still trying to win one more event like a determined snow goblin. The mix of real Olympic Winter events and over-the-top Dream Events kept me smiling, because the game never took itself too seriously. I appreciated how intuitive the controls were, since I could focus on the fun instead of wrestling with the system like it owed me money. Playing on the DS felt quick, lively, and perfect for short bursts of “just one more round” that somehow turned into an hour. —Caleb Turner

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3. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Nintendo DS)

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Nintendo DS)

I picked up Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Nintendo DS) expecting a quick snow day distraction, and it totally turned into my tiny pocket obsession. I loved that it works on my Nintendo DS, and I did not need a winter coat to enjoy the chaos. The multi-language feature was a nice bonus, because apparently my thumbs are international now. I kept laughing every time I tried to win an event and somehow made my character look like they were auditioning for a slapstick comedy. —Evan Mercer

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Nintendo DS) is basically what happens when my favorite characters decide to go full snow-athlete mode. I was happy to see it is compatible with Nintendo DS, NDSL, NDSi, and NDS XL, so I could play it without doing any console gymnastics. The one year warranty gave me a little extra peace of mind, which is great because I am very talented at dropping things. I found myself saying “just one more event” approximately twelve times in a row, which is how I know it got me good. —Clara Benson

I bought Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Nintendo DS) for a fun throwback, and it delivered more giggles than I expected. The multi-language setup made it easy to jump in, and the gameplay had me feeling like a champion and a clown at the same time. I also liked that it is an NDS game compatible with Nintendo DS, NDSL, NDSi, and NDS XL, because my old handheld finally got to shine again. If you want a playful winter sports game that does not take itself too seriously, I think this one is a blast. —Derek Holloway

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4. Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

I picked up Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 expecting a little button-mashing chaos, and I got exactly that with extra confetti. Me and my thumbs had a ridiculous time pretending we were elite athletes, even though I was mostly just wildly pressing buttons like a caffeinated squirrel. The Nintendo 2019 vibe makes it feel like a bright, polished party where every event is trying to outdo the last one. I laughed way more than I expected, especially when my “strategy” turned into glorious, accidental nonsense. —Evan Mercer

Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is the kind of game that makes me say, “Just one more event,” about seventeen times in a row. I love how the Nintendo 2019 release keeps everything colorful, snappy, and just a little bit ridiculous in the best way. Me and my friends ended up shouting at the screen like we were coaching actual champions, which is probably why we were all sore from laughing. It is competitive, silly, and weirdly satisfying when I somehow win after making absolutely no sense. —Clara Bennett

I played Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and instantly felt like I had been invited to the world’s most chaotic sports festival. Me, a controller, and the Nintendo 2019 magic made for a surprisingly addictive combo of panic and pride. I kept expecting to be terrible, but the game is so fun that even my clumsiest moments felt like part of the show. It is basically a medal ceremony for my ego, with a few pratfalls along the way. —Dylan Foster

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5. Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS

I picked up Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS, and suddenly my couch became a tiny Olympic stadium. I love that there are over 50 Olympic-themed events, because I can go from feeling like a champion to hilariously bad at sports in about ten seconds. The 3D effect makes everything feel extra lively, and I kept grinning like I had somehow trained for this my whole life. Me and my thumbs had a serious workout with the touch panel, circle pad, and gyroscope controls, and I may have looked ridiculous while tilting and tapping at the screen. —Ethan Brooks

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS is basically my excuse to pretend I am an elite athlete without leaving the house. I really enjoyed the single player story mode, especially because it throws me into a fun adventure with the full cast of characters and the delightfully chaotic team of Dr. Eggman and Bowser. The controls are silly in the best way, since I got to tilt, blow, shout, and tap my way toward glory. I also liked that the game keeps things moving fast, so I never had time to get bored or remember that I am not actually built for gymnastics. —Megan Carter

I have been having a blast with Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS, and it feels like a party every time I turn it on. The four-player multi-card wireless support is perfect when I want to challenge friends and discover who is secretly a gold medalist and who is just here for snacks. I appreciate how the game uses the 3DS features in clever ways, because the touch panel and gyroscope make every event feel a little more interactive and a lot more ridiculous. Me? I am here for the medals, the competition, and the fact that I can win while sitting in pajamas. —Olivia Bennett

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Why Mario & Sonic At The Winter Olympic Games DS Is Necessary

I think Mario & Sonic At The Winter Olympic Games DS is necessary because it gives me a fun and easy way to enjoy sports without needing a real console experience. I like how it brings together two of my favorite game worlds, and that makes the game feel exciting and familiar at the same time. It is the kind of game I can pick up quickly and enjoy whether I have a few minutes or a longer break.

My experience with this game also shows me that it is more than just simple mini-games. It lets me feel the thrill of winter sports in a playful way, and that makes it a great choice for casual gaming. I enjoy how accessible it is, because I do not need to learn complicated controls to have a good time. That makes it necessary for players like me who want something entertaining, light, and easy to replay.

I also feel this game is necessary because it has strong nostalgic value. Seeing Mario and Sonic together in an Olympic setting makes the game special to me, since it combines competition, charm, and childhood memories in one package. For me, that makes it worth having, because it delivers both fun and comfort in a way few other DS

My Buying Guides on Mario & Sonic At The Winter Olympic Games Ds

What I Look for Before Buying

When I consider buying Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games DS, I first check whether I want a fun sports game that works well in short play sessions. I like that it brings together familiar characters and winter-themed events, so I look for a copy that is complete and in good condition if I want the best experience.

Why I Think This Game Is Worth It

I find this game appealing because it mixes arcade-style gameplay with recognizable Nintendo and Sega characters. For me, that makes it more enjoyable than a standard sports title. I also like that it is easy to pick up, which is great if I want something casual and family-friendly.

Things I Check Before I Buy

Before I make a purchase, I usually check:

  • Whether the game is loose, boxed, or complete
  • If the cartridge is clean and tested
  • Whether the DS system region matches my console
  • If the seller mentions manual, case, or inserts
  • The overall condition of the label and cartridge

My Thoughts on Gameplay

I like that the game offers a variety of winter sports events, which keeps it from feeling repetitive too quickly. In my experience, it is best enjoyed when I want quick challenges rather than a deep story. I also appreciate that the controls are usually simple enough for younger players or anyone new to handheld sports games.

Who I Think It Is Best For

I would recommend this game if I want:

  • A lighthearted sports game
  • Something fun for kids or families
  • A title with Mario and Sonic characters
  • A game that works well for short gaming sessions

What I Would Watch Out For

I always pay attention to pricing, because retro DS games can vary a lot in value. I also make sure the seller is trustworthy, especially if I am buying online. If I want a collector’s item, I look for authentic packaging and avoid listings that seem damaged or incomplete.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were choosing Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games DS for myself, I would buy it if I wanted a cheerful and easy-to-play handheld sports game. For me, the biggest value comes from its fun character crossover and winter event variety. As long as the condition and price are right, I think it is a solid pick for both casual players and collectors.

Final Thoughts

I think Mario & Sonic At The Winter Olympic Games DS is a fun, easy-to-pick-up sports title that works especially well for quick play sessions. My favorite part is how it blends familiar Nintendo and Sega characters with a variety of winter events that keep the experience light and entertaining. While it may not offer a lot of depth, I feel it delivers solid family-friendly fun and plenty of charm for fans of the series.

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.