New Super Mario Bros. DS: Get 99 Lives Fast!

Hey guys! Running out of lives in New Super Mario Bros. DS? It's super frustrating to get a game over and have to restart, right? Well, you're in luck! I'm here to show you how to rack up 99 lives – yes, you heard that right, 99 lives! – so you can play through the game without constantly worrying about game overs. This guide will walk you through a simple, repeatable trick that even beginners can master. So, let's jump into it and get you on your way to becoming a New Super Mario Bros. DS pro!

Understanding the Importance of Extra Lives

Before we dive into the specific method for gaining 99 lives, let's quickly discuss why having a stockpile of lives is so crucial in New Super Mario Bros. DS. This game, while incredibly fun, can also be quite challenging. You'll encounter tricky platforming sections, sneaky enemies, and devious traps that can quickly deplete your life count. Having a cushion of extra lives allows you to experiment, learn from your mistakes, and explore the levels more thoroughly without the constant fear of a game over looming over you.

Extra lives provide a safety net that's especially helpful when tackling the more difficult worlds and levels later in the game. Imagine reaching World 8, only to find yourself constantly running out of lives and having to replay large sections of the game. That's where this 99-lives trick comes in handy! It allows you to practice those tough spots, discover hidden areas, and ultimately, enjoy the game to its fullest without the frustration of constant restarts. Plus, let's be honest, it's just plain fun to see that '99' displayed on your screen! It gives you a sense of mastery and control over the game. So, are you ready to become a life-collecting machine? Let's get started!

The Turtle Shell Trick: Your Key to 99 Lives

Alright, guys, this is the magic trick we've been waiting for! The key to getting 99 lives in New Super Mario Bros. DS lies in a simple, yet effective method involving a turtle shell. Specifically, we'll be using a Koopa Troopa shell to our advantage. This trick can be performed in World 1-1, making it accessible right from the beginning of the game. This early availability is fantastic because you can build up your life stash right away, making the rest of your playthrough much smoother. Here's a breakdown of the steps:

1. Head to World 1-1: Start a new game or load your existing save file and make your way to the very first level, World 1-1. This is where the magic happens!
2. Find the Koopa Troopa: As you progress through the level, you'll encounter Koopa Troopas, those classic turtle-like enemies. Stomp on one to make it retreat into its shell. This is the key ingredient for our life-generating recipe. Make sure you don't kick the shell away immediately; we need it for the next step.
3. Locate the Staircase: Soon after the first Koopa Troopa, you'll come across a small staircase of blocks. This is the perfect spot to perform our trick. Position yourself at the top of the stairs, facing downwards.
4. The Bouncing Shell Technique: Here comes the tricky part, but don't worry, you'll get the hang of it with a little practice! Pick up the Koopa Troopa shell by pressing the 'Y' button. Now, carefully position yourself at the top of the stairs and kick the shell downwards. The goal is to have the shell bounce back and forth between the steps without hitting the ground. If you do it correctly, the shell will continuously hit the steps, racking up points and, more importantly, lives! The key is to find the right angle and timing. Slight adjustments to your position can make a big difference.
5. Racking Up Lives: As the shell bounces, you'll start seeing the point values increase – 100, 200, 400, 800, and so on. Eventually, you'll reach a point where you start earning 1-Up Mushrooms, which give you an extra life. Keep the shell bouncing, and you'll quickly see your life count climb. Watch that number go up and up!
6. Reach 99 Lives: Keep the shell bouncing until you hit the maximum life count of 99. Once you reach 99 lives, you're set! You can now play through the game with a comfortable buffer, knowing you have plenty of lives to spare. Enjoy the feeling of invincibility!

This method, while seemingly simple, can take a few tries to master. The key is consistent timing and positioning. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Keep practicing, and you'll be bouncing shells like a pro in no time! Once you've mastered this technique, you'll be able to replenish your lives whenever you need a boost, making those challenging levels a lot less daunting.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering the Shell Bounce

So, you've learned the basic steps of the turtle shell trick, but let's dive a little deeper and explore some tips and tricks that will help you master the technique and maximize your life-gaining potential. These little nuances can make a big difference in your success rate and the speed at which you accumulate those precious extra lives.

• Finding the Sweet Spot: The most crucial aspect of this trick is finding the perfect spot on the staircase to kick the shell. It's not always the exact edge of the step; sometimes, a slight adjustment to the left or right can make a huge difference. Experiment with your positioning and pay close attention to how the shell bounces. You're looking for a consistent back-and-forth motion without the shell hitting the ground.
• Timing is Everything: The timing of your kick is also critical. You want to kick the shell just as it's about to roll off the edge of the step. If you kick too early or too late, the shell might not bounce correctly, and you'll have to start over. Practice makes perfect! The more you try, the better you'll get at anticipating the shell's movement.
• Dealing with Bounces: Sometimes, even with perfect positioning and timing, the shell might bounce erratically. If this happens, don't panic! Try to adjust your position slightly or pick up the shell and try again. Small corrections can often get the shell back on track.
• The Super Mario Factor: If you're playing as Super Mario (after grabbing a mushroom), you might find it slightly easier to position yourself and kick the shell due to your increased size. However, this isn't essential; the trick works just as well with regular Mario.
• Patience is a Virtue: Racking up 99 lives takes time, so be patient! Don't get discouraged if you don't reach the maximum right away. Just keep practicing, and you'll get there. Think of it as an investment in your future gaming success!

By incorporating these tips and tricks into your gameplay, you'll become a turtle shell bouncing master in no time! You'll be amazed at how quickly you can accumulate lives once you've mastered the technique. And remember, the more lives you have, the more freedom you have to explore and enjoy the game without the fear of game overs.

Alternative Methods for Gaining Lives

While the turtle shell trick is by far the most efficient and reliable method for getting 99 lives in New Super Mario Bros. DS, it's always good to know other ways to boost your life count. These alternative methods might not be as quick or easy, but they can be helpful in a pinch or as supplementary ways to keep your lives topped up. So, let's explore some other avenues for gaining extra lives in the game.

• Collecting 1-Up Mushrooms: This is the most straightforward method. 1-Up Mushrooms are hidden throughout the levels, often in secret areas or behind breakable blocks. Keep an eye out for them as you explore, and don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path. Sometimes, a little exploration can lead you to a valuable 1-Up.
• Collecting Stars: When you grab a Star, Mario becomes invincible for a short period. During this time, any enemies you touch are automatically defeated. If you defeat enough enemies in quick succession while invincible, you'll earn a 1-Up Mushroom. This method is especially effective in levels with lots of enemies.
• Mini-Games: New Super Mario Bros. DS features several mini-games that you can play on the touch screen. Some of these mini-games, like the Shell Game or the Slot Machine, offer the chance to win extra lives. While the rewards are random, playing these mini-games can be a fun way to potentially boost your life count.
• Collecting Coins: Collecting 100 coins in a level will earn you an extra life. This is a classic Mario tradition, and it's still a viable way to gain lives in this game. Be diligent about collecting coins as you play, and you'll gradually see your life count increase.
• Bonus Rooms: Some levels have hidden bonus rooms that contain multiple coins or even 1-Up Mushrooms. Exploring thoroughly can often lead you to these hidden treasures.
• Level-Specific Opportunities: Certain levels have specific opportunities for gaining multiple lives. For example, some levels have Koopa Troopas that continuously spawn, allowing you to stomp on them repeatedly for points, eventually leading to 1-Ups. Keep an eye out for these level-specific opportunities.

While these alternative methods might not be as game-breaking as the turtle shell trick, they can still be valuable tools in your quest for extra lives. By combining these methods with the turtle shell trick, you'll be well-equipped to tackle any challenge that New Super Mario Bros. DS throws your way!

Conclusion: Enjoy Your 99 Lives!

So there you have it, guys! You've now learned the ultimate secret to getting 99 lives in New Super Mario Bros. DS. With the turtle shell trick and the other life-gaining methods we've discussed, you'll be able to play through the game with confidence and without the constant worry of running out of lives. Mastering the turtle shell bounce might take a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be racking up lives in no time.

Remember, having a stockpile of lives isn't just about avoiding game overs; it's also about enjoying the game to its fullest. With 99 lives, you can explore every nook and cranny, try out risky maneuvers, and truly immerse yourself in the world of New Super Mario Bros. DS. You can experiment with different strategies, discover hidden secrets, and challenge yourself to complete the game in new and exciting ways.

So go forth, practice your shell-bouncing skills, and enjoy the freedom and confidence that comes with having 99 lives. New Super Mario Bros. DS is a fantastic game, and with this knowledge, you're well-equipped to conquer any challenge it throws your way. Happy gaming, everyone, and may your life counter always be maxed out!