The ATV: Quad Frenzy game engine combines 3D graphics and a programming technique called a voxel.[3] While at the time of the game's development the voxel was considered obsolete on the PC (its console of popularization), it was used in ATV: Quad Frenzy to create 3D graphics despite the DS's graphical limitations.[3] Like most games on the DS, ATV: Quad Frenzy takes advantage of the console's dual screen nature: the top screen shows the player's quad bike (unobscured by any graphical overlays) while the bottom screen displays the heads-up display which provides the player with information such as the quad bike's current speed, the player's score and a lap counter.[4]
Players can choose from six different ATV's which can be raced in five different game modes: Practice, Quick Race, Championship Race Circuit, Championship Style Circuit, and Head-to-Head.[1] In Practice mode, players can race on any unlocked track so far, allowing them to practice their driving skills, while Quick Race provides the same only with computer-controlled opponents racing against the player.[4] The Championship modes provide a career-progression gameplay style, allowing the player to obtain in-game currency (earned relating to race performance[4]) which can be spent upgrading their ATV.[5] In the Championship Style Circuit, stunts performed have an effect on race time, whilst in the Championship Race Circuit the player must come first or second to advance.[4] Head-to-Head allows players to race against up to three other human players[4] using the DS's wireless link,[1] provided that all players own a copy of the game.[5] All racing modes include a series of gates which must be passed through,[4] and 25 different tracks[1] are available to race on, offering a variety of terrains including "country backroads, swampy bogs, and slick, snowy tracks".[6]