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Explore the best Mario Kart games ranked, highlighting their tracks, mechanics, and multiplayer fun across Nintendo consoles.
Introduction: The Mario Kart Legacy
Ever since 1992, Mario Kart has been a go-to for chaotic local multiplayer fun on every Nintendo system. With the upcoming release of Mario Kart World for the Switch 2, it’s the perfect time to break down the series and rank each game from worst to best.
When sizing up what makes a Mario Kart game truly stand out, several things come into play: multiplayer experience, course design, item variety, controls, and the level of player customization. This list focuses on Nintendo-developed titles, so arcade versions by Bandai Namco and the mixed reality Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit won’t be included.
Ready? Let’s dive into the full Mario Kart rankings!
10) Mario Kart Tour (2019)
Mario Kart Tour is a mobile take on the franchise that unfortunately leans way too hard on monetization. The game feels pretty stripped down compared to console versions. You only get access to a rotating selection of courses every two weeks, and the original tracks here often feel like bland copies of their console counterparts.
Unique courses attempt to add some flair, but mostly fall flat. On the bright side, unlocking quirky costumes for characters adds a bit of charm and lighthearted fun to the races. Still, as you play longer, it becomes clear the game’s design favors profit over pure enjoyment.
9) Super Mario Kart (1992)
It might feel harsh to put the original Mario Kart so low, but it’s important to remember that Super Mario Kart created the foundation for the entire series. It introduced lots of memorable courses and split-screen multiplayer at a time when that was rare.
That said, the game can be frustratingly unfair due to aggressive AI rubberbanding. While the courses are colorful, they often recycle similar themes, making the experience feel repetitive after a while. The plus side? The Battle Mode was a blast to play with friends.
8) Mario Kart: Super Circuit (2002)
Super Circuit took Mario Kart back to portable consoles but packed in an impressive 40 tracks — more than any game until Mario Kart 8. It also featured a broader cast of characters compared to Super Mario Kart, each with unique stats making character choice meaningful.
Despite this, the game’s 2D design still limits its scope, and it didn’t push many new mechanics forward. Local multiplayer is a hassle too, requiring a tangle of link cables. Still, it’s a solid handheld entry with plenty to offer.
7) Mario Kart 64 (1997)
Mario Kart 64 holds a special place in many hearts — myself included — with fond memories of racing with family and friends. It brought in classic tracks like Wario Stadium and Kalamari Desert and introduced some wild new items that cranked up the chaos.
But, in terms of content, it’s rather thin with just 16 tracks all available from the start, which cuts down on replay value. The multiplayer action on N64 was legendary, but Mario Kart 64 doesn’t quite live up to the era’s high standard.
6) Mario Kart 7 (2011)
Mario Kart 7 doesn’t get talked about enough, but it deserves credit for adding fresh mechanics that made racing more engaging. This title introduced kart customization, which took the focus off characters and allowed players to build vehicles that suited their style.
It also added gliding and underwater sections, injecting brief but welcome variety into races. These small but meaningful changes paved the way for future games. It might not be the series’ shining star, but it laid important groundwork.
5) Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (2003)
Double Dash!! is a fan favorite thanks to its unique two-racers-per-kart mechanic. Initially, it might seem odd to team up, but this system allows players to combine unique items and use two items at once, making races wild and unpredictable in the best ways.
Unfortunately, it suffers from limited content, which can be disappointing when returning to it after a while. Nonetheless, its chaotic gameplay is a blast and sets it apart from other entries.
4) Mario Kart 8 (2014)
Mario Kart 8 was a flagship game for the Wii U and expanded on Mario Kart 7’s innovations with a whopping 48 courses and more customization options. The tracks are stunning, with gems like Mount Wario, Electrodrome, and a reimagined Rainbow Road from Mario Kart 64.
Anti-gravity sections added a whole new dynamic, turning parts of races into bumper car-style battles. It’s an outstanding game overall, though its Battle Mode left a lot to be desired.
3) Mario Kart DS (2005)
Mario Kart DS was a major leap forward, introducing wireless multiplayer and a surprisingly deep single-player mode. It also remade 16 classic tracks from previous games, a trend later games would follow.
The game’s physics are smooth and enjoyable, contributing to one of the most polished Mario Kart experiences. Though it might not hold the crown today, it was once the gold standard in the series.
2) Mario Kart Wii (2008)
Despite avoiding Mario Kart Wii for a long time due to its rough visuals, I was pleasantly surprised by its racing mechanics. Online multiplayer is refined, with a vibrant community still active today.
It introduced bikes as a new vehicle option and upped the number of racers to 12 per race. Plus, it supports a huge variety of controllers, including GameCube and motion controls, so everyone can play their way.
The real star here is the excellent track lineup, including classics like Coconut Mall, Maple Treeway, and Wario’s Gold Mine, making it a joy to revisit even after nearly two decades.
1) Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017)
When it comes to sheer content, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is unmatched. It boasts an incredible 96 tracks, mixing new courses with some not-so-great ones borrowed from Mario Kart Tour — but the winners vastly outnumber the duds.
Deluxe fixes every issue from the original Mario Kart 8, including a much-improved Battle Mode and the ability to hold two items at once, bringing back some of the chaos Double Dash!! fans loved.
It’s a game that anyone can jump into and immediately have a blast. As the best-selling Mario Kart game ever, it’s a fitting crown jewel for the series.
“Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best entry in the series — a game that anyone can pop in and instantly have fun with.”
Conclusion
Mario Kart’s journey has been full of twists, turns, and colorful chaos. From the humble beginnings of Super Mario Kart to the sprawling extravaganza of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, each entry brought something unique to the track.
Whether you love the nostalgic charm, the frantic multiplayer mayhem, or the clever new mechanics, there’s a Mario Kart game for everyone. So gear up, pick your favorite character, and get ready to race your way through some of gaming’s most beloved courses.
FAQs
- Which Mario Kart game has the most tracks?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe leads the pack with 96 tracks, combining both new and classic courses. - What makes Mario Kart 7 special?
It introduced kart customization along with gliding and underwater sections that added fresh gameplay dynamics. - Why is Mario Kart Tour considered the weakest?
Its heavy monetization and limited, repetitive course rotations make it feel less fun compared to console titles. - How did Mario Kart Double Dash!! change gameplay?
By allowing two players per kart with unique items and combined strategies, it created more chaotic and strategic races. - Is Mario Kart Wii still worth playing?
Absolutely! Its vast track list, refined online play, and flexible controls make it a timeless classic.
