Technology

Every ‘Mario Kart’ Game Ranked: From Mediocre to Magnificent

2025-06-14

Author: Wei Ling

The Thrill and Chaos of Mario Kart

Mario Kart has long been a source of joy and frustration, but while getting frustrated by your siblings is common, the game itself was usually safe—until Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit in 2020.

A Mixed Reality Adventure

Mario Kart Live transforms your living room into a remote-controlled race course using a camera-equipped RC car featuring Mario or Luigi. Players can see the real-world surroundings combined with digital elements right on their Nintendo Switch. While it's an innovative concept, it requires plenty of space to avoid annoying accidents with pets or family members during the heat of competition.

Mobile Mayhem: Mario Kart Tour

Nintendo's strategy to dominate mobile gaming finally broke ground with Mario Kart Tour in 2019. Simplifying the beloved franchise for touch-screen controls, it lacked the complexity of console iterations but introduced many new courses inspired by real-world locations. This mobile version hints at a possible live-service model for Nintendo games, though fans can hope that day never arrives.

Handheld Hiccups: Super Circuit

2001's Super Circuit brought the series to the Game Boy Advance but fell short. Its graphics were an upgrade over the original, yet deficiencies in gameplay and control took away from the experience, making it less enjoyable compared to its predecessors.

Arcade Adventures: Mario Kart Arcade Series

Teaming up with Bandai Namco, Mario Kart hit the arcades with several entries from 2005 to 2017. While these games delivered the thrill of racing, they were more like carnival rides than fully realized experiences, offering a unique twist on familiar gameplay but lacking the depth of the mainline series.

The Classic that Started It All: Super Mario Kart

Released on SNES in 1992, Super Mario Kart was revolutionary in popularizing racing games, utilizing 2D assets for a 3D feel. While its nostalgic charm remains, it’s clear how much the franchise has evolved since, foreshadowing innovations that came next.

Nostalgia and New Beginnings: Mario Kart 64

The nostalgia factor kicks in with Mario Kart 64, introduced in 1996. This game marked the series' leap into 3D with split-screen mechanics and iconic elements like the infamous blue shell, cementing its place in gaming history despite its rudimentary design.

A Handheld Revival: Mario Kart DS

Mario Kart DS was a godsend for handheld gamers in 2005, striking a perfect balance between 3D visuals and classic racing mechanics. While it faced some technical hiccups, it set the stage for what the series would leverage in future entries.

Duo Racing Delight: Double Dash

Mario Kart: Double Dash on GameCube stood out for its unique two-character mechanic, allowing inventive strategies with shared item usage. This fun twist kept players engaged, though later games reverted to the single racer's formula.

The Pinnacle: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe became the crowning jewel of the franchise, delivering an expansive array of characters and tracks that incorporated the best elements from previous games. Its success on the Switch made it a must-play for both newcomers and longtime fans.

A Bold New Era: Mario Kart World

Coming soon for the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World promises to redefine the experience with a fully explorable map that connects various race tracks along with innovative gameplay features. It introduces new mechanics and allows for greater player engagement in a battle royale-style racing format.

With its imaginative features and thrilling chaos, Mario Kart continues to be a beloved staple in gaming, with each entry finding a way to captivate fans around the globe.