Ultimate Mario Kart Video Game Ranking

Jul 1, 2024

By Charlotte Bolton

Altogether, there are over 200 video games within the Super Mario Universe with 15 of these titles belonging to the Mario Kart genre. Mario Kart is a game practically all of us have played that we all love, and whether you’ve played it from the beginning, joined around the time of the WII or DS or are a newcomer when it comes to these video games, we know how addicting Mario Kart can be.

So, to make things easier, we have created an ultimate ranking of all the Mario Kart video games ranking them from worst to best, so that you can play our top recommended options.

(Please note: Our ranking is based on Custom Controllers' opinion, we have ranked these games considering their overall ratings, popularity, financial success, awards won and general fan opinions.)

15 - Mario Kart Arcade GP

Release date: October 2005.

Genre: Racing, action game.

Platform: Arcade.

Tracks: 24.

Awards won: /

Game type: Original

Pros:	Cons:
Great gameplay for an early game.	Arcade based only

14 - Mario Kart Arcade GP 2

Release date: March 2007.

Genre: Arcade video game.

Platform: Arcade.

Tracks: 32.

Awards won: /

Game type: Sequel

Pros:	Cons:
Strong updates compared to previous game.	Still arcade based.

13 - Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit

Release date: October 2020.

Genre: Action, augmented reality game.

Platform: Nintendo Switch.

Awards won: 2 wins, 2 nominations.

Game type: Spin-off

Pros:	Cons:
Kart is sturdy and well made. Simple to set up.	AR tracking is questionable.

12 - Mario Kart Arcade GP VR

Release date: July 2017

Genre: Virtual reality.

Platform: HTC Vive.

Tracks:24.

Awards won: /

Game type: GP Series

Pros:	Cons:
Great edition to the VR realm. Good graphics.	Could have done with more tracks.

11 - Mario Kart Arcade GP DX

Release date: July 2013

Genre: Racing, action game.

Platform: Arcade.

Tracks: 24

Awards won: /

Game type: GP Series

Pros:	Cons:
Engaging gameplay. Fresh feel.	Unresponsive menu occasionally.

10 - Mario Kart: Super Circuit

Release date: July 2001

Genre: Racing video game.

Platform: Game Boy.

Tracks: 40.

Awards won: 1 win, 2 nominations.

Game type: Sequel

Pros:	Cons:
Music is catchy. Realistic sound effects.	Music is occasionally too quiet.

9 - Mario Kart Tour

Release date: September 2019.

Genre: Action video game.

Platform: Smartphone.

Tracks: 446.

Awards won: /

Game type: Spin-off

Pros:	Cons:
Amazing selection of tracks. Unique points system.	Some in-game purchases.

8 - Mario Kart 64

Release date: December 1996.

Genre: Sports video game.

Platform: Nintendo 64.

Tracks: 16.

Awards won: 1 nomination.

Game type: Sequel

Pros:	Cons:
Great selection of tracks. Brilliant battle mode.	Some occasional graphic glitches.

7 - Mario Kart 7

Release date: December 2011.

Genre: Racing video game.

Platform: Nintendo 3DS.

Tracks: 16.

Awards won: 2 nominations.

Game type: Sequel

Pros:	Cons:
Great with the 3D feature. Immersive experience.	Requires more tracks.

6 - Mario Kart DS

Release date: November 2005.

Genre: Combat, racing game.

Platform: Nintendo DS.

Tracks: 32.

Awards won: 3 nominations.

Game type: Original

Pros:	Cons:
Great new additions compared to previous game. Mission mode and battle mode.	Some tracks are boring.

5 - Mario Kart: Double Dash

Release date: November 2003.

Genre: Multiplayer video game.

Platform: Game Cube.

Tracks: 16.

Awards won: 4 nominations.

Game type: Sequel

Pros:	Cons:
Great concept of 2 players in 1 car.	Better in multiplayer mode.

4 - Super Mario Kart

Release date: August 1992.

Genre: Racing video game.

Platform: SNES console.

Tracks: 20.

Awards won: /

Game type: Original

Pros:	Cons:
Original game, beginning of Mario Kart. Good graphics for time period.	Needs more tracks.

3 - Mario Kart WII

Release date: April 2008.

Genre: Multiplayer, action, combat game.

Platform: WII.

Tracks: 32.

Awards won: 2 wins, 3 nominations.

Game type: Original

Pros:	Cons:
Unlockable characters. Brilliant multiplayer mode.	Songs aren’t that memorable.

2 - Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Release date: April 2017.

Genre: Racing video game.

Platform: Nintendo Switch.

Tracks: 32.

Awards won: 2 nominations.

Game type: Updated Edition

Pros:	Cons:
Battle mode. Time trials	Single player mode.

1- Mario Kart 8

Release date: May 2014.

Genre: Racing, action video game.

Platform: WII U.

Tracks: 32.

Awards won: 3 wins, 10 nominations.

Game type: Sequel

Pros:	Cons:
Stunning music. Brilliant graphics in HD.	Battle mode isn’t great.

Conclusion:

So do you agree with our ranking? What Mario Kart game was your favourite? And have you played them all? Remember, we have plenty more video games on our website if racing games aren’t quite for you. From action to family games, we have something waiting for everyone!