Ultimate Mario Kart Video Game Ranking

Ultimate Mario Kart Video Game Ranking

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.)

Related blog: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Review

 

What is the difference between Mario Kart GP 1 and 2?

  • Release date: October 2005.
  • Genre: Racing, action game.
  • Platform: Arcade.
  • Tracks: 24.
  • Awards won: /
  • Game type: Original

In last place, we have Mario Kart Arcade GP. The game is one of the older Mario Kart games and even though it performed okay at the time, it's no longer used and was easily forgotten by gamers. The game was released on Triforce Arcade Board, which was an arcade board developed by Nintendo. Whilst the game won no awards when released, it was still an exciting and engaging game when it came out all that time ago. 

 Pros: Cons:
  • Great gameplay for an early game.
  • Engaging for release era.
  • Arcade based only

     

    Is Mario Kart Arcade GP 2 worth it?

    • Release date: March 2007.
    • Genre: Arcade video game.
    • Platform: Arcade.
    • Tracks: 32.
    • Awards won: /
    • Game type: Sequel

    In second to last place, we have the second version of Mario Kart Arcade GP, which is Mario Kart Arcade GP 2. Like we said, it's a sequel game, however it played more like an expansion. All the gameplay and graphics of the original are still included in this game, it just expands the edition with a couple new races and characters. Whilst we'd certainly suggest this version over it's predecessor, there's still no major differences. 

     Pros: Cons:
    • Strong updates compared to previous game.
    • Increased amount of courses.
    • Still arcade based.

     

    Is Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit fun?

    • Release date: October 2020.
    • Genre: Action, augmented reality game.
    • Platform: Nintendo Switch.
    • Awards won: 2 wins, 2 nominations.
    • Game type: Spin-off

    Home Circuit was released during the pandemic, a great way to play Mario Kart in your home... literally! Players could build a course in their own living space, then using sensors and cameras they could use the Switch console to drive around their home in a classic Mario Kart race! Whilst the game sounded great, it had a few flaws when integrating virtual with real world. One aspect we'd love Nintendo to have looked into is battle mode on the home circuit. If Nintendo released a sequel to this edition, we'd definitely approach it with an open mind. 

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

       

      What does VR stand for in Mario Kart?

      • Release date: July 2017
      • Genre: Virtual reality.
      • Platform: HTC Vive.
      • Tracks:24.
      • Awards won: /
      • Game type: GP Series

      After the success of the GP Arcade edition, Nintendo decided to take this further by creating an updated arcade game, with VR! VR was becoming huge in 2017, so incorporating this into a Mario Kart game was a great idea. And whilst the game did well in arcades, it did feel more like a ride rather than a video game. If you wanted to experience the physical feel of a Mario Kart game, this one was your pick! But if you still wanted to maintain skill and strategy, we don't think you get it here. 

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

         

        How many items are in Mario Kart Arcade GP DX?

        • Release date: July 2013
        • Genre: Racing, action game.
        • Platform: Arcade.
        • Tracks: 24
        • Awards won: /
        • Game type: GP Series

        In 2013, yet again Nintendo released an arcade edition but incorporated much more modern (to the time) elements. The seats were comfier and bigger, the pedals and wheels were more realistic and the screens were a lot brighter and clearer. It was clear during 2010-2019, Nintendo were keen on bringing back Mario to the arcade scene, and they certainly kept going!

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

           

          How long does it take to beat 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

          Mario Kart Super Circuit was ranked one of the better games for Gameboy, and being halfway through our ranking list, we kind of agree. It was the 4th best-selling GBA game and sold almost 6 million copies worldwide. The only reason we don't have it higher up on our list is because looking at the actual game itself, it does have some lack of technical innovation and other Mario Kart games felt a lot more authentic. 

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

             

            Was Mario Kart Tour successful?

            • Release date: September 2019.
            • Genre: Action video game.
            • Platform: Smartphone.
            • Tracks: 446.
            • Awards won: /
            • Game type: Spin-off

            Finally a mobile Mario Kart game has entered our list! It's a game dedicated to iOS and Android and had all the elements of a classic Mario Kart game, just on your smartphone and able to use online mode. This was a great edition to the series now that people could play portably, and made one-hand gaming a lot easier. We'd love to see further improvements on this app. 

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

               

              Is Mario Kart 64 the best game ever?

              • Release date: December 1996.
              • Genre: Sports video game.
              • Platform: Nintendo 64.
              • Tracks: 16.
              • Awards won: 1 nomination.
              • Game type: Sequel

              We have begun to enter our selection of the best Mario Kart video games. 64 was a great edition, one of the best of all time. With incredible controls and graphics... even the occasional glitch worked in favour for players. It's just a shame we had to basically say goodbye to the game when the N64 console discontinued in 2002.

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

                 

                How popular is Mario Kart 7?

                • Release date: December 2011.
                • Genre: Racing video game.
                • Platform: Nintendo 3DS.
                • Tracks: 16.
                • Awards won: Won Best Game Of 2011, 2 nominations.
                • Game type: Sequel

                Mario Kart 7 didn't win 'Best Game Of 2011' for nothing! The game released on 3DS, which at the time wasn't doing so great because people were getting eye issues with the 3D system. Nintendo had to really step up and prove the console was worth it. So by releasing a Mario Kart edition for this console alone this was there way of proving it. We get some great levels that we see on the iconic Nintendo Wii, plus some additional levels. Playing them in 3D was a great way to experiment with depth, we definitely recommend.. 

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

                 

                Is Mario Kart DS worth playing?

                • Release date: November 2005.
                • Genre: Combat, racing game.
                • Platform: Nintendo DS.
                • Tracks: 32.
                • Awards won: 3 nominations.
                • Game type: Original

                Mario Kart DS basically shaped the way for handheld racer games. It's got the third-highest rating for any DS title with a score of 91/100 from infamous critics at Metacritic. Again, the game had great graphics for the time, and engaging, competitive gameplay. Whilst playing now we may have some issues in terms of quality, for 2005 the game was perfect, and iconic!

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

                   

                  Was Mario Kart: Double Dash good?

                  • Release date: November 2003.
                  • Genre: Multiplayer video game.
                  • Platform: Game Cube.
                  • Tracks: 16.
                  • Awards won: 4 nominations.
                  • Game type: Sequel

                  Double Dash took such a unique approach to the Mario Kart scene. It involved two racers per kart, not one. Two players can ride on the same car, one being in charge of strategically throwing and blocking obstacles whilst the other follows the course to maintain first position. We don't understand why this game was never followed on in the future, it would have been great to see an update for it's 20th anniversary back in 2023. 

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

                     

                    What is the oldest Mario Kart game?

                    • Release date: August 1992.
                    • Genre: Racing video game.
                    • Platform: SNES console.
                    • Tracks: 20.
                    • Awards won: /
                    • Game type: Original

                    We're now entering our top positions in our ranking. So obviously, we have to begin with the iconic game, Super Mario Kart. It was a very enjoyable game, with well-designed courses and challenging gameplay, plus the iconic choice of battle mode or normal racing. Nintendo knew what they were doing!

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

                       

                      Will there be a new Mario Kart in 2025?

                      • Release date: June 2025
                      • Genre: Racing, party game.
                      • Platform: Switch 2
                      • Tracks: 32.
                      • Awards won: /
                      • Game type: Original

                      You may be wondering why such a new game is featured so high amongst iconic editions? We think that Mario Kart World has the potential to easily be in the top 3, but for now we will be generous. Coming onto a brand new console, the game has a lot to live up to. With up to 24 racers now on a track, wider levels and experimenting with the world around the race, gamers have so much more to experience. 

                      Pros: Cons:
                      • More level options
                      • Exploration of levels more
                      •  Very expensive

                       

                      What is the most successful Wii game?

                      • Release date: April 2008.
                      • Genre: Multiplayer, action, combat game.
                      • Platform: WII.
                      • Tracks: 32.
                      • Awards won: 2 wins, 3 nominations.
                      • Game type: Original

                      Mario Kart Wii was so iconic in many ways, it propelled the Wii into new heights, made Mario Kart a house-hold name and provided years and years of gaming fun! I know so many people who still have a Wii, purely to play Mario Kart alone. It was one of those games that had challenging aspects, but were easy enough to get over. It's no surprise this game received 2 awards, it's iconic in so many ways!

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

                         

                        Is buying Mario Kart 8 Deluxe worth it?

                        • Release date: April 2017.
                        • Genre: Racing video game.
                        • Platform: Nintendo Switch.
                        • Tracks: 32.
                        • Awards won: 2 nominations.
                        • Game type: Updated Edition

                        Just missing out on our spot as the best Mario Kart game is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Available for the Switch, this game was a great multiplayer experience that provided hours of hilarious gaming moments! What we loved so much about this game was the extent of battle modes. From Balloon Battle to Renegade Roundup to the iconic Coin collectors, it was certainly a game made for families!

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

                           

                          Is Mario Kart 8 still worth it?

                          • Release date: May 2014.
                          • Genre: Racing, action video game.
                          • Platform: WII U.
                          • Tracks: 32.
                          • Awards won: 3 wins, 10 nominations.
                          • Game type: Sequel

                          And finally, our top position as the best Mario Kart game, beating over 15 others... Mario Kart 8. The game released on the infamous Wii U, so the fact it did well in itself is impressive. This game has been suggested by many as easily the best Mario Kart game in the series. Building off the massive success of it's previous game, Nintendo just had to make sure everything was bigger and better... and they did! From better courses, better controls, and new items like boomerangs, piranha plants and super horns, this game isn't one to miss!  

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

                            Related blog: Ultimate Just Dance Video Game Ranking

                             

                            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!

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