Mario Kart is a staple of both Kart games and also in the Mario franchise that all have sold incredibly well, but what are the best Mario Kart games? Here are the Mario Kart Games Ranked From Best To Worst.
For these rankings, we will use the scores the games have been given on Metacritic on the “ultimate” edition of the game. For example, we will list Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch but not the normal Wii U version of the game.
Mario Kart: Super Circuit (93 – GBA)
Mario Kart: Super Circuit, released in 2001 for the Game Boy Advance, sought to recreate the Mario Kart 64 experience on a handheld console. The game faithfully adapted the gameplay mechanics and track design, allowing players to race on familiar courses while on the go.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (92 – Nintendo Switch)
Released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe stands as a pinnacle of the franchise. With its exhilarating tracks, polished gameplay, and an extensive roster of characters, karts, and bikes, this installment offers the ultimate Mario Kart experience. The game’s anti-gravity mechanics, gliders, and underwater segments add layers of strategy to the races. The Deluxe version also includes all DLC from the original Mario Kart 8, making it a definitive package that has secured its place as the best Mario Kart game to date. The game is currently still being supported with new DLC that includes both characters and maps, so it’s not to late to jump on this wagon and Kart around with your favorite Mario and Nintendo characters.
Mario Kart DS (91)
Mario Kart DS, released in 2005, brought the high-speed races to the Nintendo DS handheld. The game featured a robust single-player mode with missions and challenges, in addition to the standard Grand Prix and multiplayer modes.
Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (87 – GameCube)
Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, released in 2003 for the Nintendo GameCube, brought a twist to the franchise by allowing players to control two characters in a single kart. These unique mechanics added depth to the gameplay, as each character had specific items and abilities. The diverse track selection and local multiplayer made Double Dash!! a memorable addition to the series.
Mario Kart 7 (85 – 3DS)
Mario Kart 7, released in 2011 for the Nintendo 3DS, delivered portable racing excitement. The introduction of gliders and underwater sections added new dimensions to the races. The game’s unique track designs, customizable karts, and the ability to race in first-person perspective made Mario Kart 7 a standout entry that capitalized on the features of the handheld console.
Mario Kart 64 (83 – N64)
Mario Kart 64, released in 1996 for the Nintendo 64, laid the foundation for the 3D kart racing experience. With its memorable tracks, iconic power-ups, and four-player split-screen multiplayer, Mario Kart 64 became a staple of social gaming gatherings. While its graphics may appear dated today, the game’s timeless charm and competitive gameplay still make it a must-play for fans of the series.
Mario Kart Wii (82)
Mario Kart Wii, released in 2008, introduced motion controls and brought the fun of Mario Kart to a wider audience. The game boasts an impressive track selection, including both new and nostalgic courses from previous installments. The addition of motorbikes and a variety of characters adds depth to the gameplay. Mario Kart Wii’s online multiplayer was a major highlight, allowing players to race against opponents from around the world.
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit (75 – Nintendo Switch)
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, released in 2020 for the Nintendo Switch, took the franchise into the realm of augmented reality. Players can create custom racetracks in their own homes using physical karts with built-in cameras. The real-world environment blends seamlessly with the virtual track, creating a unique and immersive racing experience. While the gameplay may have limitations due to the physical setup, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit offers an innovative and creative way to enjoy Mario Kart.
Mario Kart Tour (59 – Mobile)
Mario Kart Tour, released in 2019 for mobile devices, brought the kart racing experience to a new platform. The game features a variety of tracks inspired by real-world locations and past Mario Kart games. While the touch controls and gacha-style mechanics drew mixed reviews, Mario Kart Tour provided an accessible way for players to enjoy Mario Kart on the go.
Super Mario Kart (Unscored – NES)
Super Mario Kart, released in 1992 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), introduced the world to the joy of kart racing with Mario and his friends. While the graphics and gameplay may feel rudimentary compared to modern standards, Super Mario Kart’s innovative use of Mode 7 graphics and iconic track design laid the groundwork for the beloved franchise we know today.
If you enjoyed these rankings, why don’t you check out our ranked page? Here you can see all the games we have ranked. Please let us know what series you would wanna see us rank in the comments or on Twitter/Discord! September is Mario Month, so make sure to check that page for Mario content every day for this month.
