Ranking Every Mario Kart Game: From SNES Classic to the New Switch Champion

Since its debut in 1992, Mario Kart has been a cornerstone of Nintendo, defining the kart racing genre with its signature blend of simple controls and deep strategy. More than just a spin-off, it’s arguably become the main stage for Mario and friends. With a brand new game, Mario Kart World, recently hitting the scene, it’s the perfect time to look back and see how each entry stacked up and how the series evolved. Let’s dive into the rankings!

11. Mario Kart: Super Circuit (Game Boy Advance)

Released for the Game Boy Advance, Super Circuit holds the distinction of being the first handheld Mario Kart game. While a best-seller on the platform, it felt like a step backward visually after the leap to 3D with Mario Kart 64. The courses, despite some depth in characters, suffered from flat, uninspired textures that didn’t showcase the GBA’s full potential.

Its main appeal at the time was portability – a quick racing fix on the go. But outside of its historical significance as the handheld pioneer, Super Circuit lacks the depth and visual polish to make it a compelling return trip today, especially compared to later entries.

Mario and friends race on Peach Circuit in Mario Kart Super Circuit for the GBA

10. Mario Kart Tour (Mobile)

Don’t let the “mobile game” label fool you completely; Mario Kart Tour brought some interesting ideas. Visually, it’s quite stunning with detailed karts and tracks that pop on a phone screen. It also brought back character-specific items, a fan-favorite feature missing from many console games.

However, the core racing feel suffers significantly from touch controls. Sliding your finger across the screen just doesn’t compare to the tactile feedback of physical buttons, which is key to Mario Kart’s precision and fun. While it looks good and has unique elements, the fundamental gameplay experience holds it back from ranking higher.

Various characters race on a colorful track in the mobile game Mario Kart Tour

9. Super Mario Kart (SNES)

The one that started it all! Super Mario Kart on the SNES introduced the legendary formula of Grand Prix and Battle Mode that still drives the series over three decades later. It didn’t just launch a franchise; it pioneered an entire genre of arcade kart racers. Its historical importance cannot be overstated.

That said, looking back today, the original game feels quite basic. The graphics are simplistic (though cutting-edge for 1992), and the mechanics lack the layers added in later games. While you can appreciate its groundbreaking nature, it’s hard to go back to regularly when subsequent games have refined and expanded upon its foundation so much. Its legacy is undeniable, but its current-day playability is limited.

Mario and Luigi race head-to-head on a track in the original Super Mario Kart for SNES

8. Mario Kart 64 (Nintendo 64)

Mario Kart 64 brought the series into the third dimension, and what a difference it made! 3D graphics allowed for more complex and interesting track designs, dynamic camera angles, and a better sense of speed, especially with the introduction of drifting for boosts. Character animations felt more lively, making races feel like bigger events.

Like its SNES predecessor, MK64 suffers slightly from being surpassed by later games that built on its 3D foundation. Its unique qualities aren’t quite enough to make it a go-to game today for most players, which is a common challenge for a series that sticks so close to its winning formula. However, its transition to 3D and introduction of 4-player split-screen cemented its place in many fans’ hearts, proving nostalgia is a powerful item in this race.

Mario, Peach, Yoshi, and Donkey Kong race on Koopa Troopa Beach in Mario Kart 64

7. Mario Kart 7 (Nintendo 3DS)

Landing squarely at number seven, Mario Kart 7 on the 3DS introduced features that are now essential to the series. Gliding through the air and driving underwater made races multi-dimensional, literally, adding new strategic wrinkles to track layouts. Kart customization also debuted here, allowing players to tweak stats with different bodies, wheels, and gliders. These additions felt fresh and exciting, especially on a handheld system.

However, MK7 suffers greatly from the existence of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. With Deluxe offering better graphics, many of the same core mechanics (gliding, underwater), and a massive 96 courses, the reasons to revisit MK7 in a post-Deluxe world are slim. It was a must-have for any 3DS owner at the time, but its innovations were so successfully integrated and expanded upon in its successor that it’s hard to justify playing it now. (Though Waluigi’s absence remains a puzzling flaw!)

Mario gliding with a hang glider over a track in Mario Kart 7 for the 3DS

6. Mario Kart Wii (Nintendo Wii)

Mario Kart Wii was a cultural phenomenon, riding the massive wave of the Wii’s popularity. It lowered the barrier to entry with the included Wii Wheel and motion controls, introducing countless new players to the series. Tilt controls remain an option even in newer games as a nod to how many people first experienced Mario Kart here.

This entry is known for being particularly wild and chaotic, with Blue Shells seeming to strike with ruthless frequency. But MK Wii also innovated with the series’ first truly robust online play system (building on the DS’s basic attempt) and, memorably, introduced bikes as a new vehicle type. While the bikes’ impact might seem minor, they became instantly iconic for certain characters. MK Wii leaned into the party game chaos and nailed it, expanding the franchise’s reach significantly.

Bowser races on a bike using motion controls with the Wii Wheel in Mario Kart Wii

5. Mario Kart 8 (Wii U)

The original Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U was a visually stunning game, marking the series’ successful transition to HD. The graphics were gorgeous, and the core gameplay was as solid as ever. You couldn’t call it a bad game by any stretch.

Yet, MK8 felt… safe. Its big new mechanic, anti-gravity, was barely noticeable, mostly just letting you drive on walls without a significant change in feel. Instead, it relied heavily on the gliding and underwater sections introduced in Mario Kart 7, making it feel more like an HD remake of its predecessor than a truly new experience. Battle Mode was also severely stripped down, disappointing many fans. It didn’t truly find its identity until the improved Deluxe version arrived, but that later success was built on MK8‘s strong, albeit slightly vanilla, foundation.

Princess Peach and other characters race upside down using the anti-gravity feature in Mario Kart 8 on Wii U

4. Mario Kart DS (Nintendo DS)

Any Mario Kart game that shakes up the core formula stands out, and Mario Kart DS did just that with its brilliant and unique Mission Mode. Beyond traditional races, this mode offered objective-based challenges, including time trials, item practice, and even boss battles, requiring players to master new skills. It made MK DS an exceptionally strong single-player experience with tons of replayability.

MK DS also achieved iconic status for other reasons. Its integration with DS Download Play made multiplayer incredibly easy, letting friends race together with just one game cartridge. It also pioneered the inclusion of retro tracks from previous games, a feature now central to every new Mario Kart release. With original gems like Waluigi Pinball alongside classic remakes, MK DS was a triumph in 2005 and remains a unique, enduring entry thanks to its innovative Mission Mode.

Characters race and perform tricks on a track shown on the top screen of a Nintendo DS in Mario Kart DS

3. Mario Kart World (Switch 2?)

Despite being the newest game on the list, Mario Kart World arrives making a huge splash. It’s undeniably the best-looking Mario Kart game ever, possibly one of the most visually impressive Nintendo games period. The vast, interconnected courses feel incredibly detailed and exploring them is a highlight, especially noticing familiar tracks in the distance.

Mechanically, World introduces wall-riding and rail-grinding as new skills that actually require practice to master, unlike MK8‘s subtle anti-gravity. These skills are woven into fantastic new modes like Free Roam, which brings open-world exploration to the series, and the chaotic last-kart-standing Knockout Tour. It even brings back snackable challenges reminiscent of MK DS‘s Mission Mode. Combined with all the classic modes and a fantastic soundtrack, Mario Kart World feels like a bold step forward, blending exploration, new mechanics, and classic chaos into one ultimate package.

Several karts race through a vibrant, open-world environment in the new Mario Kart World game

2. Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (GameCube)

Mario Kart: Double Dash!! is overflowing with personality and a willingness to break the mold that the series sometimes lacks. The core idea of having two riders per kart – one driving, one handling items – was pure genius and surprisingly hasn’t been a standard mode since. This double-driver system, along with unique character special items, opened up entirely new layers of strategy and chaotic fun. Imagine tossing Bowser’s giant shell while your teammate steers!

This unique mechanic made gameplay feel distinctively different from other entries, adding exciting depth beyond just vehicle customization. The visual of two characters crammed into a kart is goofy and memorable. Double Dash!! is a testament to the fact that sometimes, taking a big risk with the formula pays off immensely, creating a game that remains incredibly fun and unique years later. Hopefully, Mario Kart World‘s innovations signal a return to this kind of bold experimentation.

Two characters, Mario and Luigi, share a single kart in the unique gameplay of Mario Kart Double Dash!!

1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo Switch)

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is Nintendo at its finest: taking a good game (MK8 on Wii U) and transforming it into a global phenomenon. It fixed the original’s weak Battle Mode, added helpful features like holding two items, and brought in fun new characters. But the real game-changer was the Booster Course Pass DLC.

With a staggering 96 courses pulled from every game in the series (and beyond!) and a massive roster of 42 characters, MK8 Deluxe became the ultimate Mario Kart experience through sheer, overwhelming variety. While its core mechanics (gliding, anti-gravity) are inherited from MK7/MK8 rather than being revolutionary, the sheer volume of content makes it the definitive game for both newcomers and veterans. Selling over 68 million copies isn’t just luck; it’s a testament to how Nintendo perfected the Mario Kart formula and packaged it into an irresistible, endlessly replayable game for the Switch.

A large group of diverse characters race on a track from the Booster Course Pass DLC in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch

From the humble beginnings on SNES to the expansive new horizons of Mario Kart World, the series has consistently delivered racing thrills. While the newest entry is exciting, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe stands as the peak of content and refinement based on the classic formula, making it the reigning champion for now.

What’s your favorite Mario Kart game? Let us know! And dive deeper into the world of Nintendo with our other features and reviews.