The Mario Kart Games, Ranked From Worst To Best

Since debuting in 1992, the Mario Kart series has revved its way into hearts (and family living rooms) worldwide. With colorful characters, inventive tracks, and chaotic multiplayer, it’s become a staple of Nintendo gaming. Let’s fire up the final lap and rank every mainline Mario Kart entry—along with key spin‑offs—from worst to best, based on critical acclaim, player reception, and enduring charm.

13. Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit (2020) – Lowest Tier

This AR/R/C crossover brought Nintendo’s first live-action karting experience straight into your living room. While innovative, its limited formal mode variety and space constraints earned it mixed reviews: Metacritic scores hover around 75–82. A niche experiment, fun in moderation—but not a staple for most kart fans.

12. Mario Kart Tour (2019)

Nintendo’s first mobile attempt was visually polished but marred by a pay‑to‑win model, restrictive content gating and lack of traditional karting feel. Critics and players alike found it a frustrating break from the series’ joyfulness .

11. Super Mario Kart (SNES, 1992)

The original that started it all introduced split‑screen multiplayer and rubber‑band AI. Despite its historical importance, gameplay feels outdated: rigid drifting, low resolution, and repetitive track fundamentals place it low by today’s standards .

10. Mario Kart: Super Circuit (GBA, 2001)

A faithful handheld adaptation that includes 40 tracks (20 new, 20 SNES ports). Critics appreciated the content volume, but the GBA’s hardware limits and stiff controls hold it back. Still, older fans often cite it as underrated.

9. Mario Kart 64 (N64, 1996)

This entry introduced polygonal tracks, 4‑player multiplayer, and iconic items like the Blue Shell. Nostalgia runs deep, but experts critique its muddy visuals and sparse track list.

8. Mario Kart 7 (3DS, 2011)

A polished handheld effort adding underwater and glider sections, kart customization, and new tracks. It scored ~84–85 on Metacritic for freshness and control, though some felt it played it safe.

7. Mario Kart Wii (2008)

One of the best‑selling titles ever (37 million+ units), this entry introduced bikes, motion controls, and expanded multiplayer. However, critics call it bloated, with rubber‑band AI and a weaker Battle Mode.

6. Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (GameCube, 2003)

Co-op karts were revolutionary: one character drove, the other used items. Unique character‑specific items and solid tracks made it a fan favorite, scoring in the mid‑80s on review aggregates.

5. Mario Kart DS (DS, 2005)

Breakthrough handheld and first with online multiplayer. It expertly remixed tracks from older games and landed mid‑90s Metacritic scores. Its tight controls and depth set a new standard .

4. Mario Kart 8 (Wii U, 2014)

This entry brought high‑definition anti-gravity racing and stunning art direction. Received critical acclaim (88–89) and massive sales (8+ million on Wii U). Battle Mode was weak, but race tracks shined.

3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch, 2017)

The ultimate definitive version: incorporates all original DLC, better Battle Mode, item upgrades, and held two items. With 96 tracks and consistently stellar reviews (~92–92.5), it remains the top-selling Mario Kart ever.

2. Mario Kart World (Switch 2, 2025)

Nintendo’s bold new reimagining: Free‑Roam open world, new vehicles (boats, snowmobiles), playgrounds for exploration, and Knockout Tour mode. Critics praised its ambition, though local co‑op is missing. Average Metacritic sits at ~87. Even so, early reception places it among the best.

1. Mario Kart: Super Circuit (Yes, it’s topping charts?)

Surprisingly, several rankings name Super Circuit as the best overall—citing its sheer content and faithful formula on a portable device despite limitations. This reflects its cult status among old-school handheld purists.

✅ Ranking Table Summary

🗣️ Community & Legacy Insights

Mobility vs. Innovation

Handheld entries (Super Circuit, Mario Kart DS, Mario Kart 7) are praised for bringing depth to portable play. Super Circuit in particular is lauded for packing in value and mastery under constraints

Pioneering Mechanics

Double Dash!! lives on in nostalgic reverence for its dual-character mechanics and inventive multiplayer dynamics .

Replay Value & Content Load

8 Deluxe’s exhaustive track list, replayable battle redesign, and continued updates cemented its top-tier status .

Evolution & New Territory

Mario Kart World shakes up expectations with open-world exploration and dynamic vehicle types—an ambitious move recognized by critics, though its multiplayer flexibility is still evolving .

Historical Respect

Though retro entries may feel hard for newcomers, their legacy importance is acknowledged. Super Mario Kart and Super Circuit are celebrated for defining the series direction.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Do all rankings stand the test of time? Not exactly. Nostalgia, platform context, and evolving mechanics color every opinion. But here’s what’s clear:

• Best Overall: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe—the most polished, content-rich, universally accessible entry.
• Most Innovative: Mario Kart World—its blend of sandbox freedom and new vehicles signals a bold new direction.
• Handheld Champion: Mario Kart DS remains the gold standard for portable karting.
• Cult Classic: Super Circuit earns its intriguing top-tier recognition among retro and handheld enthusiasts.

🎯 Try Them All!

Each Mario Kart game offers unique flavor—from the raw charm of the SNES original, to portable engineering feats, to modern polyphony in World. Whether you’re a nostalgia nut, handheld hero, or sandbox explorer, there’s a kart for every racer.