"Top Mario Kart Games: Ranked List"

If you're even remotely familiar with the world of gaming, you know the iconic name *Mario Kart*. Since its debut in 1992, this series has become a cornerstone of Nintendo's legacy—a perfect embodiment of the company’s "easy to learn, difficult to master" design philosophy. Over time, it has grown so immensely popular that it arguably overshadows even the classic Mario platformers as the primary stage where people recognize the red-capped Italian plumber.

The franchise kicked off with *Super Mario Kart* on the SNES, introducing a gameplay structure fans still adore today. While the core racing mechanics have remained largely unchanged over the decades, the latest entry, *Mario Kart World* for the Switch 2, pushes the boundaries like never before. With its release now live, there's no better time to revisit the entire series—to explore how each game built upon its predecessors, reflected Nintendo’s creative direction at the time, and whether or not they've stood the test of time. Here’s every *Mario Kart* title ranked from least to most impressive.

11. *Mario Kart: Super Circuit*

Developer: Intelligent Systems | Publisher: Nintendo | Platform: Game Boy Advance | Release Date: August 27, 2001 (NA)

Despite being one of the best-selling titles on the Game Boy Advance, *Super Circuit* is among the least replayable entries in the series. Released five years after *Mario Kart 64*, it feels like a step back into a more primitive version of the franchise. Although the character models and environments show a slight improvement over the original SNES game, the courses are often flat and visually unappealing—especially when compared to what the GBA was truly capable of.

Its biggest strength at the time was simply being the first handheld *Mario Kart*. The limited character selection and basic game modes made it ideal for quick play sessions—perfect for passing time during long car rides. However, by modern standards, there’s little reason to return to *Super Circuit* when richer experiences are readily available on home consoles.

10. *Mario Kart Tour*

Developer: Nintendo EPD | Publisher: Nintendo | Platform: Android, iOS | Release Date: September 25, 2019

It's easy to dismiss *Mario Kart Tour* as just another mobile game, but beneath its casual exterior lies some genuine charm. Visually, the game shines with beautifully detailed tracks and unlockable characters, making even slower races feel engaging. One of its standout features is the return of character-specific items—a long-requested feature missing from recent console entries since the *GameCube* era.

However, the touch-based controls can't match the tactile satisfaction of pressing physical buttons, which ultimately distances it from the true *Mario Kart* experience. Still, as a portable spin-off, it brings enough of the series' essence to be worth a look.

9. *Super Mario Kart*

Developer: Nintendo EAD | Publisher: Nintendo | Platform: SNES | Release Date: September 1, 1992 (NA)

There’s no overstating the importance of *Super Mario Kart*. It didn’t just launch a beloved franchise—it helped define an entirely new genre. Even after more than three decades, the fundamental gameplay loop remains intact across all future entries. Grand Prix and Battle Mode became staples not out of habit, but because they were—and still are—incredibly fun.

That said, while its influence is undeniable, playing it today reveals its age. The graphics are rudimentary, and the mechanics lack depth compared to later games. But without this groundbreaking title, the landscape of Nintendo—and perhaps even gaming—might look very different today.

8. *Mario Kart 64*

Developer: Nintendo EAD | Publisher: Nintendo | Platform: Nintendo 64 | Release Date: February 10, 1997 (NA)

As the second installment in the series, *Mario Kart 64* brought a much-needed sense of dynamism. The shift to 3D allowed for more complex track designs, dynamic camera angles, and a greater sense of speed—especially with the addition of drifting boosts. Enhanced animations also gave the races a more immersive feel, turning them into grand events rather than simple laps around a track.

Today, however, it suffers from many of the same issues as earlier entries—its innovations have been surpassed by newer games, and aside from nostalgia value, there’s little incentive to revisit it. Still, its role in transitioning the series into the third dimension makes it a milestone in gaming history.

7. *Mario Kart 7*

Developer: Nintendo EAD | Publisher: Nintendo | Platform: Nintendo 3DS | Release Date: December 4, 2011 (NA)

Though it may not stand out as a modern favorite, *Mario Kart 7* introduced several elements now considered essential to the series. Features like hang gliders, underwater driving, and kart customization debuted here—mechanics that would later become central to *Mario Kart 8*. Underwater segments, in particular, showcased the visual capabilities of the 3DS compared to its predecessor, the DS.

Kart customization added a layer of strategy to a series known for chaos, balancing the unpredictability seen in *Mario Kart Wii*. That said, in a post-*MK8 Deluxe* world, returning to *Mario Kart 7* feels underwhelming. Still, it’s a must-have for any 3DS owner—even if Waluigi’s absence remains a head-scratcher.

6. *Mario Kart Wii*

Developer: Nintendo EAD | Publisher: Nintendo | Platform: Nintendo Wii | Release Date: April 27, 2008 (NA)

*Mario Kart Wii* played a pivotal role in making the franchise a household name. The introduction of motion controls via the Wii Wheel lowered the barrier to entry for casual players, expanding the audience significantly. Though tilt controls aren’t preferred by veterans today, their inclusion helped millions experience *Mario Kart* for the first time.

The game is remembered for being chaotic, especially due to infamous blue shell moments. It also introduced bikes and refined online play, setting the foundation for future entries. While not the most polished game in the series, it holds a special place in the hearts of many longtime fans.

5. *Mario Kart 8*

Developer: Nintendo EAD | Publisher: Nintendo | Platform: Nintendo Wii U | Release Date: May 30, 2014 (NA)

During the Wii U era, Nintendo played things safe, and *Mario Kart 8* was no exception. While it looked stunning and retained the series’ solid core gameplay, it lacked the innovation seen in previous entries. Anti-gravity mechanics felt tacked on, and Battle Mode was severely stripped down.

Still, its graphical polish and smooth HD presentation laid the groundwork for what would eventually become *Mario Kart 8 Deluxe*. Without this base, the later masterpiece