We can all agree that Mario games are fun. And, what about Mario kart games? Well, even though Mario kart games are restricted to a couple of platforms – it is still one of the best games around to have a little fun and spend a great weekend.
If you have heard about Super Mario but never tried Mario kart games, you should try that for sure. You will have all the characters here (or some) and you will join in a go-kart style racing with interesting powers and race tracks.
In this article, we shall take a look at the best Mario kart games of all time. So, if you have been searching for all-time best Mario Kart games, then we have got you covered. Keep reading to find out more, but before that, let us answer where can you play Mario Kart games.
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Where can I Play Mario Kart Games?
Interesting question.
Can you play Mario Kart games on your PC?
No.
So, can you play Mario Kart games on your smartphone? Maybe yes.
Nintendo announced a Mario Kart game recently (May – 2019) for Android and iOS. But, it has been delayed after the closed beta on Android. So, you will have to wait for it.
Where else can you play Mario Kart games?
You can get the experience of playing a Mario Kart game on Switch, GBA, Wii, Wii U, 3DS, N64, DS, and SNES.
Although, you may not find the required hardware – but if you want the latest and greatest experience, simply get a Nintendo Switch for the job.
Top 10 All-Time Best Mario Kart Games
Do note that the list of games mentioned below is in no particular order of ranking. Also, every Mario Kart game was the best creation of the time – so we recommend you to check them all out!
1. Mario Kart Wii
Mario Kart Wii was one of the best multiplayer Mario kart games that were made available for Wii hand-held console. Interestingly, it is also the second best-selling game on Wii.
You can select a character and accordingly – the kart to race with. Every character will come with its own themed kart – so you can pick something up which looks cool to you. This was released in 2008, and it introduced the ability to play with more than 8 racers (which wasn’t a thing in its previous version).
2. Mario Kart Arcade GP 2
Mario Kart Arcade GP 2 released in 2007. For the time, it was very exciting to play. It included the Pac-Man character to choose along with the ability to customize the kart.
If you’re wondering, this was mostly installed with the cabinets to play in malls/casinos or any similar entertainment space.
3. Super Mario Kart
It’s where it all started on SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System) which was a hand-held console. It released in 1992 – and this was obviously one of the best Mario Kart games.
If not, then Mario Kart would not be even this popular – and you may not have ended up here looking for it. For obvious reasons, the graphics quality wasn’t good. But, back then – it was a joy to play it.
I’ll be honest here – I was unfortunate to have taken birth later – but I’m lucky enough to know about it now and let you guys know about it too.
4. Mario Kart 64
The successor to Super Mario Kart which released in 1996. It was made available for Nintendo 64 and would work for Wii, Wii U, and iQue player as well.
It features 8 playable Mario characters and showcases amazing racecourses to have fun at.
5. Mario Kart: Super Circuit
Mario Kart released in 2001 for Game Boy Advance. This was addictive as hell and an interesting game for its time. It includes a variety of game modes like Time Trial, Mario GP (like a career mode), Quick run, Vs, and Battle.
6. Mario Kart: Double Dash
Released in 2003, this Mario Kart game was one of the most interesting Nintendo games ever. This introduced co-op mode so that you can play with your friends (and hence the name – Double Dash).
Not just cooperative gameplay but it also supported LAN connections to play with more than 2 friends. So, that made it an iconic game for Nintendo.
7. Mario Kart DS
The successor to Mario Kart: Double Dash also happens to be one of the good options in the series. It was kind of a definitive edition with improved graphics with a few more things to add.
The multiplayer mode was praised by everyone and this game bagged a couple of good awards while being the third best-selling game for Nintendo DS.
8. Mario Kart 7
I have already mentioned Mario Kart Wii, so this game is a major successor that released in 2011. So, obviously, it features good visuals and a lot more improved gameplay. And, it was made available for the 3DS platform.
At this point in time, everyone believed that it is going to be the same old stuff that we have been playing for a decade. But, surprisingly, this exceeded everyone’s expectations and again managed to become a grand success. In addition, it was a 3D game.
I should probably make this description lengthier because this game introduced crazy attachments to the go-karts, the ability to drive underwater, first-person mode, and the ability to customize the vehicle.
9. Mario Kart 8
Mario Kart 8 is yet another greatest release of the franchise in 2014. It introduced features through Nintendo online network – syncing and stuff.
With this release, there was a new anti-gravity section where the go-kart vehicles and go all the way round to surpass or collide and fight the opponent. Hence, more opportunities to take down your opponents. This made it even more challenging.
As per the stats, this game sold over 5 million units on Nintendo 3DS.
10. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was made as an enhanced port for Nintendo Switch. And, by now (as per Wikipedia) it has sold over 16 million copies – making it the best selling game in the franchise.
Of course, the same old elements were included along with some interesting tweaks.
Conclusion
Nintendo’s major game franchise being the Mario Kart series, it is indeed a fun game. It is a competitive game and a fun game too.
I’m sure we left out a couple of Mario Kart games in the series. However, we focused on the best Mario Kart games here.
So, what do you think about these? Which one’s your favorite? Have you played them all?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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