Every Mario Kart Console Game Ranked from Greatest to Least Great – Updated to Include Mario Kart World!
There’s nothing quite like whizzing around the imaginative tracks in a Mario Kart game while throwing Koopa shells and banana peels at your opponents. With the release of Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2, let’s look back on the previous games in the series. Here is every Mario Kart console game ranked from greatest to least great.
1. Mario Kart World
Yes, the much-hyped (and overpriced) latest entry in the franchise is also the best. The idea of an interconnected world that links all the tracks together is brilliant, and it’s executed phenomenally, especially in the Knockout Tour mode. The tracks are gorgeous, with one of the most downright beautiful Rainbow Roads ever. In addition, I’m spending a lot of time in Free Roam mode, just driving around, finding secrets, and taking pictures. Here’s hoping for DLC that expands the experience even further.
2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Even after Mario Kart World‘s release, players will still likely come back to this game. It has some of the most elaborate, creative tracks in the entire series, along with a huge roster full of memorable characters. The ability to use antigrav boosters on the tracks created some surreal experiences. My local gaming group still plays rounds of this game and always has a blast.
3. Mario Kart 64
While not the first game in the series, this was the game that really established the series’ identity. With the added power of the Nintendo 64, the races had more breathing room than they did on the Super Nintendo. Each track in the game has personality and atmosphere. To this day, driving through this game’s version of Rainbow Road with its glowing renditions of Mario characters remains a beautiful, magical experience.
4. Mario Kart DS
Fans remember this as the first Mario Kart game to include online multiplayer, and while that is certainly notable, this game offers much more than that. It lets you customize emblems for your karts, and it introduced favorite tracks like Waluigi Pinball and Tick-Tock Clock. Perhaps best of all was the Missions Mode, which sent players on unique missions.
5. Mario Kart 7
This game introduced new elements that made the experience more dynamic. Being able to glide and race underwater made the races fresh and exciting, as did the ability to customize your kart. The game was also chock-full of unlockables and memorable tracks, such as Rosalina’s Ice World and Music Park. While not quite as revolutionary as the DS release, this game is still amazing.
6. Mario Kart: Double Dash
Many people fondly remember this game for its unique presentation. Never before or since did the series feature two racers on one kart. The teamwork mechanic meant you could switch drivers at any time, giving races a strategic element, especially when two players played cooperatively with a single team. With the unique power-ups and new kart variety, this game remains a winner.
 7. Mario Kart Wii
The Wii’s motion controls were, let’s face it, gimmicky. With many games, the motion controls were more annoying than fun, but this was a game where the motion controls enhanced the gameplay. If you had the Wii Wheel peripheral, it really felt like you were behind the wheel of your kart. In addition, this game introduced bikes to the series, and to this day, I still prefer the bikes to the karts.
8. Mario Kart: Super Circuit
The series’ handheld debut had D-pad controls that took some getting used to, but once you mastered the controls, this game had plenty to offer. It had the largest track selection available at the time, along with the appeal of being able to race on the go. Plus, there was a new Quick Run mode where single players could go through a quick race if they didn’t have time for the Grand Prix.
9. Super Mario Kart
It deserves plenty of respect for beginning the iconic series, but if I’m being completely honest, it hasn’t aged as well as some of the other games in the series. The split-screen layout can be distracting, and this game is pretty bare-bones when compared to the later games in the series. Still, if you’re in the mood for some old-school pixel racing, this is a good time.
Conclusion
Mario Kart will forever remain an iconic series. Who knows where the series will go next? It may be hard to top World, but the great minds at Nintendo have a way of continually surprising you. No matter what happens with the series, it’s always a great way to kick back and let your worries dissolve away . . . until that darn red shell gets you.
