Every Mario Kart Video Game Ever Released and Their Own Unique Appeal!
Every Mario Kart Video Game Ever Released and Their Own Unique Appeal!
1. Super Mario Kart (1992)
- Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
- Special Features: Mode 7 graphics, Battle Mode, two-player split-screen
- Historical Note: The first game to establish the iconic Mario Kart gameplay formula
Super Mario Kart introduced players to Mario Kart’s signature blend of racing and power-ups, with a range of Mario characters as playable drivers. Using Mode 7 graphics, it created a pseudo-3D perspective that was revolutionary at the time. The game featured Battle Mode, a two-player mode that allowed players to pop each other's balloons using items, laying the groundwork for the competitive aspect of Mario Kart games.
2. Mario Kart 64 (1996)
- Platform: Nintendo 64
- Special Features: 3D graphics, four-player split-screen, new items (e.g., Blue Shell)
- Historical Note: First Mario Kart to feature 3D tracks and environments
Mario Kart 64 brought the series into the 3D realm, using polygonal models for the karts and creating tracks with vertical elements and unique environmental hazards. It was the first game to introduce the Blue Shell, an item that targets the player in first place and has since become a defining feature of the series. The game also introduced four-player split-screen, making it a hit at parties and gatherings.
3. Mario Kart: Super Circuit (2001)
- Platform: Game Boy Advance
- Special Features: Portable gameplay, classic SNES tracks, unlockable courses
- Historical Note: First portable Mario Kart game
As the first portable entry in the series, Mario Kart: Super Circuit provided the full Mario Kart experience on the Game Boy Advance. The game featured a total of 40 tracks, including remastered courses from Super Mario Kart, and a single-player experience that retained the feel of the home console games. It set the stage for Mario Kart’s future on portable systems.
4. Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (2003)
- Platform: Nintendo GameCube
- Special Features: Two-character karts, unique character items, LAN multiplayer support
- Historical Note: A unique co-op mechanic where two players could control a single kart
Mario Kart: Double Dash!! was a major departure from previous entries, allowing players to select two characters per kart, with one driving and the other managing items. Characters were grouped into pairs, each with access to unique items (e.g., Mario and Luigi had Fireballs, Donkey Kong had Giant Bananas). The game supported LAN play, allowing up to 16 players across multiple GameCubes, though it required specialized equipment to set up.
5. Mario Kart DS (2005)
- Platform: Nintendo DS
- Special Features: Online play, Mission Mode, retro tracks from previous games
- Historical Note: First Mario Kart with online multiplayer via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Mario Kart DS was the first game in the series to introduce online play, letting players race against others worldwide. It also introduced Mission Mode, a single-player feature where players completed various challenges like racing through gates or battling bosses. Additionally, it marked the first appearance of Retro Tracks, remade courses from previous games, which became a standard feature in later games.
6. Mario Kart Wii (2008)
- Platform: Wii
- Special Features: Motion controls, motorcycles, 12-player races, online tournaments
- Historical Note: Became the best-selling game in the series, selling over 37 million copies
Mario Kart Wii added support for the Wii Wheel, a steering wheel accessory that used the Wii Remote’s motion controls. The game also introduced motorcycles, which had unique handling characteristics compared to karts, and tricks, which gave players speed boosts when performed mid-air. With 12-player online races and tournaments, Mario Kart Wii offered one of the most robust multiplayer experiences in the series.
7. Mario Kart 7 (2011)
- Platform: Nintendo 3DS
- Special Features: Gliders, underwater racing, first-person view, customization
- Historical Note: First Mario Kart game to add gliders and underwater sections
Mario Kart 7 introduced gliders and underwater sections, allowing players to glide over gaps and dive into underwater segments, adding verticality to the track design. Players could also customize their karts by selecting different bodies, wheels, and gliders, which affected handling and speed. Mario Kart 7 became a standout title for the Nintendo 3DS, taking advantage of its 3D capabilities.
8. Mario Kart 8 (2014)
- Platform: Wii U
- Special Features: Anti-gravity sections, HD graphics, online tournaments, customizable vehicles
- Historical Note: First Mario Kart game in HD and with anti-gravity mechanics
With anti-gravity mechanics, Mario Kart 8 introduced new track designs that allowed players to drive upside-down and along walls, giving a fresh twist to traditional racing. The game featured high-definition graphics and supported online tournaments with up to 12 players. Though the Wii U had limited success as a console, Mario Kart 8 was critically acclaimed and has since become the best-selling Wii U game.
9. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017)
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Special Features: All DLC included, new Battle Mode, multiplayer up to 8 players locally
- Historical Note: Updated version of Mario Kart 8, the best-selling Nintendo Switch game
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe took everything great about Mario Kart 8 and added new content, such as a revamped Battle Mode with new arenas, which was sorely missed in the original release. It also brought back classic items like the Boo and the Feather, plus additional characters. With over 53 million copies sold, it remains the best-selling Nintendo Switch game to date.
10. Mario Kart Tour (2019)
- Platform: Mobile (iOS, Android)
- Special Features: Global tracks, seasonal updates, unique items, character unlocks
- Historical Note: First Mario Kart game for mobile devices
Mario Kart Tour brought the series to mobile devices, introducing tracks inspired by real-world locations, such as New York City, Tokyo, and Paris. It introduced a gacha system for unlocking characters, karts, and gliders, and received seasonal updates with new content regularly. While it lacked the precision of console controls, it introduced a whole new audience to the Mario Kart experience.
11. Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit (2020)
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Special Features: Augmented reality (AR), real RC karts, customizable home tracks
- Historical Note: Unique AR experience blending physical and digital gameplay
In a bold move, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit merged real-world and virtual gameplay using augmented reality. Players control a physical RC kart outfitted with a camera, which streams footage to the Switch, turning their home into a Mario Kart track. The game recognizes obstacles and power-ups, providing an interactive experience unlike any other Mario Kart game.
The Everlasting Appeal of Mario Kart
Since Super Mario Kart in 1992, the Mario Kart series has delighted generations with its accessible yet competitive gameplay, evolving with each new console and technological innovation. From the chaotic four-player races of Mario Kart 64 to the expansive online community of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the franchise has remained at the forefront of Nintendo’s lineup. Each entry has added its unique features, whether through new mechanics, items, or gameplay styles, ensuring that Mario Kart is as relevant today as it was over three decades ago.
With Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continuing to receive content and updates, the series shows no sign of slowing down. Fans eagerly await what Nintendo will bring next in the race to the finish line.
Happy gaming! Feel free to comment with your own thoughts or questions.Â
- Lauren @ Video Game Gem Vault
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