The Most Popular Mario Kart Game, Ranked

Choose the game you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 25, 2024 06:42
Mario Kart has entertained millions around the world, sparking debates on which version stands out as the best. Different games in the series have introduced unique tracks, quirky power-ups, and various gameplay styles which resonate differently with everyone. Establishing a fan-favorite through rankings can be a fun way to see which iterations have captured hearts the most. By voting for your favorite Mario Kart game, you contribute to a dynamic, crowd-sourced ranking that reflects the preferences of the community. This not only fuels friendly competition among fans but also helps newcomers to the series understand which games might be worth trying first. So cast your vote and see where your favorite ranks among the classics!

What Is the Most Popular Mario Kart Game?

  1. 1
    37
    votes
    This game combines the best features of previous Mario Kart games, including new tracks and characters. It has sold over 35 million copies and is the most popular Mario Kart game to date.
    Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a fun and exciting racing game featuring Mario and his friends. It offers a thrilling multiplayer experience with up to four players, both offline and online. The game includes a variety of creative race tracks, unique power-ups, and a wide selection of playable characters and vehicles.
    • Platform: Nintendo Switch
    • Number of Players: 1-4 players
    • Game Modes: Single player, multiplayer
    • Online Multiplayer: Yes
    • Track Count: 48 tracks
    Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in other rankings
  2. 2
    37
    votes

    Mario Kart Wii

    Nintendo
    Released in 2008, this game introduced motion controls and was the best-selling Wii game. It sold over 37 million copies and is still popular among fans.
    Mario Kart Wii is a racing video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii console. It is the sixth installment in the Mario Kart series and was released worldwide in April 2008. The game features characters from the Mario franchise competing in kart races on various themed tracks. Players can race against computer-controlled opponents or compete with friends locally or online.
    • Platform: Wii
    • Genre: Racing
    • Number of Players: 1-4 (local), up to 12 (online)
    • Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
    • Playable Characters: 24
  3. 3
    11
    votes
    Mario Kart 64
    BugWarp · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Mario Kart 64

    Nintendo
    This game was released in 1996 and was the first Mario Kart game in 3D. It sold over 9 million copies and was a classic game of its time.
    Mario Kart 64 is a popular racing game released for the Nintendo 64 console. It features iconic characters from the Mario franchise competing against each other in kart races across various tracks. The game offers multiplayer support, allowing up to four players to race against each other simultaneously.
    • Platform: Nintendo 64
    • Release Date: February 10, 1997
    • Players: 1-4
    • Game Modes: Grand Prix, Time Trial, Versus, Battle
    • Tracks: 16
  4. 4
    8
    votes

    Super Mario Kart

    Nintendo EAD
    The original Mario Kart game was released in 1992 and sold over 8 million copies. It was the first racing game to feature Mario characters and is still popular among retro gamers.
    Super Mario Kart is a popular racing video game featuring characters from the Mario franchise. It was first released in 1992 and is considered the first installment in the Mario Kart series. The game combines fun and addictive gameplay with exciting racing tracks and power-ups that provide unique abilities to the players. Super Mario Kart offers various modes, including Grand Prix, where players compete against computer-controlled opponents, and multiplayer, allowing up to two players to race against each other. The game was well-received for its innovative gameplay mechanics and iconic tracks.
    • Release year: 1992
    • Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
    • Genre: Racing
    • Players: 1-2
    • Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
    Super Mario Kart in other rankings
  5. 5
    9
    votes
    Released in 2003, this game introduced two-player kart racing and unique character pairings. It sold over 6 million copies and was a favorite among GameCube fans.
    Mario Kart: Double Dash!! is a racing video game developed by Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development. It was released for the GameCube console in 2003. This installment in the Mario Kart series features a unique two-character gameplay mechanic, where each kart is controlled by two characters who can switch positions. The players compete in races on various tracks while using items to hinder opponents and gain advantages. It offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, making it a popular choice among friends for multiplayer gaming sessions.
    • Platform: Nintendo GameCube
    • Release Year: 2003
    • Genre: Racing
    • Game Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
    • Players: 1-4 (up to 8 in LAN play)
    Mario Kart: Double Dash!! in other rankings
  6. 6
    8
    votes

    Mario Kart 7

    Nintendo
    This game was released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2011 and introduced underwater racing and customizable karts. It sold over 18 million copies and is still popular among handheld gamers.
    Mario Kart 7 is a racing video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS handheld console. It is the seventh installment in the Mario Kart series and was released in 2011. The game features various characters from the Mario franchise racing against each other in go-karts while utilizing various power-ups and weapons to gain an edge.
    • Platform: Nintendo 3DS
    • Release Year: 2011
    • Genre: Racing
    • Players: 1-8
    • Multiplayer: Yes
  7. 7
    8
    votes

    Mario Kart DS

    Nintendo
    This game was released in 2005 and introduced online multiplayer for the first time. It sold over 23 million copies and was a must-have game for Nintendo DS owners.
    Mario Kart DS is a popular racing video game developed by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS handheld gaming console. It features the iconic characters from the Super Mario franchise competing in a series of kart racing challenges. Players can choose from a variety of playable characters and race on a wide range of imaginative tracks inspired by the Mario universe. The game supports both single-player and multiplayer modes, allowing for thrilling races against computer-controlled opponents or friends.
    • Platform: Nintendo DS
    • Genre: Racing
    • Release Date: November 14, 2005 (NA)
    • Players: Up to 8 players
    • Game Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
  8. 8
    6
    votes

    Mario Kart Tour

    Nintendo
    This mobile game was released in 2019 and is free to play with in-app purchases. It has been downloaded over 200 million times and is still popular among casual gamers.
    Mario Kart Tour is a mobile racing game developed by Nintendo for iOS and Android devices. It is the ninth installment in the Mario Kart series and brings the iconic kart racing gameplay to handheld devices. Players can race against AI-controlled characters or compete with friends in multiplayer modes.
    • Platform: iOS, Android
    • Release Date: September 2019
    • Genre: Racing
    • Graphics: High-quality 3D
    • Game Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
  9. 9
    8
    votes
    Mario Kart Arcade GP
    NoNameHere · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Mario Kart Arcade GP

    Namco Bandai Games
    This arcade game was released in 2005 and features exclusive tracks and characters. It is popular in Japan and has been updated with new versions over the years.
    Mario Kart Arcade GP is an arcade racing game developed by Namco Bandai Games in collaboration with Nintendo. It offers a multiplayer experience with up to four players competing against each other on various Mario-themed tracks.
    • Release Date: 2005
    • Platforms: Arcade
    • Number of Players: Up to 4
    • Available Characters: 12
    • Game Modes: Grand Prix, Vs. Battle, Time Trial, Team Mode
  10. 10
    3
    votes

    Mario Kart Arcade GP DX

    Namco Bandai Games
    The latest arcade version of Mario Kart was released in 2013 and features new tracks, characters, and items. It is popular in arcades around the world and is updated regularly.
    Mario Kart Arcade GP DX is an arcade racing game in the Mario Kart series. It was developed and published by Namco Bandai Games in collaboration with Nintendo. The game was released in 2013 and is available in arcade centers worldwide. It features a variety of tracks, characters, power-ups, and multiplayer gameplay.
    • Release Year: 2013
    • Platform: Arcade
    • Developer: Namco Bandai Games
    • Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
    • Genre: Arcade racing

Missing your favorite game?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular game

  1. Sales figures
    One of the primary indicators of a game's popularity is the number of units it has sold. The higher the sales figure, the more popular the game is likely to be amongst players.
  2. Online and local multiplayer popularity
    Mario Kart games are known for their multiplayer gameplay. A game's popularity in competitive local or online settings can be an indicator of its overall popularity.
  3. Longevity
    The ongoing interest in and support for a Mario Kart game, including updates, downloadable content (DLC), and active online communities, can contribute to its popularity.
  4. Innovation and impact
    A game's popularity can also be influenced by its innovative features and the impact it had on the industry or the Mario Kart series. Features such as new gameplay mechanics, innovative course design, and technological advancements can boost a game's popularity.
  5. Platforms and accessibility
    The number of platforms a Mario Kart game is available on and its ease of accessibility can also influence its popularity. A game that is available on multiple platforms and is easy to access for new players may be more popular than a game exclusive to one console.
  6. Nostalgia factor
    The emotional attachment players have to a specific Mario Kart game due to personal memories or the time period it was released in can also influence its popularity ranking.
  7. Character selection and customization
    The variety of characters and customization options available in a Mario Kart game can affect its popularity. Fans often have favorite characters and enjoy being able to customize their appearance and kart performance.
  8. Track variety and design
    A game's popularity can be affected by the number, variety, and design of racing tracks available. Memorable and well-designed tracks can increase a game's popularity.
  9. Game balance and difficulty
    The overall balance, fairness, and difficulty level of a Mario Kart game can contribute to its popularity. Players may prefer games that are genuinely challenging but not excessively difficult or unfairly balanced.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Mario Kart game. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or game is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1171 views
  • 134 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each game once every 24 hours. The rank of each game is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular mario kart game

Mario Kart is one of the most beloved racing video game franchises of all time, developed and published by Nintendo. The series debuted in 1992 with Super Mario Kart for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and has since released seven main titles, including Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario Kart Wii, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Each iteration of the game has brought new features, characters, and tracks to the racing world of Mario and his friends. With its iconic power-ups, drifting mechanics, and multiplayer options, Mario Kart has become a staple in gaming culture and continues to entertain players of all ages. But which Mario Kart game is the most popular among fans? Let's dive into the data and see which game comes out on top.

Share this article