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{{Short description|Video game series by Nintendo}}
[[Image:Mariokartwii sslg3.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A screenshot from ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]''.]]
{{for|the first game in the series|Super Mario Kart{{!}}''Super Mario Kart''}}
<!--This article is in US English-->
{{Use American English|date=October 2020}}
'''Mario Kart''' is a series of [[go-kart]]-style [[racing game|racing]] [[video game]]s developed by [[Nintendo]] as a series of [[spin-off]]s from their trademark and highly successful [[Super Mario]] series of [[platformer]] adventure-style video games. At least one Mario Kart game is released for nearly every Nintendo console, often almost immediately after a release's corresponding console. To date, there have been seven Mario Kart games, with the latest installment, ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', due for release in 2008.
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox video game series
| width =
| title = Mario Kart
| collapsible = no
| state = expanded
| image = Mario Kart logo.png
| caption = Logo since 2014
| platforms = {{Hlist
| [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]
| [[Nintendo 64]]
| [[iQue Player]]
| [[Game Boy Advance]]
| [[GameCube]]
| [[Nintendo DS]]
| [[Arcade game|Arcade]]
| [[Wii]]
| [[Nintendo 3DS]]
| [[Wii U]]
| [[Nintendo Switch]]
| [[iOS]]
| [[Android (operating system)|Android]]
}}
| developer = {{Unbulleted list
| [[Nintendo EAD]] (1992–2014)
| [[Nintendo EPD]] (2017–present)
| [[Intelligent Systems]] (''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'')
| [[Retro Studios]] (''[[Mario Kart 7]]'')
| [[Namco]]/[[Bandai Namco Entertainment]] (''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP]]'')
| [[Velan Studios]] (''[[Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit]]'')
}}
| publisher = [[Nintendo]]
| genre = [[Kart racing game|Kart racing]]
| spinoffs = {{Unbulleted list|''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP]]''|''[[Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit]]''}}
| creator = {{Unbulleted list
| [[Shigeru Miyamoto]]
| [[Tadashi Sugiyama]]
| [[Hideki Konno]]
}}
| producer =
| artist =
| writer =
| composer =
| first release version = ''[[Super Mario Kart]]''
| first release date = {{Start date|1992|08|27}}
| latest release version = ''[[Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit]]''
| latest release date = {{Start date|2020|10|16}}
}}


{{nihongo foot|'''''Mario Kart'''''|マリオカート|Mario Kāto|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a series of [[kart racing game]]s based on the ''[[Mario (franchise)|Mario]]'' franchise developed and published by [[Nintendo]]. Players compete in [[go-kart]] races while using various power-up [[item (game terminology)|item]]s. It features characters and courses mostly from the [[Characters in the Mario franchise|''Mario'']] series as well as other gaming franchises<!-- Not just Nintendo; also includes Namco IPs --> such as ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'', ''[[Animal Crossing]]'', ''[[F-Zero]]'', ''[[Excitebike]]'', and ''[[Splatoon]]''.
==Installments==

*'''''[[Super Mario Kart]]''''' is the original ''Mario Kart'' game. It was released in [[1992 in video gaming|1992]] for [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]] and [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]. The characters in the game are [[Mario]], [[Luigi]], [[Princess Peach]], [[List of Mario series characters#Toad|Toad]], [[Yoshi]], [[List of Donkey Kong characters#Donkey Kong Junior|Donkey Kong Jr.]], [[List of Mario series characters#Koopa Troopa|Koopa Troopa]], and [[King Bowser|Bowser]].
The series was launched in 1992 with ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' on the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] (SNES), to critical and commercial success.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crecente |first=Brian |date=February 26, 2009 |title=Super Mario Kart: Most Influential Video Game in History |url=https://kotaku.com/super-mario-kart-most-influential-video-game-in-histor-5160745 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228050332/http://kotaku.com/5160745/super-mario-kart-most-influential-video-game-in-history |archive-date=February 28, 2009 |access-date=January 27, 2012 |website=Kotaku}}</ref> The ''Mario Kart'' series totals fifteen games, with seven on home consoles, three on handheld consoles, four arcade games co-developed with [[Namco]], and one for mobile phones. The latest game in the series, ''[[Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit]]'', was released on the [[Nintendo Switch]] in October 2020. Over 178.19 million copies in the series have been sold worldwide.
*'''''[[Mario Kart 64]]''''' was released in [[1996 in video gaming|1996]] in Japan, and in [[1997 in video gaming|1997]] in North America and Europe for [[Nintendo 64]]. It was the first fully 3D ''Mario Kart'' game (although the characters are 2D sprites), and allowed four players to race and battle on the same screen. In the characters list, Donkey Kong Jr. and Koopa Troopa were replaced by [[Donkey Kong (character)|Donkey Kong]] and [[Wario]], respectively.
*'''''[[Mario Kart Super Circuit]]''''' was released in [[2001 in video gaming|2001]] for [[Game Boy Advance]]. It was the first portable version of ''Mario Kart'' and contained all the tracks from the original in addition to new ones. Up to four players could link up and play simultaneously using a single game cartridge. All the characters were the same as ''Mario Kart 64''.
*'''''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]''''' was released in November [[2003 in video gaming|2003]] for [[GameCube]]. This game strayed away from the classic ''Mario Kart'' formula by omitting the jump action and changing the traditional karts into themed vehicles, seating two characters each. The game is [[Local area network|LAN]]-enabled, such that a maximum of 16 players can play at the same time on four GameCubes, four copies of the game, four TVs, four Broadband Adapters, four [[ethernet]] cables, and an ethernet hub. In the characters list, Koopa Troopa returned, Toad became a hidden character and [[List of Mario series characters#Princess Daisy|Princess Daisy]], [[List of Mario series characters#Birdo|Birdo]], [[Mario#Baby Mario|Baby Mario]], [[Luigi#Baby Luigi|Baby Luigi]], [[List of Mario series characters#Toadette|Toadette]], [[List of Mario series enemies#Koopa Troopa|Paratroopa]], [[Diddy Kong]], [[List of Mario series characters#Bowser Jr.|Bowser Jr.]], [[List of Mario series characters#Waluigi|Waluigi]], [[List of Mario series characters#Petey Piranha|Petey Piranha]] and [[List of Mario series characters#King Boo|King Boo]] were all added.
*'''''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP]]''''' was released in fall of [[2005 in video gaming|2005]] in Japan and North America. It is the first ''Mario Kart'' arcade game. It was developed by [[Namco]] and features the characters that appeared in ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'', as well as [[Pac-Man]], [[Ms. Pac-Man]], and [[Pac-Man|Blinky]].
*'''''[[Mario Kart DS]]''''' was released in November 2005 for [[Nintendo DS]]. It was also the first ''Mario Kart'' game to expand the single player experience by adding the Mission Run mode, and allowed players to play VS and Battle mode against [[Computer game bot|bots]] rather than real-life opponents. ''Mario Kart DS'' is also the first game to use Nintendo's online gaming service, [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]. It also features an assortment of tracks from previous ''Mario Kart'' games. The game features the cast of ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'', as well as Princess Daisy, [[List of Mario series enemies#Dry Bones|Dry Bones]], Waluigi, and [[R.O.B.]] as unlockable characters. In single kart multiplayer mode, players without the game play as [[Shy Guy]], who can only be played as in said mode. The game supports Nintendo Wi-Fi connection for four players, and has an eight-player mode played over its wireless connection. There is an option to create an emblem that is seen by opponents on Wi-Fi battles right before a player battles them.
*'''''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP 2]]''''' was released in Japan in early 2007. It was developed by [[Namco Bandai]], and features the characters from ''Mario Kart Arcade GP'', as well as Waluigi and [[Tamagotchi|Mametchi]].
*'''''[[Mario Kart Wii]]''''' was announced at [[E3 2007]] in a press conference on July 11, 2007. No exact release date has been announced yet; however, the game will be released during Q1 2008. ''Mario Kart'' for the Wii will include a steering wheel attachment for the system, known as the "Wii Wheel". The game has been confirmed to take use of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. It will support online battle mode, as well as an online racing mode with up to 12 participants. Shown in the trailer were some tracks from previous ''Mario Kart'' games such as Peach Beach and Yoshi Falls. Motorcycles have also been introduced as a new vehicle class.


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
In the ''Mario Kart'' series, players compete in [[Kart racing|go-kart races]], controlling one of a selection of characters, mainly from the ''Mario'' franchise. Up to twelve characters can compete in each race (varying per game). Players can perform driving techniques during the race such as rocket starts, [[Drafting (aerodynamics)|slipstreaming]], [[Drifting (motorsport)|drifting]], and mini-turbos.
In ''Mario Kart'', the characters from the ''[[Mario]]'' series of video games get together and race [[karting|go-karts]] around a variety of tracks. Players can obtain random items by driving through (or over in ''Super Mario Kart'') [[question mark]] blocks, which can be used for either defense, offense or by powering up the engine for a short amount of time (boost). Each ''Mario Kart'' game hosts several gameplay modes, which can be played in both singleplayer and multiplayer.


Gameplay is enhanced by [[power-up]] items obtained by driving into item boxes laid out on the course. These power-ups vary across games in the series, but generally include [[Super Mario#Power-ups and transformations|Mushrooms]] to give players a speed boost, Red and Green Shells to be thrown at opponents, Banana Peels, and hazards such as Fake Item Boxes. The game selects an item based on the player's current position in the race, utilising a mechanism known as [[Dynamic game difficulty balancing|rubber banding]]. For example, players lagging far behind may receive more powerful items such as [[Bullet Bill (Mario)|Bullet Bills]], which give the player invincibility while auto-piloting them forward at great speed, while the leader of a race may only receive small defensive items, such as Shells or Bananas. This gameplay mechanism allows other racers a realistic chance to catch up to the leading racer.
In Time Trial the goal is to achieve the fastest time in the selected track. Players are usually given three mushrooms (speed boosts) which they can use any time during the trial. (There are exceptions, though. In ''Super Mario Kart'', players receive no items, in ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'', players only receive two, and in ''Mario Kart DS'' one to three mushrooms are given depending on the selected vehicle's Item stat). Once a record is set, the game saves a "ghost", a replay of the set record, to compete against. In ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'', ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', and ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'', the developers put in their own "Staff Ghosts" for the player to race against. They must be unlocked by achieving a certain time which differs on each track. In ''Mario Kart Super Circuit'' and ''Mario Kart DS'', it is also possible to download a ghost from friends. In ''Mario Kart DS'', two ghosts (the player's own, and a friend's) can be saved.


In the original game, ''Super Mario Kart'', the player takes control of one of eight Mario series characters, each with differing capabilities. In single player mode, players can race against computer-controlled characters in 4 multi-race cups consisting of 20 tracks (5 in each cup) over three difficulty levels (50cc, 100cc and 150cc). Alternatively, players can race against the clock in a Time Trial mode. In multiplayer mode, two players can simultaneously take part in the cups or can race against each other one-on-one in Match Race mode. In a third multiplayer mode – Battle Mode – the aim is to defeat the other players by attacking them with power-ups, destroying balloons which surround each kart.
In Grand Prix, the characters compete against each other in a themed Cup. There are usually four Cups: Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, Star Cup and Special Cup.


Each new game has introduced new gameplay elements, such as new circuits, items, modes, and playable characters.
*'''''[[Super Mario Kart]]''''' features the Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, Star Cup in the three engine classes (50cc, 100cc, 150cc), and Special Cup in the 100cc and 150cc. 150cc mode must be unlocked by beating the 100cc cups first, while the player must clear each of the other cups to unlock the Special Cup. Each cup in this game holds 5 tracks for a total of 20 tracks in the game. It is the only ''Mario Kart'' game where Princess Peach is referred to as "Princess Toadstool" outside Japan, although she was only referred to as a "Princess" in the manual and in the game (this was fixed in the strategy guide), though later ''Mario Kart'' games call her "Peach" in all regional releases.
* ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' introduced [[3D graphics]], 4-player racing, slipstreaming,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-10-01 |title=5 Ways Mario Kart 64 Is Timeless (& 5 It Hasn't Aged Well) |url=https://gamerant.com/mario-kart-64-classic-aged-poorly/ |access-date=2022-03-20 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US |archive-date=March 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320141631/https://gamerant.com/mario-kart-64-classic-aged-poorly/ |url-status=live}}</ref> items dangling (the ability to hold bananas and shells to defend against projectiles) and introduced two new playable characters: [[Wario]] and [[Donkey Kong (character)|Donkey Kong]]. It also introduced seven items: the Fake Item Box, Triple Red Shells, Triple Green Shells, Triple Mushrooms, the Banana Bunch, the Golden Mushroom, and the [[Blue shell|Spiny Shell]]. In addition to the three Grand Prix engine classes, Mirror Mode was introduced, in which tracks are flipped laterally.
* ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'' included all 20 ''Super Mario Kart'' tracks as unlockable content, as both games use the [[mode 7]] effect.
* ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'' involves 2-player driving and featured [[co-operative]] [[LAN]] play and double-manned karts. It also introduced double item boxes. It further added eleven new playable characters: [[Princess Daisy|Daisy]], [[Birdo]], Baby Mario, Baby Luigi, [[Paratroopa]], [[Diddy Kong]], [[Bowser Jr.]], [[Waluigi]], [[Toadette]], [[Petey Piranha]], and [[King Boo]]. It introduced a revamped Spiny Shell and character exclusive items, and introduced unlockable characters and karts. Mirror mode is now played on 150cc. It also introduced new alternate battle modes: "Shine Thief", and "Bob-omb Blast".
* ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' featured [[Second screen|dual-screen]] play to take advantage of the system's capabilities. It introduced custom emblems. It also introduced Online play via the now defunct [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]], a mission mode, and proper retro tracks. New playable characters included [[Dry Bones (character)|Dry Bones]], [[R.O.B.]], and [[Shy Guy (Mario)|Shy Guy]] (who is exclusive to [[DS Download Play]]). This game also added three new items, the Blooper, the Bullet Bill, and the triple bananas. The Bob-omb is now a normal item, no longer being Wario and Waluigi's special item.
* ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' introduced motion controls, the ability to perform mid-air tricks, and [[motorbikes|bikes]]. The racer cap was raised from 8 to 12.<ref name="Mario Kart Wii Details">{{Cite web |last=Sato, Yoshi |date=February 6, 2008 |title=Mario Kart Wii Detailed |url=http://www.1up.com/news/mario-kart-wii-detailed |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029192825/http://www.1up.com/news/mario-kart-wii-detailed |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |access-date=May 21, 2013 |publisher=1up.com}}</ref> It introduced six new playable characters: Baby Peach, Baby Daisy, [[Rosalina (Mario)|Rosalina]], [[Funky Kong]], [[Dry Bowser]], and two [[Mii]] outfits. It introduced three new items: the [[New Super Mario Bros.|Mega Mushroom]], the Thundercloud, and the [[Mario Bros.|POW Block]], the last two of which are exclusive to this kart game. It also introduced a new battle mode titled "Coin Runners".
* ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' featured [[Stereoscopy|stereoscopic 3D graphics]] and the return of dual screen functionality. It introduced [[hang gliders|gliders]] and [[Amphibious vehicle|submersible]] karts, a [[First-person (video games)|first-person]] perspective, and full kart customization. It introduced four new playable characters: Metal Mario, [[Lakitu]], [[Wiggler (Mario)|Wiggler]], and Honey Queen. In addition, Shy Guy is a fully playable character as opposed to being exclusive for Download Play. It also re-introduced Coins for a small speed boost, though they can now be used to unlock kart parts.
* ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' introduced the 200cc engine class,{{efn|name=fn1|Released April 23rd, 2015}} [[anti-gravity]] racing, [[All-terrain vehicle|ATVs]], uploading highlights to [[YouTube]], up to four local players in [[Grand Prix motor racing|Grand Prix]] races, [[downloadable content]], [[High-definition television|HD graphics]], and fifteen new playable characters: the [[Koopalings]] (Iggy Koopa, Roy Koopa, Lemmy Koopa, Larry Koopa, Wendy O. Koopa, Ludwig von Koopa and Morton Koopa Jr.), Baby Rosalina, Pink Gold Peach, Tanooki Mario, Cat Peach, [[Link (The Legend of Zelda)|Link]] from ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'', and [[Villager (Animal Crossing)|Villager]] (male and female) and [[Isabelle (Animal Crossing)|Isabelle]] from ''[[Animal Crossing]]'', the last six which are available as downloadable content.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Farokhmanesh |first=Megan |date=August 26, 2014 |title=Link, F-Zero and Animal Crossing are coming to Mario Kart 8 as DLC |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/8/26/6071823/mario-kart-8-link-animal-crossing-dlc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827121636/http://www.polygon.com/2014/8/26/6071823/mario-kart-8-link-animal-crossing-dlc |archive-date=August 27, 2014 |access-date=August 26, 2014 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref>
* ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' added a revamped battle mode, which included the new "Renegade Roundup", the return of double item boxes, ultra mini-turbo, and added 6 characters that were absent from the original game. These characters include King Boo, Dry Bones, Gold Mario, Bowser Jr, and the male and female [[Inkling (Splatoon)|Inklings]] from ''[[Splatoon (video game)|Splatoon]]'', in addition to giving the female Villager her own character slot. From 2022 to the end of 2023, the "Booster Course Pass" DLC expansion pack added new race courses and returning characters to the game.
* ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'' was the ''Mario Kart'' debut on a mobile phone, and introduced a points-based system for certain racing actions. It introduced [[Peachette]], [[Pauline (Nintendo)|Pauline]], [[Hammer Bro]] (and his boomerang, fire, and ice alts), [[Characters in the Mario franchise#Enemy characters|Monty Mole]], [[Captain Toad]], [[Dixie Kong]], [[Kamek]], [[Nabbit]], [[King Bob-omb]], [[Characters in the Mario franchise#Enemy characters|Chargin' Chuck]], [[Yoshi's Island|Poochy]] and many alternate versions of each character. It introduced Frenzy Mode, and before its removal in late 2022, [[Gacha game|gacha]] and [[loot box]] mechanics. It reintroduced character-specific items and the Mega Mushroom. Multiple new tracks were introduced in this game and later added to ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' via the DLC expansion pack.
* ''[[Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit]]'' uses a combination of [[augmented reality]] (AR), [[Radio-controlled car|remote-controlled karts]], and cameras, to create tracks using markers in the physical world, on which onscreen opponents are raced.


===Modes===
*'''''[[Mario Kart 64]]''''' has the Mushroom, Flower, Star, and Special Cups available in all three (50cc, 100cc, and 150cc) classes. This game adds a Mirror Mode to the series (called "EXTRA" in this game) which is unlockable by beating the 150cc cups. This game also features four tracks to a cup, which has been repeated in each game since.
Each game has a variety of modes. The following five modes recur most often in the series:
* '''[[Grand Prix motor racing|Grand Prix]]''' – Players compete in various "cups" of four courses each (five in ''Super Mario Kart'') with [[difficulty levels]] based on the size of the engine, larger engines meaning faster speeds. Before ''Mario Kart 8'' there were four difficulties: 50[[Cubic centimeter|cc]], 100cc, 150cc, and Mirror Mode, where all tracks were flipped horizontally. In ''Mario Kart 8'', a fifth difficulty level: 200cc, was added.{{efn|name=fn1}} Players earn points according to their finishing position in each race and the placement order gets carried over to the next race as the new starting grid. At the end of the cup, the top three players with the most points overall will receive a [[trophy]] in bronze, silver, and gold. In ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'' and every game from ''Mario Kart DS'' onward, players are also ranked based on how well they raced (three to one stars, A, B, C, D, and E). Three stars is the best rank, while E is the worst.
* '''[[Time trial#Video games|Time Trials]]''' – The player races alone in order to finish any course in the fastest time possible. The best time is then saved as a [[Ghost (video gaming)|ghost]], which the player can race against in later trials. ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' introduced Staff Ghosts, which are ghosts set by members of the Nintendo development team.
* '''Match Race''' (or '''VS.''') – Multiple human players race on any course with customized rules such as team racing and item frequency.
* '''Battle''' – Multiple human players use in-game offensive items (shells, etc.) to battle each other in a closed arena. In the most common battle type, balloon battle, each player starts with three [[balloons]] and loses one per hit; the last player with at least one balloon wins. Various battle types have been added to the series, and single-player battles with CPU controlled players.
* '''Online Multiplayer''' – Players compete in races and battles through online services, such as [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]], [[Nintendo Network]], and [[Nintendo Switch Online]]. Players can share Time Trial ghosts, and participate in [[tournament]]s. In races and battles, players are matched by VR (VS Rating) and BR (Battle Rating) respectively, which is a number between 0 and 99,999 (9,999 in ''Mario Kart Wii''). Players gain or lose points based on performance in a race or battle. The game attempts to match players with a similar rating.


==Development==
*'''''[[Mario Kart Super Circuit]]''''' adds in a fifth cup (the Lightning Cup), which is between the Flower and Star Cups. The player must beat the four cups (Mushroom, Flower, Lightning, and Star) to unlock the Special Cup in that certain class. It also includes an "extra" version of each cup that features all the tracks from ''Super Mario Kart''. There is no Mirror Mode in this game.
[[File:Mario kart first logo.png|thumb|right|The series logo until ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP 2]]'']]
The debut game in the ''Mario Kart'' series was ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' released for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] (SNES) in 1992. Its development was overseen by ''[[Mario (franchise)|Mario]]'' creator [[Shigeru Miyamoto]], the Japanese designer of many successful Nintendo games including ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' Darran Jones of [[Imagine Publishing|NowGamer]] suggests that the success of ''Super Mario Kart'' resulted from the ''Super Mario'' characters, and being a new type of racing game.<ref name="Now Gamer">{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Darran |date=November 28, 2011 |title=Super Mario Kart: The Complete History of Nintendo's Kart Racer |url=http://www.nowgamer.com/features/1148204/super_mario_kart_the_complete_history_of_nintendos_kart_racer.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625232227/http://www.nowgamer.com/features/1148204/super_mario_kart_the_complete_history_of_nintendos_kart_racer.html |archive-date=June 25, 2013 |access-date=September 15, 2013 |website=[[NowGamer]] |publisher=[[Imagine Publishing|Imagine Publishing Ltd.]]}}</ref>


==Games==
*'''''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]''''' starts with Mushroom, Flower, and Star Cup, with the Special Cup unlockable. This game features an "All-Cup Tour" that has all sixteen tracks, which always starts with Luigi Circuit and ends with Rainbow Road, and the fourteen other tracks are mixed up in a [[random]] order. Like its console predecessor, it also features the unlockable Mirror Mode.
{{Timeline of release years
| title =
| subtitle = Main entries in '''bold'''
| align =
| compressempty = y
| range1 = 1992–
| 1992 = '''''[[Super Mario Kart]]'''''
| 1996 = '''''[[Mario Kart 64]]'''''
| 2001 = '''''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]] '''''
| 2003 = '''''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash]]'''''
| 2005a = ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP]]''
| 2005b = '''''[[Mario Kart DS]]'''''
| 2007b = ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP 2]]''
| 2008 = '''''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'''''
| 2011 = '''''[[Mario Kart 7]]'''''
| 2013 = ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP DX]]''
| 2014 = '''''[[Mario Kart 8]]'''''
| 2017a = '''''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'''''
| 2017b = ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP VR]]''
| 2019 = ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]''
| 2020 = ''[[Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit]]''
}}


===Console===
*'''''[[Mario Kart DS]]''''' has two Grand Prix modes: The Nitro Cups (all-new tracks) and the Retro Cups (all classic remade tracks). Nitro Grand Prix features the four standard cups, Mushroom, Flower, Star, and Special cups, while Retro Grand Prix features the Shell, Banana, Leaf, and Lightning Cups. The Retro mode features tracks from all four previous ''Mario Kart'' games. This game features 50cc, 100cc, 150cc, and an unlockable 150cc Mirror Mode.
<!-- includes home and handheld; shortened for brevity -->


{|class="wikitable" style="width: 50em; text-align: center"
The player wins the cup by receiving the most points throughout the Grand Prix. Points are allocated based on the position the player finishes in. The most a player can get is 40 points, or ten points in each of the four courses in ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' and ''Mario Kart DS''. In ''Super Mario Kart'', ''Mario Kart 64'', and ''Mario Kart Super Circuit'', there was a maximum of nine points for each race. In addition, ''Mario Kart Super Circuit'' and ''Mario Kart DS'' features a rating system, which, from lowest to highest, is E, D, C, B, A, one star, two stars, and three stars.
! rowspan = "2" | Year !! rowspan="2" | Game !! rowspan="2" | Platform !! colspan="5" |[[Virtual Console]]/<br />[[Nintendo Switch Online]] re-release

Mission mode is only present in ''Mario Kart DS'', and includes several levels, each of which contain nine challenges (one of which is a boss battle). These challenges range include collecting X number of coins, driving through X number of gates, destroying X number of enemies, and so-on. The player is given a grade upon completing a mission, with E being the lowest and three stars being the highest. There is only one mission level to start with, but by beating each mission level's boss players can reach level 6, and, by achieving a rank of at least one star in all missions, level 7.

In VS. mode, multiple players can compete against each other in a race. The one who crosses the finish line first wins. Depending on the platform, up to eight players can play simultaneously. In ''Mario Kart DS'', players can race against CPU opponents for the first time.

In Battle Mode, every player is assigned a set of [[balloons]] that can be popped. The aim of battle mode is to pop the opponent's balloons by attacking them with items. Once all balloons are popped, the player loses. There have been several types of Battle Mode games.

Some items don't appear in Battle Mode because of the sheer advantage they give their users. This includes Spiny Shells, Bullet Bills, Chain Chomps, Thunderbolts (exception: Shine Runners), and triple red shells (before Balloon Battles had more than three balloons). Mushrooms were also out before the stealing of balloons was introduced in ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''. ''Mario Kart DS'' is the only game where players can battle against CPU opponents.

===Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection===
{{main|Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection}}
This mode was introduced in ''[[Mario Kart DS]]''. Abbreviated as WFC, this mode allows players to use Nintendo's online gaming service to match up against other players elsewhere in the world, nationally, or with comparable skill levels. Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Mode also includes a "friend's roster" which allows a player to play with a group of people he or she knows. Wi-Fi gameplay follows the same scoring as multiplayer VS matches, except with a limit of 4 players instead of 8. It has been confirmed by Nintendo at E3 2007 that ''[[Mario Kart Wii|Mario Kart]]'' for [[Wii]] will make use of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

===Other appearances===
A line of [[remote-controlled]] Mario Karts are available in stores. Each kart has a GameCube-shaped controller, and features forward driving and rotates when put in reverse, instead of steering. The current line-up of karts are Mario, Donkey Kong and Yoshi. Also, in the upcoming [[Wii]] game ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', a stage based on ''Mario Kart'' is featured. Plus, there are two large karts that depict Yoshi and Mario. They are not controlled by a GBA-like controller, but instead, it is a [[GameCube]] Controller shape. In ''[[Nintendogs]]'', one can find a remote-controlled Kart during walks. There are three different karts, the Mario Kart, the Bowser Kart, and the Peach Kart. Each version of ''Nintendogs'' has only one type of kart.

==Playable characters==
{|class="wikitable"
!Racer!!''[[Super Mario Kart|Super]]<br> [[Super Mario Kart|Mario Kart]]''!!''[[Mario Kart 64|Mario]]<br> [[Mario Kart 64|Kart 64]]''!!''[[Mario Kart Super Circuit|Mario Kart]] <br> [[Mario Kart Super Circuit|Super Circuit]]''!!''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash|Mario Kart: <br>Double Dash]]<br> ''!!''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP|Mario Kart]] <br> [[Mario Kart Arcade GP|Arcade GP]]''!!''[[Mario Kart DS|Mario]]<br> [[Mario Kart DS|Kart DS]]''!!''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP 2|Mario Kart]] <br> [[Mario Kart Arcade GP 2|Arcade GP 2]]''!!''[[Mario Kart Wii|Mario]]<br> [[Mario Kart Wii|Kart Wii]]
|- <!-- Please see the Talkpage for a proposal on use of blank space versus the template -->
|[[Mario]]||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}
|-
|-
! style="width:3em;font-size:90%" | Wii !! style="width:3em;font-size:90%" | Wii U !! style="width:3em;font-size:90%" | 3DS !! style="width:3em;font-size:90%" | New 3DS !! style="width:3em;font-size:90%" | Switch
|[[Luigi]]||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}
|-
|-
|[[Princess Peach|Peach]]||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}
| 1992 || ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' || [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]] || {{Ya|alt=Yes}} || {{Ya|alt=Yes}} || {{CNone}} || {{Ya|alt=Yes}} || {{Ya|alt=Yes}}
|-
|-
|[[Yoshi]]||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}
| 1996 ||''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' || [[Nintendo 64]] || {{Ya|alt=Yes}} || {{Ya|alt=Yes}} || {{CNone}} || {{CNone}} || {{Ya|alt=Yes}}
|-
|-
| 2001 || ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'' || [[Game Boy Advance]] || {{CNone}} || {{Ya|alt=Yes}} || {{Partial|<ref group="nb" name="SC3DS">''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'' can be played on Nintendo 3DS systems with the Nintendo 3DS Ambassadors program.</ref>}} || {{Partial|<ref group="nb" name="SC3DS"/>}} || {{Ya|alt=Yes}}
|[[King Bowser|Bowser]]||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}
|-
|-
|[[List of Mario series characters#Toad|Toad]]||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}
| 2003 || ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'' || [[GameCube|Nintendo GameCube]] || {{Partial|{{dagger}}}} || {{CNone}} || {{CNone}} || {{CNone}} || {{CNone}}
|-
|-
|[[Donkey Kong (character)|Donkey Kong]]||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}
| 2005 || ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' || [[Nintendo DS]] || {{CNone}} || {{Ya|alt=Yes}} || {{Partial|{{dagger}}}} || {{Partial|{{dagger}}}} || {{CNone}}
|-
|-
|[[Wario]]||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}
| 2008 || ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' || [[Wii]] || {{Included|{{Double-dagger}}}} || {{Partial|{{dagger}}}} || {{CNone}} || {{CNone}} || {{CNone}}
|-
|-
|[[List of Mario series characters#Waluigi|Waluigi]]||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{y}}||{{y}}
| 2011 || ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' || [[Nintendo 3DS]] || {{CNone}} || {{CNone}} || {{Included|{{Double-dagger}}}} || {{Partial|{{dagger}}}} || {{CNone}}
|-
|-
|[[List of Mario series characters#Princess Daisy|Daisy]]||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{n}}||{{?}}
| 2014 ||''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' || [[Wii U]]|| {{CNone}} || {{Included|{{Double-dagger}}}} || {{CNone}} || {{CNone}} || {{CNone}}
|-
|-
|[[Koopa Troopa]]||{{y}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}
| 2017 ||''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' || [[Nintendo Switch]] || {{CNone}} || {{CNone}} || {{CNone}} || {{CNone}} || {{Included|{{Double-dagger}}}}
|-
|[[List of Mario series characters#Birdo|Birdo]]||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{?}}
|-
|[[Mario#Baby Mario|Baby Mario]]||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}
|-
|[[Luigi#Baby Luigi|Baby Luigi]]||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}
|-
|[[List of Mario series characters#Toadette|Toadette]]||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{?}}
|-
|[[Koopa#Paratroopa|Paratroopa]]||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{?}}
|-
|[[Diddy Kong]]||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{?}}
|-
|[[List of Mario series characters#Bowser Jr.|Bowser Jr.]]||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{?}}
|-

|[[List of Mario series characters#Petey Piranha|Petey Piranha]]||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{?}}
|-
|[[List of Mario series characters#King Boo|King Boo]]||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{?}}
|-
|[[List of Mario series enemies#Dry Bones|Dry Bones]]||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{n}}||{{?}}
|-
|[[R.O.B.]]||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{n}}||{{?}}
|-
|[[List of Mario series enemies#Shy Guy|Shy Guy]]||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{n}}||{{?}}
|-
|[[List_of_Donkey_Kong_characters#Donkey_Kong_Junior|Donkey Kong Jr.]]||{{y}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{?}}
|-
|[[Pac-Man]]||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{?}}
|-
|[[Ms. Pac-Man]]||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{?}}
|-
|[[Pac-Man|Blinky]]||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{?}}
|-
|[[Tamagotchi|Mametchi]]||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}||{{?}}
|-
|[[List of Mario series enemies#Boo|Boo]]||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{n}}||{{y}}
|-
|-
| 2020 || ''[[Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit]]'' || [[Nintendo Switch]] || {{CNone}} || {{CNone}} || {{CNone}} || {{CNone}} || {{Included|{{Double-dagger}}}}
|}
|}
{{legend|#D2FFD2|text=[[File:Green check.svg|13px]]|Available on Virtual Console or Nintendo Switch Online}}
{{legend|#FFB|text={{Dagger}}|Available by using backwards compatibility}}
{{legend|#DDFBFF|text={{Double-dagger}}|Available natively on the console}}
{{Reflist|group="nb"|refs=


}}
==Recurring tracks==
There are several types of tracks that have been featured in many of the ''Mario Kart'' games.

===Circuits===
Every ''[[Mario Kart]]'' to date has included several "circuit" courses, one of which serves as the starting course for the Mushroom Cup. Circuit courses are built to resemble actual raceways, with paved track, loose gravel or sand sides, and (in the 3D games) grandstands with onlookers, as well as signs and billboards scattered throughout the course advertising various imaginary racing products. These tracks range widely in difficulty, from simple turns to complex hairpins and banked curves. The particularly memorable circuit tracks are the Yoshi Circuit from ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' and ''Mario Kart DS'', which is designed in the shape of a large Yoshi (resembles one if seen from air) and Luigi Circut.
In ''Mario Kart 64'', Circuits are referred to as "raceways".

===Public roads===
In all 3D ''Mario Kart'' games, there are tracks that include other traffic to avoid. ''Mario Kart 64'' had Toad's Turnpike, which has huge vehicles that go the same direction as the karts. (In the Extra mode, they come toward the karts, making it one of the most unpredictable and most difficult tracks). ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' had Mushroom Bridge and Mushroom City. They featured different kinds of cars, such as Mushroom trucks, the Wiggler vehicle, and Bob-omb cars. ''Mario Kart DS'' has Shroom Ridge, in which vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road, much like the road system in Japan, Australia and the UK (in Mirror Mode they go on the right-hand side), set on road which winds around a mountain, and a slightly modified version of Mushroom Bridge. Public roads usually come in the middle of the game Flower cup or Star cup.

===Deserts===
There has been a desert track in each ''Mario Kart'' game since ''Mario Kart 64'' (except for ''Arcade GP''). Deserts usually feature quicksand and long stretches of bumpy terrain. In ''Mario Kart 64'', there is the Kalimari Desert, in which a train crosses the track in two places. For ''Super Circuit'', Yoshi Desert makes an appearance (the Sphinxes have Yoshi heads), and ''Double Dash!!'' with Dry Dry Desert has a sandstorm that makes any object fly into the air, plus an area with quicksand and a hungry Piranha Plant living at the bottom. The desert in ''Mario Kart DS''(Desert Hills) includes Pokeys, which move from left-to-right, the Angry Sun, who rains fire down on the track, and a ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' desert level-like theme.

===Jungles===
All games from ''Mario Kart 64'' onwards featured at least one jungle type track. ''Mario Kart 64'' had DK's Jungle Parkway, set atop a waterfall with a steamboat patrolling the river. ''Mario Kart Super Circuit'' had both Riverside Park and Lakeside Park, the latter featuring volcanoes which shot out lava balls that spun players out when hit. ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' had both DK Mountain and Dino Dino Jungle. DK Mountain's centrepiece was a gigantic DK Barrel which shot players to the top of the mountain. They would then have to drive down the mountain, avoiding massive boulders and traversing a swaying bridge over a fast flowing river. Dino Dino Jungle, as the name suggests, had several dinosaurs stomping and flying around the course. ''Mario Kart DS'' had Yoshi Falls, set in a large valley and circling a lake. Yoshi Falls has also been seen in the Mario Kart Wii E3 Video suggesting that it may have Retro Cups Similar to ''Mario Kart DS''.

===Haunted tracks===
Most ''Mario Kart'' games have had some courses with a spooky theme (one example that didn't have one was Mario Kart: Double Dash, but it did feature a battle course based off of [[Luigi's Mansion]]). Common themes in these 'haunted' tracks have included dark lighting, Boos, or (in the 2D games) railings which break upon impact. Boo Lake and Broken Pier (both from ''MKSC'') are two examples of all these things. [[Luigi's Mansion]] in the ''Mario Kart DS'' (based on the [[GameCube]] game with the same name), includes a muddy swamp in which traction is lessened. While not strictly haunted, Airship Fortress (in ''MKDS'') takes place in a crumbling castle. It is the only track in the game that includes Bullet Bills firing at players as a part of the level. Also in ''Mario Kart 64'' there is a track called Banshee Boardwalk, which was later revamped in ''Mario Kart DS'' as a Retro Cup stage and is a haunted Boardwalk.


===Stadiums===
===Arcade===
[[File:SAKIKO - Arcade game machine. (40004108183).jpg|thumb|alt=Seats for ''Mario Kart'' games (left) in a Japanese arcade|Seats for ''Mario Kart'' games (left) in a Japanese arcade]]
In three of the games (''MK64'', ''MKDD'', and ''MKDS''), there has been a stadium track, which takes place in a dirt arena surrounded by grandstands, similar to a [[Supercross]] track. Typically associated with Wario and Waluigi, they contain many jumps, bumps, turns, and (more recently) fire and oil. Stadium tracks are normally around the middle of the game in regards to difficulty, although the stadium in ''Mario Kart DS'' is among the most challenging tracks. The Wario Stadium track in ''Mario Kart 64'' is notorious for a shortcut that can reduce the time a single lap takes to two seconds.
* ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP#Mario Kart Arcade GP|Mario Kart Arcade GP]]'' (2005, developed by [[Namco]])
* ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP#Mario Kart Arcade GP 2|Mario Kart Arcade GP 2]]'' (2007, developed by [[Namco Bandai Games]])
* ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP#Mario Kart Arcade GP DX|Mario Kart Arcade GP DX]]'' (2013, developed by Namco Bandai Games)<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 5, 2013 |title=Namco Formally Announces Mario Kart Arcade Grand Prix DX – Arcade Heroes |url=http://arcadeheroes.com/2013/02/05/namco-formally-announces-mario-kart-arcade-grand-prix-dx/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208050253/http://arcadeheroes.com/2013/02/05/namco-formally-announces-mario-kart-arcade-grand-prix-dx/ |archive-date=February 8, 2013 |access-date=February 6, 2013}}</ref>
* ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP#Mario Kart Arcade GP VR|Mario Kart Arcade GP VR]]'' (2017, developed by [[Bandai Namco Studios]])<ref name="VRZone">{{Cite web |title=MARIO KART ARCADE GP VR – VR ZONE SHINJUKU |url=http://vrzone-pic.com/en/activity/mariocart.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625224359/http://vrzone-pic.com/en/activity/mariocart.html |archive-date=June 25, 2017 |access-date=June 22, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 13, 2017 |title=Mario Kart Arcade GP VR announced for Bandai Namco's virtual reality arcade, played with HTC Vive – Nintendo Everything |url=http://www.nintendoeverything.com/mario-kart-arcade-gp-vr-announced-for-bandai-namcos-virtual-reality-arcade-played-with-htc-vive/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615190512/http://nintendoeverything.com/mario-kart-arcade-gp-vr-announced-for-bandai-namcos-virtual-reality-arcade-played-with-htc-vive/ |archive-date=June 15, 2017 |access-date=June 22, 2017}}</ref>


===Mobile===
With the introduction of [[Waluigi]] in the ''Mario Kart'' series, there have always been two stadiums in the game. The alternate stadiums, instead of being dirt tracks, are mostly made of metal, with a definitive superstructure. The two metal cage tracks are [[Wario]] Colosseum (which comes after Waluigi Stadium in ''MKDD'') and Waluigi Pinball (which comes before Wario Stadium ''MKDS'').
* ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'' (2019)


===Bowser Castles===
===Upcoming games===
In January 2022, Serkan Toto, an industry analyst for ''[[GamesIndustry.biz]]'' indicated that a new entry in the ''Mario Kart'' series (referred to colloquially by some as ''Mario Kart 10'', ''Mario Kart X'', or ''Mario Kart 9'') was "in active development" at Nintendo.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gurwin |first=Gabe |date=2022-01-07 |title=''Mario Kart 10'' Is Reportedly In Development With A "New Twist" |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-10-is-reportedly-in-development-with-a-new-twist/1100-6499442/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108104047/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-10-is-reportedly-in-development-with-a-new-twist/1100-6499442/ |archive-date=2022-01-08 |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The game would feature "a new twist".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Ana |date=2022-01-07 |title=''Mario Kart 10'' reportedly on the way, this time with a 'new twist' |url=https://www.polygon.com/22872479/mario-kart-10-nintendo-switch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120131827/https://www.polygon.com/22872479/mario-kart-10-nintendo-switch |archive-date=2022-01-20 |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Jared |date=2022-01-07 |title=''Mario Kart 10'' Is Reportedly In Development, 'With a New Twist' |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-x-is-reportedly-in-development-with-a-new-twist |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111010735/https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-10-is-reportedly-in-development-with-a-new-twist |archive-date=2022-01-11 |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |language=en}}</ref>
Bowser Castles are particularly well known for unforgiving and straight 90-degree turns, lava pits, and [[Thwomp]]s. ''Super Mario Kart'' features three Bowser Castle tracks, while ''Super Circuit'' has four; the rest only have one (''Mario Kart DS'' has two but one is taken from Super Circuit). They are usually the penultimate tracks of the game, with the only track afterwards being Rainbow Road. Due to their stiff turns and obstacles, they are considered to be technically demanding. The name has also been spelled as Bowser's Castle; this name appears in ''Mario Kart 64'', ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''.


===Rainbow Road===
===Canceled games===
* '''''VB Mario Kart''''' was scheduled for the [[Virtual Boy]] in 1995. It was revealed in a 2000 issue of German gaming magazine ''The Big N'', but was canceled early in development prior to its official announcement due to the Virtual Boy's commercial failure.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VB Mario Kart |url=http://www.planetvb.com/content/articles/scans/big_n_ger/07-08_00/big_n_ger_07-08_00_2.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105115639/http://www.planetvb.com/content/articles/scans/big_n_ger/07-08_00/big_n_ger_07-08_00_2.jpg |archive-date=November 5, 2013 |access-date=November 3, 2013 |website=Big N}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jurkovich |first=Tristan |date=May 22, 2020 |title=10 Canceled Mario Games You Never Knew Existed |url=https://www.thegamer.com/canceled-mario-games-never-knew-existed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927184636/https://www.thegamer.com/canceled-mario-games-never-knew-existed/ |archive-date=September 27, 2020 |access-date=September 27, 2020 |website=TheGamer |language=en-US}}</ref>
Rainbow Road is the name for the final track in the last cup (the Special Cup) of every ''Mario Kart'' game to date. As such, it is considered one of the toughest tracks to master, as the track is suspended in space and generally has few or no rails to prevent the player from falling off of the edges during a turn. ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' is an exception, where guardrails are used for the entire track.
* '''''Mario Kart XXL''''' is a [[Game Boy Advance]] tech demo developed by Denaris Entertainment Software for Nintendo in 2004. It was originally created as a non-Mario demo known as R3D-Demo before being repurposed.<ref>https://www.timeextension.com/news/2022/10/a-demo-of-the-failed-mario-kart-xxl-pitch-is-now-available-online {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816154817/https://www.timeextension.com/news/2022/10/a-demo-of-the-failed-mario-kart-xxl-pitch-is-now-available-online |date=August 16, 2024 }} {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref>
* '''''Mario Motors''''' was a planned spin-off of the ''Mario Kart'' series for the [[Nintendo DS]]. It was revealed for the first time at the Reboot Development Conference 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Skrebels |first=Joe |date=2018-04-23 |title=Unreleased Mario Racing Game Revealed |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/04/23/unreleased-mario-racing-game-revealed |access-date=2023-04-07 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=June 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610084024/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/04/23/unreleased-mario-racing-game-revealed |url-status=live}}</ref> The game was going to be co-developed by [[Yoot Saito]]. The concept of the game was to allow players to build their own karts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-04-21 |title=Yoot Saito worked on Mario Motors, a canceled DS game about building engines |url=https://www.destructoid.com/yoot-saito-worked-on-mario-motors-a-canceled-ds-game-about-building-engines/ |access-date=2023-04-07 |website=Destructoid |language=en-US |archive-date=February 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213172010/https://www.destructoid.com/yoot-saito-worked-on-mario-motors-a-canceled-ds-game-about-building-engines/ |url-status=live}}</ref>


==Reception==
Other features of the Rainbow Road tracks include 90-degree turns and flashing Thwomps (''Super Mario Kart''), Chomps and steep drops (''Mario Kart 64''), speed boost panels, Jumps, Storm Clouds (''Mario Kart Super Circuit''), speed boost panels, a teleporting pipe (''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''), and speed boosts panels, and a barrel roll and loop the loop obstacle (''Mario Kart DS'') that might either provide a helpful edge or cause a player to lose control and careen off the track. ''Double Dash!!'' features a set of hairpin turns, and also is the only game in the series to feature stars that occasionally land on the track and become a star power up for anyone who touches them.
{{Expand section|date=June 2008}}
{{Video game series reviews
| updated = June 30, 2023
| sales_title = Units sold<br />{{small|(in millions)}}
| game1 = [[Super Mario Kart]]<small> (SNES)</small>
| year1 = 1992
| sales1 = 8.76<ref name="supermariobestselling">{{Cite web |last=O'Malley |first=James |date=September 11, 2015 |title=30 Best-Selling Super Mario Games of All Time on the Plumber's 30th Birthday |url=http://www.gizmodo.co.uk/2015/09/30-best-selling-super-mario-games-of-all-time-on-the-plumbers-30th-birthday/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228130418/http://www.gizmodo.co.uk/2015/09/30-best-selling-super-mario-games-of-all-time-on-the-plumbers-30th-birthday/ |archive-date=February 28, 2017 |access-date=May 2, 2018 |website=[[Gizmodo]] |publisher=[[Univision Communications]]}}</ref>
| gr1 = 94%
| mc1 = 94/100
| game2 = [[Mario Kart 64]]<small> (N64)</small>
| year2 = 1996
| sales2 = 9.87<ref name="supermariobestselling" />
| gr2 = 87%
| mc2 = 83/100
| game3 = [[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]<small> (GBA)</small>
| year3 = 2001
| sales3 = 5.90<ref name="supermariobestselling" />
| gr3 = 92%
| mc3 = 93/100
| game4 = [[Mario Kart: Double Dash]]<small> (GCN)</small>
| year4 = 2003
| sales4 = 6.96<ref name="supermariobestselling" />
| gr4 = 87%
| mc4 = 87/100
| game5 = [[Mario Kart DS]]<small> (NDS)</small>
| year5 = 2005
| sales5 = 23.60<ref name="DSsales">{{Cite web |title=IR Information: Sales Data – Top Selling Software Sales Units – Nintendo DS Software |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/sales/software/ds.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427092514/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/sales/software/ds.html |archive-date=April 27, 2016 |access-date=May 2, 2018 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>
| gr5 = 91%
| mc5 = 91/100
| game6 = [[Mario Kart Wii]]<small> (Wii)</small>
| year6 = 2008
| sales6 = 37.38<ref name="WiiSales">{{Cite web |title=IR Information: Financial Data Wii |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wii.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219181140/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wii.html |archive-date=December 19, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Nintendo |publisher=Nintendo, Co. Ltd.}}</ref>
| gr6 = 82%
| mc6 = 82/100
| game7 = [[Mario Kart 7]]<small> (3DS)</small>
| year7 = 2011
| sales7 = 18.98<ref name="3DSSales">{{Cite web |title=Top Selling Title Sales Units (Nintendo 3DS) |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/3ds.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212154014/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/3ds.html |archive-date=February 12, 2023 |access-date=February 13, 2023 |website=Nintendo |publisher=Nintendo, Co. Ltd.}}</ref>
| gr7 = 85%
| mc7 = 85/100
| game8 = [[Mario Kart 8]]<small> (WiiU)</small>
| year8 = 2014
| sales8 = 8.46<ref name="WiiUSales">{{Cite web |title=IR Information: Financial Data – Top Selling Title Sales Units – Wii U Software |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wiiu.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031003753/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wiiu.html |archive-date=October 31, 2017 |access-date=November 4, 2021 |website=Nintendo |publisher=Nintendo, Co. Ltd.}}</ref>
| gr8 = 88%
| mc8 = 88/100
| game9 = [[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]<small> (NS)</small>
| year9 = 2017
| sales9 = 60.58<ref name="MK8 Deluxe">{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html |title=IR Information : Sales Data – Top Selling Title Sales Units |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=December 31, 2023 |website=nintendo.co.jp |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |access-date=February 6, 2024 |archive-date=January 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130072006/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
| gr9 = 92%
| mc9 = 92/100
| game10 = [[Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit]]<small> (NS)</small>
| year10 = 2020
| sales10 = 1.27<ref name="MK Live">{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2021/210506_3e.pdf |title=Fiscal Year Ended March 2021 Financial Results Explanatory Material |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=March 30, 2021 |website=nintendo.co.jp |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |access-date=November 4, 2021 |archive-date=February 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201072221/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2021/210201_3e.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>|
| mc10 = 75/100
| gr10 = —
}}
The ''Mario Kart'' series is critically acclaimed. ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' named it one of the greatest multiplayer experiences, citing the diversity in game modes and the entertainment value.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Nintendo Power 250th issue! |publisher=[[Future US]] |year=2010 |location=South San Francisco, California |page=47}}</ref>


''[[Guinness World Records]]'' listed six records set by the ''Mario Kart'' series, including "First Console Kart Racing Game", "Best Selling Racing Game", and "Longest Running Kart Racing Franchise". ''Guinness World Records'' ranked ''Super Mario Kart'' number 1 of the top 50 console games of all time based on initial impact and lasting legacy.<ref name="guinness50">{{Cite magazine |last=Ivan |first=Tom |date=February 28, 2009 |title=Guinness ranks top 50 games of all time |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/209385/guinness-ranks-top-50-games-of-all-time/ |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824051922/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/209385/guinness-ranks-top-50-games-of-all-time/ |archive-date=August 24, 2011 |access-date=March 14, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Super Mario Kart'' was inducted into the [[World Video Game Hall of Fame]] in 2019.<ref name="karthall">{{Cite web |last=Good |first=Owen |date=May 3, 2019 |title=Wait a minute, the Video Game Hall of Fame inducted ... Solitaire? Yes, and also Mortal Kombat and Super Mario Kart |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/3/18528738/world-video-game-hall-of-fame-solitaire-mortal-kombat-mario-kart |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504011921/https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/3/18528738/world-video-game-hall-of-fame-solitaire-mortal-kombat-mario-kart |archive-date=May 4, 2019 |access-date=May 4, 2019 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref>
Since ''Mario Kart 64'', Rainbow Road is the only track to have the same music theme in every game (except for ''Mario Kart Super Circuit'' and ''Mario Kart Arcade GP'' - though they do have the same rhythm and style, albeit a more techno influenced tune on Arcade GP), though each one is remixed differently.


==Items==
===Sales===
Like the ''[[Super Mario]]'' series, the ''Mario Kart'' series is a commercial success with 178.19 million copies sold in total.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Futter |first=Mike |date=June 2, 2014 |title=Mario Kart 8 Speeds To Over 1.2 Million Sales In Opening Weekend |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2014/06/02/mario-kart-8-speeds-to-over-1-2-million-sales-in-opening-weekend.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140604084937/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2014/06/02/mario-kart-8-speeds-to-over-1-2-million-sales-in-opening-weekend.aspx |archive-date=June 4, 2014 |access-date=June 2, 2014 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=GameStop}}</ref> It is currently the [[List of best-selling video game franchises|most successful racing game franchise]] of all time. ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' is the fourth-best-selling [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] game with 8.76 million copies sold.<ref name="supermariobestselling" /> ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' is the second-best-selling game for the [[Nintendo 64]] (behind ''[[Super Mario 64]]''), at 9.87 million copies.<ref name="supermariobestselling" /> ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash]]'' is the second-best-selling [[GameCube]] game (next to ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'') with 6.96 million copies sold.<ref name="supermariobestselling" /> ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' is the second-best-selling in the series and is the second-best-selling [[Wii]] game (next to ''[[Wii Sports]]'') at 37.38 million copies.<ref name="WiiSales" /> ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' is the best-selling Wii U game at 8.46 million total copies sold.<ref name="WiiUSales" /> It was the fastest-selling [[Wii U]] game with 1.2 million copies shipped in [[North America]] and [[Europe]] combined on its first few days since launch, until ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U|Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]''.<ref name="nintodaymariokartwiiu">{{Cite news |date=June 2, 2014 |title=Mario Kart 8 ships 1.2 million, fastest selling Wii U title to date |work=Nintendo Today |publisher=Nintendo Today |url=http://nintendotoday.com/mario-kart-8-fastest-selling-title/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503180645/http://nintendotoday.com/mario-kart-8-fastest-selling-title/ |archive-date=May 3, 2018}}</ref><ref name="venture-smash-sales">{{Cite news |last=Minotti |first=Mike |date=November 25, 2014 |title=Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is the system's fastest-selling game |work=VentureBeat |publisher=VentureBeat |url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/11/25/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u-is-the-systems-fastest-selling-game/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503181024/https://venturebeat.com/2014/11/25/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u-is-the-systems-fastest-selling-game/ |archive-date=May 3, 2018}}</ref> The enhanced port for the [[Nintendo Switch]], ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'', is the fastest-selling game in the series with 459,000 units sold in the United States in one day of its launch.<ref name="mariokart8deluxesales">{{Cite news |last=Cowley |first=Ric |date=May 2, 2017 |title=Mario Kart 8 Deluxe becomes fastest-selling game of the franchise with 459,000 units sold in the US |work=Pocket Gamer.biz |publisher=Steel Media Ltd. |url=http://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/65635/mario-kart-8-deluxe-first-day-sales/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503180657/http://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/65635/mario-kart-8-deluxe-first-day-sales/ |archive-date=May 3, 2018}}</ref> It is the highest-selling [[Nintendo Switch]] game<ref name="SwitchSales">{{Cite web |title=IR Information: Sales Data – Top Selling Title Sales Unit (Switch) |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101014747/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html |archive-date=November 1, 2019 |access-date=January 31, 2019 |website=Nintendo |publisher=Nintendo, Co. Ltd.}}</ref> with a total of 57.01 million copies worldwide, outperforming the Wii U version. Both versions have a combined total of 65.47 million copies sold, making it the best-selling game in the series, and also the best selling ''Mario'' game as a whole.
[[Image:GCN-MarioKart DoubleDash!!.jpg|right|thumb|[[Mario]] jumping to throw a banana in a beta verson of ''[[Double Dash!!]]''.]]
In certain parts of the course, players can drive through an "item box" and receive a random item. There is an equalizer aspect: karts in lower positions get better items, while the higher position karts get worse items.


The handheld games are commercial successes. ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'' is the fourth-best-selling [[Game Boy Advance]] game at 5.9 million copies.<ref name="supermariobestselling" /> The second portable game, ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'', is the third-best-selling [[Nintendo DS]] game and the best-selling portable game in the series with a total of 23.6 million copies.<ref name="DSsales" /> ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' is the best-selling [[Nintendo 3DS]] game as of March 2023 at 18.98 million copies.<ref name="3DSSales" />
There are four categories of items: hazards (items such as [[bananas]], items left on the track as an obstacle), projectiles (items such as shells fired at other players or obstacles), boosts (gives the kart more speed), and special (does not fit in to any of the three categories).


==Legacy==
Some of the special items include Bullet Bills (provides a speed boost, and guarantees the user will gain at least one track position), Chain Chomps (similar to Bullet Bills, but much faster and more unpredictable) Lightning (zaps and shrinks all opponents ahead of the user), [[Starman (Nintendo)|Stars]] (provides invincibility for a time) [[Boo]]s (turns the character invisible and steals an opponent's item at random, if possible) and Bloopers (shoots ink at opponents, decreasing their field of vision). Hazards and most projectiles can be trailed behind the kart by holding the item button (except in "[[Super Mario Kart]]", and in ''[[Double Dash!!]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' on the [[Nintendo Wi-Fi]] mode, where they cannot trail behind the karts). This serves as defense against opponent attacks. They are then activated once the player releases the item button.
===Merchandise===
The ''Mario Kart'' series has had a range of merchandise. This includes a [[Scalextric|slot car racer]] series based on ''Mario Kart DS'': one set of which comes with Mario and Donkey Kong figures, with Wario and Luigi available separately. A line of [[radio-control]]led karts are controlled by [[Game Boy Advance]]-shaped controllers, and feature Mario, Donkey Kong, and Yoshi. There are additional, larger karts which are radio-controlled by a [[GameCube]]-shape controller. Many racer figurines have been made. Sound Drops were inspired by ''Mario Kart Wii'' with eight sounds including the [[Blue shell|Spiny Shell]] and the race start countdown. A [[land-line telephone]] features Mario holding a [[Lightning discharge|lightning bolt]] while seated in his kart. [[K'Nex]] released ''Mario Kart Wii'', ''Mario Kart 7'', and ''Mario Kart 8'' sets. [[Line (software)|LINE]] has released an animated sticker set with 24 stickers based on ''Mario Kart 8'' and ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''. Nintendo's own customer rewards program [[Club Nintendo]] released a ''Mario Kart 8'' soundtrack, a ''Mario Kart Wii''-themed [[stopwatch]], and three gold trophies modeled after those in ''Mario Kart 7''. Before Club Nintendo, a ''Mario Kart 64'' soundtrack was offered by mail. In 2014, [[McDonald's]] released ''Mario Kart 8'' toys with [[Happy Meal]]s. In 2018, [[Monopoly (game)|Monopoly]] Gamer features a ''Mario Kart'' themed board game with courses from ''Mario Kart 8'' serving as properties, ten playable characters as tokens (pingas) and a special die with power-ups. In 2019, [[Hot Wheels]] released ''Mario Kart'' sets of cars and tracks. In commemoration of Mario Day celebrations for March 10, 2021, Hot Wheels also released a ''Mario Kart'' track set based on [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart)|Rainbow Road]] on June 24, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doolan |first=Liam |date=2021-03-17 |title=Hot Wheels Is Releasing A Mario Kart Rainbow Road Raceway Track |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/03/hot_wheels_is_releasing_a_mario_kart_rainbow_road_raceway_track |url-status=live |access-date=2021-06-21 |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |language=en-GB |archive-date=December 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202135426/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/03/hot_wheels_is_releasing_a_mario_kart_rainbow_road_raceway_track}}</ref> In 2020, for the [[Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary|''Super Mario Bros.'' 35th Anniversary]], [[Cold Stone Creamery]] released Mario themed desserts including a Rainbow Road themed [[ice cream cake]], from September 30 to December 15.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jordan Gerblick |date=October 1, 2020 |title=Mario gets an official Rainbow Road cake for his 35th birthday |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/mario-gets-an-official-rainbow-road-cake-for-his-35th-birthday/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009233019/https://www.gamesradar.com/mario-gets-an-official-rainbow-road-cake-for-his-35th-birthday/ |archive-date=October 9, 2020 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |website=GamesRadar+}}</ref>


===Rental go-kart dispute===
In the original game, ''Super Mario Kart'', each of the AI drivers had specific items that could be used against the opponents. While some use conventional items familiar to players (like the Star, used by Mario and Luigi), others have exclusive items (like Peach and Toad, who can send a mushroom that can shrink an opponent upon contact). Particularly, the Koopa Troopa always uses his Green Shell attack by lying it in his trail, never launching it forward. This trait, however, was not carried over for the rest of the series.
[[File:Mario Kart in Japan (27228418683).jpg|thumb|Go-karters dressed as Nintendo characters in [[Harajuku]], Tokyo]]
In September 2016, Nintendo filed an objection against the Japanese company MariCar, which rents [[go-kart]]s modified for use on public roads in [[Tokyo]] along with costumes resembling Nintendo characters.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Otake |first=Tomoko |date=March 9, 2017 |title=Patent authority rules against Nintendo, lets go-kart firm keep MariCar trademark |language=en-US |work=The Japan Times Online |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/03/09/national/crime-legal/patent-authority-rules-nintendo-lets-go-kart-firm-keep-maricar-trademark/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928121623/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/03/09/national/crime-legal/patent-authority-rules-nintendo-lets-go-kart-firm-keep-maricar-trademark/ |archive-date=September 28, 2018 |issn=0447-5763}}</ref> MariCar's English website warned customers not to throw "banana peels" or "red turtle shells".<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |title=Nintendo wins lawsuit against Tokyo's 'Mario Kart' tour company |work=Polygon |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/9/27/17910844/mario-kart-tour-japan-nintendo-lawsuit |url-status=live |access-date=September 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927215307/https://www.polygon.com/2018/9/27/17910844/mario-kart-tour-japan-nintendo-lawsuit |archive-date=September 27, 2018}}</ref> The service is popular with tourists.<ref name=":0" />


Nintendo argued that the MariCar name was "intended to be mistaken for or confused with" ''Mario Kart'', citing games commonly known by abbreviations in Japan, such as ''[[Pokémon]]'' (for ''Pocket Monsters'') and Sumabura (''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''). In January 2017, the [[Japan Patent Office]] dismissed the objection, ruling that MariCar was not widely recognized as an abbreviation of ''Mario Kart''.<ref name=":0" />
In ''Double Dash!!'', each pair of characters has a character-specific special item. Like the regular items, the "best" special items can only be obtained when farther back in the standings.


In February 2017, Nintendo sued MariCar over [[copyright infringement]] for renting unauthorized costumes of Nintendo characters and using their images to promote its business.<ref name=":0" /> In September 2018, MariCar was ordered to stop using the characters and pay Nintendo ¥10 million in damages.<ref name=":1" />
==Merchandise==


===Theme park attraction===
Mario Kart has also had a range of merchandise released. This includes a [[Scalextric]] style Mario Kart DS Figure-8-Circuit. It came with Mario and Donkey Kong figures, while a Yoshi and a Luigi are available separately.
{{main|Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge}}
[[Universal Destinations & Experiences]]' immersive [[Super Nintendo World]] areas in [[Universal Studios Japan]] and [[Universal Studios Hollywood]] feature the ''[[Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge]]'' ride as their primary "anchor" attraction. Utilizing innovative [[augmented reality]] technology and [[dark ride]] set design, guests travel through several environments from ''Mario Kart 8'', including [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart)|Rainbow Road]]. The Japan version of the attraction includes a ''Mario Kart'' themed shop called "Mario Motors", and a nearby "Pit Stop Popcorn" food stand.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=June 8, 2017 |title=Super Nintendo World looks like a dream come true in first teaser |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/6/8/15761360/super-nintendo-world-commercial-nintendo-theme-park |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608130430/https://www.polygon.com/2017/6/8/15761360/super-nintendo-world-commercial-nintendo-theme-park |archive-date=June 8, 2017 |access-date=January 15, 2020 |website=Polygon |language=en}}</ref> The ''Bowser's Challenge'' ride is also expected to be built in [[Universal Epic Universe|Epic Universe]]'s version of Super Nintendo World.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Katrina |date=2021-03-10 |title=Unique Aspects in Each Super Nintendo World Around the Globe |url=https://insidethemagic.net/2021/03/universal-super-nintendo-kj1/ |access-date=2023-01-21 |website=Inside the Magic |language=en-US |archive-date=January 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121145934/https://insidethemagic.net/2021/03/universal-super-nintendo-kj1/ |url-status=live}}</ref>


===Formula E attack mode===
[[Tomy]] have also released some radio-controlled Mario Karts. The most top-selling 3 are Mario, DK and Yoshi. But other rarer ones include Bowser, Luigi, Peach and Wario.
Starting with its [[2018–19 Formula E Championship|2018–19 season]], [[electric car|electric]] [[open wheel]] racing series [[Formula E]] added a so-called "attack mode", which allows a driver to gain a temporary speed boost if they take an alternate lane (highlighted on television via [[augmented reality]] [[Digital on-screen graphic|computer graphics]]). The concept has been described by members of the press and by series CEO [[Alejandro Agag]] as inspired by ''Mario Kart''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.motorsport.com/formula-e/news/agag-fia-mario-bros-style-race-format-1031037/3068457/ | title = Formula E evaluating "Mario Bros"-style race format | last = Kalinauckas | first = Alex | date = 28 April 2018 | website = motorsport.com | access-date = 10 January 2022 | archive-date = February 14, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220214234921/https://www.motorsport.com/formula-e/news/agag-fia-mario-bros-style-race-format-1031037/3068457/ | url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/formula-es-attack-mode-like-13838166 | title = Formula E's Attack Mode is like real-life Mario Kart – and it's a racing revolution | last = McKenna | first = Laurence | date = 11 January 2019 | website = mirror.co.uk | access-date = 10 January 2022 | archive-date = February 14, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220214234843/https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/formula-es-attack-mode-like-13838166 | url-status = live}}</ref>


==External links==
==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=n}}
*[http://www.mariokart.com/ Official ''Mario Kart'' Web Site]
{{Notelist}}
*[http://ms.nintendo-europe.com/mariokartds/enGB/ ''Mario Kart DS'' official UK Microsite]


==References==
{{Mario Kart series}}
{{Mario series}}
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Mario Kart games|*]]
{{Mario Kart}}
{{Donkey Kong}}
{{Mario franchise}}
{{Nintendo franchises}}
{{Nintendo}}
{{Portal bar|1990s|Video games}}


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Latest revision as of 16:53, 24 December 2024

For the first game in the series, see Super Mario Kart.

Mario Kart
Logo since 2014
Genre(s)Kart racing
Developer(s)
Publisher(s)Nintendo
Creator(s)
Platform(s)
First releaseSuper Mario Kart
August 27, 1992 (1992-08-27)
Latest releaseMario Kart Live: Home Circuit
October 16, 2020 (2020-10-16)
Spin-offs

Mario Kart[a] is a series of kart racing games based on the Mario franchise developed and published by Nintendo. Players compete in go-kart races while using various power-up items. It features characters and courses mostly from the Mario series as well as other gaming franchises such as The Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, F-Zero, Excitebike, and Splatoon.

The series was launched in 1992 with Super Mario Kart on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), to critical and commercial success.[1] The Mario Kart series totals fifteen games, with seven on home consoles, three on handheld consoles, four arcade games co-developed with Namco, and one for mobile phones. The latest game in the series, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, was released on the Nintendo Switch in October 2020. Over 178.19 million copies in the series have been sold worldwide.

Gameplay

[edit]

In the Mario Kart series, players compete in go-kart races, controlling one of a selection of characters, mainly from the Mario franchise. Up to twelve characters can compete in each race (varying per game). Players can perform driving techniques during the race such as rocket starts, slipstreaming, drifting, and mini-turbos.

Gameplay is enhanced by power-up items obtained by driving into item boxes laid out on the course. These power-ups vary across games in the series, but generally include Mushrooms to give players a speed boost, Red and Green Shells to be thrown at opponents, Banana Peels, and hazards such as Fake Item Boxes. The game selects an item based on the player's current position in the race, utilising a mechanism known as rubber banding. For example, players lagging far behind may receive more powerful items such as Bullet Bills, which give the player invincibility while auto-piloting them forward at great speed, while the leader of a race may only receive small defensive items, such as Shells or Bananas. This gameplay mechanism allows other racers a realistic chance to catch up to the leading racer.

In the original game, Super Mario Kart, the player takes control of one of eight Mario series characters, each with differing capabilities. In single player mode, players can race against computer-controlled characters in 4 multi-race cups consisting of 20 tracks (5 in each cup) over three difficulty levels (50cc, 100cc and 150cc). Alternatively, players can race against the clock in a Time Trial mode. In multiplayer mode, two players can simultaneously take part in the cups or can race against each other one-on-one in Match Race mode. In a third multiplayer mode – Battle Mode – the aim is to defeat the other players by attacking them with power-ups, destroying balloons which surround each kart.

Each new game has introduced new gameplay elements, such as new circuits, items, modes, and playable characters.

  • Mario Kart 64 introduced 3D graphics, 4-player racing, slipstreaming,[2] items dangling (the ability to hold bananas and shells to defend against projectiles) and introduced two new playable characters: Wario and Donkey Kong. It also introduced seven items: the Fake Item Box, Triple Red Shells, Triple Green Shells, Triple Mushrooms, the Banana Bunch, the Golden Mushroom, and the Spiny Shell. In addition to the three Grand Prix engine classes, Mirror Mode was introduced, in which tracks are flipped laterally.
  • Mario Kart: Super Circuit included all 20 Super Mario Kart tracks as unlockable content, as both games use the mode 7 effect.
  • Mario Kart: Double Dash!! involves 2-player driving and featured co-operative LAN play and double-manned karts. It also introduced double item boxes. It further added eleven new playable characters: Daisy, Birdo, Baby Mario, Baby Luigi, Paratroopa, Diddy Kong, Bowser Jr., Waluigi, Toadette, Petey Piranha, and King Boo. It introduced a revamped Spiny Shell and character exclusive items, and introduced unlockable characters and karts. Mirror mode is now played on 150cc. It also introduced new alternate battle modes: "Shine Thief", and "Bob-omb Blast".
  • Mario Kart DS featured dual-screen play to take advantage of the system's capabilities. It introduced custom emblems. It also introduced Online play via the now defunct Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, a mission mode, and proper retro tracks. New playable characters included Dry Bones, R.O.B., and Shy Guy (who is exclusive to DS Download Play). This game also added three new items, the Blooper, the Bullet Bill, and the triple bananas. The Bob-omb is now a normal item, no longer being Wario and Waluigi's special item.
  • Mario Kart Wii introduced motion controls, the ability to perform mid-air tricks, and bikes. The racer cap was raised from 8 to 12.[3] It introduced six new playable characters: Baby Peach, Baby Daisy, Rosalina, Funky Kong, Dry Bowser, and two Mii outfits. It introduced three new items: the Mega Mushroom, the Thundercloud, and the POW Block, the last two of which are exclusive to this kart game. It also introduced a new battle mode titled "Coin Runners".
  • Mario Kart 7 featured stereoscopic 3D graphics and the return of dual screen functionality. It introduced gliders and submersible karts, a first-person perspective, and full kart customization. It introduced four new playable characters: Metal Mario, Lakitu, Wiggler, and Honey Queen. In addition, Shy Guy is a fully playable character as opposed to being exclusive for Download Play. It also re-introduced Coins for a small speed boost, though they can now be used to unlock kart parts.
  • Mario Kart 8 introduced the 200cc engine class,[b] anti-gravity racing, ATVs, uploading highlights to YouTube, up to four local players in Grand Prix races, downloadable content, HD graphics, and fifteen new playable characters: the Koopalings (Iggy Koopa, Roy Koopa, Lemmy Koopa, Larry Koopa, Wendy O. Koopa, Ludwig von Koopa and Morton Koopa Jr.), Baby Rosalina, Pink Gold Peach, Tanooki Mario, Cat Peach, Link from The Legend of Zelda, and Villager (male and female) and Isabelle from Animal Crossing, the last six which are available as downloadable content.[4]
  • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe added a revamped battle mode, which included the new "Renegade Roundup", the return of double item boxes, ultra mini-turbo, and added 6 characters that were absent from the original game. These characters include King Boo, Dry Bones, Gold Mario, Bowser Jr, and the male and female Inklings from Splatoon, in addition to giving the female Villager her own character slot. From 2022 to the end of 2023, the "Booster Course Pass" DLC expansion pack added new race courses and returning characters to the game.
  • Mario Kart Tour was the Mario Kart debut on a mobile phone, and introduced a points-based system for certain racing actions. It introduced Peachette, Pauline, Hammer Bro (and his boomerang, fire, and ice alts), Monty Mole, Captain Toad, Dixie Kong, Kamek, Nabbit, King Bob-omb, Chargin' Chuck, Poochy and many alternate versions of each character. It introduced Frenzy Mode, and before its removal in late 2022, gacha and loot box mechanics. It reintroduced character-specific items and the Mega Mushroom. Multiple new tracks were introduced in this game and later added to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe via the DLC expansion pack.
  • Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit uses a combination of augmented reality (AR), remote-controlled karts, and cameras, to create tracks using markers in the physical world, on which onscreen opponents are raced.

Modes

[edit]

Each game has a variety of modes. The following five modes recur most often in the series:

  • Grand Prix – Players compete in various "cups" of four courses each (five in Super Mario Kart) with difficulty levels based on the size of the engine, larger engines meaning faster speeds. Before Mario Kart 8 there were four difficulties: 50cc, 100cc, 150cc, and Mirror Mode, where all tracks were flipped horizontally. In Mario Kart 8, a fifth difficulty level: 200cc, was added.[b] Players earn points according to their finishing position in each race and the placement order gets carried over to the next race as the new starting grid. At the end of the cup, the top three players with the most points overall will receive a trophy in bronze, silver, and gold. In Mario Kart: Super Circuit and every game from Mario Kart DS onward, players are also ranked based on how well they raced (three to one stars, A, B, C, D, and E). Three stars is the best rank, while E is the worst.
  • Time Trials – The player races alone in order to finish any course in the fastest time possible. The best time is then saved as a ghost, which the player can race against in later trials. Mario Kart: Double Dash!! introduced Staff Ghosts, which are ghosts set by members of the Nintendo development team.
  • Match Race (or VS.) – Multiple human players race on any course with customized rules such as team racing and item frequency.
  • Battle – Multiple human players use in-game offensive items (shells, etc.) to battle each other in a closed arena. In the most common battle type, balloon battle, each player starts with three balloons and loses one per hit; the last player with at least one balloon wins. Various battle types have been added to the series, and single-player battles with CPU controlled players.
  • Online Multiplayer – Players compete in races and battles through online services, such as Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo Network, and Nintendo Switch Online. Players can share Time Trial ghosts, and participate in tournaments. In races and battles, players are matched by VR (VS Rating) and BR (Battle Rating) respectively, which is a number between 0 and 99,999 (9,999 in Mario Kart Wii). Players gain or lose points based on performance in a race or battle. The game attempts to match players with a similar rating.

Development

[edit]
The series logo until Mario Kart Arcade GP 2

The debut game in the Mario Kart series was Super Mario Kart released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1992. Its development was overseen by Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto, the Japanese designer of many successful Nintendo games including Super Mario Bros. Darran Jones of NowGamer suggests that the success of Super Mario Kart resulted from the Super Mario characters, and being a new type of racing game.[5]

Games

[edit]
Release timeline
Main entries in bold
1992Super Mario Kart
1993–1995
1996Mario Kart 64
1997–2000
2001Mario Kart: Super Circuit
2002
2003Mario Kart: Double Dash
2004
2005Mario Kart Arcade GP
Mario Kart DS
2006
2007Mario Kart Arcade GP 2
2008Mario Kart Wii
2009–2010
2011Mario Kart 7
2012
2013Mario Kart Arcade GP DX
2014Mario Kart 8
2015–2016
2017Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart Arcade GP VR
2018
2019Mario Kart Tour
2020Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit

Console

[edit]
Year Game Platform Virtual Console/
Nintendo Switch Online re-release
Wii Wii U 3DS New 3DS Switch
1992 Super Mario Kart SNES Yes Yes Does not appear Yes Yes
1996 Mario Kart 64 Nintendo 64 Yes Yes Does not appear Does not appear Yes
2001 Mario Kart: Super Circuit Game Boy Advance Does not appear Yes [nb 1] [nb 1] Yes
2003 Mario Kart: Double Dash!! Nintendo GameCube † Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear
2005 Mario Kart DS Nintendo DS Does not appear Yes † † Does not appear
2008 Mario Kart Wii Wii ‡ † Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear
2011 Mario Kart 7 Nintendo 3DS Does not appear Does not appear ‡ † Does not appear
2014 Mario Kart 8 Wii U Does not appear ‡ Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear
2017 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Nintendo Switch Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear ‡
2020 Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit Nintendo Switch Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear ‡
 Available on Virtual Console or Nintendo Switch Online
† Available by using backwards compatibility
‡ Available natively on the console
  1. ^ a b Mario Kart: Super Circuit can be played on Nintendo 3DS systems with the Nintendo 3DS Ambassadors program.

Arcade

[edit]
Seats for Mario Kart games (left) in a Japanese arcade
Seats for Mario Kart games (left) in a Japanese arcade

Mobile

[edit]

Upcoming games

[edit]

In January 2022, Serkan Toto, an industry analyst for GamesIndustry.biz indicated that a new entry in the Mario Kart series (referred to colloquially by some as Mario Kart 10, Mario Kart X, or Mario Kart 9) was "in active development" at Nintendo.[9] The game would feature "a new twist".[10][11]

Canceled games

[edit]
  • VB Mario Kart was scheduled for the Virtual Boy in 1995. It was revealed in a 2000 issue of German gaming magazine The Big N, but was canceled early in development prior to its official announcement due to the Virtual Boy's commercial failure.[12][13]
  • Mario Kart XXL is a Game Boy Advance tech demo developed by Denaris Entertainment Software for Nintendo in 2004. It was originally created as a non-Mario demo known as R3D-Demo before being repurposed.[14]
  • Mario Motors was a planned spin-off of the Mario Kart series for the Nintendo DS. It was revealed for the first time at the Reboot Development Conference 2018.[15] The game was going to be co-developed by Yoot Saito. The concept of the game was to allow players to build their own karts.[16]

Reception

[edit]
Sales and aggregate review scores
As of June 30, 2023.
Game Year Units sold
(in millions) 		GameRankings Metacritic
Super Mario Kart (SNES) 1992 8.76[17] 94% 94/100
Mario Kart 64 (N64) 1996 9.87[17] 87% 83/100
Mario Kart: Super Circuit (GBA) 2001 5.90[17] 92% 93/100
Mario Kart: Double Dash (GCN) 2003 6.96[17] 87% 87/100
Mario Kart DS (NDS) 2005 23.60[18] 91% 91/100
Mario Kart Wii (Wii) 2008 37.38[19] 82% 82/100
Mario Kart 7 (3DS) 2011 18.98[20] 85% 85/100
Mario Kart 8 (WiiU) 2014 8.46[21] 88% 88/100
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (NS) 2017 60.58[22] 92% 92/100
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit (NS) 2020 1.27[23] — 75/100

The Mario Kart series is critically acclaimed. Nintendo Power named it one of the greatest multiplayer experiences, citing the diversity in game modes and the entertainment value.[24]

Guinness World Records listed six records set by the Mario Kart series, including "First Console Kart Racing Game", "Best Selling Racing Game", and "Longest Running Kart Racing Franchise". Guinness World Records ranked Super Mario Kart number 1 of the top 50 console games of all time based on initial impact and lasting legacy.[25] Super Mario Kart was inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame in 2019.[26]

Sales

[edit]

Like the Super Mario series, the Mario Kart series is a commercial success with 178.19 million copies sold in total.[27] It is currently the most successful racing game franchise of all time. Super Mario Kart is the fourth-best-selling Super Nintendo Entertainment System game with 8.76 million copies sold.[17] Mario Kart 64 is the second-best-selling game for the Nintendo 64 (behind Super Mario 64), at 9.87 million copies.[17] Mario Kart: Double Dash is the second-best-selling GameCube game (next to Super Smash Bros. Melee) with 6.96 million copies sold.[17] Mario Kart Wii is the second-best-selling in the series and is the second-best-selling Wii game (next to Wii Sports) at 37.38 million copies.[19] Mario Kart 8 is the best-selling Wii U game at 8.46 million total copies sold.[21] It was the fastest-selling Wii U game with 1.2 million copies shipped in North America and Europe combined on its first few days since launch, until Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.[28][29] The enhanced port for the Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, is the fastest-selling game in the series with 459,000 units sold in the United States in one day of its launch.[30] It is the highest-selling Nintendo Switch game[31] with a total of 57.01 million copies worldwide, outperforming the Wii U version. Both versions have a combined total of 65.47 million copies sold, making it the best-selling game in the series, and also the best selling Mario game as a whole.

The handheld games are commercial successes. Mario Kart: Super Circuit is the fourth-best-selling Game Boy Advance game at 5.9 million copies.[17] The second portable game, Mario Kart DS, is the third-best-selling Nintendo DS game and the best-selling portable game in the series with a total of 23.6 million copies.[18] Mario Kart 7 is the best-selling Nintendo 3DS game as of March 2023 at 18.98 million copies.[20]

Legacy

[edit]

Merchandise

[edit]

The Mario Kart series has had a range of merchandise. This includes a slot car racer series based on Mario Kart DS: one set of which comes with Mario and Donkey Kong figures, with Wario and Luigi available separately. A line of radio-controlled karts are controlled by Game Boy Advance-shaped controllers, and feature Mario, Donkey Kong, and Yoshi. There are additional, larger karts which are radio-controlled by a GameCube-shape controller. Many racer figurines have been made. Sound Drops were inspired by Mario Kart Wii with eight sounds including the Spiny Shell and the race start countdown. A land-line telephone features Mario holding a lightning bolt while seated in his kart. K'Nex released Mario Kart Wii, Mario Kart 7, and Mario Kart 8 sets. LINE has released an animated sticker set with 24 stickers based on Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Nintendo's own customer rewards program Club Nintendo released a Mario Kart 8 soundtrack, a Mario Kart Wii-themed stopwatch, and three gold trophies modeled after those in Mario Kart 7. Before Club Nintendo, a Mario Kart 64 soundtrack was offered by mail. In 2014, McDonald's released Mario Kart 8 toys with Happy Meals. In 2018, Monopoly Gamer features a Mario Kart themed board game with courses from Mario Kart 8 serving as properties, ten playable characters as tokens (pingas) and a special die with power-ups. In 2019, Hot Wheels released Mario Kart sets of cars and tracks. In commemoration of Mario Day celebrations for March 10, 2021, Hot Wheels also released a Mario Kart track set based on Rainbow Road on June 24, 2021.[32] In 2020, for the Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary, Cold Stone Creamery released Mario themed desserts including a Rainbow Road themed ice cream cake, from September 30 to December 15.[33]

Rental go-kart dispute

[edit]
Go-karters dressed as Nintendo characters in Harajuku, Tokyo

In September 2016, Nintendo filed an objection against the Japanese company MariCar, which rents go-karts modified for use on public roads in Tokyo along with costumes resembling Nintendo characters.[34] MariCar's English website warned customers not to throw "banana peels" or "red turtle shells".[35] The service is popular with tourists.[34]

Nintendo argued that the MariCar name was "intended to be mistaken for or confused with" Mario Kart, citing games commonly known by abbreviations in Japan, such as Pokémon (for Pocket Monsters) and Sumabura (Super Smash Bros.). In January 2017, the Japan Patent Office dismissed the objection, ruling that MariCar was not widely recognized as an abbreviation of Mario Kart.[34]

In February 2017, Nintendo sued MariCar over copyright infringement for renting unauthorized costumes of Nintendo characters and using their images to promote its business.[34] In September 2018, MariCar was ordered to stop using the characters and pay Nintendo ¥10 million in damages.[35]

Theme park attraction

[edit]
Main article: Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge

Universal Destinations & Experiences' immersive Super Nintendo World areas in Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood feature the Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge ride as their primary "anchor" attraction. Utilizing innovative augmented reality technology and dark ride set design, guests travel through several environments from Mario Kart 8, including Rainbow Road. The Japan version of the attraction includes a Mario Kart themed shop called "Mario Motors", and a nearby "Pit Stop Popcorn" food stand.[36] The Bowser's Challenge ride is also expected to be built in Epic Universe's version of Super Nintendo World.[37]

Formula E attack mode

[edit]

Starting with its 2018–19 season, electric open wheel racing series Formula E added a so-called "attack mode", which allows a driver to gain a temporary speed boost if they take an alternate lane (highlighted on television via augmented reality computer graphics). The concept has been described by members of the press and by series CEO Alejandro Agag as inspired by Mario Kart.[38][39]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Japanese: マリオカート, Hepburn: Mario Kāto
  2. ^ a b Released April 23rd, 2015

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Crecente, Brian (February 26, 2009). "Super Mario Kart: Most Influential Video Game in History". Kotaku. Archived from the original on February 28, 2009. Retrieved January 27, 2012.
  2. ^ "5 Ways Mario Kart 64 Is Timeless (& 5 It Hasn't Aged Well)". Game Rant. October 1, 2020. Archived from the original on March 20, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  3. ^ Sato, Yoshi (February 6, 2008). "Mario Kart Wii Detailed". 1up.com. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved May 21, 2013.
  4. ^ Farokhmanesh, Megan (August 26, 2014). "Link, F-Zero and Animal Crossing are coming to Mario Kart 8 as DLC". Polygon. Archived from the original on August 27, 2014. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
  5. ^ Jones, Darran (November 28, 2011). "Super Mario Kart: The Complete History of Nintendo's Kart Racer". NowGamer. Imagine Publishing Ltd. Archived from the original on June 25, 2013. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
  6. ^ "Namco Formally Announces Mario Kart Arcade Grand Prix DX – Arcade Heroes". February 5, 2013. Archived from the original on February 8, 2013. Retrieved February 6, 2013.
  7. ^ "MARIO KART ARCADE GP VR – VR ZONE SHINJUKU". Archived from the original on June 25, 2017. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
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  9. ^ Gurwin, Gabe (January 7, 2022). "Mario Kart 10 Is Reportedly In Development With A "New Twist"". GameSpot. Red Ventures. Archived from the original on January 8, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
  10. ^ Diaz, Ana (January 7, 2022). "Mario Kart 10 reportedly on the way, this time with a 'new twist'". Polygon. Vox Media. Archived from the original on January 20, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
  11. ^ Moore, Jared (January 7, 2022). "Mario Kart 10 Is Reportedly In Development, 'With a New Twist'". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on January 11, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
  12. ^ "VB Mario Kart". Big N. Archived from the original on November 5, 2013. Retrieved November 3, 2013.
  13. ^ Jurkovich, Tristan (May 22, 2020). "10 Canceled Mario Games You Never Knew Existed". TheGamer. Archived from the original on September 27, 2020. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
  14. ^ https://www.timeextension.com/news/2022/10/a-demo-of-the-failed-mario-kart-xxl-pitch-is-now-available-online Archived August 16, 2024, at the Wayback Machine [bare URL]
  15. ^ Skrebels, Joe (April 23, 2018). "Unreleased Mario Racing Game Revealed". IGN. Archived from the original on June 10, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  16. ^ "Yoot Saito worked on Mario Motors, a canceled DS game about building engines". Destructoid. April 21, 2018. Archived from the original on February 13, 2023. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h O'Malley, James (September 11, 2015). "30 Best-Selling Super Mario Games of All Time on the Plumber's 30th Birthday". Gizmodo. Univision Communications. Archived from the original on February 28, 2017. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  18. ^ a b "IR Information: Sales Data – Top Selling Software Sales Units – Nintendo DS Software". Nintendo. Archived from the original on April 27, 2016. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  19. ^ a b "IR Information: Financial Data Wii". Nintendo. Nintendo, Co. Ltd. Archived from the original on December 19, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  20. ^ a b "Top Selling Title Sales Units (Nintendo 3DS)". Nintendo. Nintendo, Co. Ltd. Archived from the original on February 12, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  21. ^ a b "IR Information: Financial Data – Top Selling Title Sales Units – Wii U Software". Nintendo. Nintendo, Co. Ltd. Archived from the original on October 31, 2017. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  22. ^ "IR Information : Sales Data – Top Selling Title Sales Units". nintendo.co.jp. Nintendo. December 31, 2023. Archived from the original on January 30, 2020. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
  23. ^ "Fiscal Year Ended March 2021 Financial Results Explanatory Material" (PDF). nintendo.co.jp. Nintendo. March 30, 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  24. ^ Nintendo Power 250th issue!. South San Francisco, California: Future US. 2010. p. 47.
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  26. ^ Good, Owen (May 3, 2019). "Wait a minute, the Video Game Hall of Fame inducted ... Solitaire? Yes, and also Mortal Kombat and Super Mario Kart". Polygon. Archived from the original on May 4, 2019. Retrieved May 4, 2019.
  27. ^ Futter, Mike (June 2, 2014). "Mario Kart 8 Speeds To Over 1.2 Million Sales In Opening Weekend". Game Informer. GameStop. Archived from the original on June 4, 2014. Retrieved June 2, 2014.
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  29. ^ Minotti, Mike (November 25, 2014). "Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is the system's fastest-selling game". VentureBeat. VentureBeat. Archived from the original on May 3, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  30. ^ Cowley, Ric (May 2, 2017). "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe becomes fastest-selling game of the franchise with 459,000 units sold in the US". Pocket Gamer.biz. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on May 3, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  31. ^ "IR Information: Sales Data – Top Selling Title Sales Unit (Switch)". Nintendo. Nintendo, Co. Ltd. Archived from the original on November 1, 2019. Retrieved January 31, 2019.
  32. ^ Doolan, Liam (March 17, 2021). "Hot Wheels Is Releasing A Mario Kart Rainbow Road Raceway Track". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on December 2, 2022. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  33. ^ Jordan Gerblick (October 1, 2020). "Mario gets an official Rainbow Road cake for his 35th birthday". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on October 9, 2020. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  34. ^ a b c d Otake, Tomoko (March 9, 2017). "Patent authority rules against Nintendo, lets go-kart firm keep MariCar trademark". The Japan Times Online. ISSN 0447-5763. Archived from the original on September 28, 2018. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  35. ^ a b "Nintendo wins lawsuit against Tokyo's 'Mario Kart' tour company". Polygon. Archived from the original on September 27, 2018. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  36. ^ Frank, Allegra (June 8, 2017). "Super Nintendo World looks like a dream come true in first teaser". Polygon. Archived from the original on June 8, 2017. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
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  38. ^ Kalinauckas, Alex (April 28, 2018). "Formula E evaluating "Mario Bros"-style race format". motorsport.com. Archived from the original on February 14, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  39. ^ McKenna, Laurence (January 11, 2019). "Formula E's Attack Mode is like real-life Mario Kart – and it's a racing revolution". mirror.co.uk. Archived from the original on February 14, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
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