Mario Kart Games

Using Nintendo's popular characters such as Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi, gamers could race around tracks, nab turtle shells and banana peels to and wreak havoc on their opponents. Included was a stellar battle mode that allowed you to take on three or more friends in huge, non-linear arenas. Is it any wonder these games are so fun?

Super Mario Kart Hits

The original that started it all, Super Mario Kart was a powerhouse even in its own time. Players were wowed by the Mode 7 graphics, a special variety of SNES technology that allowed sprites to be rotated and scaled to simulate 3D environments.

The formula for cartoon racers begun by Super Mario Kart has been imitated by several other developers, usually with little success. Crash Nitro Kart, Megaman Battle and Chase and Bomberman Kart are just a few. Sometimes Nintendo's own sequels struggle to live up to the standard of quality set by the original game.

A Debut on the Nintendo 64

The long life of the Super Nintendo passed and no sequel to Super Mario Kart was ever seen. Then, with the debut of the Nintendo 64, fans were in luck. Mario Kart 64 introduced full 3D gameplay while remaining remarkably faithful to the original. Classic tracks such as Wario's Stadium were introduced, as well as a new version of Rainbow Road.

Mario Kart 64 is arguably the most popular Mario Kart game to date. Mention that to the wrong person, though, and you've got a debate on your hands...

Mario Kart...Again!

Two more Mario Kart games were released in the early 2000s. Mario Kart Super Circuit became the first portable Mario Kart game when it hit the Game Boy Advance in 2001. Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, two years later on the GameCube, changed the classic formula with two racers on each kart. One player handled the power-ups while the other steered.

Mario Kart: Arcade GP was released in Japan in the fall of 2005. The game was co-created with Namco and features characters such as Pac-Man and Blinky the ghost alongside Nintendo's traditional cast.

Onto the NDS We Go

Nintendo promised a new Mario Kart title for the DS system, and in November of 2005 fans got their wish. Mario Kart DS takes advantage of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to allow for online wireless play against anyone in the world. The game is more similar to the fan-favorite Mario Kart titles and even features tracks from the retro games.

With the upcoming Nintendo Revolution console with it's innovative control mechanism, fans have already begun speculation as to what Mario Kart will be like on the new platform. If the past is any indication, get ready for some major Multiplayer fun.

DS Track Listing

Retro Mode

Shell Cup:

• Mario Circuit 1 - Super Nintendo
• Moo Moo Farm - N64
• Peach Circuit - Game Boy Advance
• Luigi Circuit - GameCube

Banana Cup:

• Donut Plains 1 - Super Nintendo
• Frappe Snowland - N64
• Bowser Castle 2 - Game Boy Advance
• Baby Park - GameCube

Leaf Cup:

• Koopa Beach 2 - Super Nintendo
• Choco Mountain - N64
• Luigi Circuit - Game Boy Advance
• Mushroom Bridge - GameCube

Lightning Cup:

• Choco Island 2 - Super Nintendo
• Banshee Boardwalk - N64
• Sky Garden - Game Boy Advance
• Yoshi Circuit - GameCube

Nitro Mode

Mushroom Cup:

• Figure-8 Circuit
• Yoshi Falls
• Cheep Cheep Beach
• Luigi’s Mansion

Flower Cup:

• Desert Hills
• Delfino Square
• Waluigi Pinball
• Shroom Ridge

Star Cup:

• DK Pass
• Tick-Tock Clock
• Mario Circuit
• Airship Fortress

Special Cup:

• Wario Stadium
• Peach Gardens
• Bowser Castle
• Rainbow Road