Super Mario Kart
Super Mario Kart is a 1992 racing game developed by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo, launching one of gaming's most successful spin-off franchises. Using the console's Mode 7 graphics, it put familiar Mushroom Kingdom characters behind the wheel on colorful, hazard-filled tracks.
Its defining twist was the item system, letting racers fling shells, drop banana peels, and grab speed boosts to upset the standings at any moment. A split-screen battle mode, where players popped each other's balloons in enclosed arenas, added another layer of competitive fun. The rubber-band difficulty and drift-based power slides gave races a chaotic, comeback-friendly rhythm that rewarded both skill and luck.
The blend of accessible racing and item-based mayhem became a template copied across the industry for years. The series has flourished on every subsequent Nintendo console, becoming one of the company's best-selling franchises, and the original is playable through classic-game services, where its foundational design still charms.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Super Mario Kart, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
Disney Speedstorm
Free + in-app purchasesA free-to-play hero kart racer with drift boosting and item combat on every device.
Disney Speedstorm runs on PC, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux. It is Steam Deck Verified.
KartRider: Drift
Free + in-app purchasesA free-to-play kart racer with items and drifting mechanics.
KartRider: Drift runs on PC, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux. It is Steam Deck Playable.
SpeedRunners Indie
€ 14,99A frantic multiplayer indie racer with item-fueled chaos.
SpeedRunners runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Team Sonic Racing
€ 39,99Kart racing with a team twist, the most complete Mario Kart alternative outside Nintendo.
Team Sonic Racing runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Unsupported.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
€ 59,99The definitive modern kart racer with dozens of tracks and characters.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe runs on Switch. Not available on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck.
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