Super Mario Kart review

Super Mario Kart is the SNES game to buy for two people on one couch. Nintendo describes it as the original that started the series, with eight Mushroom Kingdom characters, including Donkey Kong Jr. in his only karting appearance. Courses include Mario Circuit, Bowser Castle, Koopa Beach and Rainbow Road, and the two-player Battle Mode started here. Nintendo's Classic Mini listing confirms 1 to 2 players at the same time. A used cart lists at $59.99 at DKOldies before sales. On Switch Online, Nintendo adds online play with friends, which the cartridge cannot do. It ranks eighth because it has less to do alone than the adventures and RPGs above, and because later Mario Kart games offer more courses.

Who it is for

Two players sharing one console

Price

Used SNES cartridge from $59.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $59.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Eight playable characters, including Donkey Kong Jr.
• Courses such as Mario Circuit, Bowser Castle, Koopa Beach and Rainbow Road
• Original two-player Battle Mode
• 1 to 2 players at once
• Online play with friends through Nintendo Switch Online

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The best two-player pick on this list
• Strength: Rated PEGI 3 on Nintendo UK
• Strength: Switch Online adds online play with friends
• Weakness: Only two players on SNES
• Weakness: Less content than later Mario Kart games
• Weakness: $59.99 used, more than Super Mario World

Key facts

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Genre: Racing
• US release: January 1993 (Nintendo)
• Players: 1 to 2 (simultaneous)
• Characters: 8

Where it ranks

Super Mario Kart is No. 7 in our Best SNES Games of All Time verdict.