It might come as a bit of a shock if you haven’t been paying attention, but Mario Kart is far and away the most popularNintendo franchise. That’s right, not even the mainlineMario gamesorbest Pokémon gamessell as many copies as this kart racer. With entries going back to theSNESall the way up to theSwitch 2, there have been hundreds of tracks across the franchise now. The best tracks take full advantage of that game’s mechanics, feature fun and colorful locales to drive through, and have popping soundtracks to keep the energy high. I’ve been playing this franchise since it first began and have poured an embarrassing number of hours into each mainline game. To justify that commitment, I’m ranking the 10 best Mario Kart tracks of all time.
#10 Music Park – Mario Kart 7
Mario Kart 7is rarely talked about anymore, which is strange because it added a lot to the franchise. This was the first widely online entry, plus it let us glide for the first time. I suspect the reason it kind of came and went is that the tracks were just okay for the most part. The one standout in my mind is Music Park. While the layout isn’t especially inspired, the incorporation of instruments into the track is something I’ve never seen before. Bouncing off trums and driving over piano keys is a real treat.
#9 Waluigi Pinball – Mario Kart DS
First appearing inMario Kart DS,Waluigi Pinball instantly became a fan favorite to the point where it was brought back in 7 and 8. As the name suggests, this track takes place inside a pinball machine where bumpers, balls, and flippers need to be avoided. It is a chaotic mess from every angle, but that’s why we love it so much. It manages to be a fun course while incorporating pinball elements.
#8 Ghost Valley – Super Mario Kart
Can a race track ever be scary? I think so, and would point to Ghost Valley as a prime example. Set on floating wooden planks, this course is full of holes and railing blocks that disintegrate after one hit, so the course becomes more and more hazardous as the race goes on. There’s an obvious but tricky jump for a shortcut that adds a great element of risk vs reward.
#7 Baby Park – Mario Kart: Double Dash
Sometimes it is the simple tracks that are the best. Baby Park is the Final Destination of Mario Kart courses. A simple racetrack may feel like a letdown compared to all the creative courses in the series, but it is basically the only one of its kind and is a great addition for when you want to have a more serious race without any odd stage gimmicks getting in the way.
#6 Coconut Mall – Mario Kart Wii
Who hasn’t dreamed of racing through a mall on a go-kart? Just me? Well, Coconut Mall let me live out that fantasy and it totally rules. The incorporation of escalators that go in both directions to speed you up or slow you down, various stands in the plaza, and options to go on the upper or lower floors make it a very convincing mall and dynamic race track. No notes.
#5 Yoshi Valley – Mario Kart 64
Technical tracks like Yoshi Valley only became possible withMario Kart 64.This track demands a mastery of the drifting system with all its winding turns and sharp edges. I can’t put it much higher than this simply because it isn’t all that interesting to look at. It’s just a brown canyon, after all, but a thrill to drive in all the same.
#4 Koopa Troopa Beach – Super Mario Kart
Beach levels are typically some of the best for 3D platformers, but not so much for racers. Sand and water aren’t exactly great for driving, but Koopa Troopa Beach embraces that. The tropical vibes and music are on point here, but the skill in staying on the dry sand or knowing when to cut through the water makes it a standout course that returned in many future games.
#3 Mount Wario – Mario Kart 8: Deluxe
I love me a good snowy racetrack, and there are quite a few across the series to pick from. The one I always come back to, however, is Mount Wario. This ski resort level has all the thrills of speeding down a mountain, ducking through caves, and weaving through trees. It keeps things fun and unpredictable the entire way through.
#2 Bowser’s Castle – Mario Kart 8: Deluxe
With one exception, Bowser’s Castle has appeared in some form in most Mario Kart games. While each shares a similar theme of lava and various Bowser minions posing hazards,Mario Kart 8: Deluxe’sversion feels the most like a real castle and not just a castle-themed racetrack. This is a tough course, with lasers and tons of fire hazards, but finally making a clean break through it all is well worth the struggle.
#1 Rainbow Road – Mario Kart World
What else but Rainbow Road could take the top slot? That was almost a given, so the real question becomes which version would I pick? It might be some recency bias, but I do thinkMario Kart World‘s take on this classic track is the best one yet. This is the final track you unlock in the game and has an extra bit of spectacle as it is placed high above the open world you’ve been racing across the game, rather than in the deep reaches of space. It feels more epic than ever before, while still being the ultimate challenge.
