Of all the spin-offs that Nintendo’s “Super Mario” franchise has seen over the years, one of the most popular is “Mario Kart.” Starting with “Super Mario Kart” in 1992 for the Super Nintendo, the series has featured Mario and his extensive supporting cast as they go kart racing around distinct environments. The games have appeared on virtually every major Nintendo platform and inspired plenty of other games like “Mario Kart” by competing companies. Fueling the appeal of these reliable racers are their imaginative track designs, keeping players on their toes as they try to come out on top.
We’ve already covered the best “Mario Kart” games ever made, and this time we’re going even deeper in our examination of the enduring series. Now we’re looking at the best tracks throughout the series’ history, some of which have been revisited — or even bettered — by later titles. We’re keeping this list to race tracks, not tracks used for other series’ multiplayer modes like battle mode. These are the five best “Mario Kart” tracks of all time ranked, each a blast to revisit, especially with friends.
5. Electrodome (8)
“Mario Kart 8 Deluxe,” the 2017 enhanced Switch remaster of “Mario Kart 8” for the Wii U, is a game that only got more popular for years after its release. Among the standout tracks from both versions of the game is Electrodome, which is the penultimate track within the game’s Star Cup. The game is a sprawling electronica dance palace, with karts driving across the neon-lit dance floor on multiple levels. Helping to set the mood is a pulsating original tube, with sound waves visibly punctuating the action as the race escalates.
Electrodome is one of the most fun additions to “Mario Kart 8,” where it’s more about the mood than the challenge. The entire track feels like driving through a party, with billboard screens displaying characters dancing in the background. The music adds a propulsive quality to the proceedings, blending classic “Super Mario” sensibilities with the closest that the franchise gets to EDM. An underrated gem within the wider “Mario Kart 8” library, Electrodome provides a toe-tapping good time.
4. Rainbow Road (64)
Some version of Rainbow Road was always going to make this list, a colorful staple in every entry of the series. For me, the version from “Mario Kart 64” is the standout, as it’s not as frustratingly difficult as many of its counterparts. With a score composed by Kenta Nagata and neon displays of all the game’s main characters, this version of Rainbow Road almost feels like a triumphant victory lap. Fans that prefer a more intense experience might like the original Rainbow Road or the one from “Mario Kart Wii,” but the N64 version feels like an enjoyable gauntlet.
The N64 Rainbow Road turns into a showcase for how much more technically advanced the series had come since its original title, leaning into a vibrantly colorful display. While a bit long in its overall length, the track’s super creative shortcut shaves off the duration considerably — if you can pull it off. But shortcuts aside, this is a track that is best enjoyed by just coasting and taking in the ambience when wrapping up “Mario Kart 64.” The most memorable of the Rainbow Roads to date, the N64 version of the track is a cosmically pleasant ride.
3. Waluigi Pinball (DS)
The quality of the “Mario Kart” series was retained in its entries released for handheld consoles, including the Nintendo DS. This extends to the 2005 title “Mario Kart DS” and its standout track, Waluigi Pinball, from the game’s Flower Cup. The track is set entirely within an oversized pinball machine, with racers avoiding balls and the usual pinball obstacles. This is accelerated further by uptempo music to keep the energy flowing as players race around the flashy environment.
“Mario Kart DS” is one of the best games for the Nintendo DS, showcasing what was possible for the series on handheld consoles. Waluigi Pinball brings a particular brand of chaos to the 2005 title and stands as its most vibrantly displayed track. Nintendo took notice and have re-released versions of the track with only slight changes in subsequent entries in the series. The best natively handheld “Mario Kart” track, Waluigi Pinball mixes striking design with engaging layouts to deliver the fun.
2. Bowser’s Castle (8)
Just like Rainbow Road, ever since “Super Mario Kart,” the series has provided its own twist on Bowser’s personal castle. And also like Rainbow Road, everyone has their own favorite version of the track, but my personal favorite has to be the one from “Mario Kart 8.” Not as frustratingly difficult as some versions of Bowser’s castle in prior “Mario Kart” games, this iteration still brings the fast-paced intensity. This includes roaring statues of Bowser, the usual Thwomps, and blazing pits of lava endangering racers who make one false move.
On some level, you always know what you’re going to get with a Bowser’s castle track, including scorching lava, harrowing obstacles, and a more ominous atmosphere pressing down on the race. This iteration feels like a synthesis of everything that worked in previous games, while offering its own spin on the fan-favorite track. Even for veteran players, the challenge keeps players on their toes and finishing every lap feels like its own reward. “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” is one of those games that justify the price of a Nintendo Switch, and Bowser’s castle highlights how far the series has come.
1. Wario Stadium (64)
Nintendo really did bring the series to the next level with “Mario Kart 64,” setting the standard for all subsequent entries. That extends to its track design, and the award of most enjoyable has to go to Wario Stadium. The opening track in the 1996 game’s Star Cup, Wario Stadium is a winding track with sets of dirt ramps like an ATV challenge. This culminates in a large jump that can be strategically thwarted with well-timed items, always putting players on edge whenever it comes up.
Wario Stadium really puts players to the test to demonstrate all the driving skills that they’ve learned so far. From drifting and power boosting to timely use of items, this track really does feel like an extended obstacle course. At the same time, the track isn’t inaccessible to more novice racers, still providing plenty of high-octane thrills while keeping them at full attention. Wario Stadium created a tradition of Wario and Waluigi offering more down and dirty tracks, but Nintendo has never quite surpassed their example here.
