Top 20 Kart Racing Games, Ranked

Kart racers keep things fast, friendly, and chaotic, which is exactly why they have lasted across consoles and generations. The best entries mix tight handling with imaginative tracks and items that let anyone turn a race around in a heartbeat. Local play still matters a lot, but strong online options and steady post launch support have pushed the genre forward. Here are the standouts that combine fun physics, smart track design, and plenty of ways to play.

20. Garfield Kart: Furious Racing

This lighthearted racer brings simple handling that is easy to pick up and play. Tracks are themed around the comic universe with shortcuts and item boxes placed for steady action. You get a small roster with carts and character cosmetics that unlock as you progress. Split screen works well for quick family sessions, though the rubber banding is generous.

19. Pac-Man World Rally

This classic era entry puts Namco mascots on colorful circuits filled with fruit pickups and power pellets. Drifting is straightforward and rewards clean cornering with short boosts. Battle arenas add variety with maze like layouts that fit the brand. It shines most as a couch multiplayer game with balanced items and readable track hazards.

18. F1 Race Stars

Codemasters reimagines Formula One with exaggerated circuits, stylized drivers, and whimsical power ups. Corners are banked and boosted to encourage slipstreaming and team tactics. Pit lanes repair damage from hazards and add a light strategy layer. It is approachable for kids while still giving experienced players lines to master.

17. Chocobo GP

Square Enix packs Final Fantasy charm through magicite based items that can be stacked into stronger spells. Courses remix familiar locations with branching paths and jump pads. The time attack and series modes offer structured challenges beyond quick races. Post launch updates improved progression and made it easier to unlock favorites.

16. Beach Buggy Racing 2

Originally a mobile hit, this version scales up nicely on consoles and PC with clean performance and responsive steering. Over a dozen power ups create playful chaos that still rewards timing. Driver abilities and cart upgrades give a sense of progression without overcomplicating builds. Quick loading and four player split screen make it a reliable party pick.

15. Kirby Air Ride

This GameCube cult favorite uses a unique hold to accelerate system that focuses on line choice and glide control. City Trial mode turns free roaming into a pre race scavenger hunt where you upgrade your machine before a random final event. The checklist challenges encourage experimenting with every vehicle and course. It is an inventive take that still feels fresh today.

14. LittleBigPlanet Karting

This spin on a creation focused series brings robust tools to build tracks, place hazards, and script events. The campaign doubles as a tutorial that slowly unlocks pieces for the editor. Community sharing lets you browse and race player made circuits with surprising depth. Handling is friendly enough that anyone can test their ideas quickly.

13. Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway

The third entry adds full voice acting and a large cross show roster from modern and classic series. Classes for karts, motorcycles, and hover options open new lines on familiar tracks. Crew and vehicle parts let you fine tune stats without overwhelming menus. Online and local modes are stable with clear matchmaking and solid split screen.

12. KartRider: Drift

This free to play racer centers on a deep drift boost system that rewards precision and timing. Regular seasons bring new tracks, licenses, and cosmetics across platforms. Ranked play separates item and speed modes so competitive drivers can focus on clean racing. Cross play and cross progression make it easy to keep racing with friends.

11. ModNation Racers

Creation is the star here with a track editor that lets you sculpt terrain in minutes using simple tools. Sharing and rating systems surface great community work that extends the game far beyond the campaign. Drift and boost management feel satisfying once you learn the lines. Loadout items add variety while keeping races readable.

10. Team Sonic Racing

This entry focuses on team mechanics where slipstreams, item sharing, and synchronized boosts decide results. Each character class changes weight and handling so group composition matters. Wisps return as items that offer offense, defense, and recovery options. The adventure mode teaches co op strategies that translate well to online races.

9. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed

Vehicles switch between car, boat, and plane mid race which keeps routes fresh across laps. Water and air handling feel distinct and ask you to learn new lines for maximum speed. The World Tour structure delivers varied challenges that sharpen drifting and boost control. A wide Sega roster and dynamic tracks give it strong replay value.

8. Mario Kart: Super Circuit

The Game Boy Advance entry condenses classic mechanics into quick, technical tracks. Tight sprites and clear road edges make drifting and item placement easy to read on handheld screens. Unlockable retro courses add a generous second cup set. It remains a portable favorite for its responsive steering and no nonsense racing.

7. Mario Kart 64

This installment popularized four player split screen with courses that became series staples. Power sliding introduces speed control that rewards rhythm through long corners. Items scale with position to keep packs close while still honoring skilled driving. Time trials and shortcuts give veterans plenty to master.

6. Mario Kart DS

Mission mode adds bite sized challenges that teach advanced techniques and boss encounters. Online play brought global races to handhelds with easy matchmaking. Snaking became a high skill technique that raised the ceiling for competitive players. A strong track list and clear visuals make it a go to retro handheld racer.

5. Mario Kart 7

Gliders and underwater sections expand track layouts without breaking flow. The first person gyro option and customizable karts add personal style to each run. Online communities and spotpass features kept competition lively on the go. The course mix favors clean corners with a few bold shortcuts for risk takers.

4. Mario Kart Wii

Bikes join the roster and introduce inside drifting for sharp line control. Trick boosts off ramps keep speed high and reward timing. Motion controls are accessible, while the wheel accessory makes local play inviting. Twelve racer grids and lively item balance deliver big, memorable comebacks.

3. Diddy Kong Racing

Adventure mode blends exploration with boss races and collectibles across themed hubs. Planes and hovercraft add variety that changes how you attack the same track. Silver coin challenges encourage learning alternate lines and tighter cornering. It remains a standout for single player depth in a kart racer.

2. Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled

This modern remake restores the original campaign while adding tracks and characters from later entries. Power sliding uses a three stage boost system that rewards precise timing. Online multiplayer and a steady stream of seasonal cosmetics kept the community active. Visuals are crisp and performance solid, making it a favorite for competitive racing.

1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

This definitive version delivers a huge roster, polished handling, and one of the most generous track selections in the genre. Anti gravity sections create creative bump boosts and alternate lines that feel smooth at high speed. Local and online modes are stable with clear options for cups, battles, and custom rules. The full set of booster courses rounds out a collection built for endless replay.

Tell us your favorite kart racer and the item you swear by in the comments.