Release (UK): 21/01/1993
SNSP-MK-UKV
Release (USA): 08/09/1992
SNS-MK-USA
Release (Jap): 27/08/1992
SHVC-MK
Genre: Racing
Developer: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Nintendo Co., Ltd.




The start of a karting legacy
Super Mario Kart (1992) for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) introduced the world to the beloved Mario Kart series, which would go on to become one of Nintendo’s most successful franchises. This iconic racing game featured Mario and his friends racing through imaginative tracks while using power-ups and items to gain an advantage. The game’s combination of tight controls, vibrant graphics, and creative track design made it an instant hit and set the foundation for the countless Mario Kart games that followed.
Unique gameplay elements
What set Super Mario Kart apart from other racing games of its time was the addition of items and weapons that players could use to sabotage their opponents. Items like the iconic red shell, banana peels, and the invincibility star added an element of strategy and chaos, turning each race into a thrilling and unpredictable experience. The game also introduced the now-famous multiplayer mode, allowing players to race against each other in both Grand Prix and battle modes.
A timeless classic
Super Mario Kart remains a fan-favourite to this day, often regarded as one of the best games on the SNES. Its revolutionary gameplay mechanics and colourful, memorable characters made it an essential title for the system and a lasting influence on the racing genre. As a pioneering entry in the Mario Kart series, the game is not only a nostalgic piece of Mario history but also a key example of Nintendo’s knack for blending fun, accessibility, and competition.
See the whole series:
- Super Mario Kart (1992)
- Super Mario Kart: Barcode Battler II (1993)
- Mario Kart 64 (1996)
- Mario Kart: Super Circuit (2001)
- Mario Kart DS (2005)
- Mario Kart 7 (2011)
- Mario Kart 8 (2014)
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017)
- Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit: Mario Set (2020)
- Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit: Luigi Set (2020)
(Indicates year of first release. Dates may differ between regions.)