Debuting way back in 1992, Mario Kart is one of the most successful videogame franchises of all time. So much so, that there have been many games that have cloned the formula to great success. However, there’s also many titles that have fallen by the wayside. So, which of these games are the best Mario Kart clones available today?
A bit of housekeeping before we begin: we’re only going to talk about the best Mario Kart clones that are available on modern platforms. That limits us to Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC. The likes of Crash Nitro Kart, MySims SkyHeroes or Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing are not eligible. However, Sonic Team Racing is, due to to being available on Nintendo Switch and backwards compatible on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. So, we all clear on that? Great.
There’s also a discussion about what makes a game a ‘Mario Kart clone’ versus an original endeavour of it’s own merit, but we’ll save that one for another day…
The 7 Best Mario Kart Clones
There are been many Mario Kart games over the years. You can check out the seven best Mario Kart games in Chit Hot’s previous coverage. However, Mario Kart is only available on Nintendo consoles. So where do PlayStation, Xbox and PC gamers go? Check out the seven best Mario Kart clones below, and let us know which is your pick!
Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway
Launched in October 2022, Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway progressed the formula of the series and pushed it into recommendable territory. Game Mill Entertainment’s Nintendo clones (see also Nickelodeon All Star Brawl) are actually becoming quite respectable on many fronts, and this title is no different.
Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway offers 40 characters, 36 tracks and a ridiculous amount of customisation. Want to see TMNT‘s Raphael driving the Reptar mobile? There’s no place other than here.
Smurfs Kart
Launched earlier this year as part of The Smurfs at 65 anniversary, Smurfs Kart is a surprisingly well rounded racer. The content is a bit limited – just 12 racers and 12 tracks – however the gameplay is very close to that of many Mario Kart games, making it a suitable substitute.
The game also features one of Mario Kart‘s best gameplay options – four-player split-screen multiplayer – across all gameplay modes. It may not be one of the biggest names out there, but Smurfs Kart is a good time for family-friendly gaming.
Coffin Dodgers
A unique entry on this article of the seven best Mario Kart clones, Coffin Dodgers is a digital-only release. As might be inferred from the name, Coffin Dodgers sees you take on the role of one of seven retirement village residents, each racing for their soul in “pimped up” mobility scooters.
Players can collect XP through the single-player to earn upgraded engine parts, paint jobs, and even new weapons to get an edge over your competitors. There’s also a four-player split-screen mode available for offline races. What’s more, Coffin Dodgers can be purchased relatively cheaply these days.
F1 Race Stars
A sneaky addition that makes its way onto the list of best Mario Kart clones purely thanks to the Xbox Series X|S backwards compatibility, F1 Race Stars arrived way back in 2012. Chit Hot recently revisited the title, stating: ” It’s clean fun for Formula One fans of all ages, or just those looking to bring the Mario Kart experience to formats on which there is no Mario Kart.”
So, exactly what this article is looking for, then?
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing Transformed
Another title supported by the Xbox Series X|S backwards compatibility, Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing Transformed isn’t actually the latest title in the series. Team Sonic Racing takes that honour, and it didn’t quite live-up to the thrills of it’s predeccessor.
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing Transformed took it’s cues from the Nintendo 64 classic, Diddy Kong Racing. Except here, your vehicles are able to transform mid-race (the clue is in the name), each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
The crazy bandicoot’s endeavours to create an engrossing Mario Kart clone have been hit-and-miss. Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled however, was on the more keenly welcomed side of the line. It’s a remastered version of Crash Team Racing, which was originally released for the PlayStation in 1999.
However, it’s not a straight-forward dump of the old game. This new edition includes additional content from Crash Nitro Kart and Crash Tag Team Racing, alongside adjustments to the original gameplay. These include kart customisation, two adventure mode variations, and more besides.
LEGO 2K Drive
The most recent release including here, LEGO 2K Drive is designed as a platform to be built upon. The game has been received very well, and building upon it they are. Drive Pass Season 1 was released on June 28, 2023. It adds the 1970 Dodge Charger R/T and the Nissan Skyline GT-R as playable. Much more is promised for the future.
Live service status aside, LEGO 2K Drive is a meaty alternative to Mario Kart. The game features destructible environments, player-created vehicles, and vehicles which can transform, similar to Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. The game also includes both cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes, two-player split-screen, and six-player online play.
That wraps-up Chit Hot’s picks for the seven best Mario Kart clones. An honourable mention needs to go out to DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing, which recently saw release. Do you think it deserves a place in the list? Let us know in the comments below!
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