Editing Mario Kart (section)

==Gameplay==
[[File:Mario Kart gameplay.jpg|thumb|A [[single-player]] race being played in the Grand Prix mode in ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' (2017)]]
In the ''Mario Kart'' series, players compete in [[Kart racing|go-kart races]], controlling one of a selection of characters, mainly from the ''Mario'' franchise. Up to twelve characters can compete in each race (varying per game). Players can perform driving techniques during the race such as rocket starts, [[Drafting (aerodynamics)|slipstreaming]], [[Drifting (motorsport)|drifting]] and mini-turbos.

Gameplay is enhanced by [[power-up]] items obtained by driving into item boxes laid out on the course. These power-ups vary across games in the series, but generally include [[Super Mario#Power-ups and transformations|Mushrooms]] to give players a speed boost, Red/Green Shells to be thrown at opponents, Banana Peels and hazards such as Fake Item Boxes. The game selects an item based on the player's current position in the race, utilising a mechanism known as [[Dynamic game difficulty balancing|rubber banding]]. For example, players lagging far behind may receive more powerful items such as [[Bullet Bill (Mario)|Bullet Bills]], which give the player invincibility while auto-piloting them forward at great speed, while the leader of a race may only receive small defensive items, such as Shells or Bananas. This gameplay mechanism allows other racers a realistic chance to catch up to the leading racer.
In the original game, ''Super Mario Kart'', the player takes control one of the eight ''Mario'' series characters, each with differing capabilities. In single player mode, players can race against computer-controlled characters in 4 multi-race cups consisting of 20 tracks (5 in each cup) over three difficulty levels (50cc, 100cc and 150cc). Alternatively, players can race against the clock in a Time Trial mode. In multiplayer mode, two players can simultaneously take part in the cups or can race against each other one-on-one in Match Race mode. In a third multiplayer mode – Battle Mode – the aim is to defeat the other players by attacking them with power-ups, destroying balloons which surround each kart.

Each new game has introduced new gameplay elements, such as new circuits, items, modes, and playable characters.
* ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' introduced [[3D graphics]], 4-player racing, mini turbos to more easily excute drift boosts,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saavedra |first=John |date=2017-02-10 |title=How Mario Kart 64 Became the N64's Best Racing Game |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/mario-kart-64-history-anniversary/ |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US}}</ref> slipstreaming,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-10-01 |title=5 Ways Mario Kart 64 Is Timeless (& 5 It Hasn't Aged Well) |url=https://gamerant.com/mario-kart-64-classic-aged-poorly/ |access-date=2022-03-20 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US |archive-date=March 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320141631/https://gamerant.com/mario-kart-64-classic-aged-poorly/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and item dangling (the ability to hold bananas and shells to defend against projectiles and hold a reserve item as well), alongside the removal of coins. It also introduced two new playable characters: [[Wario]] and [[Donkey Kong (character)|Donkey Kong]], replying Koopa Troopa and Donkey Kong Jr., respectively. It also introduced seven items: the Fake Item Box, Triple Red Shells, Triple Green Shells, Triple Mushrooms, the Banana Bunch, the Golden Mushroom, and the [[Blue shell|Spiny Shell]]. In addition to the three Grand Prix engine classes, Extra Mode was introduced, in which tracks are flipped laterally.
* ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'' included all 20 ''Super Mario Kart'' tracks as unlockable content, as both games use the [[mode 7]] effect.
* ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'' involves 2-player driving and featured [[co-operative]] [[LAN]] play and double-manned karts. It also introduced double item boxes. It further added eleven new playable characters: [[Princess Daisy|Daisy]], [[Birdo]], Baby Mario, Baby Luigi, [[Paratroopa]], [[Diddy Kong]], [[Bowser Jr.]], [[Waluigi]], [[Toadette]], [[Petey Piranha]], and [[King Boo]]. It introduced a revamped Spiny Shell and character exclusive items, and introduced unlockable characters and karts. Mirror mode is now played on 150cc and amend as such. It also introduced new alternate battle modes: "Shine Thief", and "Bob-omb Blast".
* ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' featured [[Second screen|dual-screen]] play to take advantage of the system's capabilities. It introduced custom emblems. It also introduced Online play via the now defunct [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]], a mission mode, returned to the single item and racer format, and proper retro tracks. New playable characters included [[Dry Bones (character)|Dry Bones]], [[R.O.B.]], and [[Shy Guy (Mario)|Shy Guy]] (who is exclusive to [[DS Download Play]]). This game also added three new items, the Blooper, the Bullet Bill, and the triple bananas. The Bob-omb is now a normal item, no longer being Wario and Waluigi's special item.
* ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' introduced motion controls, the ability to perform mid-air tricks, and [[motorbikes|bikes]]. The racer cap was raised from 8 to 12.<ref name="Mario Kart Wii Details">{{Cite web |last=Sato, Yoshi |date=February 6, 2008 |title=Mario Kart Wii Detailed |url=http://www.1up.com/news/mario-kart-wii-detailed |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029192825/http://www.1up.com/news/mario-kart-wii-detailed |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |access-date=May 21, 2013 |publisher=1up.com}}</ref> It introduced six new playable characters: Baby Peach, Baby Daisy, [[Rosalina (Mario)|Rosalina]], [[Funky Kong]], [[Dry Bowser]], and two [[Mii]] outfits. It introduced three new items: the [[New Super Mario Bros.|Mega Mushroom]], the Thundercloud, and the [[Mario Bros.|POW Block]], the last two of which are exclusive to this kart game. It also introduced a new battle mode titled "Coin Runners".
* ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' featured [[Stereoscopy|stereoscopic 3D graphics]] and the return of dual screen functionality. It introduced [[hang gliders|gliders]] and [[Amphibious vehicle|submersible]] karts, a [[First-person (video games)|first-person]] perspective, and full kart customization. It introduced four new playable characters: Metal Mario, [[Lakitu]], [[Wiggler (Mario)|Wiggler]], and Honey Queen. In addition, Shy Guy is a fully playable character as opposed to being exclusive for Download Play. It also re-introduced Coins in regular races for a small speed boost, though they are also now used to unlock kart parts.
* ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' introduced the 200cc engine class,{{efn|name=fn1|Added via a [[Patch (computing)|post-launch update]] on April 23, 2015}} [[anti-gravity]] racing, [[All-terrain vehicle|ATVs]], uploading highlights to [[YouTube]], up to four local players in [[Grand Prix motor racing|Grand Prix]] races, [[downloadable content]], [[High-definition television|HD graphics]], and fifteen new playable characters: the [[Koopalings]] (Iggy Koopa, Roy Koopa, Lemmy Koopa, Larry Koopa, Wendy O. Koopa, Ludwig von Koopa and Morton Koopa Jr.), Baby Rosalina, Pink Gold Peach, Tanooki Mario, Cat Peach, [[Link (The Legend of Zelda)|Link]] from ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'', and [[Villager (Animal Crossing)|Villager]] (male and female) and [[Isabelle (Animal Crossing)|Isabelle]] from ''[[Animal Crossing]]'', the last six which are available as downloadable content.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Farokhmanesh |first=Megan |date=August 26, 2014 |title=Link, F-Zero and Animal Crossing are coming to Mario Kart 8 as DLC |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/8/26/6071823/mario-kart-8-link-animal-crossing-dlc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827121636/http://www.polygon.com/2014/8/26/6071823/mario-kart-8-link-animal-crossing-dlc |archive-date=August 27, 2014 |access-date=August 26, 2014 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> 
* ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' added a revamped battle mode, which included the new "Renegade Roundup", the return of double item boxes, ultra mini-turbo, and added 6 characters that were absent from the original game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Otero |first=Jose |date=2017-04-20 |title=Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-09 |title=Mario Kart 8 Deluxe update adds 5 more extra character slots beyond Birdo |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/134515/mario-kart-8-deluxe-wave-4-update-character-dlc-slots |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=Shacknews |language=en}}</ref> These characters include King Boo, Dry Bones, Gold Mario, Bowser Jr, and the male and female [[Inkling (Splatoon)|Inklings]] from ''[[Splatoon (video game)|Splatoon]]'', in addition to giving the female Villager her own character slot.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Hands-on Preview - Hands-on Preview |url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/hands-on-preview/43990/mario-kart-8-deluxe-switch-hands-on-preview |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=Nintendo World Report}}</ref> From 2022 to the end of 2023, the "Booster Course Pass" DLC expansion pack added new race courses and returning characters to the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilliam |first=Ryan |date=2022-03-17 |title=Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass DLC starts this week |url=https://www.polygon.com/22982861/mario-kart-8-deluxe-dlc-wave-1-release-date-booster-course-pass |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'' was the ''Mario Kart'' debut on a mobile phone, and introduced a points-based system for certain racing actions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |date=2019-10-01 |title=Mario Kart Tour Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/01/mario-kart-tour-review |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> It introduced [[Peachette]], [[Pauline (Nintendo)|Pauline]], [[Hammer Bro]] (and his boomerang, fire, and ice alts), [[Characters in the Mario franchise#Enemy characters|Monty Mole]], [[Captain Toad]], [[Dixie Kong]], [[Kamek]], [[Nabbit]], [[King Bob-omb]], [[Characters in the Mario franchise#Enemy characters|Chargin' Chuck]], [[Yoshi's Island|Poochy]] and many more, with each character had their own alternate versions. It introduced Frenzy Mode, [[Gacha game|gacha]] and [[loot box]] mechanics that was later removed in 2022. It reintroduced character-specific items and new items such as Ice Flower, Coin Box, and Dash Ring. Multiple new tracks were introduced in this game and later added to ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' via the DLC expansion pack.
* ''[[Mario Kart World]]'', which is in development for the upcoming [[Nintendo Switch 2]], is to double ''Mario Kart 8''{{'}}s player count to 24<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bošnjak |first1=Dominik |title=Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart Game Seems To Feature a Big Improvement |url=https://gamerant.com/nintendo-switch-2-mario-kart-game-24-players-count-multiplayer-mode/ |website=[[Game Rant]] |date=January 16, 2025 |access-date=17 January 2025 |archive-date=January 17, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117230051/https://gamerant.com/nintendo-switch-2-mario-kart-game-24-players-count-multiplayer-mode/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and introduce [[off-roading]] mechanics as well as an [[open-world]] driving format.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cardy |first1=Simon |title=What is Mario Kart 9's New Twist? |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/what-is-mario-kart-9s-new-twist |website=[[IGN]] |date=January 17, 2025 |access-date=17 February 2025 |archive-date=February 11, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250211153010/https://www.ign.com/articles/what-is-mario-kart-9s-new-twist |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Modes===
{{unsourced section|date=May 2025}}
Each game has a variety of modes. The following five modes recur most often in the series:
* [[Grand Prix motor racing|Grand Prix]] – Players compete in various "cups" of four courses each (five in ''Super Mario Kart'') with [[difficulty levels]] based on the size of the engine, larger engines meaning faster speeds. Before ''Mario Kart 8'' there were four difficulties: 50[[Cubic centimeter|cc]], 100cc, 150cc, and Mirror Mode, where all tracks were flipped horizontally. In ''Mario Kart 8'', a fifth difficulty level: 200cc, was added.{{efn|name=fn1}} Players earn points according to their finishing position in each race and the placement order gets carried over to the next race as the new starting grid. At the end of the cup, the top three players with the most points overall will receive a [[trophy]] in bronze, silver, and gold. In ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'' and every game from ''Mario Kart DS'' onward, players are also ranked based on how well they raced (three to one stars, A, B, C, D, and E). Three stars is the best rank, while E is the worst.
* [[Time trial#Video games|Time Trials]] – The player races alone in order to finish any course in the fastest time possible. The best time is then saved as a [[Ghost (video gaming)|ghost]], which the player can race against in later trials. ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' introduced Staff Ghosts, which are ghosts set by members of the Nintendo development team.
* Match Race (or VS.) – Multiple human players race on any course with customized rules such as team racing and item frequency.
* Battle – Multiple human players use in-game offensive items (shells, etc.) to battle each other in a closed arena. In the most common battle type, balloon battle, each player starts with three [[balloons]] and loses one per hit; the last player with at least one balloon wins. Various battle types have been added to the series, and single-player battles with CPU controlled players.
* Online Multiplayer – Players compete in races and battles through online services, such as [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]], [[Nintendo Network]], and [[Nintendo Switch Online]]. Players can share Time Trial ghosts, and participate in [[tournament]]s. In races and battles, players are matched by VR (VS Rating) and BR (Battle Rating) respectively, which is a number between 0 and 99,999 (9,999 in ''Mario Kart Wii''). Players gain or lose points based on performance in a race or battle. The game attempts to match players with a similar rating.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}}