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Mario Kart Characters: Fastest Characters, Best Vehicles & Winning Strategies

5 Apr 2025
by Merchandise4All
Mario Kart: Double Dash (GC) walkthrough - DK Mountain Callum Dread (TheGamerWalkthroughs)

Everything You Need to Know About Mario Kart Characters

In this article, you'll learn about:

  • How old Super Mario Kart is
  • Which Mario Kart is the latest
  • The year Mario Kart was originally released
  • How many Mario Kart games there are
  • Which character is the fastest in Mario Kart
  • What the best car in Mario Kart is
  • If you get faster in Mario Kart by collecting coins
  • The best strategies to win your Mario Kart races

Introduction

Mario Kart has been an iconic series for over 30 years, captivating both casual players and die-hard racing game fans. Whether you’re racing with Mario, Princess Peach, or even Bowser, each character and vehicle choice impacts your performance on the track. But what makes Mario Kart so special? It’s not just the races, but the different characters and their unique traits that make the game exciting.

In this article, we’ll cover the various Mario Kart characters, answer frequently asked questions, and provide tips on how you can improve your performance in the game. Keep reading to learn everything you need to make the best choices for your next race!

How Old is Super Mario Kart?

The very first Super Mario Kart game was released on August 23, 1992 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). This means the game is already over 30 years old and laid the foundation for what would later become one of the most popular racing franchises of all time. The influence of this first Mario Kart game is still visible in later versions, which all build on the concept of colorful, imaginative tracks and characters racing for victory.

Which Mario Kart is the Latest?

The latest version of Mario Kart is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch, released on April 28, 2017. This version combines the classic Mario Kart formula with new features such as additional characters, new tracks, and an improved multiplayer experience. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also includes all the downloadable content (DLC) from the Wii U version, making it the most comprehensive version of the series.

What Makes Mario Kart 8 Deluxe So Special?

  • New Tracks: Race on tracks with a Wind Waker design and other iconic new courses.
  • Improved Graphics and Speed: Experience smooth gameplay in high resolution.
  • More Characters: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe allows players to choose from a much wider range of characters than previous versions.
  • Multiplayer: The game offers great online and local multiplayer experiences, ideal for casual racing with friends.

What Year Did Mario Kart Release?

As mentioned earlier, the original Super Mario Kart was released in 1992, but the Mario Kart series has had many iterations over the years. The series appeared on various Nintendo consoles, such as the Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, 3DS, Wii U, and, of course, the Nintendo Switch. Each new version introduced new features, tracks, and characters.

Mario Kart 64 introduced 3D graphics and was the first Mario Kart game to feature multiplayer on the Nintendo 64. Mario Kart: Double Dash!! for the GameCube allowed players to race with two characters per vehicle, which drastically changed the strategy of the game.

How Many Mario Karts Are There?

There are a total of 8 main Mario Kart games, along with various remakes and spin-offs. Here's a list of the main titles:

  1. Super Mario Kart (SNES) – 1992
  2. Mario Kart 64 (N64) – 1996
  3. Mario Kart: Super Circuit (GBA) – 2001
  4. Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (GCN) – 2003
  5. Mario Kart DS (DS) – 2005
  6. Mario Kart Wii (Wii) – 2008
  7. Mario Kart 7 (3DS) – 2011
  8. Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Wii U/Switch) – 2014/2017

In addition to these main releases, there have been various remakes and special editions of Mario Kart, including Mario Kart Tour for mobile devices and Mario Kart Arcade GP versions found in arcades.

Which Character is the Fastest in Mario Kart?

The speed of a character in Mario Kart largely depends on their weight and handling. Heavy characters like Bowser, Donkey Kong, and Wario have the highest top speed, but their acceleration is slower, meaning they take longer to reach maximum speed. In contrast, light characters like Baby Mario, Toad, and Toadette have lower top speeds but accelerate faster and handle better through turns.

Bowser is often considered the fastest character in terms of top speed, but it's essential to find the right balance between speed and handling based on your playstyle.

What is the Best Car in Mario Kart?

In Mario Kart, the vehicle you choose affects various aspects of your performance, such as speed, handling, and acceleration. The best car depends on the character you select and which aspects of racing you prioritize.

  • Circuit Special and the Azure Roller wheels offer an excellent balance between speed and handling.
  • B Dasher and the Pipe Frame are great choices for players who want to take turns well without losing too much speed.
  • Quacker is a popular choice for light characters like Toad and Baby Mario, as it provides high acceleration and good cornering control.

Try different combinations to see what works best for your playstyle!

Do You Get Faster in Mario Kart by Collecting Coins?

Yes, collecting coins does have a direct impact on your speed in Mario Kart! Each coin increases your top speed slightly, up to a maximum of 10 coins. This means that strategically collecting coins, especially early in the race, can give you a significant boost in the later stages.

How Does Coin Collecting Affect Your Strategy?

  • Get Faster: Coins provide a small but important speed boost.
  • Strategic Driving: By collecting coins, you can increase your speed further and gain an edge over your competitors.
  • Speed vs. Protection: Coins should be collected without neglecting your defense (e.g., items).

The Most Popular Mario Kart Characters

In addition to the standard Mario and Luigi, there are many other characters that fans love to play. Each character has unique stats that impact your performance, such as speed, cornering, and acceleration. Here's a list of some of the most popular and interesting Mario Kart characters:

  • Mario: The balanced choice, perfect for beginners.
  • Luigi: Faster acceleration, ideal for players who like to take it quick.
  • Princess Peach: Great for cornering and speed, often a choice of experienced players.
  • Toad: Fast in corners and with excellent acceleration, but a lower top speed.
  • Bowser: The heaviest, fastest, and strongest, but harder to maneuver around corners.

Heavyweight vs Lightweight

Choosing between a heavyweight and a lightweight character can significantly affect your gameplay. Heavy characters like Bowser and Wario offer higher top speed, but worse handling, while lightweight characters like Toad and Baby Mario have better handling and quicker acceleration, but sacrifice some speed.

Shop Your Favorite Mario Kart Merchandise at Merchandise4All!

Are you a true Mario Kart fan? At Merchandise4All.com, you’ll find the best Mario Kart merchandise, from T-shirts and hoodies to toys and collectibles. Check out our extensive Mario Kart category and grab your favorite items. Make your Mario Kart experience even better and show your love for the game with unique and exclusive products!

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