Ever wonder why some racers zoom past you on Rainbow Road, leaving a trail of shells in their dust? It’s not just skill; it’s often the kart they’ve chosen! Picking the perfect kart in Mario Kart 8 can feel like a race against time itself. You want to win, but with so many different karts, bikes, and ATVs, how do you know which one will give you the edge?
The struggle is real. Do you go for speed, or is handling more important? What about acceleration, or that tricky anti-gravity stat? It’s easy to get lost in the numbers and feel like you’re just guessing. But a good kart choice can be the difference between first place and watching Bowser zoom ahead. This guide is here to clear up the confusion and help you find the kart that fits your racing style.
By the end of this post, you’ll understand what each kart stat actually means and how it affects your race. We’ll break down the best karts for different situations and help you discover the perfect vehicle to dominate the track. Get ready to boost your performance and leave your friends in the dust!
Our Top 5 Kart In Mario Kart 8 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Kart In Mario Kart 8 Detailed Reviews
1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – US Version
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready for some serious fun with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – US Version! This is the ultimate Mario Kart experience, letting you race and battle anytime, anywhere. It’s packed with everything you loved from the Wii U version and then some, making it a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner.
What We Like:
- Race your friends or battle them on awesome new and returning courses.
- Enjoy amazing 1080p graphics in TV Mode for up to 4 players.
- All the tracks from the Wii U version are included, even the DLC!
- New characters like the Inklings join classic favorites like King Boo and Dry Bones.
- The new Smart Steering feature helps new players and kids stay on the track, even at super-fast speeds.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players might wish for even more brand-new tracks beyond the DLC included.
- While the battle mode is revised, a few more unique battle modes could add extra replayability.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – US Version offers endless entertainment for everyone. It’s a fantastic way to bring families and friends together for exciting races and hilarious battles.
2. Super Mari Kart 8 Mario Anti-Gravity Mini RC Racer 2.4Ghz
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready for some serious Mario Kart fun with the Super Mari Kart 8 Mario Anti-Gravity Mini RC Racer! This speedy little car brings the excitement of the game right into your living room. You can zoom around with Mario himself, performing awesome stunts and races. It’s designed for adventure and easy to control.
What We Like:
- It has a big range, reaching up to 100 feet. This means you can race it all over the house or yard.
- You can switch between regular driving and anti-gravity mode. This lets the racer flip and drive on its roof, just like in the game!
- It can do cool tricks. Press a button to perform awesome drifts and other neat moves.
- The racer can even pop wheelies and spin 360 degrees. These stunts make playtime extra exciting.
- It’s made for kids aged 8 and up, so many people can enjoy it.
What Could Be Improved:
- The battery life might not be as long as some other RC cars. You might need to recharge it after a good amount of racing.
- The anti-gravity mode, while fun, can sometimes be a little tricky to master at first. It takes some practice to get the hang of driving upside down.
This Super Mari Kart 8 RC Racer offers tons of fun and exciting gameplay for fans of Mario Kart. It’s a fantastic way to bring the thrill of the game to life and create your own racing adventures.
3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]
![Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517O3bI45YL._SL500_.jpg)
Rating: 9.5/10
Get ready for endless racing fun with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for your Nintendo Switch! This is the ultimate version of the classic kart racer. You can race your pals or battle them in a revamped battle mode. It’s packed with new and familiar battle arenas. Play anywhere, anytime, on your Nintendo Switch!
What We Like:
- Race with friends locally in up to 4-player multiplayer.
- Experience stunning 1080p graphics in TV Mode.
- Enjoy every single track from the Wii U version, including all the cool DLC.
- New characters like the Inklings join classic favorites like King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr.
- The new Smart Steering feature makes it super easy for beginners and kids to stay on the track, even at top speeds.
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital code means you can’t physically hold the game box.
- While fun for everyone, some experienced players might find the Smart Steering feature too helpful.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a fantastic game that offers tons of replayability for players of all skill levels. It’s a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner looking for exciting multiplayer action.
4. LEGO Super Mario: Mario Kart Standard Kit – Collectible Toy Building Set for Kids
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to race! The LEGO Super Mario: Mario Kart Standard Kit brings the thrill of the racetrack right to your playroom. This awesome set lets kids build their very own Mario Kart Standard Kart and join Toad on pit crew duty. It’s a fantastic way for fans of all ages to dive into the Mushroom Kingdom’s most exciting races.
What We Like:
- Build a cool, brick-built Standard Kart with working wheels for drifting.
- The Super Glider detaches, adding more ways to play.
- Toad (Pit Crew) figure is included, ready for action.
- The workstation has a target for launching shells – just like in the game!
- Place LEGO Mario, Luigi, or Peach figures (sold separately) in the kart for fun sounds and lights.
- Stomping on the workstation’s Action Tag triggers cool digital reactions.
- It’s an excellent gift idea for birthdays or holidays for kids aged 7 and up.
- Collect other sets in the series (71439, 71440, 71441) for even more interactive fun.
What Could Be Improved:
- The main LEGO Mario, Luigi, or Peach figures are not included in this set, so you’ll need to have them already or purchase them separately to unlock all the interactive features.
This LEGO Super Mario Mario Kart Standard Kit offers a fantastic blend of building and interactive play. It’s a perfect gift for any young gamer or LEGO enthusiast.
5. LEGO Super Mario: Mario Kart – Interactive Mario & Standard Kart Building Toy – Pretend Play Racing Playset for Boys & Girls
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to race! The LEGO Super Mario: Mario Kart – Interactive Mario & Standard Kart Building Toy brings the thrilling world of Mario Kart right into your home. This set is perfect for young gamers and builders aged 7 and up, letting them create their own exciting races. It’s a fantastic gift for Christmas or any special occasion.
What We Like:
- It includes an interactive LEGO Mario figure that reacts to the game.
- Kids can build a Standard Kart with a working shell-launcher and drifting action.
- The set comes with fun Mario Kart characters like Bob-omb and Thwomp figures.
- You earn digital rewards by placing Mario in the Item Box and in the kart.
- The completed build looks great as room decor.
- It encourages creative storytelling and pretend play.
What Could Be Improved:
- The set is a building toy, so initial setup requires assembly.
- It relies on digital interaction, which needs compatible devices.
This LEGO set offers a unique blend of building fun and interactive gaming. It’s sure to provide hours of entertainment for any Super Mario fan.
Your Guide to the Perfect Kart in Mario Kart 8
Choosing the right kart in Mario Kart 8 can make a big difference in your races. It’s not just about speed; it’s about how your kart handles, accelerates, and how well it fits your racing style. This guide will help you pick the best kart to zoom your way to victory.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re picking a kart, pay attention to these important stats:
- Speed: This is how fast your kart can go. Higher speed is great for long straightaways.
- Acceleration: This is how quickly your kart reaches its top speed. Good acceleration helps you get back up to speed after hitting an item or going off-road.
- Handling: This is how well your kart turns. Better handling lets you take corners without losing too much speed.
- Weight: Heavier karts are harder to bump off course by other players. They also have an advantage in collisions.
- Traction: This stat helps your kart grip the road, especially on slippery surfaces or when drifting.
- Mini-Turbo: Some karts give you a boost when you do a mini-turbo drift.
Important Materials
While you don’t “buy” materials for your karts in Mario Kart 8, the game represents different karts with distinct looks and feels. Some karts might look like they’re made of sleek metal, while others might appear to be built from sturdier, heavier parts. These visual cues often hint at the kart’s performance stats. For example, a bulky, armored-looking kart might have high weight, while a streamlined, futuristic one might boast excellent speed.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
In Mario Kart 8, the “quality” of a kart is really about its stats and how they match your playstyle.
- Improving Quality: A kart’s stats are fixed, but you improve its “quality” for you by understanding how those stats work together. A kart with high speed but low acceleration might feel “bad” if you crash a lot. But for a skilled player who avoids obstacles, it could be a winning choice. Experimenting with different karts helps you find the best fit.
- Reducing Quality: If a kart’s stats don’t match how you like to race, it can feel like a “low quality” choice. For example, if you struggle with drifting, a kart with poor handling will feel frustrating and slow you down. Similarly, if you’re often hit by items, a kart with low acceleration will keep you from getting back into the race quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
The best kart for you depends on how you play and what you want to achieve.
- For Beginners: If you’re new to Mario Kart 8, you might want a kart that’s easy to control. Karts with good acceleration and handling are often recommended. They help you recover from mistakes and stay on the track. The Standard Kart and the Pipe Frame are good starting points.
- For Aggressive Racers: If you like to bump other players and take risks, a heavier kart with good speed might be your choice. These karts can push opponents around and maintain speed on straightaways. The Bowser Bike or the Varmint are examples.
- For Technical Racers: If you love drifting around corners and mastering every turn, karts with excellent handling and mini-turbo boosts are your best friends. These karts let you take sharp turns at high speed. The Biddybuggy or the Mr. Scooty are popular for this style.
- For Speed Demons: If you just want to go as fast as possible, focus on karts with the highest top speed. Just be ready to work on your cornering skills!
Remember, the character you choose also affects your kart’s stats slightly. Lighter characters get a small boost to acceleration and handling when paired with certain karts, while heavier characters get more speed and weight. Try different combinations to find your ultimate racing setup!
Frequently Asked Questions about Mario Kart 8 Karts
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a kart?
A: You should look for Speed, Acceleration, Handling, Weight, Traction, and Mini-Turbo. These stats affect how your kart performs.
Q: Do I actually buy karts with real money in Mario Kart 8?
A: No, you unlock karts and parts by playing the game and earning coins. You don’t use real money to buy them.
Q: What is the best kart for beginners?
A: Karts with good Acceleration and Handling are best for beginners. The Standard Kart and the Pipe Frame are good choices.
Q: Does the character I choose affect my kart?
A: Yes, the character you pick slightly changes the stats of the kart. Lighter characters get more handling, and heavier characters get more speed.
Q: How do I unlock new karts?
A: You unlock new karts by collecting coins during races. When you collect enough coins, you’ll unlock new parts or karts.
Q: Is there one “best” kart for everyone?
A: No, the “best” kart depends on your racing style and what you prefer. It’s good to try out different karts.
Q: What does “Traction” do?
A: Traction helps your kart grip the road better, especially on slippery surfaces or when you drift.
Q: Should I focus on speed or acceleration?
A: It depends on the track and your style. High speed is good for long straights, but good acceleration helps you recover from mistakes.
Q: What is a “Mini-Turbo”?
A: A Mini-Turbo is a small speed boost you get after holding down the drift button for a short time.
Q: Can I customize my kart?
A: Yes, you can customize your kart by choosing different bodies, tires, and gliders, which all have different stats.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.