Nintendo the saga was "invented" Mario Kart with its Nintendo 64This iconic video game console launched the series with Mario Kart 64, which would be followed by Mario Kart Super Circuit on the Game Boy Advance. It was later ported to the Wii U, but its origins came long before that. Mario Kart: Double Dash to GameCube. Do you remember them all? We'll review them and tell you how to play them on Android, along with other classic releases that you can also enjoy on your mobile.
Thanks to emulators, on Android mobile devices we can enjoy video games classical from older platforms, which are obviously no longer regularly sold. Among many other video games is the saga Mario Kart, which has its latest mobile release with Mario Kart TourAnd we can enjoy it almost in its entirety on our Android phones and tablets. We'll tell you how, which emulators are best, and what alternatives exist for other classic Nintendo games related to the Mario universe. Obviously, the corresponding ROMs They must be obtained separately and legally.
How to play all the Mario Kart classics on your Android thanks to emulators
For the different Nintendo video game consoles, we have available on Android specific emulators and multi-console which allow us to recover their games. The latest consoles are not available with acceptable performance, so titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe For Nintendo Switch, we can't yet use them on Android mobile devices with an experience comparable to the original. However, virtually all of them Classic Mario Kart We can play them again on mobile or tablet, combining dedicated emulators and all-in-one solutions like RetroArch.
Important points:
- Emulators do not include ROMsFor legal reasons, apps usually arrive "empty". The user must provide any games they own in digital format.
- Legality depends on the origin of the ROMsExtracting backups from your own cartridges or discs is different from downloading third-party files. It is the user's responsibility to comply with their country's laws.
- Performance depends on the mobile device.The more modern the console being emulated (Wii, GameCube, Nintendo DS…), the more power you will need in your phone or tablet.
- External controllers greatly improve the experience.Mario Kart is much more enjoyable with a Bluetooth gamepad than with touch controls, especially in desktop emulation.
With these basics clear, let's go through how to play each game, one by one. Classic Mario Kart on AndroidAnd while we're at it, what other Mario and Nintendo games can you emulate on your device?
Super Mario Kart - SNES (1992)
Super Mario Kart was the first of them all, and it arrived on the SNES. It came out well before Mario Kart 64, and with much more limited gameplay. It's the classic among classicsand was later re-released for the successful Wii. Currently, we can officially play it on Nintendo Switch thanks to backward compatibility, but we can also enjoy it on Android mobile devices.
To emulate this title on Android you have two main roads:
- Use a dedicated SNES emulator, like Snes9x EX+.
- Use a multi-console front-end like RetroArch, which relies on different "cores" to emulate SNES and other platforms.
We can use the SNES one, with the emulator Snes9x EX +or use the Wii version and do the same with Dolphin emulatorHowever, performance may be noticeably lower and resource consumption much higher. On most devices, opting for the SNES version is the most stable and streamlined way to enjoy this game.
In addition, with RetroArch you can also access other 2D Mario classics NES and SNES games, such as the original Super Mario Bros. or Super Mario World, expanding your collection of classic games beyond the Mario Kart series.
Mario Kart 64 - Nintendo 64 (1997)
Mario Kart 64, at this point, is considered a classic and an icon of video games. In terms of gameplay, there are few differences compared to current titles. The graphics are much simpler, and there isn't as much variety in cars or characters. There aren't as many traps as in current games either, but it gave us, and can continue to give us, hours and hours of gameplay, even though we can only play offline, although also with split-screen multiplayerIt was re-released on Wii and Wii U.
On Android you can enjoy Mario Kart 64 with emulators that have matured a lot Over the years. Some key points:
- They offer resolution improvement compared to the original console.
- Allow save states anytime, ideal for quick mobile games.
- They are usually compatible with Bluetooth controllers and configurable touch control profiles.
In addition to Mario Kart 64, these emulators also let you play other classic games featuring the Mario universe, such as Super Smash Bros. o Yoshi's Story, which turns your mobile phone into a small pocket-sized Nintendo 64.
Mario Kart Super Circuit - GameBoy Advance (2001)
From the Nintendo 64 home console, we moved on to being able to enjoy the races of Mario and his friends on a portable device, in the GameBoy Advancewith Mario Kart Super Circuit. Years had passed without a new Mario Kart, and its success led Nintendo to re-release it later for the Wii U. The graphics were much more limited by the Game Boy Advance's modest hardware, but in terms of gameplay it was a Mario Kart complete With all the letters.
On Android, Game Boy Advance emulators They allow Super Circuit to run perfectly, both with dedicated emulators and those integrated into RetroArch. Some advantages of emulating this game on mobile are:
- Bigger screen than the original GBA, which improves the visibility of clues and objects.
- Possibility of adjusting graphic filters to smooth out pixelation or maintain the classic look.
- Customizable controls on screen to adapt them to the size of your device.
With Game Boy Advance emulators you can not only play Mario Kart Super Circuit, but also a huge library of classic Mario games and other Nintendo characters, such as... Mario & Luigi RPG or adaptations of classic Super Mario games.
Mario Kart: Double Dash - Gamecube (2003)
The GameCube was Nintendo's last foray into the traditional home console format before introducing motion controls. It launched... Mario Kart: Double DashAnd it was not subsequently re-released on any other platform, so the only way to enjoy it today, beyond the original console, is through emulation.
With Dolphin emulator We can recover this game and, as with the rest, enjoy it again on our Android mobile devices. The graphics gave a substantial leap compared to the Nintendo 64 title, and of course, major gameplay innovations were included, such as the ability to carry two characters per kart, exchanging their position to take advantage of different objects and strategies.
This release came no less than several years after Mario Kart 64, which allowed Nintendo polish mechanics and offer much more elaborate circuits. With Dolphin on Android you can:
- Adjust the internal resolution so that it looks better than on GameCube.
- Setup control profiles touchscreen or use a Bluetooth controller.
- Try out other great Mario games on GameCube, such as Super Mario Sunshine o Super Smash Bros. Meleeusing the same emulator.
Mario Kart DS - Nintendo DS (2005)
With Nintendo DS came the double screenSo Nintendo could give a 180-degree turn to one of its flagship franchises, Mario KartThey simply had an additional screen to display key information about the race (map, position, items), and this is something we can now enjoy on our Android mobile devices with specific emulators of this console.
Furthermore, we can also take advantage of the functions that the touch screen from the console, playing them on the screen of our smartphone or tablet. This game was later re-released for Wii U, but most users will know it from its availability on Nintendo DS, which is the console it was originally released for.
Android has emulators like NDS Boy! and other alternatives that allow you to load Nintendo DS ROMs. Thanks to them, you can enjoy not only Mario Kart DS, but also other Mario titles such as New Super Mario Bros. or even Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside StorySome emulators allow you to choose how to display the two screens (one on top of the other, side by side, or prioritizing one of them), which results key to adapting the experience to your device.
Mario Kart Wii - Wii (2008)
Some time later, the Japanese firm returned with Mario Kart Wii for the console that broke the mold thanks to its motion controls. Finally, we could drive in a different way, with the motion sensor with its controls attached to a steering wheel. Nothing like a simulation video game, obviously, but it was much more fun to play it as a family with the steering wheels in hand.
The title remained exclusive to the Wii for years, but now we can enjoy it on our Android mobile devices. Just like GameCube titles, Wii games can be played on Android thanks to... Dolphin emulatorThis emulator offers several ways to replicate Wii controls:
- Use touch controls that mimic the Wii Remote.
- Connect a traditional command and map their buttons.
- Simulate steering wheel movement by tilting the phone in certain control profiles.
In addition to Mario Kart Wii, Dolphin will give you access to other Mario games for Wii, such as New Super Mario Bros. Wii or the two installments of Super Mario Galaxy, which turns your mobile phone into a true Nintendo nostalgia machine.
Super Mario Kart - Wii (2010)
Super Mario Kart isn't an original Wii release, although it arrived on the Wii as a re-release of a true classic, which we can now enjoy again on Android with the Dolphin Emulator. We return to the classic graphics and a much more limited gameplay compared to modern installments.
As Nintendo itself pointed outIt's a return to "when the blue shell didn't exist"Yes, that item that lets you slow down the leader to try and gain positions and change the course of the race. If you want to experience the Mario Kart series as it began, you can choose:
- The original SNES version with Snes9x EX+ or RetroArch.
- The Wii re-release, emulated using Dolphin.
The Wii version offers modern options such as saving the game from the virtual console menu, but from a gameplay point of view, the heart remains the same as the Super Nintendo version.
Mario Kart 7 - Nintendo 3DS (2011)
Nintendo laptops evolved when the Japanese firm opted for the 3D without glassesA technology that for a time seemed poised to dominate the market. It was released for the Nintendo 3DS. Mario barth 7, one of the most recent in the plumber's racing game history, with new features such as hang gliding and underwater sections.
For many years, there wasn't a well-functioning Nintendo 3DS emulator for Android, but this has changed over time. Projects like Emulator Image They have made the leap to mobile phones and, although they may have some flaws or require relatively powerful devices, they gradually allow you to enjoy titles like Mario Kart 7 with acceptable quality.
Some things to consider when emulating 3DS on Android:
- You will need a mid-high range mobile to have good performance.
- The 3DS dual screen adapts through different layouts that you can configure.
- The 3D functions are usually deactivated, but the playable depth of the title.
Besides Mario Kart 7, 3DS emulation opens the door to games like Super Mario 3D Land o New Super Mario Bros. twofurther expanding the collection of classic Mario games you can play on Android.
Mario Kart 8 - Wii U (2014)
Mario barth 8 It belongs to a more recent generation. It was released on Wii U and later the Japanese company revived it in the form of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the platform Nintendo Switchwhich, as you may know, is the company's latest release available on the traditional console market.
In the Android ecosystem, Wii U emulation and especially Nintendo Switch emulation It's still far from offering widespread and stable performance on most devices. There are projects in development, but it's not yet an experience comparable to emulating consoles like the SNES, Nintendo 64, GameCube, or Wii.
For all these reasons, this title is still best enjoyed in the original console or on Nintendo SwitchDespite being a re-release, the Deluxe version incorporates graphical improvements, new tracks and characters, and balance adjustments that make it one of the most complete installments in the entire saga.
Mario Kart Tour - Android (2019)
The last one on this list is Mario Kart Tour, the official installment of the saga designed specifically for Android and iOSFar from needing an emulator, it can be downloaded directly from the Google Play Store with complete ease.
If you want the Mario Kart Tour APK, you can get it from the official store or through authorized repositories, but it's always recommended to download it from a repository. Register on Google Play to receive updates and ensure the game remains secure. At launch, the app allowed pre-registration so users would be notified as soon as it became available.
This installment adapts the classic Mario Kart gameplay With simplified touch controls and a seasonal gameplay model, featuring tracks inspired by both real-world locations and classics from the series, Nintendo has proven with titles like Mario Kart Tour and Pokémon Masters that it can bring its franchises to mobile while maintaining a high level of quality. If you're looking for Tricks and tips To improve your gameplay, you have specific guides available.
Other emulators and options to enjoy Nintendo classics on Android
Beyond Mario Kart, many players want to use the same emulators to enjoy other games. Mario Kart-like games on Android. From Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda o Metroid to Star FoxGiants were born that have filled with emotions gamers of several generationsAnd now it's possible to have them on your Android smartphone without much difficulty.
Here they come into play two approaches:
- Use multi-console retro emulators such as RetroArch, which covers NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance.
- Install apps with games already loaded (when they are legally available), designed for those who don't want to complicate things by looking for ROMs.
RetroArch: the perfect companion for NES, SNES and Game Boy
Playing classic Mario games on mobile is incredibly easy if you get a powerful retro console emulator. One of the most highly recommended options is... RetroArchThis is a free application that provides access to console games such as NES, SNES, Game Boy (both the standard and the color) and Game Boy Advance through the downloading of different "cores".
With just this emulator, you'll already have access to some of the best Mario video games from history, including the original NES game, other classic 2D installments, and numerous spin-offs. Furthermore, RetroArch offers advanced options that will appeal to the most demanding users:
- Shaders and filters to adjust the graphic appearance (CRT, smoothing, scaling).
- Quick save and state loading at any time.
- Management profiles customized and support for many Bluetooth models.
Apps with pre-loaded games: a simple option, but with nuances
The easiest option for those who don't want to configure anything is to download apps that already have pre-loaded gamesThe Google Play Store offers various options with catalogs of classic 8 and 16 bit titles.
Some of the apps you can find for free that will let you play classic style games Super Mario Bros.
- Super FC Games
- NES Lite Nostalgia
- John NES
- NES Collection
- 64 in 1
- Super nes
- Retro Land Pro
- 700 in 1 game
It's important to keep in mind that the legality of these catalogs can vary, and that many of these apps may disappear or change over time. Even so, for less technical users, they're a direct way to relive games. very similar to the originals without having to configure complex emulators.
What to do if your emulator doesn't include games
You might download an emulator that doesn't have any games. In that case, you'll need manually load the game ROM (file)which is difficult to obtain legally if you don't own the original. That's why many users prefer to look for a... application with games already loaded, such as some of those we have mentioned before, or resort to official services like Nintendo Switch Online when they want to keep everything within the bounds of legality.
If you decide to use an "empty" emulator, the general flow consists in:
- Copy the ROMs to a folder on internal storage or SD card.
- Note that folder in the emulator settings.
- Setup controls and resolution to optimize the experience on your device.
Alternative option: Play the classics on Nintendo Switch
Another option, especially interesting if you are looking for absolute legality And for maximum compatibility, it's best to play them on the console. Nintendo SwitchTo do this, you must have a subscription to the service. Nintendo Switch OnlineThen you should go to the eShop and download the apps to play games of Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Super NES, among others.
It doesn't allow you to play classic Mario Kart games on your Android phone.But it does offer an official way to relive much of Nintendo's classic catalog, including many Mario games that complement what you can get through emulation on your smartphone.
The great classics of video games never go out of style, and with today's tools it's possible to have a huge collection of them. Mario Kart and other Nintendo games Always in your pocket. By combining emulators like RetroArch, Snes9x EX+, Mupen64Plus, NDS Boy!, Dolphin, or Citra, along with official options like Nintendo Switch Online and mobile releases like Mario Kart Tour, any fan can find a way to relive their favorite circuits, characters, and tracks on Android with amazing quality.
