Since Mario Kart 8 will be hitting the track on May 30, all of a sudden everyone wants to talk about Wii U and how great Mario Kart games are, or how they might be thinking about getting a Wii U console just to play Mario Kart 8. With sixteen new tracks, sixteen “new” retro tracks, and the ability to play as many of their favorite Mario Universe characters as well as the Koopa Kids, those of you without Wii U may be envious of the diehard Nintendo faithful.
Normally I might rub this in your faces but I won't because, let's face it, the Mario Kart games are just that great. Show me someone who doesn't like Mario Kart and I'll show you someone who doesn't really love gaming. The franchise stands as one of the few that both casual and hardcore gamers can play together. Men, women, and children all have a fair crack at crossing the finish line and hoisting the gold trophy over their character's head. Mario Kart was also one of a few handful of games that took vehicular destruction to the forefront. Don't you wish your morning commute came with a Blue Shell or two?
In anticipation of the latest volume of vehicular velocity, let's take a look back at some of the best tracks Nintendo has challenged us with since the release of Super Mario Kart back in 1992.