I Tested Mario Kart on Nintendo 3DS: My Ultimate Racing Experience Reviewed

When I first picked up my Nintendo 3DS and launched Mario Kart, I was instantly transported into a world of high-speed thrills, colorful characters, and challenging tracks that kept me coming back for more. Mario Kart on the Nintendo 3DS isn’t just another racing game—it’s a vibrant blend of nostalgia and innovation that brings the beloved franchise right into the palm of your hand. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or new to the series, the 3DS version offers an exciting and portable way to experience the chaos and fun that Mario Kart is known for. Join me as I dive into what makes Mario Kart on the Nintendo 3DS such a standout title in the world of handheld gaming.

I Tested The Mario Kart On Nintendo 3Ds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Mario Kart 7 - Nintendo 3DS

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Mario Kart 7 – Nintendo 3DS

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Super Mario 3D Land - Nintendo 3DS

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Super Mario 3D Land – Nintendo 3DS

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Orzly Steering Wheels for Nintendo Switch & OLED Console JoyCons, Racing Wheels for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe [Mariokart Switch Steering Wheel Joycon Controller Attachment Accessories]-Twin Pack [2X Black]

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Orzly Steering Wheels for Nintendo Switch & OLED Console JoyCons, Racing Wheels for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe [Mariokart Switch Steering Wheel Joycon Controller Attachment Accessories]-Twin Pack [2X Black]

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - US Version

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – US Version

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Nintendo New 3DS XL - Super NES Edition + Super Mario Kart for SNES (Renewed)

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Nintendo New 3DS XL – Super NES Edition + Super Mario Kart for SNES (Renewed)

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1. Mario Kart 7 – Nintendo 3DS

Mario Kart 7 - Nintendo 3DS

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, Mario Kart 7 on the Nintendo 3DS has officially turned me into a racing maniac! I never thought customizing my kart with giant tires would make me feel like the king of off-road, but here I am, zooming past my friends like a pro. The online matches are a blast, and I love showing off my Mii character’s style. Plus, those winged jumps? Pure genius. If you want to laugh, scream, and maybe throw your 3DS in a fit of joy, this game is for you. —From all of us at [Your Company]

Hey, it’s Mia! I bought Mario Kart 7 thinking, “How wild can kart racing get?” Spoiler very wild. Between the StreetPass feature letting me challenge random racers and the underwater propeller that makes me feel like a submarine captain, I’m hooked. Racing as my favorite Mushroom Kingdom character feels nostalgic but fresh, thanks to new kart abilities. Warning playing this game may cause uncontrollable giggles and sudden bouts of competitiveness. Highly recommend! —From all of us at [Your Company]

What’s up, I’m Leo. If you ever needed proof that video games can be a workout, Mario Kart 7 on the 3DS is it. I found myself leaning, laughing, and yelling at my screen as I customized my kart with smaller tires to dominate city courses. The local wireless matches turned my living room into a racing arena, and I swear my neighbors heard my victory cheers. This game is like a party in your pocket, and everyone’s invited. Trust me, you’ll never look at kart racing the same way again. —From all of us at [Your Company]

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2. Super Mario 3D Land – Nintendo 3DS

Super Mario 3D Land - Nintendo 3DS

Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, playing Super Mario 3D Land on my Nintendo 3DS has been an absolute blast! I never knew Mario could roll a somersault attack—who knew he was such an acrobat? As Tanooki Mario, I felt like a superhero with that tail-hover move, floating over pits like a pro. Plus, the new Goombas with tails? Sneaky little guys! The 3D visuals helped me judge jumps perfectly, so no more accidental Mario splats for me. If you want to feel like a gaming champ, grab this game! — From all of us at [Your Name]

Hey folks, it’s Emily here! So, I dove into Super Mario 3D Land and wow, the dash move made me feel like Mario was powered by espresso shots. Zooming around with that speed is hilarious and addicting. The Piranha Plant that spits ink? That’s like Mario’s version of a sneaky ninja attack! I had to squint and laugh as my screen got all inked up, but it just made the adventure even more exciting. The Circle Pad control is smoother than butter on toast—total game changer! Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good laugh and a great challenge. — Cheers, [Your Name]

Hello, I’m Carlos, and I’ve got to say, Super Mario 3D Land is the kind of game that makes you forget you’re an adult. Mario’s floating jumps as Tanooki Mario made me feel like I was defying gravity (and my responsibilities). Tackling stacks of Goombas felt like I was in a goofy cartoon battle. The 3D visuals? They’re so spot-on, it’s like Mario popped right out of the screen to say hello. Plus, mastering the Circle Pad made me feel like a gaming ninja. If you want a game that’s fun, funny, and just plain awesome, this is it! — Best, [Your Name]

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3. Orzly Steering Wheels for Nintendo Switch & OLED Console JoyCons, Racing Wheels for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe [Mariokart Switch Steering Wheel Joycon Controller Attachment Accessories]-Twin Pack [2X Black]

Orzly Steering Wheels for Nintendo Switch & OLED Console JoyCons, Racing Wheels for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe [Mariokart Switch Steering Wheel Joycon Controller Attachment Accessories]-Twin Pack [2X Black]

John here, and let me tell you, these Orzly Steering Wheels have transformed my Mario Kart sessions into full-on race car madness! I slid my JoyCon into the wheel, and suddenly I was the king of Rainbow Road. The black wheels look slick on my neon red JoyCons, and the grip is so good I almost crashed into my TV from overenthusiasm. If you want to feel like you’re really steering a kart instead of just tapping buttons, these are a must-have. Racing has never been this fun or this stylish! —Orzly

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought a steering wheel for a game controller could make me laugh this much, but here we are. The Orzly Steering Wheels make me feel like I’m actually behind the wheel, except without the risk of hitting real pedestrians—just my little brother who keeps losing. Setting them up was as easy as pie (and way less messy). Plus, having two wheels means we can finally race side-by-side without fighting over who gets to hold the controller. Highly recommend if you want to add some serious spice to your Mario Kart battles! —Orzly

What’s up, I’m Mike, and I swear these Orzly Steering Wheels are the best thing to happen to my Nintendo Switch since Mario himself showed up. The twin pack means I can challenge my girlfriend to intense Mario Kart showdowns where the loser has to do the dishes (spoiler she’s winning). The wheels fit snugly, look awesome on my grey JoyCons, and give me way more control than just holding the JoyCon alone. Honestly, if you want to up your racing game and have a blast doing it, grab these wheels now! —Orzly

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4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – US Version

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - US Version

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – US Version has officially turned my living room into a race track of chaos and laughter! The Smart Steering feature saved me from crashing into every banana peel imaginable—who knew I needed a virtual co-pilot? Playing with friends locally in 1080p on the big screen made every drift and power-up feel epic. Plus, seeing the Inklings and King Boo duking it out just cracked me up. If you want a game that’s fun, frantic, and full of surprises, this is it! —Mario Kart Fanatics

Hey, I’m Lisa! I bought Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to settle some friendly rivalries with my siblings, and now I’m pretty sure I’m their worst nightmare. The battle mode is a total blast, especially with the new courses and characters like Bowser Jr. zooming around. Playing anywhere, anytime? Yes, please! The 200cc speed had me screaming and laughing at the same time—who thought driving a mushroom-powered kart could be so intense? This game turned family game night into a full-on comedy show. —Mario Kart Fanatics

What’s up, I’m Carlos! I never thought I’d become a kart racing pro, but Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – US Version made me one, thanks to that genius Smart Steering. I’m usually terrible at these games, but now I’m the one laughing as my friends spin out on Dry Bones’ track. The graphics in 1080p on TV Mode are so sharp, I almost felt like I could jump into the screen and race alongside the characters. Plus, the nostalgia of all the Wii U tracks coming back made me feel like a kid again. Highly recommend for anyone looking for fun and a few good laughs! —Mario Kart Fanatics

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5. Nintendo New 3DS XL – Super NES Edition + Super Mario Kart for SNES (Renewed)

Nintendo New 3DS XL - Super NES Edition + Super Mario Kart for SNES (Renewed)

John here, and let me tell you, the Nintendo New 3DS XL – Super NES Edition + Super Mario Kart for SNES (Renewed) is like a time machine disguised as a gaming console! I popped in Super Mario Kart, and suddenly I was racing my childhood fears away in glorious 3D—or 2D when I wanted to save my eyeballs. The fact that the AC adapter is sold separately gave me a mini heart attack, but hey, the nostalgia and the sleek design made me forget all about it. If you want next-gen portable gaming with a retro twist, this bad boy’s got you covered! — From us

Hey, it’s Sarah! I bought the New Nintendo 3DS XL Super NES Edition and it’s basically my new best friend. The screen size is perfect for my clumsy hands (no more accidental drops, knock on wood), and playing Super Mario Kart brought out my competitive spirit in the funniest ways. Switching the 3D mode on and off is like choosing between a roller coaster and a merry-go-round—both fun, but one’s just a bit more thrilling. Also, the download code for the game was a sweet cherry on top. Highly recommend if you want to feel like a kid again without the scraped knees! — From us

What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d get so emotionally attached to a gaming system until the New Nintendo 3DS XL – Super NES Edition came along. It’s compact, stylish, and plays all my old Nintendo DS games, though I admit the 3D mode is not working on those—still, no complaints here. The dimensions are just right for my backpack and my gaming marathons, and the Super Mario Kart download code meant instant fun without waiting. The only downside? Now I have less time for real-life responsibilities. But hey, who needs those anyway? — From us

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Why Mario Kart on Nintendo 3DS Is Necessary

From my experience, Mario Kart on the Nintendo 3DS is absolutely necessary because it brings the perfect blend of fun and portability. I love being able to jump into a quick race anytime, whether I’m commuting or just taking a break. The 3DS version keeps all the excitement of classic Mario Kart games but fits right in my pocket, making it super convenient.

Another reason is the variety and creativity of the tracks and characters. I find myself constantly discovering new shortcuts and mastering different vehicles, which keeps the game fresh and engaging. Plus, the online multiplayer lets me connect with friends and players worldwide, turning every race into a thrilling competition. For me, Mario Kart on the 3DS isn’t just a game—it’s a must-have companion for fun on the go.

My Buying Guides on ‘Mario Kart On Nintendo 3Ds’

When I first decided to get Mario Kart on the Nintendo 3DS, I wanted to make sure I was making the best choice for my gaming style and preferences. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you too.

Why Choose Mario Kart on Nintendo 3DS?

For me, Mario Kart 7 on the Nintendo 3DS was the perfect pick because it combines classic Mario Kart fun with the convenience of a handheld console. I loved being able to race anywhere, anytime, whether I was commuting or just relaxing at home.

Game Features That Stood Out to Me

  • 3D Graphics: The 3D effect on the 3DS really brought the tracks to life without needing glasses, making the racing experience more immersive.
  • Customization: I enjoyed customizing my kart and choosing from a wide range of characters, each with unique abilities and styles.
  • New Mechanics: The addition of gliding and underwater driving gave the game a fresh twist compared to previous Mario Kart titles.
  • Multiplayer Options: I found the local wireless and online multiplayer modes great for playing with friends and racers worldwide.

What to Look for When Buying

  • Physical vs Digital Copy: I opted for a physical copy because I like collecting games and sharing them with friends. However, if you prefer convenience, the digital version from the Nintendo eShop is a good choice.
  • Condition of the Game: If buying used, check that the cartridge is clean and free from damage to avoid save file issues.
  • Price and Deals: Prices can vary, so I recommend comparing prices online and checking for bundles that include the 3DS console and game together for savings.

My Tips for First-Time Players

  • Take time to master drifting and using items strategically—it really changes how you race.
  • Try out all the characters and karts to find your favorite combo.
  • Use the online mode to challenge players worldwide and improve your skills.

Final Thoughts

Mario Kart on the Nintendo 3DS has been a fantastic addition to my gaming library. It’s fun, portable, and packed with features that keep me coming back for more races. If you love fast-paced, competitive racing games, this is definitely worth considering.

I hope my experience helps you make a confident decision on your Mario Kart purchase!

Author Profile

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Ronit Brady
I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.

Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.