Mario Kart 8 has sold over 60M copies. For reference, The Witcher 3 and Red Dead Redemption 2 have sold 50M and 55M, respectively. That’s an impressive feat in and of itself. But it’s made even more impressive by the fact that Mario Kart 8 is limited to Nintendo’s consoles.
That said, Nintendo has also dipped its toes in the mobile ecosystem by releasing some of its more popular games on Android and iOS. For one, Mario Kart Tour plays great on thelatest Android tablets. But aside from that, you’ll have a hard time finding a worthy kart racing alternative.
There’s no shortage of realistic racing games on Android, but is there one that captures the goofiness of kart racing? Moreover, is there a game that oozes the same spirit as Mario Kart? Let’s find out by highlighting the best alternatives to Mario Kart on Android.
15 best racing games on Android
From highly detailed cars to minimal neon triangles, we’ve got you covered with our hand-picked list of racers
7Beach Buggy Racing
Today’s roundup starts by going off-road with Beach Buggy Racing. This kart racer primarily takes place in open environments, like beaches and deserts. Each contestant competes for first place by manning the wheel of an off-road vehicle, like a truck, dune buggy, or muscle car.
Similarities with Mario Kart grow apparent when drivers use every means possible to take out the competition. This could be a timely power-up or a special ability unique to each driver.
The game features six game modes and well over a dozen tracks, and more are added via regular updates. Beach Buggy Racing is free. That said, if you want to enjoy an ad-free version without in-app purchases, you can get the game via Play Pass.
6Boom Karts
Boom Karts moves the roundup into urban territory while also maintaining the core concepts of a Mario Kart game. As per usual, you’ll get to drive a variety of carts and customize their racers. Powerups include lasers, rockets, bombs, and even soap. Yes, soap.
On top of the usual drifting and powerups, Boom Karts lets you manage your very own racing team. And as is usually the case with Mario Kart games, Boom Karts puts a focus on multiplayer racing. But there’s also an extensive single-player mode and time trials for you to partake in.
5KartRider Rush+
KartRider Rush+ oozes with cuteness, from its chibi characters to the crazy racing carts that range from regular cars and motorcycles to shopping carts and toilet seats on wheels.
KartRider Rush+ features its own story mode that also introduces you to the game’s mechanics. Speed Race mode, on the other hand, relies on nothing but your ability to drift and maintain a winning velocity.
Meanwhile, the included Arcade Mode adds mechanics and gameplay features that you’ve come to expect from kart games. Once you’ve had enough practice, KartRider Rush+ features multiplayer racing for up to eight players online across seven game modes, which should keep players busy for some time.
4Mario Kart Tour
Nintendo has brought many of its IPs over to mobile in recent years. You’ll findthe chill Animal Crossing, Fire Emblem, and Mario-themed games garnishing the Play Store pages. In 2019, Mario Kart Tour joined this roster, and it’s every bit as good as you’d expect a Mario Kart game to be.
Mario Kart Tour features familiar characters from the series, including Princess Peach, Bowser, Donkey Kong, and, of course, the mustached plumber himself, Mario. There’s the usual hectic racing with powerups and drifting galore. Racing well and collecting points allow you to unlock new characters, karts, and much more. Best of all, Mario Kart Tour is free, making it the most accessible entry in the series.
3SmashKarts.io
SmashKarts.io brings something different to the racing kart genre. That’s because the game touts itself as a MOBA instead of a racing game. It’s accurate because there’s no racing. All it takes to win in SmashKarts.io is destroying the opposition within the confines of an arena.
In other words, it’s a deathmatch for up to eight players online with a plethora of powerups and weapons to use against them.
Characters also don’t lack in variety. Drivers include squirrels, rabbits, aliens, and even hamburgers, to coincide with the ridiculous nature of this vehicular scramble. Each kart can be further outfitted with various customization options to ensure you look the part while taking them out.
2Starlit On Wheels: Super Kart
Based on the Starlit franchise by Rockhead Games, Starlit on Wheels turns the adventure puzzle universe into a frantic Mario Kart alternative.
Starlit on Wheels takes you through a story that sees you oppose the evil villain, Nuru. The story spans 128 races across eight zones with mind-boggling deathloops that often conclude in a boss race.
You’ll hit air time with ramps and use various powerups to stop the opposition in its tracks. Of course, in addition to an extensive single-player experience, Starlit on Wheels features online play and even lets you create tracks and share them with other players.
1SuperTuxKart
SuperTuxKart could very well give Mario Kart a run for its money. It’s jam-packed with cute characters, varied circuits, and silly weapons, including bubblegum and cake. Most importantly, it’s a solid racing game.
In addition to regular races, you can partake in a battle mode, attempt to beat time trials or play a game of soccer akin to Rocket League. Open-source and free. SuperTuxKart doesn’t include any ads, all the while being one of the more feature-complete kart racing games on Android.
Explore the best Mario Kart alternatives on Android
Drifting at breakneck speeds, wacky characters, and equally silly powerups are part and parcel of kart racing games. They’re also excellent for playing with friends, so grabanother Android controllerand rev the engines.
