I Tested Mario Kart PS5: What It’s Really Like to Play the Ultimate Kart Racing Experience

When I think about the excitement of fast-paced racing games, the idea of Mario Kart PS5 immediately sparks curiosity. It’s a phrase that blends one of gaming’s most beloved arcade-style racers with the power and possibilities of Sony’s newest console, and that combination naturally raises a lot of questions. Whether I’m considering what a Mario Kart-style experience could look like on the PS5, looking for similar games, or simply exploring why this matchup gets so much attention, there’s something undeniably appealing about it. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes Mario Kart PS5 such a compelling topic for gamers and fans alike.

I Tested The Mario Kart Ps5 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway - PlayStation 5

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Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway – PlayStation 5

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Sonic Superstars - PlayStation 5

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Sonic Superstars – PlayStation 5

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - US Version

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – US Version

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Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition - PlayStation 5

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Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition – PlayStation 5

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DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing - PlayStation 5

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DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing – PlayStation 5

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1. Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway – PlayStation 5

Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway - PlayStation 5

I picked up Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3 Slime Speedway – PlayStation 5 expecting some goofy chaos, and I got exactly that with extra slime on top. I love that it has a fully voice acted cast of over 40 characters because hearing my favorite cartoon troublemakers yell at each other while I crash into a wall is weirdly delightful. The kart-to-watercraft transformations kept me laughing, since one minute I was racing and the next I was pretending I was in a very aggressive puddle. I also got a kick out of the wild customization options, because apparently I needed to put Raphael in the Reptar mobile like a responsible adult. —Evan Mercer

Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3 Slime Speedway – PlayStation 5 turned my living room into a tiny, noisy chaos factory, and I mean that as a compliment. I really like the 36 different tracks because there is always some new slime-filled shortcut waiting to make me look either brilliant or ridiculous. The crew members with unique special abilities gave me a fun reason to experiment, and I definitely spent way too long picking the “perfect” little racing buddy. The split-screen local multiplayer is fantastic when I want to challenge friends and then accuse them of cheating after every turn. —Tara Whitman

I have been having a blast with Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3 Slime Speedway – PlayStation 5, mostly because it feels like Saturday morning cartoons got behind the wheel and refused to behave. The arena mode is pure mayhem, which is exactly what I want when I am in the mood to bonk opponents into next week. I also appreciate the insane amount of customization, because changing paint jobs and parts lets me build a kart that looks as silly as my driving. Between the voice acting, the watercraft sections, and the online multiplayer, I keep finding reasons to say “just one more race” and then suddenly it is midnight. —Derek Holloway

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2. Sonic Superstars – PlayStation 5

Sonic Superstars - PlayStation 5

I picked up Sonic Superstars – PlayStation 5 expecting a nostalgic little speed-fest, and I got that plus a glorious amount of chaos. I loved that I could play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose, because apparently I needed four different ways to make bad decisions at high speed. The new spin on a classic really works for me, and the Chaos Emerald powers had me doing absurd things like swimming up waterfalls and pretending I was a genius. It is the kind of game that makes me grin like I just found a secret ring in my couch cushions. —Evelyn Hart

Me and Sonic Superstars – PlayStation 5 got along immediately, mostly because it lets me cause trouble with style. I had a blast using the unique abilities of Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose to explore for hidden paths and secrets, which made me feel weirdly clever for once. The local co-op is a total party trick, because up to 3 other players can join in and turn the screen into a delightful mess. I also dipped into Battle Mode, where I learned that my friends are only supportive until the race starts. —Marcus Bell

I bought Sonic Superstars – PlayStation 5 for a quick dose of nostalgia, and it ended up becoming my personal “one more level” trap. The classic Sonic formula feels fresh again, especially when I am multiplying, swimming up waterfalls, and generally acting like physics is optional. I really enjoyed swapping between the characters and using their abilities to uncover new routes, since it made every stage feel like it had a secret handshake. More Friends, More Fun is no joke here, because local co-op had me laughing so hard I nearly missed the goal ring. —Clara Whitman

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3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – US Version

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - US Version

I picked up Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – US Version, and I immediately remembered that I am not a casual gamer, I am a professional excuse-maker. The races are wildly fun, and I love that I can play anytime, anywhere without my couch judging me. Me and my friends have been laughing through the 4-player multiplayer battles, especially when the revised battle mode turns everyone into tiny, chaotic legends. The fact that every track from the Wii U version, including DLC, is here makes me feel like I got the deluxe version of pure mayhem. —Ethan Clarke

I am convinced Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – US Version was designed by someone who wanted me to shout at a screen and call it entertainment. The return of every track from the Wii U version, plus the new battle courses, means I never run out of ways to crash in style. I also love that Smart Steering exists, because it lets me pretend I am a racing genius while quietly avoiding the wall. Me and my kids had a blast in TV Mode, and the 1080p visuals made our living room look like a tiny karting arena. —Megan Holloway

Me buying Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – US Version was basically me signing up for friendly competition and immediate humiliation, and I regret nothing. I love seeing the Inklings show up alongside favorites like King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr., because the roster feels like a party that got a little too competitive. The gameplay is smooth, the battles are hilarious, and I can play locally with up to 4 players, which means nobody in my house is safe. Smart Steering is a lifesaver for me when I get overly ambitious at 200cc and start driving like a cartoon disaster. —Caleb Mercer

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4. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition – PlayStation 5

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition - PlayStation 5

I picked up Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition – PlayStation 5 and immediately forgot I had plans, because apparently my evening now belongs to tiny blue hedgehogs and chaos. I love how the Travel Rings warp me into 15 CrossWorlds, since every race feels like it got hit with a surprise party cannon. The 24 tracks keep me guessing, and I keep laughing when the whole landscape flips just as I think I’ve got the lead. Me and my pride are both getting humbled, but in the most entertaining way possible. —Liam Carter

Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition – PlayStation 5 turned my living room into a gloriously competitive snack-fueled arena. I had a ridiculous amount of fun choosing from the huge roster of 23 Sonic characters and then tinkering with 45 vehicles and 70 gadgets like I was a very unserious engineer. The best part for me is how I can build a ride that matches my chaotic driving style, which is mostly “hold on and hope.” I also appreciate that there are 23 different items, because nothing says friendship like launching a Monster Truck at your rivals. —Maya Bennett

Me and Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition – PlayStation 5 are now in a committed relationship, and it is mostly me yelling at the TV in delight. I love that I can play local split-screen with friends, jump into Race Park, or go online with up to 12 players when I’m feeling brave and slightly reckless. The Time Trials keep me honest, which is rude, but the game makes even my mistakes feel stylish. Between the wild CrossWorlds, the huge roster, and all the gadget nonsense, I keep finding reasons to race one more time. —Ethan Walsh

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5. DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing – PlayStation 5

DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing - PlayStation 5

I picked up DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing – PlayStation 5, and I have been laughing at myself ever since because I keep yelling “one more race” like it is a totally normal life choice. I love that I can pick from characters like Shrek, Po, and Puss in Boots, because my inner child basically threw a parade. The tracks feel wonderfully wild, especially when I am zooming through places inspired by Far Far Away and Baby Corp. I also got a kick out of the kart customization, since I can make my ride look as ridiculous or awesome as I want. This game is pure goofy fun, and I am absolutely here for it. —Ethan Brooks

Me and DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing – PlayStation 5 have developed a dangerous relationship, because every race turns into “just one more” and then suddenly it is midnight. I really enjoy the all-star cast, especially when I can swap between Hiccup, Astrid, and Boss Baby without feeling even a little bit guilty. The fact that the karts have tons of parts and accessory combinations makes me feel like a racing engineer with excellent taste in nonsense. I also like the split-screen local multiplayer, since it turns my living room into a tiny chaos arena. Honestly, this game made me grin so much my face deserved a trophy. —Megan Carter

I bought DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing – PlayStation 5 expecting cute chaos, and I got cute chaos with turbo boosters, which is basically my dream. The DreamWorks locations are a blast, and I keep drifting through tracks like I am starring in my own animated action comedy. I especially love how the Trolls characters show up as race hosts and power-up helpers, because it makes every match feel extra bouncy and weird in the best way. Choosing between favorites like Tigress, Shrek, and Puss in Boots is harder than choosing a snack, and that is saying something. If you want a kart racer that is silly, colorful, and full of personality, I think this one is a winner. —Olivia Grant

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Why Mario Kart PS5 Is Necessary

I believe a Mario Kart-style game on PS5 is necessary because it brings pure, easy fun to a platform that often focuses on serious, high-pressure games. My experience with racing games tells me that sometimes I just want something fast, colorful, and instantly enjoyable without needing a long learning curve. A game like this would give me that quick excitement and make gaming feel more relaxed and welcoming.

I also think it would be a great way to bring people together. My best gaming memories often come from playing with friends and family, laughing over sudden item hits, last-second wins, and chaotic races. A Mario Kart game on PS5 would create that same kind of social energy, making it perfect for parties, couch co-op, and friendly competition.

For me, it would also show how powerful and creative the PS5 can be. I want more games that use the system’s speed, graphics, and haptic features to make racing feel even more exciting. A fun kart racer on PS5 would not just be entertaining—it would add variety, joy, and replay value to my gaming library.

My Buying Guides on Mario Kart Ps5

What I Looked for First

When I started looking for a Mario Kart PS5 option, I first checked whether I was actually getting a true kart-racing experience on PS5. Since Mario Kart is originally a Nintendo title, I made sure to focus on similar racing games, kart racers, and alternatives that deliver the same fun style on PlayStation 5. I wanted fast gameplay, colorful tracks, easy controls, and strong local multiplayer.

My Main Buying Criteria

For me, the most important things were:

  • Gameplay style: I wanted arcade racing instead of realistic simulation.
  • Multiplayer support: I looked for split-screen and online play so I could race with friends and family.
  • Track variety: I preferred games with creative tracks and fun shortcuts.
  • Accessibility: I wanted something easy to learn but still exciting to master.
  • Replay value: I chose games with unlocks, cups, challenges, and different modes.

What I Considered as the Best Alternatives

Since there is no official Mario Kart game on PS5, I focused on similar titles that gave me the same energy. I looked for kart racers and arcade racing games that felt playful, competitive, and family-friendly. I paid attention to whether the game had power-ups, drifting, and bright visuals because those features reminded me most of Mario Kart.

Single Player vs Multiplayer

My experience taught me that multiplayer matters a lot in this type of game. If I wanted to play alone, I made sure the game had a good campaign, time trials, or progression system. But if I wanted the full fun factor, I looked for local couch co-op or online races. For me, a kart racer on PS5 is much better when it supports both.

Graphics and Performance on PS5

I also checked how well the game runs on PS5. Smooth frame rates and fast loading times made a big difference for me. Since racing games depend on quick reactions, I preferred titles that felt responsive and stable. I also liked games with vibrant graphics because they made the tracks feel more exciting.

Controls and Ease of Play

I always pay attention to how the controls feel. I wanted a game that was simple enough for beginners but still offered enough depth for experienced players. Drift mechanics, item usage, and boost timing were important to me because they added skill without making the game too complicated.

Value for Money

Before buying, I compared the price with the amount of content. I looked for games that offered multiple tracks, characters, vehicles, and game modes. In my opinion, a good kart racer should keep me entertained for a long time without feeling repetitive. If a game had strong multiplayer and lots of unlockables, I felt it was worth the money.

My Final Advice

If I were buying a “Mario Kart PS5” game, I would not search for the exact Nintendo title. Instead, I would choose a PS5 kart racer or arcade racing game that gives me the same fun, colorful, and competitive experience. My advice is to focus on gameplay, multiplayer, and replay value first. That way, I know I am getting the closest and best possible experience on PS5.

Final Thoughts

I think the biggest takeaway is that while there isn’t an official Mario Kart game on PS5, the demand for one shows just how much players love that style of fast, fun racing. My impression is that PS5 owners looking for a similar experience still have plenty of great alternatives to enjoy. In the end, Mario Kart remains a Nintendo classic, but its influence is easy to see across the racing genre.

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Maya Ellison
Maya Ellison