All 14 Mario Kart World Retro Tracks, Ranked

In each new installment of Mario Kart, it appears that they include tracks from previous games as a requirement. Each iteration has its unique approach when it comes to these classic tracks. Sometimes, these returning tracks get a slight makeover or incorporate features from the latest game (for example, paragliding and underwater segments). However, since Mario Kart 8 introduced the series to high-definition graphics, remakes of these tracks have been more about significant graphical and artistic upgrades rather than just minor modifications.

In the sequel of Mario Kart World for Nintendo Switch 2, the beloved tracks from Mario Kart history are given a fresh twist: not only do they undergo a makeover, but they are seamlessly woven into the larger game world, providing players with hidden areas to discover in Free Roam mode. The game boasts 14 retro courses from Mario Kart World, and below is our list, ranked from least to most favored, taking into account factors such as accuracy to the original tracks, visual and gameplay enhancements, and overall racing enjoyment.

14. Sky-High Sundae (Switch)

Despite being relatively new, Sky-High Sundae stands alone as the only track from Mario Kart Tour included in the Booster Course Pass for Mario Kart 8 within World. While it’s not a poorly designed course, it might not be among fans’ top picks if asked to name desired reoccurring tracks, as it may not immediately come to mind.

In terms of appearance, this version is significantly more vibrant and intricate than its mobile counterpart. However, it doesn’t quite spark nostalgia like Sky-High Sundae does, and it wasn’t as in need of a major overhaul compared to the other classic tracks featured in the game. On a broader scope, this track seems somewhat out of place within the game’s open world when compared to the other courses. It’s hard to tell where we are exactly – is it an amusement park, a themed shopping mall, or have we suddenly jumped into the candy and ice cream realm from “Wreck-It Ralph”?

13. Wario Stadium (N64)

Unusually, the original Wario Stadium is the sole track from Mario Kart 64 that hasn’t been featured in any subsequent game – until this moment. One would expect its comeback to be a significant event, given its status as an iconic course and its role in introducing the “Stadium” theme in the Mario Kart series. However, in Mario Kart World, it turned out to be one of the biggest letdowns.

Initially, the design of the track underwent a significant change, resembling a shadow of the iconic Wario Stadium from the past. The excessive sharp turns and uneven dirt paths have been eliminated, resulting in a more compact and swift race. The original Wario Stadium was sometimes frustrating because of its length, but it was uniquely memorable. Its labyrinthine structure perfectly suited Wario’s character. Moreover, Wario’s unattractive mugshot adorned the walls, relentlessly following the player like a sadistic tormentor. The pyrotechnics in the remake failed to match the level of amusing self-importance achieved in the original.

12. Desert Hills (DS)

Desert Hills, reminiscent of the creative spirit in the design of Mario Kart World, could be seen as a reimagining of earlier tracks. However, it might not fully embody this concept. The original DS track was inhabited by Pokeys and incorporated aspects from Super Mario Bros. 3, like the Angry Sun and its Fire Snakes. In the revamped version, these elements have been swapped out for massive heads called Tokotokos and Batadons, creatures that hail from Super Mario Land – a detail I had to research on the Super Mario Wiki to familiarize myself with.

To be honest, I’m quite fond of these designers’ creations, and it’s entertaining to watch them race on the second and third laps. However, if we’re being honest, Desert Hills doesn’t have much else going for it after removing its most distinctive features. Essentially, what remains is a lot of barren hills in a vast desert. But please, include those oversized, sunglasses-donning characters in future designs, Nintendo. They’re absolutely hilarious.

11. Wario Shipyard (3DS)

One unique aspect of Mario Kart 7 was the underwater racing, and Wario Shipyard stood out as one of the top courses demonstrating this trait. Unlike other underwater sections within the game, Wario Shipyard set itself apart with its turbulent weather conditions and numerous hurdles for racers to avoid. However, in Mario Kart World, while the track’s design and aesthetic are preserved, a significant alteration made in World proves to be detrimental for this particular course.

In the game World, racers can only traverse over water, thus leading to several elements from Wario Shipyard being omitted. This means eliminating obstacles like Fish Bones and air-blowing pipes, among others. Additionally, the remake seems to lose the unique “Wario” feel, discarding the distinctive purple and yellow colors, as well as any design aspects that reference the course’s famous character. While the gameplay remains satisfactory, the absence of original features or innovative updates raises questions about why this course was reintroduced without a fresh perspective.

10. Shy Guy Bazaar (3DS)

Reaching halfway through this list of vintage courses, you’ll notice many tracks that continue to be quite enjoyable, despite minimal updates. Shy Guy Bazaar from “Mario Kart 7” may not be a legendary course, but it seamlessly blends into the open environment of the new game. The remake is a highly accurate replication of the original, featuring additional rails for some mischievous grinding fun.

In the grand scheme of things, it’s delightful to spot authentic Shy Guys wandering around the bustling marketplace. The Switch 2 has significantly enhanced visuals, allowing for intricate details like Shy Guys riding elephants, even carrying the starting line banner for the track. Furthermore, the course layout offers multiple routes on rooftops and narrow alleyways, contributing to an exciting and unpredictable racing experience – just as a thrilling Mario Kart course ought to be!

9. Moo Moo Meadows (Wii)

Moo Moo Meadows seems to be functioning just fine, so there’s no need for any changes. This beloved track from Wii made a comeback in Mario Kart 8, receiving an impressive graphical upgrade that introduces a sunrise, making it stand out visually. The version in Mario Kart World doesn’t offer much new, as the game already features a day-night cycle, allowing players to experience the farm and its contented cows under various lighting conditions.

At Moo Moo Meadows, it’s evident that several previous Mario Kart tracks have undergone some transformation. There are now more places for spectators to watch and the large cow statue with checkered flags is quite conspicuous, suggesting that this farm has been transformed into a racetrack and tourist destination with increased clarity. Even the windmills have been adorned with flame decals, possibly to make everything seem more intense.

8. Airship Fortress (DS)

Airships are a significant part of the bigger Mario series, and incorporating one into the Mario Kart World map brings a delightful twist. One of the standout courses from Mario Kart DS was the Airship Fortress, and the World remake offers a terrific update. The game maintains the Bullet Bills, Rocky Wrench, and fire challenges, and it also includes visuals that reveal it’s a factory producing Bullet Bills, for those curious about the manufacturing process.

In many courses, like those found in the World, there are rails for you to grind on. However, in Airship Fortress, the thrill of grinding off the massive chains as you enter the airship is exceptionally rewarding. Despite its questionable appeal as a tourist destination within the Mario Kart universe, this track remains an exciting one to navigate through.

7. Toad’s Factory (Wii)

In the original version of Mario Kart Wii, the graphics had an unusual, plastic-like quality. However, the enhanced graphical capabilities of the Switch 2 and the striking art design of Mario Kart World have given a fresh lease of life to the returning tracks. Toad’s Factory is one such course that has benefited significantly from these upgrades, with improved lighting and other visual enhancements. Despite the course remaining largely unchanged, it now looks and feels much more vibrant and realistic.

This conveyor belt setup remains incredibly thrilling to dash across, and the hydraulic presses that collide with them are jam-packed with Mario Kart goodies, making for an enjoyable touch. If you take a moment to ease up (not something typically suggested during a genuine race), you’ll also notice diagrams on the walls explaining the process of how a block transforms into an item box. Toad’s Factory continues to be a fantastic attraction; we just hope that those working within the facility are unionized and are provided with a safe and fair work environment.

6. Koopa Troopa Beach (SNES)

In a more conversational style, here’s how you could rephrase that: Koopa Troopa Beach in the latest version maintains the basic structure of its SNES predecessors, and it even goes back to the original game’s five-lap rule. While it may not offer the wildness of tracks like Baby Park, it still captures the authentic Mario Kart experience. The revamped course boasts stunning vistas of various locations across the Mario Kart World map.

What makes this course stand out is the addition of a fantastic Koopa Troopa DJ, apparently spinning an electronic version of the SNES Koopa Beach tune within the storyline. It’s delightful to see how enthusiastically the Mushroom Kingdom inhabitants celebrate, and it’s a humorous touch that adds depth to the world. Is this a recurring festival in their world? Is DJ Koopa famous? And does he have any amazing tracks on SoundCloud? We may never find out, but it’s entertaining to speculate.

5. DK Pass (DS)

The DK Pass is an exciting reimagining that primarily follows the design of the original tracks from Mario Kart DS, but also incorporates aspects from DK Summit in Mario Kart Wii. Although it lacks the enjoyable uphill shortcut found in the DS version, it maintains its cheerful music and introduces Shy Guy snowboarders scattered throughout the track, much like DK Summit.

In a perfect world for the fans of Mario Kart, it could be enhanced by incorporating additional half-pipes. Nonetheless, it’s still an impressive revamp for an older track. If Mario Kart World were to introduce new courses as downloadable content, it would be exciting to witness more blended tracks like this one, particularly if Nintendo comes up with innovative ways to combine, blend, and fuse elements from various eras of the Mario Kart timeline.

4. Peach Beach (GCN)

The Peach Beach track has always been visually appealing across all games it’s been included in, but its appearance in “Mario Kart World” stands out. Unlike the original track from “Double Dash,” which resembled a coastal area of Delfino Plaza, the version in “World” is set around a new resort that seems more like a castle, fitting with Peach’s royal status. Interestingly, the second lap in the race deviates and leads players through the resort area instead.

In essence, the fresh track segments in Peach Beach significantly alter the original layout, making it feel like a brand new course. I can’t help but wish that more retro courses had taken a similar approach. This innovative design method is not only effective at stirring nostalgia, but also at surprising players by incorporating something entirely unexpected.

3. Mario Circuit (SNES)

Speaking for itself, the original Mario Circuit from Super Mario Kart doesn’t have much to add except that it’s an uncontested classic due to its distinction as the first track in the series. In the Mario Kart World version, it might be the only course that resembles a genuine go-karting track, and the garage and towering Mario Kart monument at its center are a pleasant addition.

After completing the initial lap, players will realize the thoughtfulness and respect Nintendo has for the original game. In Mario Kart World, the Mario Circuit incorporates three tracks from the SNES version, guiding racers through various routes and curves. This clever design allows for a tribute to all three tracks at once, while transforming an old track into a unique and exciting racing course.

2. Dino Dino Jungle (GCN)

In the game Double Dash, the course called Dino Dino Jungle stands out as a thrilling yet unforgettable track to navigate, though its world version boasts additional safety measures, it’s bursting with activity. Following the trend of revamped tracks showcasing growth in their updated forms, Dino Dino Jungle has been transformed into a lab, all while preserving the original track design from the GameCube era.

In what other video games do you have the opportunity to level up by attacking dinosaurs or employ a triceratops as a jumping platform? The T-Rex’s appearance during the second round adds an exciting touch, as it circuits the track independently and can serve as an unexpected challenge. Dino Dino Jungle maintains some familiar elements such as bridges, ramps, and geysers from the original track, but these new features give it a fresh, invigorating feel.

1. Choco Mountain (N64)

As a gamer, I’ve got to say, it takes some nerve for Nintendo to transform Choco Mountain into what appears to be a Charging Chuck demolition derby! Sure, there are still those pesky falling boulders and the same basic layout, but this ain’t the Choco Mountain that I remember. It’s like they hit the reset button and started from scratch!

As a devoted fan, I’ve got to admit that I’ve always had mixed feelings about the visuals on the classic Mario Kart 64 tracks. But with its new stadium design, Choco Mountain in Mario Kart World has really stepped up its game! From the muddy fountains and sparkling decorations, to the relentless Charging Chucks, it’s clear that this course now boasts some serious visual flair.

There’s been a lot of debate about whether Nintendo removed the “Choco” from “Choco Mountain,” but personally, I don’t think that brown substance was ever real chocolate to start with! And let me tell you, the rockin’ metal remix of the music is just the cherry on top. Among all the retro courses in Mario Kart World, Choco Mountain stands out as a perfect example of how to breathe new life into a classic track.

2025-07-10 20:12