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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is being released today for the Switch. It is the most expansive and probably the best Mario Kart game in the whole series! So to celebrate this momentous occasion, let's take a look back at the many, many mascot kart racers in gaming history. This includes the good, the bad, and even the ugly. However, it is ONLY mascot racers, and even further, only video game mascots. So Nicktoons or Loony Toons will not be on this list. Now let's see what we've got. Please feel free to share you memories and experiences of these games. 

Mario Kart Series (1992-present)

Super Mario Kart (1992, SNES) not only started the video game mascot kart racing genre, over time the series perfected it. This is the longest running kart racer series in history, still obviously going strong today. The original game blew the minds of everyone back in 1992. The characters and courses were pulled straight from the Mario universe. Mode 7 made it all seem so realistic, although now it looks quite goofy. Mario Kart 64 brought the series into 3D, which was amazing in 1997. Since the N64, there has been a Mario Kart game for every console and handheld--and they have all been great! This series is still leading the way in this genre. 

Sonic Drift Series (1994-1995)

Sonic was the first one to try and copy the Mario Kart formula. Unfortunately, the Sonic Drift games for Game Gear will probably give you a headache with their fast-moving tracks and sharp turns that will make you sick. It tries, but it can't compete with Mario Kart. The games are colorful, yet the backgrounds are drab. Sonic would later return to the kart racing genre and find much better success. 

Diddy Kong Racing (1997)

Released shortly after Mario Kart 64, this Rare-developed game is quite amazing. It features Diddy, along with a few Rare characters--Banjo (from Banjo Kazooie) and Conker (from Conker's Bad Fur Day). All the other characters are great too. This kart racer has a hub world and a story mode, which is really great. You also get to race boss characters and even challenge the main villain, Wiz Pig. The game used not only karts, but also planes and hovercrafts, giving it much more variety than the usual kart racer. This is truly a stand-out game from Rare. 

Mega Man Battle & Chase (1997)

This kart racer starring the blue bomber was released only in Japan and PAL territories. The game features characters from the classic Mega Man series. The focus is on combat more than usual, as each character has a gauge and a special attack that can be unleashed when the gauge fills. You can also destroy certain things that are on the courses. However, this game really is just a rip-off of Mario Kart, and it does not fare as well as the plumber's games. It's fun, but not a blast. 

Chocobo Racing (1999)

The Final Fantasy series jumps into the kart racing scene by using their own mascot, the chocobo. In this crazy racer, creatures and characters from the FF universe race in karts, scooters, on magic carpets, and even on foot! The courses are all from different games in the series too, making this a great fan service experience. Magic stones are the things you'll want to collect in order to use attacks. This game is pretty good, and fans are overall pleased with it. Cloud and Squall are even secret characters which can be unlocked. That's pretty cool. 

Crash Racing Series (1999-2003)

Mario vs. Crash Bandicoot during the early 3D era became almost as big as Mario vs. Sonic during the 16-bit wars. So of course Crash would have his own kart racer. Crash Team Racing (CTR) was a worthy competitor against the great Mario Kart 64. It features plenty of characters and courses from the CB universe, along with 5 modes, which includes a story mode in which you must compete against four bosses (similar to Diddy Kong Racing). There's also a customizable battle mode for up to four players. This game was praised for its gameplay and graphics. Its sequel, Crash Nitro Racing, was released in 2003. However, this one is plagued with sequelitis, receiving mixed reviews as just a generic kart racer. But it still offers plenty of modes and is praised for its "power slide" system. I think Crash successfully competed against Mario Kart for a time, but it was short-lived. 

Konami Krazy Racers (2001)

This is Konami's version of Mario Kart, featuring characters from several different Konami series, such as Goemon, Castlevania, Metal Gear, and Gradius. It was also a launch game for the GBA, beating Mario to the track. This game is actually pretty great! It looks and plays very similarly to Mario Kart, yet it's a good rip-off (if you know what I mean). While racing, you can pick up red bells or blue bells. Red bells contain a weapon while blue bells have a speed boost item. The tracks are also from different Konami games, which is really cool. People really like this game, and some even say it's better than Mario Kart: Super Circuit on GBA. Wow! 

Jak X: Combat Racing (2005)

This one is surprising, coming from the Jak and Daxter series. This was no quick cash-grab. It apparently cost 10$ million to make! As the name implies, the focus is on combat, featuring some heavy-hitting weapons. The game has an Adventure mode in which you must play as Jak in order to save himself and his comrades. The tone of the game is darker, so I guess this is more of a mature kart racer. Not for kids. This one received favorable reviews. It's worth trying out if you get the chance. 

Pac-Man World Rally (2006)

Pac-Man finally jumps into the kart racing scene with this game, which is based on the Pac-Man World series. The game has 15 race tracks and a battle mode similar to other kart racing games. In addition, there are four battle arenas for multiplayer action. You will also be able to collect power-ups to attack opponents or gain an edge in the race, as well as Pac-Man's signature fruit pickups, which unlock secret shortcuts. There are 16 characters for the player to choose from. Sadly, it received poor reviews. Stick with munching on enemies, Pac-man. 

Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing Series (2010-2012)

Sonic returns to the kart racing scene, this time with a game which is actually pretty good. Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing features characters from several different Sega series, such as Sonic, Shenmue, Samba de Amigo, Super Monkey Ball, and Jet Set Radio. The characters and courses are great. Cars, bikes, and hovercrafts can all be used in the game. The sequel, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, took it a step further and had your vehicle transforming as you raced! And perhaps this second game is the best Sonic racing game we've seen. It's the ultimate Sega fan service game, with plenty to do and tons of unlockables. Only time will tell if we'll see another Sonic racing game. 

LittleBigPlanet Karting (2012)

LittleBigPlanet was a huge hit, so it's no surprise that it would get its own kart racer. The developer behind this game previously made ModNation Racers, so they already had experience with the genre. What makes this game special is the fact that you can create and customize your own characters, weapons, and courses. The game also focused on different modes, such as Battle Mode, Waypoint Races, Treasure Hunts, Score Attacks, etc. So it was able to keep its motto, "Play, Create, Share." Reviews run the gamut on this one, but it seems that it offers enough for anyone to enjoy.