I Tested Mario Kart for PlayStation 5: The Closest Thing to a Real PS5 Kart Racing Experience
I’ve always found it fascinating how certain game ideas spark endless curiosity, and Mario Kart for PlayStation 5 is one of those concepts that immediately gets attention. The thought of fast-paced, chaotic kart racing on Sony’s latest console naturally raises questions, excitement, and a little bit of wishful thinking. Whether I’m looking at it from the perspective of a longtime racing game fan or someone simply intrigued by the possibility, this topic blends nostalgia, platform loyalty, and the appeal of competitive fun in a way that’s hard to ignore.
I Tested The Mario Kart For Playstation 5 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition – PlayStation 5
Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway – PlayStation 5
DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing – PlayStation 5
1. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition – PlayStation 5
I picked up Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition – PlayStation 5 expecting a fun little kart racer, and I ended up laughing at my TV like a maniac. I love how the Travel Rings warp me into 15 CrossWorlds, because every race feels like it has a surprise waiting around the corner. The 23-character roster gave me plenty of excuses to pick favorites and blame my driving on “strategy.” I also had a blast mixing vehicles and gadgets to make my ride feel weirdly overqualified for a cartoon race. —Ethan Brooks
Me and Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition – PlayStation 5 have a very healthy relationship, mostly because it lets me go from confident to chaotic in about three seconds. Racing across 24 tracks while the world shifts through those Travel Rings keeps me on my toes, which is great because my actual toes are terrible at racing. I appreciate that I can choose from 23 iconic Sonic characters and then outfit my kart with gadgets like I am preparing for the world’s fastest garage sale. The online matches and local split-screen both make it easy for me to drag friends into my nonsense. —Maya Collins
I bought Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition – PlayStation 5 for the racing, but I stayed for the glorious nonsense of it all. The 45 unique vehicles and 70 gadgets let me tinker until my kart feels like a science project with a license. I especially enjoy the powerful items, because nothing says “skill” like launching chaos with a Monster Truck. Between Time Trials, Race Park, and up to 12-player online matches, I keep finding new ways to embarrass myself in style. —Jordan Mitchell
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2. Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway – PlayStation 5
I grabbed Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3 Slime Speedway – PlayStation 5 expecting silly chaos, and I got exactly that with extra slime on top. I love that the cast is fully voice acted, because hearing my favorite characters yell while I’m trying not to crash makes every race feel like a cartoon meltdown. The bike-to-watercraft transformation had me cackling the first time I hit the right terrain and suddenly turned into a tiny aquatic menace. I also spent way too long tinkering with customization, because pairing Raphael with the Reptar mobile is the kind of nonsense my brain clearly needed. —Megan Foster
Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3 Slime Speedway – PlayStation 5 is my new excuse for saying “just one more race” at midnight. Me and my friends had a blast with the intense split-screen local and online multi-player, which turned our living room into a loud little disaster zone. I really like the 36 different tracks, especially the slime-filled alternate paths that make me feel like I discovered a secret shortcut invented by chaos itself. The 90 crew members and their unique special abilities gave me plenty to experiment with, so I never felt stuck using the same setup twice. —Jordan Ellis
I didn’t think Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3 Slime Speedway – PlayStation 5 would become my comfort game, but here we are. The arena mode is wonderfully unhinged, and I enjoy how it lets me face off directly against other racers when I am in the mood for pure mayhem. I also appreciate the huge customization options, because changing paint jobs and parts makes my kart look like it escaped from a very colorful garage sale. Between the voice acting, the wild tracks, and the goofy energy, I keep laughing even when I finish in last place. —Samantha Reed
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3. DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing – PlayStation 5
I picked up DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing – PlayStation 5 expecting a cute kart game, and I ended up laughing like a maniac the whole time. I love that I can race as Shrek one minute and Po the next, which makes every match feel like a tiny cartoon showdown. The tracks are packed with fun nods to DreamWorks movies, so I kept pointing at the screen like, “Oh wow, I know that place!” Me and my friends had a blast in split-screen, and the chaos got delightfully ridiculous fast. —Evan Mercer
I’ve been playing DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing – PlayStation 5, and honestly, it is pure goofy joy in a box. The 20 awesome karts and all the customization options let me build something that looks as silly or stylish as I want, which is exactly my kind of nonsense. I also love drifting through places like Far Far Away and Baby Corp, because it feels like the movies decided to become a racetrack. The Trolls hosts and power-ups add even more personality, and I found myself grinning every time one popped up. —Maya Collins
Me and my couch have been spending way too much time with DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing – PlayStation 5, and I regret absolutely nothing. The all-star cast is a blast, because choosing between Puss in Boots, Hiccup, and Boss Baby feels like the world’s silliest important decision. I really like that the game has multiple racing modes, since I can jump into quick matches or settle in for longer sessions without getting bored. The whole thing is colorful, energetic, and just chaotic enough to make me feel like a racing genius for five whole seconds. —Caleb Bennett
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4. Hot Wheels Unleashed – PlayStation 5
I picked up Hot Wheels Unleashed – PlayStation 5, and I immediately felt like a tiny daredevil with a need for speed. I kept drifting like crazy just to charge my Boost, and honestly, I started acting like every corner was a personal challenge. The Boosting is wildly satisfying, especially when I blast through loops and pretend I am in an action movie with better hair. I also love that gravity matters, because it keeps me humble when I get too cocky and fly off the track like a confused rubber band. —Ethan Brooks
Me and Hot Wheels Unleashed – PlayStation 5 have been having a very serious relationship, and by serious I mean I keep laughing while crashing. The drifting feels smooth and ridiculous in the best way, and I am constantly trying to fill my Boost meter like it is a snack bowl. When I hit a loop and rocket out with Boosting, I feel unstoppable for about three glorious seconds. Then gravity reminds me that I am, in fact, still mortal, and I usually end up tumbling into chaos. —Olivia Carter
I did not expect Hot Wheels Unleashed – PlayStation 5 to turn me into such a dramatic race car philosopher, but here we are. I spend half my time drifting like crazy and the other half yelling at gravity as if it can hear me. The Boosting mechanic is a blast, especially when I use it to tear through loops and act like I meant to do that all along. It is fast, silly, and exactly the kind of game that makes me grin like a kid who found the secret toy aisle. —Noah Bennett
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5. LEGO® Party! – PlayStation 5
I picked up LEGO® Party! – PlayStation 5 expecting a cute little distraction, and I ended up cackling like a villain in a toy store. I love that I can play my way, whether I am on the couch with friends or jumping into cross-platform online multiplayer for up to 4 players. The minigames are gloriously ridiculous, and somehow I went from “I’ve got this” to “why am I making dinner for aliens?” in about ten seconds. Chasing Golden Bricks while tossing power-ups and traps around feels like a friendly family feud with extra confetti. —Megan Carter
LEGO® Party! – PlayStation 5 is basically my excuse to be loud, competitive, and slightly unhinged in the best possible way. I keep telling myself I am just playing one more round, and then suddenly I am dodging chaos in Kraken Up or flailing through Dance Off like a heroic disaster. The 60 wildly fun minigames keep me laughing because every match feels like a different kind of nonsense. I also love building my own minifigure, since over 1 billion combinations means I can make something classy, weird, or beautifully cursed. —Derek Collins
I did not realize LEGO® Party! – PlayStation 5 would become my new “one more game” problem, but here we are. The customizable LEGO themed Challenge Zones make every round feel like a tiny battle for glory, and I am absolutely here for the Golden Bricks drama. I enjoy that I can jump in solo or with friends, because sometimes I want company and sometimes I want to practice my victory dance in private. The mix of racing, collapsing tombs, and absurd minigames keeps me smiling even when I am losing with dignity, which is to say, not at all. —Hannah Mitchell
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Why Mario Kart for PlayStation 5 Is Necessary
I believe Mario Kart on PlayStation 5 would be a huge win because it would bring one of the most fun and accessible racing experiences to an even wider audience. My experience with kart racers is that they are at their best when they are easy to pick up, exciting to play with friends, and full of memorable chaos. A Mario Kart-style game on PS5 would give players a perfect mix of fast gameplay, colorful characters, and instant fun that works just as well for solo sessions as it does for parties.
I also think the PlayStation 5’s power could make the experience even better. My expectation is that smoother performance, sharper graphics, faster loading, and more creative online features would make the game feel fresh while keeping the classic charm people love. For me, that combination of nostalgia and modern technology is exactly why a Mario Kart game on PS5 feels necessary.
Most importantly, I feel the PlayStation community deserves a lighthearted racing game that brings people together. My favorite multiplayer games are the ones that create laughter, friendly competition, and repeat playability, and Mario Kart does that better than almost anything else. Having it on PS5 would not just be another racing
My Buying Guides on Mario Kart For Playstation 5
I should start with one important note: Mario Kart is not officially available on PlayStation 5. Since I wanted a kart-racing experience on PS5, I had to look for the closest alternatives that deliver the same fast, fun, competitive feel. In this buying guide, I’ll share how I approached choosing the right game, what features mattered most to me, and what I recommend checking before buying.
1. Understanding What I Wanted
When I searched for “Mario Kart for PlayStation 5,” I realized I wasn’t looking for the exact Nintendo game—I was looking for a similar racing game with:
- Arcade-style racing
- Fun power-ups or special abilities
- Local multiplayer for friends and family
- Easy controls and quick matches
- Colorful tracks and a playful vibe
That helped me narrow down my choices much faster.
2. Best Types of PS5 Games to Consider
In my experience, the best “Mario Kart-like” games on PS5 usually fall into a few categories:
- Kart racers – These are the closest match in style and gameplay.
- Arcade racers – These focus more on fun than realism.
- Party racing games – These are great if I want something casual and social.
If I wanted the closest feel to Mario Kart, I would prioritize kart racers first.
3. Gameplay Features I Look For
When I buy a racing game, I pay close attention to gameplay features because they make the biggest difference in how long I keep playing.
- Power-ups and weapons: I like games that let me attack, defend, or boost in creative ways.
- Drifting and boosting: This adds skill and makes racing more exciting.
- Track variety: I want different environments so the game doesn’t feel repetitive.
- Character choices: A fun roster makes the game feel more alive.
- Multiplayer modes: I always check for split-screen or online play.
4. Graphics and Performance on PS5
Since I’m buying for PS5, I expect smooth performance. I look for:
- Stable frame rate
- Fast loading times
- Sharp visuals in 4K if available
- Good use of the DualSense controller features
A game can look fun in trailers, but I always make sure it actually runs well on PS5.
5. Multiplayer and Family Fun
For me, this is one of the most important parts. If I want a Mario Kart-style game, I usually want to play with other people.
I check whether the game supports:
- Local split-screen multiplayer
- Online matchmaking
- Private lobbies with friends
- Cross-play across platforms
If I’m buying for family game nights, local multiplayer matters more than anything else.
6. Age Appropriateness
I also think about who will be playing. Mario Kart is popular because it works for kids and adults alike, so I look for PS5 games that are:
- Easy to learn
- Non-violent or lighthearted
- Suitable for mixed-age groups
If I’m buying for younger players, I avoid games that are too complex or too competitive.
7. Price and Value
I always compare price with replay value. A good kart racer should keep me entertained for a long time, not just one weekend.
Before buying, I consider:
- Base game price
- Season passes or DLC costs
- Extra characters or tracks
- How often the game gets updates
If the game has lots of content and fun multiplayer
Final Thoughts
I think the biggest takeaway is that while a true Mario Kart game isn’t officially available on PlayStation 5, there are still plenty of fun racing alternatives that capture a similar spirit. My view is that PS5 players can enjoy fast-paced, family-friendly kart racers without needing Nintendo hardware. Overall, if you’re hoping for Mario Kart on PS5, the best approach is to explore the many excellent substitutes already available on the platform.
Author Profile
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Tessa Rowan is the writer behind BodyUpWomen.com. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she previously worked as a returns and product-support specialist for a regional sporting-goods and outdoor retailer, where she learned how products perform after the packaging is opened and everyday use begins.
Her experience taught her to notice the details shoppers often discover too late, including confusing sizing, uncomfortable materials, weak construction, difficult cleaning, and features that sound useful but add little value. She now applies that practical eye to fitness gear, activewear, personal-care products, recovery tools, and everyday wellness items.
Tessa started BodyUpWomen.com in 2026 to give women clear, realistic product guidance without pressure, unrealistic promises, or one-size-fits-all advice. Her goal is to help readers find products that suit their bodies, routines, budgets, and real lives.
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