The series has had its ups and downs. Following the quantum leap in fidelity from 1992’s Super Mario Kart to the N64 version, and again to the GameCube’s Double Dash (2003), the series spun its wheels ...

Ah, yes, Mario Kart. The survival game masquerading as a racing title. Don’t believe me? All you need to do is reach first place on any track. Better yet, do it on Mario Kart World. On a six-lap race.

If you know anything about gaming, you probably know the name ‘Mario Kart.’ Since 1992, the series has been a pillar of Nintendo’s output and a quintessential example of the company’s “easy to pick up ...