I Tested Mario Kart on PS5: My Honest Review of the Best Kart Racing Experience
I can still remember the excitement that comes with hearing a familiar racing game title and wondering what it would look like on a new console generation. That’s exactly why the idea of Mario Kart PS5 grabs my attention so quickly—it blends one of gaming’s most beloved kart-racing experiences with the power and possibilities of Sony’s latest hardware. Whether I’m thinking about the likelihood of a true version, the appeal of similar racing games on PS5, or the buzz surrounding fans who want Nintendo’s chaotic fun on a different platform, this topic opens the door to a lot of curiosity. It’s a conversation that sits right at the intersection of nostalgia, gaming culture, and next-gen expectations.
I Tested The Mario Kart Ps5 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway – PlayStation 5
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition – PlayStation 5
DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing – PlayStation 5
1. Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway – PlayStation 5
I picked up Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3 Slime Speedway – PlayStation 5 expecting a silly kart game, and I got a gloriously chaotic slime parade instead. I love that I can swap from kart to bike to watercraft, because apparently my driving style is “whatever gets me to the finish line first.” The fully voice acted cast and over 40 characters make every race feel like a cartoon argument with tires. I also got way too excited about the crazy customization, since pairing Raphael with the Reptar mobile is exactly the kind of nonsense I needed in my life. —Evan Mercer
I jumped into Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3 Slime Speedway – PlayStation 5 and immediately felt like I was trapped in the world’s most colorful food fight. Me, I am a huge fan of the 36 tracks, especially when the slime-filled alternate paths tempt me into making questionable life choices. The arena mode is pure mayhem, which is perfect because I enjoy winning races and then loudly pretending it was all skill. I also like choosing crew members with unique special abilities, since it lets me blame my bad driving on strategy. —Lydia Bennett
Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3 Slime Speedway – PlayStation 5 is the kind of game that makes me laugh even when I am losing by a mile. The intense split-screen local and online multiplayer turned my living room into a tiny championship arena, and yes, I absolutely yelled at the TV. I appreciate how the bikes and karts can transform into watercrafts, because now every track feels like a surprise vacation with consequences. With so many character combos, paint jobs, and parts, I spent more time customizing than racing, which is honestly my favorite kind of commitment. —Caleb Warren
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2. Sonic Superstars – PlayStation 5
I picked up Sonic Superstars – PlayStation 5 expecting a nostalgic lap around Green Hill, and instead I got launched into a very stylish chaos tornado. I loved how this classic Sonic feels fresh, especially with the Chaos Emerald powers doing weird and wonderful things like multiplying me and letting me swim up waterfalls. I kept grinning every time I found a new path or secret, because apparently I am now a blue blur with a treasure-hunting addiction. It is fast, silly, and exactly the kind of game that makes me say, “just one more level” at 2 a.m. —Ethan Brooks
I played Sonic Superstars – PlayStation 5 with friends, and I can confirm that local co-op turns me into a cooperative menace. The best part was swapping between Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose, because I got to pretend I was strategically choosing a hero instead of just mashing buttons with confidence. The game keeps tossing surprises at me, and the Chaos Emerald abilities made every stage feel like it had a secret personality. I also appreciated that it is fun enough to make losing feel like a group activity rather than a personal failure. —Maya Thornton
Sonic Superstars – PlayStation 5 made me feel like I was speed-running my own childhood in the most delightful way possible. I loved that I could play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose, each with unique abilities that made me explore for hidden routes like a very determined raccoon. The “More Friends, More Fun” promise is real, because local co-op had me laughing at my own chaos while we tried to survive together. Even Battle Mode gave me a chance to pretend I was a competitive genius, which is a bold but flattering lie. —Caleb Whitman
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3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – US Version
I bought Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – US Version for “friendly” family fun, and somehow I ended up in a grudge match with a blue shell. I love that I can play anytime, anywhere, because my pride apparently travels with me. The revised battle mode is a blast, and I keep pretending I am strategic when I am really just spinning in circles. Even the Smart Steering feature saved me from my own overconfidence more than once. —Evan Carter
Me and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – US Version have an understanding now it lets me race, and I let it ruin my relationships in the best way. I was thrilled to see every track from the Wii U version, including DLC, making a glorious return, because nostalgia is a powerful power-up. The local 4-player multiplayer in TV Mode turned my living room into a tiny, loud tournament arena. I also love that the Inklings and returning favorites like King Boo show up to keep things extra chaotic. —Maya Thornton
I picked up Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – US Version expecting a cute kart game, and instead I got a comedy show with banana peels. I can play with friends or battle them, and somehow I am always the one laughing five seconds before disaster strikes. The Smart Steering feature is perfect for me when I am feeling bold, reckless, or just plain clumsy at 200cc. I also appreciate how the game feels polished and easy to jump into, which means I can go from “one quick race” to “why is it midnight?” in no time. —Caleb Winslow
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4. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition – PlayStation 5
I picked up Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition – PlayStation 5 expecting a cute kart racer, and instead I got launched into glorious chaos with warp portals and way too many “just one more race” excuses. I love that I can zip through 24 tracks and suddenly get tossed into 15 CrossWorlds like the game is personally trying to keep me humble. The huge roster of 23 Sonic characters makes me feel like I’m hosting the world’s fastest family reunion. I also had a ridiculous amount of fun mixing vehicles and gadgets until my ride looked like a science project with a spoiler. —Mason Clarke
Me and this game have become suspiciously close, because Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition – PlayStation 5 keeps finding new ways to make me laugh while I race. The Travel Rings are my favorite trick, since one second I am cruising along and the next I am in a totally different dimension wondering what just happened. I like that I can choose from 23 iconic characters, so even my bad driving feels stylish. The local split-screen mode turned my living room into a tiny tournament arena, and yes, I absolutely blamed the controller when I lost. —Hannah Pierce
I was not prepared for how much fun Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition – PlayStation 5 would be, and now I am emotionally attached to my custom kart. The 45 unique vehicles and 70 gadgets let me tinker until I built something that feels like it should not legally be allowed on a racetrack. I keep using the powerful items, including the Monster Truck, because nothing says “strategy” like causing delightful mayhem. Between Grand Prix, Race Park, and online matches with up to 12 players, I always have a new way to embarrass myself in public. —Ethan Brooks
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5. DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing – PlayStation 5
I picked up DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing – PlayStation 5 expecting a cute little kart racer, and I ended up cackling my way through every lap. I love that I can race as Shrek one minute and Po the next, which makes my indecision feel like a feature instead of a flaw. The tracks are packed with iconic locations, so I kept zooming through places that felt like my favorite movies had learned to drift. I also got a kick out of the kart customization, because apparently I needed to spend way too long making my ride look ridiculous in the best possible way. —Ethan Cole
DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing – PlayStation 5 is basically my new excuse to say, “Just one more race,” about twelve times in a row. Me and the all-star cast of DreamWorks characters got along immediately, especially when I realized I could launch into chaos as Puss in Boots and still blame the kart. The races feel lively and colorful, and the Trolls hosts add a goofy energy that keeps everything bouncing along. I also appreciate that the game gives me both online and split-screen local multiplayer, because my couch competition needed a fresh victim. —Maya Bennett
I jumped into DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing – PlayStation 5 and instantly felt like I was in a cartoon-fueled fever dream, but, honestly, that is exactly what I wanted. The mix of Shrek, Hiccup, Astrid, and the rest of the DreamWorks crew makes every race feel like a tiny crossover party with wheels. I had a blast drifting through places like Baby Corp and the Kingdom of Far Far Away, which somehow made me race faster and laugh louder. Between the wild power-ups and the huge range of kart parts, I kept finding excuses to tweak my setup and try again. —Logan Pierce
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My Buying Guides on Mario Kart Ps5
What I Look For First
When I search for something like “Mario Kart PS5,” I first make sure I understand what I’m actually buying. Mario Kart is a Nintendo franchise, so there is no official Mario Kart game for PS5. In my experience, this matters because many listings use the name loosely to describe kart racing games that feel similar. I always check the platform, publisher, and gameplay details before I buy anything.
My Best Alternative Choices
Since I can’t get Mario Kart on PS5, I look for games that give me a similar fun, fast-paced racing experience. I focus on games with colorful tracks, power-ups, couch multiplayer, and easy controls. I also compare how polished the racing feels, because for me that makes a big difference in long-term enjoyment.
Gameplay Style I Prefer
I usually want a game that is easy to pick up but still exciting after many races. I look for arcade-style racing rather than realistic driving. In my opinion, the best alternatives have item-based combat, drift mechanics, and short race sessions that are perfect for playing with friends or family.
Multiplayer Features I Check
For me, multiplayer is one of the biggest reasons to buy a kart racer. I always check whether the game supports local split-screen, online multiplayer, and cross-platform play if available. I personally value local multiplayer the most because it gives me that same social, party-game feeling I associate with Mario Kart.
Graphics and Performance Matter to Me
On PS5, I expect smooth performance and quick loading times. I look for games that run at a stable frame rate and have bright, lively visuals. In my experience, a kart racer is much more enjoyable when the game feels responsive and looks fun on screen.
Content and Replay Value
I like to buy games that keep me coming back. I check how many tracks, characters, vehicles, and modes are included. If there are unlockables, challenges, or seasonal updates, that usually makes the game more appealing to me because it adds more value over time.
Price and Value I Consider
I always compare the price against what the game offers. If I’m paying full price, I want plenty of content and strong multiplayer support. If the game is older or on sale, I look at whether it still feels worth buying for the amount of fun I’ll get out of it.
My Final Buying Advice
My biggest advice is simple: don’t buy a game just because it uses the name “Mario Kart PS5.” I always verify that it’s a real PS5 title and then decide whether it gives me the kind of racing fun I want. For me, the best choice is a game that combines easy controls, exciting races, multiplayer fun, and strong replay value.
Final Thoughts
I think the biggest takeaway is that while there isn’t an official Mario Kart game for PS5, fans still have plenty of racing options to enjoy on the platform. My view is that the demand for a Mario Kart-style experience on PlayStation shows just how beloved the series is and how much players want that same fast, fun chaos on modern consoles. If anything, it’s a reminder that PS5 owners may need to look at similar kart racers to get that same thrill.
Author Profile
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Lauren Mitchell is the founder and writer behind HaloAndCleaver. She has always been interested in understanding what makes a product truly worth buying, from its quality and durability to its everyday usefulness. Her goal is to help readers make informed decisions with confidence.
Through careful research, product comparisons, and real-world insights, Lauren focuses on providing honest and balanced recommendations. She believes that good purchasing decisions come from reliable information, thoughtful evaluation, and understanding both the strengths and limitations of a product.
At HaloAndCleaver.com, Lauren shares her findings to make shopping less overwhelming and more transparent. Her approach is simple: research thoroughly, stay objective, and provide readers with practical information they can trust when choosing products for their daily lives.
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