Super Mario Kart is a racing video game released by Nintendo in 1992 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System that started the popular Mario Kart series. The game features well-known characters from the Mario universe, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Bowser, Donkey Kong Jr., Koopa Troopa, and Toad, each with unique attributes that affect speed, acceleration, and handling. Players race go-karts across a variety of themed tracks, such as Mario Circuit, Donut Plains, and Ghost Valley, while competing in four main cups—Mushroom, Flower, Star, and Special—each consisting of multiple races. Throughout each race, drivers collect item boxes that provide power-ups like banana peels, green and red shells, lightning bolts, and invincibility stars, which can be used strategically to gain an advantage or disrupt opponents. The game uses Mode 7 graphics to create a pseudo-3D perspective, giving the tracks a sense of depth and rotation that was impressive for its time. In addition to standard racing, Super Mario Kart also includes a Battle Mode where players compete in arenas to pop each other’s balloons, adding a competitive multiplayer experience. With its tight controls, challenging AI, and emphasis on both skill and strategy, Super Mario Kart became a groundbreaking title that defined the core mechanics and style of the Mario Kart franchise.