Super Mario Kart: all version differences
6 documented differences between the releases of Super Mario Kart, each with a source. Back to the main page for names, releases and where to play.
Category × version
| Category | JP | NA/EU | NA | EU | Virtual Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Censorship | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Text | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Title | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Graphics | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Gameplay | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Version differences
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CensorshipJPNA/EU
The Japanese version shows Bowser and Princess Peach drinking champagne in their victory animations; the North American and European releases cut the drinking.1
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TextJPNA/EU
Several courses got new names abroad: Ghost Swamp, Koopa Castle, Chocolate Island and Nokonoko Beach became Ghost Valley, Bowser Castle, Choco Island and Koopa Beach.1
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TitleJPNA/EU
The Japanese title screen has a small background scene with Mario and Peach that the international versions dropped, and the logo lettering is different.1
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GraphicsNA
Only the North American version uses redrawn Yoshi sprites with a thicker head; the Japanese and European versions keep the original art.1
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GameplayEU
In the PAL version the rocket start works differently (hold the accelerator just before the second light), and a bug that let the loser keep driving after a Match Race or Battle Mode ended was fixed.1
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GraphicsVirtual Console
The Virtual Console releases tone down the screen flashes from the Star and Lightning items to reduce the risk of seizures.1
Sources
Checked: 2026-10-13