Mario Kart 7

Game review by Christopher Healy, Common Sense Media
Mario Kart 7 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 6+

A few innovations, but mostly the same (really fun) racer.

Nintendo 3DS 2011
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Parents say

age 6+

Based on 6 reviews

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 36 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Mario Kart 7 is the latest installment in Nintendo's long-running racing series. The action is all very cartoony, but be aware that magical weapons (along the likes of turtle shells, banana peels, and ink blots) can be used against opponents. No one ever appears to get hurt in the game. There is online play, and the game will set you up with random opponents if you want, but those people should never see more than a screen name and there is no online chat. Also remember that Nintendo suggests children under the age of 7 do not play the game in 3D, as the effects can damage developing vision.

Community Reviews

Holly R.
Holly R. Adult
July 15, 2019
age 6+

It's bundled for free on certain 3DS and 2DS's for a reason...

It's a nice game but there's nothing much to it. It was a free download on a pre-owned New 2DS XL that I recently purchased and I got it through "redownloadible software" on the eShop and played for a few minutes. It got boring after a while. I have carpel tunnel syndrome (from being a lifelong gamer mama) and it still wasn't hard on me to play the harder levels with ease. Super Smash Bros hurts to play it and I have yet to unlock every character on that after years of having it, whereas I have only played this for less than an hour and have nearly all of the courses unlocked. Online play is probably difficult but I'm finding this to be rather bland in single player.

This title has:

Easy to play/use
quincy12
quincy12 Adult
April 4, 2019
age 8+

Younger gamers may not want to race online until they are more mature

Although Mario Kart 7 is generally okay for children, the online features are different from Single Player mode. When racing against other people online, don't expect to get 1st place all the time, like in 50cc or 100cc. In fact, some players often cheat online. Sometimes, Internet lag can deceive you. For example, racing two other people online, get 1st, but drop to last due to lag. Don't throw a tantrum over Internet lag. Somedays are better to play online than others. Kids aren't the other people online; adults play this game, too.

This title has:

Easy to play/use
See all 6 parent reviews

What’s It About?

MARIO KART 7, like all the Mario Kart games before it, pits the famous plumber brothers against their video game friends and enemies in a series of races through a cartoony fantasy world. There are new elements here, such as gliders to help you fly farther after a jump and the ability to drive underwater (and 3D graphics, of course). And a number of new courses as well. But this is very much the same Mario Kart experience players have come to expect.

Is It Any Good?

Mario Kart 7 is just as fun, fast-paced, creative, and generally enjoyable as all of its predecessors. But should it have been better? After a series has been around for this long, it could probably benefit from a real shake-up. That's not what you get here. Make no mistake, this is a very good game. The gliding and underwater driving are great additions. And it's nice that the Nintendo server will set you up with opponents who are around the same skill level as you. But if you've played previous Mario Kart games, you've already got the basic drift.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about competitive gaming. How can you play to win against friends and family members (or even strangers) and still show good sportsmanship? Can you still be sportsmanlike in a game that allows you to use sneaky weapons to get ahead?

  • They can also talk about how to set screen time limits. Why is it important to not spend too much time playing video games.

Game Details

  • Platform: Nintendo 3DS
  • Available online?: Not available online
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release date: December 4, 2011
  • Genre: Racing
  • ESRB rating: E for Comic Mischief
  • Last updated: January 18, 2019

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love Mario and racing

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