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{{FA}}
{{italic title}}
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{{Infobox
{{game infobox
|image=[[File:Mario-Kart-7-Box-Art.jpg|250px]]<br>'''North American box cover'''
|image=[[File:Mario-Kart-7-Box-Art.jpg|250px]]<br>'''United States box cover'''
|developer=[[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development|Nintendo EAD]], [[Retro Studios]]
|developer=[[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development|Nintendo EAD]]<br>[[Nintendo SPD|Nintendo SPD Group No. 3]]<br>[[Retro Studios]]
|publisher=[[Nintendo]]
|publisher=[[Nintendo]]
|released='''Retail'''<br>{{releasedate|Japan|December 1, 2011|Europe|December 2, 2011|Australia|December 3, 2011|USA|December 4, 2011|South Korea|May 31, 2012|HK|September 28, 2012}}'''Digital Download'''<br>{{releasedate|Europe|October 4, 2012|Australia|October 4, 2012|USA|October 18, 2012|Japan|November 1, 2012}}
|release='''Retail:'''<br>{{flag list|Japan|December 1, 2011|Europe|December 2, 2011|Australia|December 3, 2011|USA|December 4, 2011|Mexico|December 4, 2011<ref>{{cite|title=Official Site – Mario Kart 7 for Nintendo 3DS|url=http://mariokart7.nintendo.com/es/|language=Spanish|publisher=Nintendo|accessdate=November 9, 2024|archive=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203120753/http://mariokart7.nintendo.com/es/}}</ref>|South Korea|May 31, 2012|HK|September 28, 2012|ROC|September 28, 2012|China|December 7, 2012}}'''Nintendo eShop:'''<br>{{flag list|Europe|October 4, 2012|Australia|October 4, 2012|USA|October 18, 2012|Mexico|October 18, 2012|Japan|November 1, 2012}}
|genre=[[Mario Kart (series)|Racing]]
|languages={{languages|en_us=y|en_gb=y|fr_fr=y|fr_ca=y|es_es=y|es_latam=y|de=y|it=y|nl=y|ru=y|pt_pt=y|jp=y|kr=y|zh_simp=y|zh_trad=y}}
|modes=Single-player, Local multi-player (up to 8 players) Online multiplayer
|genre=[[Genre#Racing|Racing]]
|ratings={{ratings|cero=a|pegi=3|esrb=e|dejus=l|usk=6|acb=g}}
|modes=Single-player, local multiplayer (up to 8 players), online multiplayer
|ratings={{ratings|cero=a|pegi=3|esrb=e|classind=l|usk=0|acb=g|gsrr=p}}
|platforms=[[Nintendo 3DS]]
|platforms=[[Nintendo 3DS]]
|media=Nintendo 3DS Game Card<br>Digital Download
|format={{format|3ds=1|3dsdl=1}}
|input={{input|3ds=1|3dstilt=1}}
|input={{input|3ds=1|3dstilt=1}}
|serials={{flag list|Japan|CTR-AMKJ-JPN|Europe|CTR-AMKP-EUR|USA|CTR-AMKE-USA|South Korea|CTR-AMKK-KOR|ROC|CTR-AMKW-TWN|China|CTR-AMKC-CHN}}
}}
}}
'''''Mario Kart 7''''' is a racing game for the [[Nintendo 3DS]]. It is the ninth installment of the [[Mario Kart (series)|''Mario Kart'' series]] overall, the seventh in the main series (hence the game's title), and the third on a handheld console. In the game, [[player]]s are able to exchange [[Ghost (Mario Kart)|Ghost Data]] and play online in multiplayer mode. Nintendo stated that the game brings "a bunch of new elements" to the ''Mario Kart'' series.<ref name="Mario Kart 3DS will bring a bunch of new elements into the game">[http://nintendo3dsblog.com/mario-kart-3d-will-bring-a-bunch-of-new-elements-into-the-game-more-info-at-e3 Mario Kart 3DS will bring a bunch of new elements into the game]</ref>
'''''Mario Kart 7''''' is a [[Genre#Racing|racing]] game developed by [[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development|Nintendo EAD]] and [[Retro Studios]] for the [[Nintendo 3DS]]. It is the seventh console installment in the [[Mario Kart (series)|''Mario Kart'' series]] (hence the game's title), and the second (the first being ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]'') installment in the ''Super Mario'' franchise overall (excluding crossover installments) to be localized to Dutch, Portuguese, and Russian. Additionally, it is the first ''Mario Kart'' game to be developed by more than one video game developer, namely Nintendo EAD and Retro Studios, and the second ''Mario Kart'' to have a different video game developer (not including the ''Mario Kart Arcade GP'' series), the first being ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]''.


The main new feature of this installment is the hang gliding and [[underwater driving]], which allows racers to glide through the air and race in underwater sections of the new and old tracks. [[Kart]] customization is also introduced instead of racing in pre-made karts like the previous titles. In the game, players can exchange [[Ghost (Mario Kart series)|Ghost]] data and play online in multiplayer mode. Players can also receive Ghost data via [[Nintendo 3DS#StreetPass and SpotPass|SpotPass]] and race against other player's Ghosts from around the world. Nintendo stated that the game brings "a bunch of new elements" to the ''Mario Kart'' series.
''Mario Kart 7'' was the first [[Super Mario (franchise)|''Super Mario'' game]] to use the [[Nintendo Network]] service, as it offered the ability to create custom communities, which would then become one of the features of the service; however, the service was terminated on April 8, 2024, making the game no longer playable online.<ref name=Shutdown> {{cite|author=@NintendoAmerica|date=October 4, 2023|title=As of early April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end service for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software. Thank you very much for your continued support of our products.|url=https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1709418623566020975|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=October 14, 2024}}</ref><ref name=ShutdownUpdate> {{cite|author=@NintendoAmerica|date=January 23, 2024|title=Update: as of 4/8, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end service for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software. Thank you very much for your continued support of our products.|url=https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1749963072998166670|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=February 17, 2024}}</ref> Once Nintendo introduced retail games that could be downloaded via the [[Nintendo eShop#Nintendo 3DS|Nintendo eShop]] until its discontinuation on March 27, 2023, ''Mario Kart 7'' was released in 2012 for the eShop, where it required 635.38 MB (5,083 blocks) to download.
==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
===Features===
===Features===
[[File:FirstPerson MK7.png|220px|thumb|One of the innovations in ''Mario Kart 7'' is the race in first-person views. By pressing the {{button|3ds|Padup}}, the player can activate the view and then tilt the Nintendo 3DS to steer.]]
[[File:LakituRaceKalimariDesertMK7.jpg|220px|thumb|One of the gameplay mechanics in ''Mario Kart 7'' is racing in [[First-Person View]]. By pressing {{button|3ds|Padup}}, the player can activate the view and then {{button|3ds|tilt}} the system to steer.]]
In this new installment of the ''Mario Kart'' series, [[Coin]]s make a prominent return. Coins have not been featured in this way in the last ''Mario Kart'' games since ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]''. Coins are to be found along a race track, and can be underwater, on the road, or in the air. Collecting coins on different tracks will allow the player to unlock vehicle parts used for customization. The option to select classic ''Mario Kart'' tracks is also available again in this game.  
''Mario Kart 7'' features the standard gameplay present in preceding games in the series, with the gameplay style being very close to that of ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]''. Players compete for gold trophies in the eight Grand Prix cups, four consisting of the [[new course]]s and four consisting of the [[Classic course|retro courses]], a returning feature from ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' and ''Mario Kart Wii''. Along with Grand Prix, Time Trials, and Battle Modes also return. Time Trials have players race on tracks to set records, as well as race against their own or other racers' ghosts. Battle Mode features two different modes; [[#Balloon Battle|Balloon Battle]] and [[#Coin Runners|Coin Runners]], the latter returning from ''Mario Kart Wii''. Players can set their own rules for Battle Mode, choosing CPU difficulty, which items will appear or team games. Online races and battles return, allowing up to 8 players to race or battle using the [[Nintendo Network]] online service. Players can also create custom communities, which can be accessed by other players via codes.
 
''Mario Kart 7'' also has some new features. Players can now use hang-gliders to navigate through the air and propellers to drive underwater. In addition, players now assemble their own karts, rather than select preset karts as in the previous games. It is possible to select the kart's body, wheels, and glider, although some parts need to be unlocked before they can be used, mainly through collecting coins during races. ''Mario Kart 7'' returns to the traditional eight-driver race like in the previous installments, instead of the total of twelve as seen in ''Mario Kart Wii''. It is also compatible with both SpotPass and StreetPass.  


''Mario Kart 7'' also has some new features. Players can now use air gliders, which can be useful for navigating through the air and also use propellers to drive underwater. In addition, players may now assemble their own karts, rather than select pre-set karts as in older ''Mario Kart'' games. It is possible to select the body of the kart, the wheels, and other additional accessories such as the glider, although some parts need to be unlocked before they can be used. When the player is selecting a character and changing things to their kart the selection theme is played. ''Mario Kart 7'' marks the return of the traditional 8 characters per race, as opposed to the total of 12 as seen in ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]''. It is also compatible with both SpotPass and StreetPass.  
[[Coin]]s make a prominent return since ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]''. Coins are to be found along a race track and can be underwater, on the road, or in the air. Collecting coins up to a maximum of ten slightly increases the player's top speed and, if enough are collected, will allow the player to unlock vehicle parts used for customization.  


Similar to preceding games, an overall "game ranking" of ★, ★★, or ★★★ is shown next to the player's nationality flag if the player has earned the designated ratings in all cups and in all classes. The overall ranking can also be seen while participating at a Grand Prix. The game shows the overall ranking at the results of the last course ''before'' the overall results of the last cup being shown.
Similar to preceding games, an overall "game ranking" of ★, ★★, or ★★★ is shown next to the player's nationality flag if the player has earned the designated ratings in all cups and all classes. The overall ranking can also be seen while participating in a Grand Prix. The game shows the overall ranking at the results of the last course ''before'' the overall results of the last cup are shown.


Among other gameplay innovations is the vehicle's behavior in the courses. Each element to assemble the vehicle has a function that grants an advantage on certain courses. In other words, speed and handling alter if the player is driving through land, underwater, or in the air. Gliders also provide speed and duration for the vehicle when airborne and can be controlled using the {{button|3ds|Stick}}. Players can tilt the {{button|3ds|Stick}} either up or down to fall gently or quickly, respectively. Additionally, when driving underwater, the kart's handling, speed and drifting can considerably change compared to when driving on land.  
Among other gameplay mechanics is the vehicle's behavior in the courses. Each element to assemble the vehicle has a function that grants an advantage on certain courses. In other words, speed and handling alter if the player is driving through land, underwater, or in the air. Gliders also provide speed and duration for the vehicle when airborne and can be controlled using the {{button|3ds|Stick}}. Players can tilt the {{button|3ds|Stick}} either up or down to fall quickly or gently, respectively. Additionally, when driving underwater, the kart's handling, speed, and drifting can considerably change compared to when driving on land.  


''Mario Kart 7'' also introduces the option to race in a first-person view, where the player watches the race from the character's viewpoint and can race by tilting the system, instead of the usual third person view in the other six installments. In this view, the player can also see the vehicle's steering wheel in front of the character. The gyroscope, which gives the player the ability to steer the kart in first-person mode by tilting the {{button|3ds|Stick}}, can be enabled or disabled by going to the Mario Kart Channel, going to the player's Mii's icon on the bottom right, going to "Settings", and lastly, selecting "Use" or "Don't Use" when going to "Gyro Sensor".  
This ''Mario Kart'' installment also introduces the option to race and battle in a first-person view. This function allows the player to watch the race and battle from the character's perspective and can race by {{button|3ds|tilt}} the system. In first-person view, the player can also see the vehicle's steering wheel in front of the character with an [[emblem]] on it. The gyroscope, which gives the player the ability to steer the kart in first-person mode by tilting the {{button|3ds|Stick}}, can be enabled or disabled by going to the Mario Kart Channel, going to the player's Mii icon on the bottom right, going to "Settings", and lastly selecting "Use" or "Don't Use" when going to "Gyro Sensor".  


In a minor note, a small additional beat of the track's music plays if the player gets ahead in first place. The small beat fades when the player slows down the kart via braking, going off-road, or getting hit by an item. This happens only when the player is playing on 100cc, 150cc, or Mirror.
In a minor note, an extra track with beats is added to the course's music if the player gets ahead in first place at top speed (frontrunning). This track fades when the player slows down via braking, going off-road, or getting hit by an item. This happens only in 100cc, 150cc, and Mirror class.


Motorbikes, which made their first appearance in ''Mario Kart Wii'', do not return in the game. However, [[Trick]]s, which were also introduced in ''Mario Kart Wii'', do return and can be used with Gliders for more speed. The Single Player version of VS mode from the other Mario Kart games and the mission mode from ''Mario Kart DS'' are also absent.
Motorbikes, which made their first appearance in ''Mario Kart Wii'', do not return in the game. On the other hand, [[Jump Boost|Trick]]s return, now known as "jump actions", and are now the sole way of obtaining a boost, known as "Jump Boost", when the kart jumps because of a ramp or an element of the course. The jump action can also be performed on glider ramps to receive a speed boost when gliding starts. The map is viewed in the bottom screen, but unlike in ''Mario Kart DS'', the map does not display course hazards and obstacles such as some items and obstacles in {{classic-link|DS|Airship Fortress}}. The map also shows a larger area surrounding the player. The Single Player version of VS mode from the other ''Mario Kart'' games and the mission mode from ''Mario Kart DS'' are also removed.


===Controls===
===Controls===
*{{button|3ds|A}}/{{button|3ds|Y}}: Accelerate
*{{button|3ds|A}}/{{button|3ds|Y}}: Accelerate / [[Rocket Start]] (press and hold when the countdown shows '''2''' before the race starts)
*{{button|3ds|B}}: Brake/Reverse
*{{button|3ds|B}}: Brake / Reverse / Drop from glider
*{{button|3ds|Stick}}: Steer / Auto Drift
*{{button|3ds|Stick}}: Steer / Auto [[Drift]]
*{{button|3ds|R}}: Hop / Manual Drift / Perform [[Trick|trick]]s in midair.
*{{button|3ds|R}}: [[Hop (move)|Hop]] / Manual Drift / Perform [[trick|jump action]]s in midair.
*{{button|3ds|L}}/{{button|3ds|X}}: Use item
*{{button|3ds|L}}/{{button|3ds|X}}: Use item
*{{button|3ds|Stylus}}: Switch map view
*{{button|3ds|Stylus}}: Switch map view
*{{button|3ds|start}}: Pause
*{{button|3ds|start}}: Pause / Resume
*{{button|3ds|home}}: Display HOME Menu
*{{button|3ds|home}}: Display HOME Menu
*{{button|3ds|Padup}}: First-Person Camera
*{{button|3ds|Padup}}: First-Person View
*Tilt: Steer / Auto Drift (First person view only)
*{{button|3ds|tilt}}: Steer / Auto Drift (First-person view only)
*{{button|3ds|Pad}} (except up): Third-Person View


===Modes===
===Modes===
====Grand Prix====
====Grand Prix====
[[File:MK73.png|thumb|200px|right|The game's main option mode.]]
[[File:MK73.png|thumb|upright=1.1|The game's main option mode.]]
As usual in the ''Mario Kart'' series, ''Mario Kart 7'' has the Grand Prix, where a single player has to compete against computer-controlled opponents in order to obtain the trophies of the eight cups in the game. The Grand Prix has three engine classes, 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc. The higher the engine class, the harder the races will be against the opponents. In this mode, by beating the first cups available, the user unlocks the other cups as well as new elements such as the kart's part (by collecting coins in each race), or a new playable character. By completing all the engine classes available at the start, the player unlocks the Mirror class.
As usual in the ''Mario Kart'' series, ''Mario Kart 7'' has the Grand Prix, where a single player has to compete against computer-controlled opponents to obtain the trophies of the eight cups in the game. The Grand Prix has three engine classes: 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc. The higher the engine class, the harder the races will be against the opponents. In this mode, by beating the first cups available, the user unlocks the other cups as well as new elements such as the kart's parts (by collecting coins in each race) or a new playable character. By completing all the engine classes available at the start, the player unlocks the Mirror class.
 
A notable change featured in the game is the point system given to the racers after a race in Grand Prix mode. It is similar to ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'', but racers who finish a race in fourth place or lower get an extra point. Also, 4th place is not a losing place, similar to ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'', ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'', ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'', and ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' (which has 12 racers). Below is a chart of the point spread comparison between these seven games:
{|align=center class="wikitable"style="margin:auto;text-align:center;max-width:60em"
|-
!colspan="13"style="background:#e0e0e0"|Point spread comparisons (Grand Prix)
|-
!style="max-width:20em"| !!style="width:2.5em"|1st!!style="width:2.5em"|2nd!!style="width:2.5em"|3rd!!style="width:2.5em"|4th!!style="width:2.5em"|5th!!style="width:2.5em"|6th!!style="width:2.5em"|7th!!style="width:2.5em"|8th!!style="width:2.5em"|9th!!style="width:2.5em"|10th!!style="width:2.5em"|11th!!style="width:2.5em"|12th
|-
|'''''Super Mario Kart''<br>''Mario Kart 64''<br>''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'''''||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"|9||style="background:#CF0"|6||style="background:#CF0"|3||style="background:#CF0"|1||0||0||0||0||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|'''''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''<br>''Mario Kart DS'''''||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"|10||style="background:#CF0"|8||style="background:#CF0"|6||4||3||2||1||0||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|'''''Mario Kart Wii'''''||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"|15||style="background:#CF0"|12||style="background:#CF0"|10||style="background:#CF0"|8||style="background:#CF0"|7||6||5||4||3||2||1||0
|-
|'''''Mario Kart 7'''''||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"|10||style="background:#CF0"|8||style="background:#CF0"|6||style="background:#CF0"|5||4||3||2||1||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|colspan=13 style="text-align:justify;font-size:smaller;"|<span style="background:#096;color:white">A grove-green cell signifies victory results (great clapping, characters cheering) and the best after-race music.</span><br><span style="background:#CF0">A yellow-lime-green cell signifies moderate results (mild clapping, moderate character reaction) and the same music in Wi-Fi as the winner (different in ''Mario Kart DS'' GP).</span><br>A normal-colored cell signifies losing results and losing music.<br>In ''Super Mario Kart'', and ''Mario Kart Super Circuit'', 5th or worse forces the player to retry the race. If the racer fares this poorly four times, the Grand Prix must be started over. In ''Mario Kart 64'', 5th or worse forces the player to retry the race, but without the restrictions on how many times the player can retry a race. Starting with ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'', the Grand Prix normally continues.
|}


====Time Trials====
====Time Trials====
Time Trials allows the player to complete all the laps of a race course in the fastest time possible. ''Mario Kart 7'' saves the player's records, and a Ghost for the combo that he or she used. Through the Nintendo's Wi-Fi Connection, the player can exchange his or her Ghosts to other players, compare their records, and even compete with their Ghosts. Up to seven Ghosts can be raced against at the same time, making it an 8-player race.
Time Trials allow the player to complete all the laps of a race course in the fastest time possible. ''Mario Kart 7'' saves the player's records, and a Ghost for the combo that they used. Through a Nintendo Network connection, the player can exchange his or her Ghosts with other players, compare their records, and even compete with their Ghosts. Up to seven Ghosts can be raced against at the same time, making it an 8-player race.


====VS====
====VS====
In Versus, players can customize the races selecting personally the order of the racecourses and change other settings, such as setting the computer difficulty, the requirements to win the races, and the engine class of the player's car and the computer's cars. This mode is not available in Single Player mode. In Download Play, the players that don't have the ''Mario Kart 7'' game card in their handhelds play as [[Shy Guy]], like in ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'', and are unable to customize their kart.
In Versus Mode, players can customize the races by selecting personally the order of the racecourses and changing other settings, such as setting the computer difficulty, the requirements to win the races, and the engine class of the player's and computer players' karts. Unlike in ''Mario Kart DS'' and ''Mario Kart Wii'', this mode is no longer available in single-player mode. In Download Play, the players that do not have the ''Mario Kart 7'' game card in their handhelds play as [[Shy Guy]], like in ''Mario Kart DS'', and are unable to customize their kart.
{|class="wikitable"
!colspan=9|'''Point Spread'''
|-
!Number of Players!!1st!!2nd!!3rd!!4th!!5th!!6th!!7th!!8th
|-
|'''2 players'''||3||1||-||-||-||-||-||-
|-
|'''3 players'''||4||2||1||-||-||-||-||-
|-
|'''4 players'''||5||3||2||1||-||-||-||-
|-
|'''5 players'''||6||4||3||2||1||-||-||-
|-
|'''6 players'''||7||5||4||3||2||1||-||-
|-
|'''7 players'''||9||7||5||4||3||2||1||-
|-
|'''8 players'''||10||8||6||5||4||3||2||1
|}


====Battle====
====Battle====
In Battle Mode, the player can select one of the two types of battles available in ''Mario Kart 7'' and one of the six battle courses that appear in this mode. 3 of the six battle courses are new, and the remaining 3 battle courses are from previous installments in the series.
In Battle Mode, the player can select one of the two types of battles available in ''Mario Kart 7'' and one of the six battle courses that appear in this mode. There are three new courses, and the remaining three are from the previous installments in the series. This version of Battle can be played with any vehicle like in ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', as opposed to ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', in which players could only use the [[Standard Kart]] or the [[Standard Bike]].
 
=====Balloon Battle=====
=====Balloon Battle=====
Racers compete each other by popping the opponent’s balloons to gain points in a time limit. All the racers start with three balloons and must use the items from the Item Boxes to take away a balloon from their opponents. Hitting a rival is worth a score. If the racer has a balloon remaining and is hit, a point will be taken out and will be momentarily out of the battle to respawn with three balloons again and continue to play.
[[File:Balloon Battle - MK7.png|thumb|left|Free-for-all Balloon Battle]]
Racers compete by popping their opponents' balloons to gain points in a time limit of two minutes. All racers start with three balloons and must use the items from the Item Boxes to take away a balloon from their opponents. Hitting a rival is worth a point. Players who lose all of their balloons will have half of their points deducted. Up to three points can be taken away, and the player re-spawns with three balloons.
{{br}}


=====Coin Runners=====
=====Coin Runners=====
In Coin Runners (Coin Battle in Europe), racers collect the Coins spread in the battle course within the time limit. The racer that has the most Coins at the end wins. Racers can use the items to hit the opponents and let drop the Coins they've taken.
[[File:Coin Runners MK7.png|thumb|Team Coin Runners]]
 
In Coin Runners (Coin Battle in the British English version), racers collect the Coins scattered in the battle course within the time limit of two minutes. The racer that has the most Coins at the end wins. Racers can use the items to hit their opponents and make them drop a maximum of three coins that they have collected. Unlike in ''Mario Kart Wii'', only up to ten coins can be held at once. Coins collected in this mode do not count toward the coin total to unlock kart parts.
===Online Multiplayer===
{{br}}
With the Nintendo 3DS's online capabilities, players can look for other users for online play, local or global range. Players can choose a worldwide competition to race against other users that are connected, race with friends that were met, via StreetPass, or play in communities formed by users with customized rules for the races. Just like in ''Mario Kart Wii'', ''Mario Kart 7'' has the ''Mario Kart Channel'', that shows updates of online activity automatically through the SpotPass and StreetPass modes. With StreetPass, the users can exchange their Miis, Ghost Data from Time Trials, players' names, and information of communities, while the user will only receive Ghost Data from other users and community recommendations, via SpotPass.


===Online multiplayer===
With the Nintendo 3DS's online capabilities, players could look for other users for online play, local, or global range. Players could choose a worldwide competition to race against other users who are connected, race with friends that were met via StreetPass, or play in communities formed by users with customized rules for the races. Just like in ''Mario Kart Wii'', ''Mario Kart 7'' had the [[Wii#Mario Kart Channel|Mario Kart Channel]] that showed updates of online activity automatically through the SpotPass and StreetPass modes. With StreetPass, the users can exchange their Miis, Ghost Data from Time Trials, players' names, and information about communities, while the user would only receive Ghost Data from other users and community recommendations via SpotPass.
====VR====
====VR====
When racing online, players gain VR (short for VS Rating) points based on their finishing position. Also, players start with 1000 VR, rather than 5000 VR from the previous game. The basic use of VR is determining the skill of players and putting them against players of the same skill level in online races. After a race, the player can earn VR up to 20 points. Race and battle online play can now affect VR, but Community races do not.  
When players take part in online races or battles, points are added to or removed from their VR (short for VS Rating) based on their finishing position. The main purpose of VR is to determine the skill of players, to match them with players of a similar skill level. Players start with 1000 VR (rather than 5000 VR, as in ''Mario Kart Wii''). Online play in Communities does not use the VR system. Also, a player's VR counts for both races and battles, as opposed to ''Mario Kart Wii'' with races affecting VR, and battles affecting BR (Battle Rating).
 
=====Names in other languages=====
{{Foreignname
{{foreign names
|Spa=PC / Puntos de carreras
|Spa=PC / Puntos de carreras
|SpaM=Race Points
|SpaM=Race Points
Line 78: Line 126:
|Ita=PC / Punti Corsa
|Ita=PC / Punti Corsa
|ItaM=Race Points
|ItaM=Race Points
|Fra=PC / Points course
|Fre=PC / Points course
|FraM=Race Points
|FreM=Race Points
|Por=PO / Pontos Obtidos
|PorM=Earned Points
|Rus=ИР / Игровой Рейтинг
|RusR=IR / Igrovoy Reyting
|RusM=Play Rating
}}
}}


==Characters==
==Characters==
[[File:Mario Kart 7 Character Select Screen.png|thumb|right|The complete character select screen.]]
===Drivers===
''Mario Kart 7'' includes 17 total drivers (8 starting drivers and 9 unlockable drivers). The following is the order of what weight classes go by in order from lightest to heaviest: '''Feather''', '''Light''', '''Medium''', '''Cruiser''', and '''Heavy'''.
[[File:Mario Kart 7 Character Select Screen.png|thumb|250px|The character select screen, with all characters unlocked.]]
{{br}}
''Mario Kart 7'' includes seventeen total drivers (eight starting drivers and nine unlockable drivers). New playable characters to the ''Mario Kart'' series in this game include [[Metal Mario]], [[Wiggler]], [[Honey Queen]], and [[Lakitu]] (with a red shell as opposed to the [[Lakitu (Mario Kart referee)|Lakitu referee]] which wears a green shell), with Lakitu and Honey Queen also making their overall playable debuts. Additionally, this marks the first ''Mario Kart'' game where [[Shy Guy]] is a normal selectable driver, after only being available in ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' to players who were playing in Download Play without a game card; in addition to being playable in single player, multicolored Shy Guys retain this previous role in download multiplayer. Also, this is the first installment in the series for a handheld console where [[Koopa Troopa]], [[Rosalina]], and [[Mii]] are playable, after previously being playable in at least one home console installment. The player's Mii never appears as a CPU driver, but Miis the player has obtained via StreetPass for this game's Mario Kart Channel can occasionally appear as a CPU driver during the standard Grand Prix mode.
===Starting Drivers===
 
<center><gallery perrow=4>
Each driver is categorized into any of five weight classes: '''Feather''' being the lightest, followed by '''Light''', '''Medium''', '''Cruiser''', and finally '''Heavy'''. There are also three kart frame sizes that generally correspond with the five weight classes, with the exception of Metal Mario due to his medium size and high density. All characters in any given weight class share the same statistic boosts, both displayed and internal.
File:Mario MK7.png|[[Mario]]<br>'''Medium'''
 
File:Luigi MK7.png‎|[[Luigi]]<br>'''Medium'''
Each character has two "[[rival]]" characters who have superior capability compared to other CPU racers; if one of the rivals is not unlocked, a default character is used as a third, "backup" rival. [[Wario]] is the only character without any "backup" rivals; both of his rivals, [[Luigi]] and [[Mario]], are default characters.
File:Peach MK7.png|[[Princess Peach|Peach]]<br>'''Light'''
File:Yoshi MK7.png‎|[[Yoshi]]<br>'''Light'''
File:Bowser MK7.png|[[Bowser]]<br>'''Heavy'''
File:Donkey MK7.png‎|[[Donkey Kong]]<br>'''Cruiser'''
File:Toad MK7.png|[[Toad]]<br>'''Feather'''
File:Koopa MK7.png|[[Koopa Troopa]]<br>'''Feather'''
</gallery></center>


===Unlockable Drivers===
All of the starting characters are the same as in ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'', but with [[Donkey Kong]] in place of [[Donkey Kong Jr.]].
<center><gallery perrow=5>
File:Daisy MK7.png|[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]<br>'''Light'''
File:Wario MK7.png|[[Wario]]<br>'''Heavy'''
File:Rosalina MK7.png|[[Rosalina]]<br>'''Cruiser'''
File:Metal Mario MK7.png|[[Metal Mario (character)|Metal Mario]]<br>'''Heavy'''<br>''New Driver''
File:Shy Guy MK7.png|[[Shy Guy]]<br>'''Feather'''
File:Honey Queen MK7.png|[[Queen Bee|Honey Queen]]<br>'''Heavy'''<br>''New Driver''
File:Wiggler MK7.png|[[Wiggler]]<br>'''Cruiser'''<br>''New Driver''
File:Lakitu MK7.png|[[Lakitu (Mario Kart 7)|Lakitu]]<br>'''Feather'''<br>''New Driver''
File:Mii MK7.png|[[Mii]]<br>'''Medium'''
</gallery></center>


====Unlocking Criteria====
====Default drivers====
{|border=1 cellpadding=3 align=center style=background:#fff7f7;text-align:center;width:30%;border-collapse:collapse
{|style="text-align:center"class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Driver
!colspan=2|Criterion
!Class
!Frame
!Speed
!Acceleration
!Weight
!Handling
!Off-Road
!Main rivals
!Backup rivals
|-
|-
!width=10%|Daisy
|[[File:Mario MK7.png|220px]]<br>[[Mario]]
|width=20%|Win 150cc Mushroom Cup
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|2/4
|4/8
|4/8
|1/2
|1/2
|[[Metal Mario]]<br>[[Bowser]]
|[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
|-
|-
!Wario
|[[File:Luigi MK7.png]]<br>[[Luigi]]
|Win 150cc Flower Cup
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|2/4
|4/8
|4/8
|1/2
|1/2
|[[Mario]]<br>[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]
|[[Yoshi]]
|-
|-
!Rosalina
|[[File:Peach MK7.png]]<br>[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
|Win 150cc Star Cup
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|1/4
|6/8
|2/8
|2/2
|1/2
|[[Lakitu]]<br>[[Donkey Kong]]
|[[Toad]]
|-
|-
!Metal Mario
|[[File:Yoshi MK7.png]]<br>[[Yoshi]]
|Win 150cc Special Cup
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|1/4
|6/8
|2/8
|2/2
|1/2
|[[Wiggler]]<br>[[Toad]]
|[[Donkey Kong]]
|-
|-
!Shy Guy
|[[File:Bowser MK7.png]]<br>[[Bowser]]
|Win 150cc Shell Cup
|{{color|red|Heavy}}
|{{color|red|Large}}
|4/4
|0/8
|8/8
|0/2
|0/2
|[[Mario]]<br>[[Rosalina]]
|[[Luigi]]
|-
|-
!Honey Queen
|[[File:Donkey MK7.png]]<br>[[Donkey Kong]]
|Win 150cc Banana Cup
|{{color|gold|Cruiser}}
|-
|{{color|red|Large}}
!Wiggler
|3/4
|Win 150cc Leaf Cup
|2/8
|6/8
|0/2
|1/2
|[[Wario]]<br>[[Koopa Troopa]]
|[[Bowser]]
|-
|-
!Lakitu
|[[File:Toad MK7.png|240px]]<br>[[Toad]]
|Win 150cc Lightning Cup
|{{color|purple|Feather}}
|{{color|dodgerblue|Small}}
|0/4
|8/8
|0/8
|2/2
|2/2
|[[Rosalina]]<br>[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
|[[Koopa Troopa]]
|-
|-
!Mii
|[[File:Koopa MK7.png|220px]]<br>[[Koopa Troopa]]
|Win all cups on any engine class.
|{{color|purple|Feather}}
|{{color|dodgerblue|Small}}
|0/4
|8/8
|0/8
|2/2
|2/2
|[[Yoshi]]<br>[[Shy Guy]]
|[[Luigi]]
|}
|}


=== Character Stats ===
====Unlockable drivers====
Just as in ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', characters get their own specific stat boost that accounts for kart customization, based on their weight class. The units are out of 6.<ref name="kartboost">http://www.mariokartwii.com/4224652-post1.html</ref> In general, light characters have high values ​​of Acceleration, Handling, and Off-Road, while heavy characters have high values ​​of Speed and Weight. Hover over the weight class column to see the characters in the represented weight class.
{|style="text-align:center"class="wikitable sortable"
 
!Driver
{|border=1 cellpadding=3 style=background:#f5f5f5;text-align:center;width:70%;border-collapse:collapse align=center
!Class
!Frame
!Speed
!Acceleration
!Weight
!Handling
!Off-Road
!Main rivals
!Backup rivals
!Unlock method
|-
|-
!colspan=13 bgcolor="#9c9c9c"|Character Stats
|[[File:Daisy MK7.png|220px]]<br>[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]
|{{color|dodgerblue|Light}}
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|1/4
|6/8
|2/8
|2/2
|1/2
|[[Princess Peach|Peach]]<br>[[Wario]]
|[[Luigi]]
|Win the 150cc Mushroom Cup
|-
|-
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Weight Class
|[[File:Wario MK7.png|230px]]<br>[[Wario]]
!width=10% colspan="3" bgcolor="#dedede"|Speed
|{{color|red|Heavy}}
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Acceleration
|{{color|red|Large}}
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Weight
|4/4
!width=10% colspan="3" bgcolor="#dedede"|Handling
|0/8
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Off-Road
|8/8
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Mini-Turbo
|0/2
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Stability
|0/2
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Drift
|[[Luigi]]<br>[[Mario]]
|N/A
|Win the 150cc Flower Cup
|-
|-
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Land
|[[File:Rosalina MK7.png|200px]]<br>[[Rosalina]]
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Sea
|{{color|gold|Cruiser}}
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Air
|{{color|red|Large}}
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Land
|3/4
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Sea
|2/8
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Air
|6/8
|0/2
|1/2
|[[Honey Queen]]<br>[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
|[[Toad]]
|Win the 150cc Star Cup
|-
|-
!title="Toad, Koopa Troopa, Shy Guy, Lakitu" bgcolor="#ededed"|<span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted">Feather</span>
|[[File:Metal Mario MK7.png|280px]]<br>[[Metal Mario]]<sup>(new)</sup>
| 3
|{{color|red|Heavy}}
| 3
|{{color|green|Medium}}
| 4
|4/4
| 4
|0/8
| 2.25
|8/8
| 3
|0/2
| 2.5
|0/2
| 2.25
|[[Bowser]]<br>[[Rosalina]]
| 4
|[[Mario]]
| 2.75
|Win the 150cc Special Cup
| 1.75
| 4.25
|-
|-
!title="Peach, Yoshi, Daisy" bgcolor="#ededed"|<span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted">Light</span>
|[[File:Shy Guy MK7.png|200px]]<br>[[Shy Guy]]
| 3.25
|{{color|purple|Feather}}
| 3
|{{color|dodgerblue|Small}}
| 4
|0/4
| 3.5
|8/8
| 2.75
|0/8
| 3
|2/2
| 2.5
|2/2
| 2.25
|[[Toad]]<br>[[Lakitu]]
| 3.75
|[[Koopa Troopa]]
| 2.5
|Win the 150cc Shell Cup
| 1.75
| 3.25
|-
|-
!title="Mario, Luigi, Mii" bgcolor="#ededed"|<span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted">Medium</span>
|[[File:Honey Queen MK7.png|210px]]<br>[[Honey Queen]]<sup>(new)</sup>
| 3.5
|{{color|red|Heavy}}
| 2.75
|{{color|red|Large}}
| 4
|4/4
| 3
|0/8
| 3.25
|8/8
| 2.75
|0/2
| 2.25
|0/2
| 2
|[[Koopa Troopa]]<br>[[Metal Mario]]
| 3.75
|[[Yoshi]]
| 2.5
|Win the 150cc Banana Cup
| 1.75
| 3.25
|-
|-
!title="Donkey Kong, Rosalina, Wiggler" bgcolor="#ededed"|<span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted">Cruiser</span>
|[[File:Wiggler MK7.png|240px]]<br>[[Wiggler]]<sup>(new)</sup>
| 3.75
|{{color|gold|Cruiser}}
| 2.5
|{{color|red|Large}}
| 4
|3/4
| 2.5
|2/8
| 3.75
|6/8
| 2.5
|0/2
| 2
|1/2
| 1.75
|[[Shy Guy]]<br>[[Yoshi]]
| 3.75
|[[Bowser]]
| 2.25
|Win the 150cc Leaf Cup
| 1.75
| 2.25
|-
|-
!title="Bowser, Wario, Metal Mario, Honey Queen" bgcolor="#ededed"|<span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted">Heavy</span>
|[[File:Lakitu MK7.png|180px]]<br>[[Lakitu]]<sup>(new)</sup>
| 4
|{{color|purple|Feather}}
| 2.5
|{{color|dodgerblue|Small}}
| 4
|0/4
| 2
|8/8
| 4.25
|0/8
| 2.5
|2/2
| 2
|2/2
| 1.75
|[[Donkey Kong]]<br>[[Honey Queen]]
| 3.5
|[[Mario]]
| 2.25
|Win the 150cc Lightning Cup
| 1.75
| 2.25
|-
|-
|[[File:Mii MK7.png|170px]]<br>[[Mii]]
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|{{color|green|Medium}}
|2/4
|4/8
|4/8
|1/2
|1/2
|[[Bowser]] (male)<br>[[Metal Mario]] (male)<br>[[Yoshi]] (female)<br>[[Rosalina]] (female)
|[[Mario]] (male)<br>[[Princess Peach|Peach]] (female)
|Successfully complete all cups in any class
|}
|}


===Rival order===
===Background characters===
Much like in ''Super Mario Kart'', all playable characters have a rival order, the order CPU drivers finish at the end of the race. However, unlike in ''Super Mario Kart'', it is more simplified, as two characters are set instead of single characters followed by another single character, etc. If a set character is supposed to be unlockable, the set character is replaced by a default character until the unlockable character can be used.
These characters appear in the background of certain stages and do not affect the racers in any way.
*[[Birdo]]s
*[[Boo]]s
*[[Mii]]s
*[[Monty Mole]]s
*[[Shy Guy]]s
*[[Toad (species)|Toad]]s
*[[Maw-Ray|Unagi]]
*[[Hammer Bro]]s.


{| border=1 style="text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse" width=70% align=center
===Hazards and obstacles===
|- bgcolor=#dedede
These characters and features serve as hazards on tracks and can directly affect racers if hit.
!width=20% rowspan=2|Character
{|border="1"cellpadding="3"style="background:#f5f5f5;text-align:left;border-collapse:collapse;margin-bottom:5px;width:100%;"align=center
|- bgcolor=#dedede
|-
!width=15%|Rivals
!colspan="3"style="background:#9c9c9c"align=center|Characters and elements
|-
!width="15%"style="background:#dedede"align=center|Character/element
!width="20%"style="background:#dedede"align=center|Location
!width="65%"style="background:#dedede"align=center|Description
|-
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Banzai Bill.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Bomber Bill|Banzai Bill]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|DS|Airship Fortress}}
|Banzai Bills are fired from a cannon near the starting straightaway of the track. They fly along the straight path in different positions based on where they were fired. They disappear once they hit the road where the starting line is located.
|-
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Barrel.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Barrel]]
|align=center|[[3DS Wario Shipyard|Wario Shipyard]]<br>[[3DS DK Jungle|DK Jungle]]
|Barrels are scattered around the track and can be broken by players. Once broken, a [[Banana]], a [[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]], a [[Green Shell]], or a [[Super Star]] may fly out. In Time Trials, the barrels cannot be broken.
|-
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Big Wiggler.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Mega Wiggler|Big Wiggler]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|Wii|Maple Treeway}}
|Two Big Wigglers walk around the top of the tree section of the track. Racers simple bounce off of them rather than wiping out.
|-
|-
|'''Mario'''
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Board.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Wooden cutout|Board]]
|Metal Mario, Bowser
|align=center|[[3DS Piranha Plant Slide|Piranha Plant Slide]]
|Boards can be broken by players by racing into them. There are two board shapes; Goomba shaped boards and bush shaped boards. Two bush shaped boards are located in off-road sections near the end of the track.
|-
|-
|'''Luigi'''
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Boulder.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Boulder]]
|Mario, Daisy
|align=center|[[3DS Rock Rock Mountain|Rock Rock Mountain]]<br>[[Maka Wuhu]]
|Boulders fall from mountain tops and roll down the track, flipping over any racer that hits them. They are destroyed upon hitting walls.
|-
|-
|'''Peach'''
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Bouncing Note.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Music Bash|Bouncing Note]]
|Lakitu, Donkey Kong
|align=center|[[3DS Music Park|Music Park]]
|Bouncing Notes jump at regular intervals near the end of the track. Players can do jump actions off the ground when the Bouncing Notes land. However, players can also be flattened if a Bouncing Note lands on them. During the final lap, their bouncing is faster.
|-
|-
|'''Yoshi'''
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Bumper.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Bumper (Mario Kart series)|Bumper]]
|Wiggler, Toad
|align=center|{{classic-link|DS|Waluigi Pinball}}
|Bumpers are located on the pinball table section of the track and will bump racers back when they collide with them. Pinballs will also ricochet off of bumpers.
|-
|-
|'''Bowser'''
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Car.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Car (obstacle)|Car]]
|Mario, Rosalina
|align=center|[[Wuhu Loop]]<br>{{classic-link|Wii|Coconut Mall}}
|Cars travel across the road of the entire track, causing players to flip over if hit. In Coconut Mall, cars are located in the parking lot and drive back and forth along the area.
|-
|-
|'''Donkey Kong'''
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Cheep Cheep.jpg|80px]]<br>[[Cheep Cheep]]
|Wario, Koopa Troopa
|align=center|[[3DS Cheep Cheep Lagoon|Cheep Cheep Lagoon]]<br>{{classic-link|Wii|Koopa Cape}}
|Cheep Cheeps swim in various water sections of the track, lightly bouncing back racers who hit them.
|-
|-
|'''Toad'''
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Chomp.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Chain Chomp|Chomp]]
|Rosalina, Peach
|align=center|[[3DS Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]]
|Chomps appear on the moon segment of the track, rolling around in circles. Two Chomps also roll off of the craters on the surface, causing them to jump off of them and float in the air for a short time. Colliding with one will flip a racer over.
|-
|-
|'''Koopa Troopa'''
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Clampy.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Clampy]]
|Yoshi, Shy Guy
|align=center|[[3DS Cheep Cheep Lagoon|Cheep Cheep Lagoon]]<br>{{classic-link|GCN|Daisy Cruiser}}
|Clampys appear in the first underwater segment of the track, opening and closing their mouths at regular intervals. Coins and Item Boxes can appear in an open Clampy, but if a racer is caught when a Clampy is closing its mouth, they will spin out.
|-
|-
|'''Daisy'''
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Crate.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Crate]]
|Peach, Wario
|align=center|{{classic-link|DS|Airship Fortress}}
|Crates are scattered inside the airship of the track and act identically to Barrels. A Banana, a Mushroom, a Green Shell, or a Star may fly out when broken, but will stop a racer in the process. Crates cannot be broken in Time Trial mode.
|-
|-
|'''Wario'''
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Rocket Engine.jpg|70px]]<br>[[Burner|Cutting torch]]
|Luigi, Mario
|align=center|{{classic-link|DS|Airship Fortress}}
|Cutting torches appear within the airship of the track, moving back and forth along the track. Racers will spin out if they drive through the fire.
|-
|-
|'''Rosalina'''
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Drain Pipe.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Drain pipe]]
|Honey Queen, Peach
|align=center|[[3DS Piranha Plant Slide|Piranha Plant Slide]]
|The water from these Warp Pipes can cancel out the glide of any player that drives under it. The Warp Pipes themselves serve as an obstruction.
|-
|-
|'''Metal Mario'''
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Fish Bone.jpg|80px]]<br>[[Fish Bone]]
|Bowser, Rosalina
|align=center|[[3DS Wario Shipyard|Wario Shipyard]]
|Fish Bones appear near the track's beginning and swim through the first tunnel. Hitting one will simply bounce a racer back.
|-
|-
|'''Shy Guy'''
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Flipper.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Flipper (Mario Kart series)|Flipper]]
|Koopa Troopa, Lakitu
|align=center|{{classic-link|DS|Waluigi Pinball}}
|Flippers appear at the pinball table section of the track, specifically at the bottom of the table. They hit any pinball back across the table and will hit racers if they get too close.
|-
|-
|'''Honey Queen'''
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Shy Guy.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Flying Shy Guy]]
|Koopa Troopa, Metal Mario
|align=center|[[3DS Shy Guy Bazaar|Shy Guy Bazaar]]
|Shy Guys fly about on carpets at the gliding section of the track. They will block any racer who collides with them.
|-
|-
|'''Wiggler'''
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Frogoon.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Frogoon]]
|Shy Guy, Yoshi
|align=center|[[3DS DK Jungle|DK Jungle]]
|Frogoons hop across the track in the jungle section before the giant temple. Colliding with one will cause the racer to spin out.
|-
|-
|'''Lakitu'''
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Grand Goomba.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Goomba]]
|Donkey Kong, Honey Queen
|align=center|[[3DS Mario Circuit|Mario Circuit]]<br>[[3DS Piranha Plant Slide|Piranha Plant Slide]]<br>{{classic-link|Wii|Mushroom Gorge}}<br>{{classic-link|Wii|Koopa Cape}}
|Goombas appear on various tracks. They act in the same way they did in past installments, slowly waddling back and forth on certain parts of the track. If the player uses a [[Shell]] to destroy the Goomba, a [[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]] will spawn in its place.
|-
|-
|'''Mii'''
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Hot air balloon.png|100px]]<br>[[Hot-air balloon]]
|Yoshi, Rosalina
|align=center|[[3DS Daisy Hills|Daisy Hills]]
|Hot-air balloons float in the air. Touching them will cause the racer to bounce off them.
|-
|-
|}
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Icicle.jpg|60px]]<br>[[Icicle]]
 
|align=center|[[3DS Rosalina's Ice World|Rosalina's Ice World]]
===Body Frame===
|Icicles behave in an identical way to crates and barrels, slowing the player's vehicle speed upon impact. Items do not fly out of icicles when they break and icicles cannot be broken in Time Trial mode.
Depending on the character, the kart body that's chosen may appear bigger or smaller. This affects how big of a target that character's kart will be; for example, smaller body frames are harder to hit.
 
{|border=1 cellpadding=3 style=background:#f5f5f5;width:40%;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse align=center
|-bgcolor="#9c9c9c"
!colspan=2|Body Frame
|-bgcolor="#dedede"
!width=10%|Size!!width=30%|Characters
|-bgcolor="#ededed"
!Small
|Toad, Koopa Troopa, Shy Guy, Lakitu
|-bgcolor="#ededed"
!Medium
|Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Daisy, Metal Mario, Mii
|-bgcolor="#ededed"
!Big
|Bowser, Donkey Kong, Wario, Rosalina, Honey Queen, Wiggler
|-
|-
|}
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Vase.jpg|80px]]<br>[[Jar]]
 
|align=center|[[3DS Shy Guy Bazaar|Shy Guy Bazaar]]
===Other===
|Jars function identically to Barrels and Crates, stopping racers and letting a Banana, a Mushroom, a Green Shell, or a Star as they break. Some jars also move around the area and do not release items if hit, instead releasing a pit of snakes for aesthetic effect. Jars cannot be broken in Time Trial mode.
{|
|
*[[Goomba]]s
*[[Grand Goomba]]s
*[[Swooper]]s
*[[Tiki Goon]]s
*[[Screaming Pillar]]s
*[[Cheep-Cheep]]s
*[[Clampy|Clampies]]
*[[Unagi]]s
*[[Chomp]]s
*[[Hammer Bro|Hammer Bros.]]
*[[Banzai Bill]]s
|
*[[Frogoon]]s
*[[Lakitu]]
*[[Penguin]]s
*Goats
*[[Boo]]s
*[[Stingby|Stingbies]]
*[[Sidestepper]]s
*[[Snowman|Snowmen]]
*Snakes
*[[Dinosaur]]s
|
*[[Mega Wiggler]]s
*[[Bouncing Notes]]
*[[Mii]]s
*[[Pianta]]s
*Pinballs
*[[Shy Guy]]s
*[[Toad (species)|Toads]]
*Walking Trees
*[[Monty Mole]]s
*[[Rocky Wrench]]es
|
*[[Piranha Plant]]s
*[[Super Piranha Plant]]s
*[[Birdo (species)|Birdos]]
*[[Thwomp]]s
*[[Car]]s
*[[Fishbones]]
*[[Goomba Sign]]s
*Trains
*[[Thwomp|Star Thwomps]]
*Walking Vases
|}
 
==Items==
Many classic items make a return in ''Mario Kart 7''. However, the [[Thunder Cloud]], [[POW Block]], and [[Mega Mushroom]], introduced in ''Mario Kart Wii'', are absent from the game. Instead, it features three new items &ndash; the [[Fire Flower]], the [[Super Leaf]], and the [[Lucky Seven]]. The [[Fake Item Box]] from previous installments is also absent, along with Boo. Similar to its predecessors, players receive items by driving through an [[Item Box]] found on courses. When players drive through an Item Box, the Item Roulette will select an item. In ''Mario Kart 7'', [[Coin]]s can be found on the track. Players can collect the coins by driving through them. Picking up a coin increases a player's top speed. If players collect ten coins, their kart is at maximum speed. Players lose coins if they get hit by an item or fall in a pit. Collecting a certain amount of coins unlocks vehicle parts to select them in the vehicle's customization menu.
 
===Items found on tracks===
<center>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
!Image
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Lava Bubble.jpg |80px]]<br>[[Lava Bubble]]
!Name
|align=center|{{classic-link|GBA|Bowser's Castle 1|Bowser Castle 1}}
!align="center"|Description
|Lava Bubbles jump out of the lava between the ramps near the end of the track, causing players who hit them to spin out.
|-
|-
|[[File:Itembox_MK7.png|100px]]
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Mountain Goat.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Goat|Mountain Goat]]
|[[Item Box]]
|align=center|[[3DS Daisy Hills|Daisy Hills]]
|''Pass through an Item Box to pick up an item.''
|Mountain Goats roam around the mountainous areas of the track, wiping out racers who collide with them.
|-
|-
|[[File:Mk7_coin.jpg|100px]]
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Dinosaur.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Nossie]]
|[[Coin]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|GCN|Dino Dino Jungle}}
|''Collect coins to increase the top speed of your kart.''
|The dinosaur appears near the track's center, occupying the bridge section after the cave and the ground below the bridge. The dinosaur's feet stomp the lower section, flattening racers in a similar manner to a Thwomp. The dinosaur's head does not spin a racer out, rather blocks their path.
|}
</center>
 
===Items received from Item Boxes===
<center>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
!Image
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Oil Slick.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Oil slick]]
!Name
|align=center|{{classic-link|SNES|Mario Circuit 2}}
!align="center"|Description
|Oil slicks appear on various parts of the track, causing racers to spin out if they race over them.
|-
|-
|[[File:Mk7_banana.jpg|100px]]
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Penguin.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Penguin]]
|[[Banana]]
|align=center|[[3DS Rosalina's Ice World|Rosalina's Ice World]]<br>[[Sherbet Rink]]
|''Karts that run over Bananas will spin out.''
|Penguins appear around the icy pond section of Rosalina's Ice World, on both the land and in the water. In both instances, players will simply bounce off of them if they collide with them. On Sherbet Rink, Penguins roam around the track as a whole.
|-
|-
|[[File:Mk7_bananas.jpg|100px]]
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Pinball.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Metal ball|Pinball]]
|[[Triple Bananas]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|DS|Waluigi Pinball}}
|''Gives you three bananas that trail behind your kart.''
|Pinballs roll across various sections of the track, causing racers to flip over when hit. On the pinball table, pinballs can be hit by flippers and bounce of the bumpers scattered across the table.
|-
|-
|[[File:Green_Shell_MK7.jpg|100px]]
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Pipe.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Pipe]]
|[[Green Shell]]
|align=center|[[3DS Toad Circuit|Toad Circuit]]<br>{{classic-link|SNES|Mario Circuit 2}}
|''Travels in a straight line and knocks over the first kart it hits.''
|Pipes appear as stationary obstacles and are usually scattered on off road sections. Players will come to a complete stop if they collide with them.
|-
|-
|[[File:Mk7_triplegreenshell.jpg|100px]]
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Piranha Plant.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Piranha Plant]]
|[[Triple Green Shells]]
|align=center|[[3DS Music Park|Music Park]]<br>[[3DS Piranha Plant Slide|Piranha Plant Slide]]
|''Three green shells that protect your kart from incoming attacks.''
|Piranha Plants will attempt to bite any racer that drives near them. In Music Park, they appear on either sides of the track and occasionally swap positions. In Piranha Plant Slide, they are completely stationary and will turn back and forth regularly to attack racers.
|-
|-
|[[File:Mk7_redshell.jpg|100px]]
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Puddle.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Puddle]]
|[[Red Shell]]
|align=center|[[3DS Neo Bowser City|Neo Bowser City]]
|''Homes in on the closest kart in front of you and knocks it over.''
|Puddles appear at the end of the track and function identically to oil slicks. They can be avoided by jumping over them.
|-
|-
|[[File:Mk7_tripleredshells.jpg|100px]]
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Rocky Wrench.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Rocky Wrench]]
|[[Triple Red Shells]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|DS|Airship Fortress}}<br>{{classic-link|GBA|Battle Course 1}}
|''Three red shells that protect your kart from incoming attacks.''
|Rocky Wrenches pop out of the ground and will flip over racers who hit them. Players can also do jump actions off of their manhole covers when they peek out from the ground.
|-
|-
|[[File:Spiny_Shell.jpg|100px]]
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Screaming Pillar.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Screaming Pillar]]
|[[Spiny Shell (Mario Kart)|Spiny Shell]]
|align=center|[[3DS DK Jungle|DK Jungle]]
|''Chases after the kart in the lead, knocking over all karts it hits on the way.''
|Screaming Pillars are completely stationary obstacles and will stop a racer if they collide with them. They occasionally let out screams that will push racers back if they are in range.
|-
|-
|[[File:Mk7_bob-omb.jpg|100px]]
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Sidestepper.jpg|80px]]<br>[[Sidestepper]]
|[[Bob-omb]]
|align=center|[[3DS Cheep Cheep Lagoon|Cheep Cheep Lagoon]]<br>{{classic-link|N64|Koopa Troopa Beach|Koopa Beach}}<br>{{classic-link|DS|Palm Shore}}
|''Will explode when thrown or dropped, knocking over any kart in its blast radius.''
|Sidesteppers move back and forth along parts of the track, causing any racer who hits them to spin out.
|-
|-
|[[File:Mk7_supermushroom.jpg|100px]]
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Snowball.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Snowball]]
|[[Mushroom]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|DS|DK Pass}}
|''Provides your kart with a small speed boost.''
|Snowballs appear on DK Pass and function identically to Boulders or Pinballs. They roll down the mountain and fall off the track, flipping over racers who collide with them.
|-
|-
|[[File:Mk7_triplemushrooms.jpg|100px]]
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Snowman.jpg|80px]]<br>[[Snowman]]
|[[Triple Mushrooms]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|DS|DK Pass}}
|''Provides your kart with three separate speed boosts.''
|Snowmen appear at the end of the track and function in the same way as they did in past installments, causing racers who hit them to flip over.
|-
|-
|[[File:Mk7_goldenmushroom.jpg|100px]]
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Stingby.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Stingby]]
|[[Golden Mushroom]]
|align=center|[[Honeybee Hive]]
|''Gives you a speed boost whenever you press {{button|3ds|L}}/{{button|3ds|X}}, but only for a short time.''
|Several Stingbies fly around the battle stage, spinning out racers who hit them.
|-
|-
|[[File:MK7_Bullet_Bill.png|100px]]
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Super Thwomp.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Star Thwomp|Super Thwomp]]
|[[Bullet Bill]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|SNES|Rainbow Road}}
|''Transforms you into a Bullet Bill, which automatically follows the course at a high speed.''
|Super Thwomps appear throughout the track, wiping out racers who hit them. When they hit the ground, they cause ripples in the track, which make the kart jump, allowing the driver to perform a jump action.
|-
|-
|[[File:Blooper_MK7.png|100px]]
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Swooper.jpg|80px]]<br>[[Swoop]]
|[[Blooper]]
|align=center|[[3DS Rock Rock Mountain|Rock Rock Mountain]]
|''Sprays ink on all the karts ahead of you and reduces their visibility.''
|Swoops appear in the cave section of the track, slowing racers down if they hit them.
|-
|-
|[[File:Mariokart7_lightning.jpg|100px]]
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Thwomp.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Thwomp]]
|[[Thunderbolt_(item)|Lightning]]
|align=center|[[3DS Bowser's Castle|Bowser's Castle]]<br>{{classic-link|GBA|Bowser's Castle 1|Bowser Castle 1}}
|''Causes all opponents to drop their items and drive slowly for a short time.''
|Thwomps act identically as they did in past installments, stopping racers who hit them and flattening them if they fall on them.
|-
|-
|[[File:Mk7_star.jpg‎|100px]]
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Tiki Goon.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Tiki Goon]]
|[[Star]]
|align=center|[[3DS DK Jungle|DK Jungle]]
|''Makes you invincible and increases your speed for a short time.''
|Tiki Goons move back and forth along the track, pausing at the track's edges before moving the other way. Colliding with one will cause the player to spin out.
|-
|-
|[[File:FireFlower-MK7.jpg|100px]]
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Train.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Train (obstacle)|Train]]
|[[Fire Flower]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|N64|Kalimari Desert}}
|''Allows you to throw fireballs that cause other karts to spin out of control on impact.''
|Two trains follow an oval track around the center of the race track. Players will flip over if they hit the train or their carriages.  
|-
|-
|[[File:SuperLeaf-MK7.png|100px]]
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Walking Tree.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Walking Tree]]
|[[Super Leaf]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|DS|Luigi's Mansion}}
|''Gives your kart a tail that can be used to deflect items and knock over opponents.''
|Walking Trees walk around set paths at the end of the track. They function just like normal trees and will stop a racer completely when hit.
|-
|-
|[[File:MK7_Lucky7.png|100px]]
|align=center|[[File:MK7 Water Geyser.jpg|80px]]<br>[[Water Geyser]]
|[[Lucky Seven]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|GCN|Dino Dino Jungle}}
|''Surrounds your kart with seven items that can all be used.''
|Water Geysers appear in both the cave section and near the end of the track, erupting at regular intervals. Racers are flipped over if they hit an erupting geyser. Players can do jump actions off of geyser spouts if they are inactive.
|}
|}
</center>


==Courses==
==Vehicle parts==
''Mario Kart 7'' introduces 32 courses that include sixteen new courses and sixteen retro courses. It also features three new battle stages, and three Retro ones. Only the [[Mushroom Cup]] and [[Shell Cup]], as well as the battle courses are available from the start, but upon unlocking them they are available for all game modes, and not just for that specific [[Mario Kart (series)#Engine Class|Engine Class]], unlike past installments. ''Mario Kart 7'' has three courses -- Wuhu Loop, Maka Wuhu, and Rainbow Road -- that have three sections each, with each section counting as one lap. The following charts show the North American English names of the tracks, with their European variants in italics. Like in ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'', the retro tracks' lengths have been shortened, except the DS retro courses, which have been widened.
''Mario Kart 7'' introduces the option to personalize the player's vehicle before getting to the race. The player can select the body, the tires, and the glider to build the desired kart. By collecting many [[coin]]s from the races in Grand Prix mode, the player can unlock a new body, a new set of tires, or a new glider to use. It is possible to acquire a maximum of ten coins in a race. As the user chooses the parts, the stats may vary according to the parts' combination, and the vehicle will work better in particular situations.
 
There are 17 kart bodies, 10 tires, and 7 gliders for a grand total of 1,190 kart combinations. Of the parts, the [[Standard Kart]], [[Pipe Frame]], and [[Super Glider]] have their colors vary depending on their drivers. The [[Birthday Girl]] and [[Peach Parasol (glider)|Peach Parasol]] also vary in color for the female characters, though Peach's pink versions are shared with the male and gender-indeterminate characters. The Birthday Girl also cannot be used by CPU-played male or indeterminate characters, while the "gold" parts cannot be used by CPU players in general aside from Miis obtained via StreetPass from this game's Mario Kart Channel, if they are equipped.


=== New Courses ===
Additionally, the player can unlock a '''Gold Steering Wheel''' by racing in 100 races using gyro-controls in at least 80% of them.
{| width=100% border=1 style="border-collapse:collapse"
|- bgcolor=#fff7f7
![[Mushroom Cup]]
![[Flower Cup]]
![[Star Cup]]
![[Special Cup]]
|- align=center
|[[File:Toad Circuit.png|150px]]<br>[[Toad Circuit]]
|[[File:Wuhu Loop.png|150px]]<br>[[Wuhu Loop]]<br><small>''Wuhu Island Loop</small>
|[[File:PPS2.png|150px]]<br>[[Piranha Plant Slide]]<br><small>''Piranha Plant Pipeway</small>
|[[File:DKJungle.png|150px]]<br>[[DK Jungle (Mario Kart 7)|DK Jungle]]
|- align=center
|[[File:Daisyhills.png|150px]]<br>[[Daisy Hills]]
|[[File:MariocircuitMK7.png|150px]]<br>[[Mario Circuit#Mario Kart 7|Mario Circuit]]
|[[File:Wariogalleon.png|150px]]<br>[[Wario Shipyard]]<br><small>''Wario's Galleon''</small>
|[[File:RosalinaIceWorld.png|150px]]<br>[[Rosalina's Ice World]]
|- align=center
|[[File:Cheepcheeplagoon.png|150px]]<br>[[Cheep Cheep Lagoon]]<br><small>''Cheep Cheep Cape''</small>
|[[File:MusicPark.png|150px]]<br>[[Music Park]]<br><small>''Melody Motorway''</small>
|[[File:NeoBowserCity.png|150px]]<br>[[Neo Bowser City]]<br><small>''Koopa City''</small>
|[[File:BowserCastleMK7.png|150px]]<br>[[Bowser's Castle (course)#Mario Kart 7|Bowser's Castle]]
|- align=center
|[[File:ShyGuyBazaar.png|150px]]<br>[[Shy Guy Bazaar]]
|[[File:RockRockMountain.png|150px]]<br>[[Rock Rock Mountain]]<br><small>''Alpine Pass''</small>
|[[File:Wuhumountainloop.png|150px]]<br>[[Maka Wuhu]]<br><small>''Wuhu Mountain Loop''</small>
|[[File:RainbowroadMK7.png|150px]]<br>[[Rainbow Road#Mario Kart 7|Rainbow Road]]
|}


=== Retro Courses ===
===Karts===
{| width=100% border=1 style="border-collapse:collapse"
{|style="text-align:center"class="wikitable sortable sticky-header"
|- bgcolor=#fff7f7
!Kart
![[Shell Cup]]
!Speed (4-8)
![[Banana Cup]]
!Acceleration (1-5)
![[Leaf Cup]]
!Weight (1-3)
![[Lightning Cup]]
!Handling (1-5)
|- align=center
!Off-Road (1-3)
|[[File:LuigiracewayMK7.png|150px]]<br>[[Luigi Raceway#Mario Kart 64|<small>N64</small> Luigi Raceway]]
!Availability
|[[File:KoopaTroopaBeachMK7.png|150px]]<br>[[Koopa Troopa Beach|<small>N64</small> Koopa Beach]]<br><small>''<small>N64</small> Koopa Troopa Beach''</small>
|-
|[[File:KalimariDesertMK7.png|150px]]<br>[[Kalimari Desert|<small>N64</small> Kalimari Desert]]
|[[File:MK7 Toad-Standard Kart.png|150px]]<br>[[Standard Kart|Standard]]
|[[File:KoopaCapeMK7.png|150px]]<br>[[Koopa Cape|<small>Wii</small> Koopa Cape]]
|6
|- align=center
|3
|[[File:GBA Bowser Castle 1.jpg|150px]]<br>[[Bowser Castle 1#Mario Kart Super Circuit|<small>GBA</small> Bowser Castle 1]]
|2
|[[File:MK7-SFC-MC.png|150px]]<br>[[Mario Circuit 2#Super Mario Kart|<small>SNES</small> Mario Circuit 2]]
|3
|[[File:DKPassMK7.png|150px]]<br>[[DK Pass|<small>DS</small> DK Pass]]
|2
|[[File:DinoDinoJungleMK7.png|150px]]<br>[[Dino Dino Jungle|<small>GCN</small> Dino Dino Jungle]]
|Default
|- align=center
|-
|[[File:MushroomGorgeMK7.png|150px]]<br>[[Mushroom Gorge|<small>Wii</small> Mushroom Gorge]]
|[[File:MK7 Royal Ribbon.png|150px]]<br>[[Birthday Girl]] [[File:Flag of USA.png|20px]]<br>[[Birthday Girl|Royal Ribbon]] [[File:Flag of Europe.png|20px]]
|[[File:Wii Coconut Mall.png|150px]]<br>[[Coconut Mall|<small>Wii</small> Coconut Mall]]
|4
|[[File:DaisyCruiserMK7.png|150px]]<br>[[Daisy Cruiser#Mario Kart: Double Dash!!|<small>GCN</small> Daisy Cruiser]]
|5
|[[File:AirshipFortressMK7.png|150px]]<br>[[Airship Fortress|<small>DS</small> Airship Fortress]]
|1
|- align=center
|5
|[[File:LuigiMansionMK7.png|150px]]<br>[[Luigi's Mansion (place)#Mario Kart DS|<small>DS</small> Luigi's Mansion]]
|1
|[[File:MK7-DS-WP.png|150px]]<br>[[Waluigi Pinball (Mario Kart DS)|<small>DS</small> Waluigi Pinball]]
|Default
|[[File:MapleTreewayMK7.png|150px]]<br>[[Maple Treeway|<small>Wii</small> Maple Treeway]]
|-
|[[File:SNES MK7.png|150px]]<br>[[Rainbow Road#Super Mario Kart|<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road]]
|[[File:MK7 Bolt Buggy.png|150px]]<br>[[Bolt Buggy]]
|7
|1
|3
|2
|3
|Default
|-
|[[File:MK7 Bumble V.png|150px]]<br>[[Bumble V]]
|6
|5
|1
|1
|3
|Unlockable (random)
|-
|[[File:MK7 Growlster.png|150px]]<br>[[Bruiser]] [[File:Flag of USA.png|20px]]<br>[[Bruiser|Growlster]] [[File:Flag of Europe.png|20px]]
|8
|2
|3
|1
|2
|Unlockable (random)
|-
|[[File:MK7 Soda Jet.png|150px]]<br>[[Soda Jet]]
|7
|4
|1
|3
|1
|Unlockable (random)
|-
|[[File:MK7 B Dasher.png|150px]]<br>[[B Dasher]]
|8
|1
|2
|4
|1
|Unlockable (random)
|-
|[[File:MK7 Egg 1.png|150px]]<br>[[Egg 1]]
|5
|5
|1
|3
|2
|Unlockable (random)
|-
|[[File:MK7 Barrel Train.png|150px]]<br>[[Barrel Train]]
|7
|3
|3
|1
|2
|Unlockable (random)
|-
|[[File:MK7 Tiny Tug.png|150px]]<br>[[Tiny Tug]]
|4
|3
|3
|3
|3
|Unlockable (random)
|-
|[[File:MK7 Cact-X.png|150px]]<br>[[Cact-X]]
|5
|2
|2
|4
|3
|Unlockable (random)
|-
|[[File:MK7 Koopa Clown.png|150px]]<br>[[Koopa Clown]]
|6
|2
|2
|5
|1
|Unlockable (random)
|-
|[[File:MK7 Cloud 9.png|150px]]<br>[[Cloud 9]]
|4
|4
|1
|5
|2
|Unlockable (random)
|-
|[[File:MK7 Zucchini.png|150px]]<br>[[Zucchini]] [[File:Flag of USA.png|20px]]<br>[[Zucchini|Gherkin]] [[File:Flag of Europe.png|20px]]
|8
|2
|2
|2
|2
|Unlockable (random)
|-
|[[File:MK7 Blue Seven.png|150px]]<br>[[Blue Seven]]
|8
|1
|3
|2
|2
|Unlockable (random)
|-
|[[File:MK7 Pipe Frame.png|150px]]<br>[[Pipe Frame]]
|5
|4
|1
|3
|3
|Unlockable (random)
|-
|[[File:MK7 Gold Kart.png|150px]]<br>[[Gold Standard]]
|7
|2
|3
|3
|1
|Unlockable (reach 10,000 VR or collect 20,000 coins)
|}
|}


===Battle Courses===
===Tires===
[[File:MK7-screenshots-7.jpg|thumb|right|220px|[[Mario]], battling at GBA [[Battle Course 1 (Mario Kart: Super Circuit)|Battle Course 1]].]]
{|style="text-align:center"class="wikitable sortable sticky-header"
{| width=50% border=1; style="border-collapse:collapse"
!Tire
|- bgcolor=#fff7f7 width=20%
!Speed (1-8)
!New Courses
!Acceleration (0-6)
!Retro Courses
!Weight (0-8)
!Handling (0-13)
!Off-Road (0-15)
!Availability
|-
|[[File:MK7 Standard.png|100px]]<br>[[Standard (tire)|Standard]] [[File:Flag of USA.png|20px]]<br>[[Standard (tire)|Normal]] [[File:Flag of Europe.png|20px]]
|4
|3
|4
|5
|10
|Default
|-
|[[File:MK7 Roller.png|100px]]<br>[[Roller]]
|1
|6
|0
|13
|5
|Default
|-
|[[File:MK7 Monster.png|100px]]<br>[[Monster (tire)|Monster]]
|7
|0
|8
|0
|15
|Default
|-
|-
|<center>[[Honeybee Hive]]<small><br>''Honeybee House''</small></center>
|[[File:MK7 Slim.png|100px]]<br>[[Slim (tire)|Slim]]
|<center>[[Battle Course 1 (Mario Kart: Super Circuit)|<small>GBA</small> Battle Course 1]]</center>
|3
|4
|3
|10
|5
|Unlockable (random)
|-
|-
|<center>[[Sherbet Rink]]</center>
|[[File:MK7 Slick.png|100px]]<br>[[Slick]]
|<center>[[Big Donut|<small>N64</small> Big Donut]]</center>
|8
|2
|5
|0
|0
|Unlockable (random)
|-
|-
|<center>[[Wuhu Town]]</center>  
|[[File:MK7 Sponge Wheels.png|100px]]<br>[[Sponge]]
|<center>[[Palm Shore|<small>DS</small> Palm Shore]]</center>
|3
|5
|1
|5
|10
|Unlockable (random)
|-
|[[File:MK7 Mushroom Wheels.png|100px]]<br>[[Mushroom (tire)|Mushroom]]
|5
|2
|2
|10
|5
|Unlockable (random)
|-
|[[File:MK7 Wood.png|100px]]<br>[[Wood]] [[File:Flag of USA.png|20px]]<br>[[Wood|Wooden]] [[File:Flag of Europe.png|20px]]
|2
|5
|2
|10
|10
|Unlockable (random)
|-
|[[File:MK7 Red Monster.png|100px]]<br>[[Red Monster]]
|7
|1
|7
|0
|15
|Unlockable (random)
|-
|[[File:MK7 Gold Tires.png|100px]]<br>[[Gold Tires]] [[File:Flag of USA.png|20px]]<br>[[Gold Tires|Gold Wheels]] [[File:Flag of Europe.png|20px]]
|8
|1
|6
|0
|0
|Unlockable (obtain a minimum of one star ranking in all cups of every engine class or collect 15,000 coins)
|}
|}
{{br}}
==Kart Customization==
[[File:BoltBuggyScreenshot.jpg|frame|right|The Kart customization menu allows the player to build his or her own kart; choosing the body, the wheels, and the glider. Here, [[Bowser]] selects the [[Bolt Buggy]], the [[Monster (Mario Kart 7)|Monster]] wheels, and the [[Paraglider]] glider.]]
''Mario Kart 7'' introduces the option to personalize the player's vehicle before getting to the race. The player can select the body, the wheels, and the glider to build the desired kart. By collecting many [[Coin]]s from the races in Grand Prix mode, the player can unlock a new body, wheel, or glider to use. It is possible to acquire ten coins in a race. As the user chooses the parts, the stats may vary, regarding to the parts' combination and that the vehicle works better in particular situations. The resulting type of vehicle can be described in this way in general:
*A speedy Kart = great speed, moderate weight, humble acceleration, and poor off-road and handling.
*A robust Kart = low speed, off-road, great acceleration and handling, in contrast with a very low weight.
*A heavyweight Kart = great speed, off-road and weight, but very poor acceleration and handling.
*A lightweight Kart = mild speed, low weight, good off-road and handling, and great acceleration.
{{br}}
===Kart Parts and Stat Boosts===
Each part affects each kart's stats differently. The following is a list of the stat boosts that are applied, and the units are out of 6.<ref name="kartboost"/> However, only the Speed, Acceleration, Weight, Handling, and Off-Road stats are visible in-game. This list shows the North American kart names. If the kart has a different name in Europe, the European name will be put in parentheses under the North American name.
All kart parts are sorted based on how they're ordered in-game, starting with the standard parts.


{|border=1 cellpadding=3 style=background:#f5f5f5;text-align:center;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse align=center
===Gliders===
{|style="text-align:center"class="wikitable sortable sticky-header"
!Glider
!Speed (0)
!Acceleration (0-1)
!Weight (0-1)
!Handling (0)
!Off-Road (0)
!Availability
|-
|-
!colspan=13 bgcolor="#9c9c9c"|Kart Part Bonuses
|[[File:MK7 Super Glider.png|150px]]<br>[[Super Glider]]
|0
|0
|1
|0
|0
|Default
|-
|-
!colspan=13 bgcolor="#b8b8b8"|Kart Bodies
|[[File:MK7 Peach Parasol.png|150px]]<br>[[Peach Parasol (glider)|Peach Parasol]]
|0
|1
|0
|0
|0
|Unlockable (random)
|-
|-
!width=15% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Body
|[[File:MK7 Flower Glider.png|150px]]<br>[[Flower Glider]]
!width=10% colspan="3" bgcolor="#dedede"|Speed
|0
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Acceleration
|1
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Weight
|0
!width=10% colspan="3" bgcolor="#dedede"|Handling
|0
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Off-Road
|0
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Mini-Turbo
|Unlockable (random)
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Stability
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Drift
|-
|-
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Land
|[[File:MK7 Swoop.png|150px]]<br>[[Swooper (glider)|Swooper]] [[File:Flag of USA.png|20px]]<br>[[Swooper (glider)|Swoop]] [[File:Flag of Europe.png|20px]]
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Sea
|0
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Air
|1
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Land
|0
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Sea
|0
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Air
|0
|Unlockable (random)
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Toad-Standard Kart.png|75px]]<br>[[Kart#Mario_Kart_7|Standard]]*
|[[File:MK7 Paraglider.png|150px]]<br>[[Parafoil|Paraglider]] [[File:Flag of USA.png|20px]]<br>[[Parafoil]] [[File:Flag of Europe.png|20px]]
| 0
|0
| 0
|1
| 0
|0
| 0
|0
| 0
|0
| 0
|Unlockable (random)
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Gold Kart.png|75px]]<br>[[Kart#Mario_Kart_7|Gold Standard]]
|[[File:MK7 Gold Glider.png|150px]]<br>[[Gold Glider]]
| +0.25
|0
| 0
|0
| -0.25
|1
| -0.25
|0
| +0.25
|0
| 0
|Unlockable (reach 100 StreetPass hits or collect 10,000 coins)
| 0
| 0
| -0.25
| -0.25
| 0
| -0.25
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Royal Ribbon.png|75px]]<br>[[Birthday Girl]]**<br><small>''(Royal Ribbon)''</small>
|[[File:MK7 Beast Glider.png|150px]]<br>[[Beast Glider]] [[File:Flag of USA.png|20px]]<br>[[Beast Glider|Ghastly Glider]] [[File:Flag of Europe.png|20px]]
| -0.5
|0
| +0.5
|0
| +0.5
|1
| +0.5
|0
| -0.25
|0
| +0.5
|Unlockable (collect 5,000 coins, decreasing if players unlock kart parts via the StreetPass feature)
| +0.25
|}
| +0.25
 
| -0.25
===Unlocking random parts===
| +0.5
Players can unlock random parts by collecting the following coin values:
| 0
*50
| +0.25
*100
*150
*200
*250
*300
*400
*500
*600
*700
*800
*900
*1,000
*1,200
*1,400
*1,600
*1,800
*2,000
*2,500
*3,000
*3,500
*4,000
*4,500
 
==Drivers' and vehicle parts' statistics==
:''For the in-game tables from which these values were derived and for the tables to translate those values into the actual statistics used by the game, see [[Mario Kart 7 in-game statistics]].''
===Statistics shown in the vehicle customization screen===
In contrast with ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', which directly added the characters' and vehicles' physical parameters to obtain their final values, the game introduces the ''Points'' which are conferred by characters and vehicle parts. In each statistics, the points given by the character, body, tires, and glider are summed to obtain a final value called ''Level'' (''Lv'') which is then used by [[Mario Kart 7 in-game statistics#Statistics Translation Tables|a table]] to convert the level into various related physical parameters used by the game. The Level of five statistics is displayed in the vehicle customization screen:
*'''Speed:''' The top speed of the kart on land.
*'''Acceleration:''' The rate of speed increase when holding the acceleration button.
*'''Weight:''' The weight of the kart. Karts with higher weight knock away vehicles with lower weight.
*'''Handling:''' The turning ability of the kart on land. A higher stat means vehicles turn sharper.
*'''Off-Road:''' The grasp of the kart. Karts with higher Off-Road slip less on certain terrain and are faster, to the point of being able to charge [[Mini-Turbo]]s. Not to be confused with handling.
Said Level is represented through bars by adding two points to the sum of points, then dividing the result by four, resulting in values ranging from 0.75 to 5.5. As an example, the process through which the statistics of a certain combination of character and vehicle parts are calculated and displayed is shown below:
[[File:MK7 Bolt Buggy Garage.png|thumb|center|400px|A combination consisting of [[Bowser]], [[Bolt Buggy]], [[Monster (tire)|Monster]] [[Tire]]s, and [[Parafoil|Paraglider]].]]
{|class="wikitable"style="text-align:center;margin:auto"
!rowspan=2|Element
!colspan=5|Points conferred
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Bumble V.png|75px]]<br>[[Bumble V]]
!Speed
| 0
!Acceleration
| 0
!Weight
| +0.5
!Handling
| +0.5
!Off-Road
| -0.25
|-style="color:red"
| -0.5
![[File:MK7 Icon character select Bowser.png]]<br>[[Bowser]]
| 0
|'''4'''
| +0.25
|'''0'''
| +0.25
|'''8'''
| +1.5
|'''0'''
| 0
|'''0'''
| +0.25
|-style="color:green"
![[File:MK7Bolt Buggy.png]]<br>[[Bolt Buggy]]
|'''7'''
|'''1'''
|'''3'''
|'''2'''
|'''3'''
|-style="color:blue"
![[File:MK7Monstericon.png]]<br>[[Monster (tire)|Monster Tires]]
|'''7'''
|'''0'''
|'''8'''
|'''0'''
|'''15'''
|-style="color:darkorange"
![[File:MK7Paraglider.png]]<br>[[Parafoil|Paraglider]]
|'''0'''
|'''1'''
|'''0'''
|'''0'''
|'''0'''
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Growlster.png|75px]]<br>[[Bruiser]]<br><small>''(Growlster)''</small>
!Final Values
| +0.5
!Speed
| -0.5
!Acceleration
| -0.25
!Weight
| -0.25
!Handling
| +0.25
!Off-Road
| -0.5
| 0
| 0
| 0
| +0.5
| 0
| -0.25
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Soda Jet.png|75px]]<br>[[Soda Jet]]
!Level
| +0.25
!<span style="color:red">4</span> + <span style="color:green">7</span> + <span style="color:blue">7</span> + <span style="color:darkorange">0</span> =<br>18
| -0.5
!<span style="color:red">0</span> + <span style="color:green">1</span> + <span style="color:blue">0</span> + <span style="color:darkorange">1</span> =<br>2
| +0.5
!<span style="color:red">8</span> + <span style="color:green">3</span> + <span style="color:blue">8</span> + <span style="color:darkorange">0</span> =<br>19
| +0.25
!<span style="color:red">0</span> + <span style="color:green">2</span> + <span style="color:blue">0</span> + <span style="color:darkorange">0</span> =<br>2
| -0.25
!<span style="color:red">0</span> + <span style="color:green">3</span> + <span style="color:blue">15</span> + <span style="color:darkorange">0</span> =<br>18
| 0
| 0
| +0.25
| -0.25
| +0.5
| 0
| +0.25
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 B Dasher.png|75px]]<br>[[B Dasher]]
!Value shown in the vehicle customization screen
| +0.5
!(18 + 2) / 4 = 20 / 4 =<br>5
| -0.5
!(2 + 2) / 4 = 4 / 4 =<br>1
| 0
!(19 + 2) / 4 = 21 / 4 =<br>5.25
| -0.5
!(2 + 2) / 4 = 4 / 4 =<br>1
| 0
!(18 + 2) / 4 = 20 / 4 =<br>5
| +0.25
|}
| 0
 
| 0
===Internal statistics===
| -0.25
The following table shows the statistics of the various drivers and kart parts.
| 0
In addition to the statistics shown in the vehicle customization screen, there are the following statistics:
| 0
*'''Water Speed:''' The top speed of the kart while driving underwater.
| 0
*'''Air Speed:''' The top speed of the kart while gliding.
*'''Water Handling:''' The turning ability of the kart while driving underwater.
*'''Air Handling:''' The turning ability of the kart while gliding.
*'''Mini-Turbo:''' The length of the kart's mini-turbo speed boosts.
*'''Stability:''' How much the tires stick to the ground and how much the kart tends to tilt sideways when turning and drifting.
*'''Drift:''' How much the kart slips when a drift begins.
The following table reports the statistics in points.
{|border="1"cellpadding="3"style="background:#f5f5f5;text-align:center;width:94%;border-collapse:collapse;margin-bottom:5px;"align=center
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Egg 1.png|75px]]<br>[[Egg 1]]
!colspan="14"style="background:#9c9c9c"|Character Stats
| -0.25
| +1.5
| +0.5
| +0.5
| -0.25
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| +0.5
| 0
| +0.25
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Barrel Train.png|75px]]<br>[[Barrel Train (kart)|Barrel Train]]
!width="20%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"colspan="2"|Weight Class
| +0.25
!width="24%"style="background:#dedede"colspan="3"|Speed
| -0.75
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Acceleration
| -0.25
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Weight
| 0
!width="24%"style="background:#dedede"colspan="3"|Handling
| +0.25
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Off-Road
| -0.5
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Mini-Turbo
| 0
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Stability
| 0
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Drift
| 0
| +1.5
| 0
| -0.25
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Tiny Tug.png|75px]]<br>[[Tiny Tug]]
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"|Land
| -0.5
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"|Water
| +1.5
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"|Air
| -0.25
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"|Land
| 0
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"|Water
| +0.25
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"|Air
| 0
|-style="font-weight:bold"
| +0.5
!rowspan="1"style="background-color:#FEEFFF;color:purple;border-color:black;"|{{text outline|Feather|white}}
| 0
!style="background-color:#FEEFFF;"|[[File:MK7 Icon character select Toad.png|link=Toad]][[File:MK7 Icon character select Koopa Troopa.png|link=Koopa Troopa]][[File:ShyGuyIcon-MK7.png|link=Shy Guy]][[File:LakituIcon-MK7.png|link=Lakitu]]
| +0.25
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
| -0.5
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|2
| 0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
| -0.25
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|2
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|2
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|2
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|2
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|3
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|-style="font-weight:bold"
!rowspan="1"style="background-color:azure;color:dodgerblue;border-color:black;"|{{text outline|Light}}
!style="background-color:azure;"|[[File:MK7 Icon character select Peach.png|link=Princess Peach]][[File:MK7 Icon character select Yoshi.png|link=Yoshi]][[File:MK7 Icon character select Daisy.png|link=Princess Daisy]]
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"|1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"|6
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"|2
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|2
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|2
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|-style="font-weight:bold"
!rowspan="1"style="background-color:honeydew;color:green;border-color:black;"|{{text outline|Medium|white}}
!style="background-color:honeydew;"|[[File:MK7 Icon character select Mario.png|link=Mario]][[File:MK7 Icon character select Luigi.png|link=Luigi]][[File:MK7 Icon character select Mii.png|link=Mii]]
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|-style="font-weight:bold"
!rowspan="1"style="background-color:beige;color:gold;border-color:black;"|{{text outline|Cruiser}}
!style="background-color:beige;"|[[File:MK7 Icon character select Donkey Kong.png|link=Donkey Kong]][[File:MK7 Icon character select Rosalina.png|link=Rosalina]][[File:WigglerIcon-MK7.png|link=Wiggler]]
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"|3
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"|2
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"|6
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|-style="font-weight:bold"
!rowspan="1"style="background-color:mistyrose;color:red;border-color:black;"|{{text outline|Heavy|white}}
!style="background-color:mistyrose;"|[[File:MK7 Icon character select Bowser.png|link=Bowser]][[File:MK7 Icon character select Wario.png|link=Wario]][[File:MetalMarioIcon-MK7.png|link=Metal Mario]][[File:QueenBeeIcon-MK7.png|link=Honey Queen]]
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|4
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Cact-X.png|75px]]<br>[[Cact-X]]
!colspan=14 style="background:#b8b8b8"|Bodies
| -0.25
| +0.5
| -0.25
| -0.25
| 0
| +0.25
| 0
| 0
| +0.25
| -0.5
| 0
| 0
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Koopa Clown.png|75px]]<br>[[Koopa_Clown_Car#Mario_Kart_series|Koopa Clown]]
!width="20%"rowspan="2"style="background:#dedede"colspan=2|Body
| 0
!width="24%"style="background:#dedede"colspan="3"|Speed
| 0
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Acceleration
| 0
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Weight
| -0.25
!width="24%"style="background:#dedede"colspan="3"|Handling
| 0
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Off-Road
| +0.5
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Mini-Turbo
| +0.25
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Stability
| +0.25
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Drift
| -0.25
| +1.5
| 0
| 0
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Cloud 9.png|75px]]<br>[[Cloud 9]]
!style="background:#dedede"|Land
| -0.5
!style="background:#dedede"|Water
| +1
!style="background:#dedede"|Air
| +0.5
!style="background:#dedede"|Land
| +0.25
!style="background:#dedede"|Water
| -0.25
!style="background:#dedede"|Air
| +0.5
|-style="font-weight:bold"
| +0.5
|style="background-color:#ededed;" colspan=2|[[File:MK7ToadStandardKart.png|link=Standard Kart#Mario Kart 7|Standard]]
| +0.25
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|6
| 0
|style="background-color:#aaffd4;"|4
| +0.5
|style="background-color:#aaffd4;"|2
| 0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|3
| +0.25
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|3
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"|2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Gold Standard.png|link=Gold Standard#Mario Kart 7|Gold Standard (Gold Kart)]]
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"|7
|style="background-color:#aaffd4;"|4
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"|2
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|3
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|3
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"|2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Birthday Girl.png|link=Birthday Girl|Birthday Girl (Royal Ribbon)]]
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|4
|style="background-color:#80f0ff;"|6
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|5
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|5
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|2
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|3
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Bumble V.png|link=Bumble V|Bumble V]]
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|6
|style="background-color:#aaffd4;"|4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|5
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|2
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|3
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|3
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Bruiser.png|link=Bruiser|Bruiser (Growlster)]]
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#e2ff9c;"|2
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"|2
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|3
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"|2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Soda Jet.png|link=Soda Jet|Soda Jet]]
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"|7
|style="background-color:#e2ff9c;"|2
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|4
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"|4
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|3
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|2
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|3
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7B Dasher.png|link=B Dasher|B Dasher]]
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#e2ff9c;"|2
|style="background-color:#aaffd4;"|2
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"|4
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"|2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Egg 1.png|link=Egg 1|Egg 1]]
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"|5
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|10
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|5
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|3
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|3
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Barrel Train.png|link=Barrel Train|Barrel Train]]
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"|7
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|3
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|3
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Tiny Tug.png|link=Tiny Tug|Tiny Tug]]
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|10
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|3
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|3
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|3
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|3
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|3
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Cact-X.png|link=Cact-X|Cact-X]]
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"|5
|style="background-color:#80f0ff;"|6
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"|2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"|4
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|3
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Koopa Clown.png|link=Koopa Clown|Koopa Clown]]
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|6
|style="background-color:#aaffd4;"|4
|style="background-color:#aaffd4;"|2
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"|2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|5
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|2
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Cloud 9.png|link=Cloud 9|Cloud 9]]
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|4
|style="background-color:#80b8ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|4
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"|4
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|5
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|3
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|3
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Zucchini.png|link=Zucchini|Zucchini (Gherkin)]]
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#e2ff9c;"|2
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"|2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"|2
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Blue Seven.png|link=Blue Seven|Blue Seven]]
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#aaffd4;"|4
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|3
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"|2
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|2
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Bolt Buggy.png|link=Bolt Buggy|Bolt Buggy]]
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"|7
|style="background-color:#e2ff9c;"|2
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|3
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"|2
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|3
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7RedPipeFrame.png|link=Pipe Frame|Pipe Frame]]
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"|5
|style="background-color:#80b8ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|4
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"|4
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|3
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|3
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|3
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Zucchini.png|75px]]<br>[[Zucchini]]<br><small>''(Gherkin)''</small>
!colspan=14 style="background:#b8b8b8"|Tires
| +0.5
| -0.5
| -0.25
| -0.25
| 0
| -0.25
| 0
| 0
| 0
| -0.5
| 0
| 0
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Blue Seven.png|75px]]<br>[[Blue Seven]]
!width="20%"rowspan="2"style="background:#dedede"colspan=2|Tire
| +0.5
!width="24%"style="background:#dedede"colspan="3"|Speed
| 0
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Acceleration
| -0.25
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Weight
| -0.5
!width="24%"style="background:#dedede"colspan="3"|Handling
| +0.25
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Off-Road
| -0.25
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Mini-Turbo
| 0
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Stability
| 0
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Drift
| 0
| -0.5
| 0
| -0.25
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Bolt Buggy.png|75px]]<br>[[Bolt Buggy]]
!style="background:#dedede"|Land
| +0.25
!style="background:#dedede"|Water
| -0.5
!style="background:#dedede"|Air
| -0.25
!style="background:#dedede"|Land
| -0.5
!style="background:#dedede"|Water
| +0.25
!style="background:#dedede"|Air
| -0.25
|-style="font-weight:bold"
| 0
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Standardicon.png|link=Standard (tire)|Standard (Normal)]]
| 0
|style="background-color:#92ffec;"|4
| +0.25
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
| 0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
| 0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|3
| -0.25
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#9dffe1;"|5
|style="background-color:#aaffd4;"|5
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#80d4ff;"|10
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Gold Standardicon.png|link=Gold Tires|Gold Tires (Gold Wheels)]]
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#d4ffaa;"|1
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"|6
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#aaffd4;"|5
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Rollericon.png|link=Roller|Roller]]
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|6
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|13
|style="background-color:#80d4ff;"|10
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#aaffd4;"|5
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Slimicon.png|link=Slim (tire)|Slim]]
|style="background-color:#b6ffc8;"|3
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#80d4ff;"|4
|style="background-color:#9fffdf;"|3
|style="background-color:#80baff;"|10
|style="background-color:#80d4ff;"|10
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#aaffd4;"|5
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Slickicon.png|link=Slick|Slick]]
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#aaffd4;"|2
|style="background-color:#80dfff;"|5
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Spongeicon.png|link=Sponge|Sponge]]
|style="background-color:#b6ffc8;"|3
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|4
|style="background-color:#80aaff;"|5
|style="background-color:#dfff9f;"|1
|style="background-color:#9dffe1;"|5
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#80d4ff;"|10
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Mushroomicon.png|link=Mushroom (tire)|Mushroom]]
|style="background-color:#80ecff;"|5
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#aaffd4;"|2
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"|2
|style="background-color:#80baff;"|10
|style="background-color:#aaffd4;"|5
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#aaffd4;"|5
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Woodicon.png|link=Wood|Wood (Wooden)]]
|style="background-color:#daffa4;"|2
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|4
|style="background-color:#80aaff;"|5
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"|2
|style="background-color:#80baff;"|10
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|15
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#80d4ff;"|10
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Red Monstericon.png|link=Red Monster|Red Monster]]
|style="background-color:#80a4ff;"|7
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#d4ffaa;"|1
|style="background-color:#809fff;"|7
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|15
|style="background-color:#80dfff;"|5
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Monstericon.png|link=Monster (tire)|Monster]]
|style="background-color:#80a4ff;"|7
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|15
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Pipe Frame.png|75px]]<br>[[Kart#Mario_Kart_7|Pipe Frame]]*
!colspan=14 style="background:#b8b8b8"|Gliders
| -0.25
| +1
| +0.5
| +0.25
| -0.25
| 0
| +0.25
| +0.25
| +0.25
| +0.5
| 0
| +0.25
|-
|-
!colspan=13 bgcolor="#b8b8b8"|Kart Wheels
!width="20%"rowspan="2"style="background:#dedede"colspan=2|Glider
!width="24%"style="background:#dedede"colspan="3"|Speed
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Acceleration
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Weight
!width="24%"style="background:#dedede"colspan="3"|Handling
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Off-Road
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Mini-Turbo
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Stability
!width="6%"style="background:#dedede"rowspan="2"|Drift
|-
|-
!width=15% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Wheel
!style="background:#dedede"|Land
!width=10% colspan="3" bgcolor="#dedede"|Speed
!style="background:#dedede"|Water
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Acceleration
!style="background:#dedede"|Air
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Weight
!style="background:#dedede"|Land
!width=10% colspan="3" bgcolor="#dedede"|Handling
!style="background:#dedede"|Water
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Off-Road
!style="background:#dedede"|Air
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Mini-Turbo
|-style="font-weight:bold"
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Stability
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7MarioSuperGlider.png|link=Super Glider|Super Glider]][[File:MK7Gold Glider.png|link=Gold Glider|Gold Glider]][[File:MK7Beast Glider.png|link=Beast Glider|Beast Glider (Ghastly Glider)]]
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Drift
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|12
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|1
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Peach Parasol.png|link=Peach Parasol (glider)|Peach Parasol]][[File:MK7Flower Glider.png|link=Flower Glider|Flower Glider]]
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|8
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|style="background-color:#ededed;"colspan=2|[[File:MK7Swooper.png|link=Swooper (glider)|Swooper (Swoop)]][[File:MK7Paraglider.png|link=Parafoil|Paraglider (Parafoil)]]
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|6
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|4
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"|1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"|0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"|0
|}
 
==Items==
:''For the probability of obtaining each item when an Item Box is opened in the various modes, see [[Mario Kart 7 item probability distributions]].''
Many classic items make a return in ''Mario Kart 7''. The game introduces three new items &ndash; the [[Fire Flower]], the [[Super Leaf]], and the [[Lucky Seven]] (the last two of which do not return in ''[[Mario Kart 8]]''). The [[Thunder Cloud]], [[POW Block]], and [[Mega Mushroom]] from ''Mario Kart Wii'' are absent from the game. The [[Fake Item Box]] from ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'', ''Double Dash!!'', ''DS'', and ''Wii'' is also absent, along with [[Boo]] from ''Super Mario Kart'', ''64'', ''Super Circuit'', and ''DS''. Similar to its predecessors, players receive items by driving through an [[Item Box]] found on courses. When players drive through an Item Box, the Item Roulette will select an item. In addition to Item Boxes, [[Coin]]s can be found on the track. Players can collect the coins by driving through them. Picking up a coin increases a player's top speed. If players collect ten coins, their kart is at maximum speed and cannot gain additional coins. Players lose coins if they get hit by an item or fall in a pit. Collecting a certain amount of coins unlocks vehicle parts to select them in the vehicle's customization menu. Also, unlike in its predecessor, the item warning sound will only play if a [[Spiny Shell (blue)|Spiny Shell]] or a [[Bullet Bill]] is approaching.
 
One prominent change to the classic items is that the Spiny Shell now has been redesigned into a wingless form, similar to the one found in ''Mario Kart 64'' and having a new sound effect. Its overall behavior is also changed as well; the shell now flies lower to the ground and is able to hit other racers on its path. In addition, the explosion is noticeably less powerful compared to previous installments.
===Items found on tracks===
<center>
{|class="wikitable"
|-
|-
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Land
!Image
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Sea
!Name
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Air
!align="center"|Description
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Land
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Sea
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Air
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Standard.png|50px]]<br>[[Standard (wheels)|Standard]]
|[[File:Itembox MK7.png|100px]]
| 0
|[[Item Box]]
| 0
|Item Boxes give players items.
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Gold Tires.png|50px]]<br>[[Gold Tires]]
|[[File:Coin MK7.png|100px]]
| +1
|[[Coin]]
| -1
|Players receive a small boost and an increase to their top speed. A maximum of 10 can be carried at one time.
| 0
|}
| -0.5
</center>
| +0.5
 
| -1.25
===Items received from Item Boxes===
| 0
<center>
| -1
{|class="wikitable"
| -2.5
| 0
| 0
| -1
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Roller.png|50px]]<br>[[Roller]]
!Image
| -0.75
!Name
| +1
!align="center"|Description
| +1
| +0.75
| -1
| +2
| +1.25
| +1
| -1.25
| +1
| +1
| -1
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Slim.png|50px]]<br>[[Slim (Mario Kart 7)|Slim]]
|[[File:Banana - Mario Kart 7.png|100px]]
| -0.25
|[[Banana]]
| 0
|Players that run over Bananas spin out.
| 0
| +0.25
| -0.25
| +1.25
| +1.25
| 0
| -1.25
| -1
| +1
| +1
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Slick.png|50px]]<br>[[Slick]]
|[[File:Triple Bananas MK7.png|100px]]
| +1
|[[Triple Bananas]]
| -1
|Gives the player three Bananas that trail behind the kart. They can then be dropped or thrown one by one.
| 0
| -0.25
| +0.25
| -1.25
| -1.25
| 0
| -2.5
| 0
| 0
| +1
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Sponge Wheels.png|50px]]<br>[[Sponge]]
|[[File:Green Shell MK7.png|100px]]
| -0.25
|[[Green Shell]]
| -1
|Travels in a straight line and bounces off walls. Knocks over the player it hits.
| +1
|-
| +0.5
|[[File:Triple Green Shells MK7.png|100px]]
| -0.75
|[[Triple Green Shells]]
| 0
|Three Green Shells that protect the player from incoming attacks by rotating around its kart. They can then be thrown one by one.
| -1.25
|-
| +1
|[[File:Red Shell MK7.png|100px]]
| 0
|[[Red Shell]]
| 0
|Chases after the closest player in front of the player and knocks it over. Throwing it backwards will make it travel in a straight line, like a Green Shell.
| 0
| +1
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Mushroom Wheels.png|50px]]<br>[[Mushroom (Mario Kart 7)|Mushroom]]
|[[File:Triple Red Shells MK7.png|100px]]
| +0.25
|[[Triple Red Shells]]
| 0
|Three Red Shells that protect the player from incoming attacks by rotating around its kart. They can then be thrown one by one. CPU players can't get this item in Grand Prix and Battle modes, unless the item settings are set to Shells Only.
| 0
| -0.25
| -0.5
| +1.25
| 0
| 0
| -1.25
| 0
| 0
| -1
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Wood.png|50px]]<br>[[Wood]]
|[[File:MK7-Spiny-Shell.png|100px]]
| -0.5
|[[Spiny Shell (blue)|Spiny Shell]]
| +1
|Chases after the player in the lead, then explodes on it. It will also knock over anything that is on its path.
| +1
| +0.5
| -0.5
| +1.25
| +2.5
| +1
| 0
| -1
| +1
| +1
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Red Monster.png|50px]]<br>[[Red Monster]]
|[[File:Bobomb MK7.png|100px]]
| +0.75
|[[Bob-omb]]
| -1
|After being thrown or dropped, it explodes after a moment or when a player comes too close, knocking over anything in its blast radius. It will also chase after players that comes by.
| 0
| -0.5
| +0.75
| -1.25
| -1.25
| -1
| +1.25
| +0.25
| -1
| -1
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Monster.png|50px]]<br>[[Monster (Mario Kart 7)|Monster]]
|[[File:Mushroom MK7.png|100px]]
| +0.75
|[[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]]
| -1
|Gives the player a speed boost.
| 0
| -0.75
| +1
| -1.25
| -1.25
| -1
| +1.25
| 0
| -1
| 0
|-
|-
!colspan=13 bgcolor="#b8b8b8"|Kart Gliders
|[[File:Triple Mushrooms MK7.png|100px]]
|[[Triple Mushrooms]]
|Same effect as the Mushroom. It can be used three times.
|-
|-
!width=15% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Glider
|[[File:Golden Mushroom MK7.png|100px]]
!width=10% colspan="3" bgcolor="#dedede"|Speed
|[[Golden Dash Mushroom|Golden Mushroom]]
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Acceleration
|Same effect as the Mushroom. It can be used at will, but only for a moment after the first use.
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Weight
!width=10% colspan="3" bgcolor="#dedede"|Handling
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Off-Road
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Mini-Turbo
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Stability
!width=10% rowspan="2" bgcolor="#dedede"|Drift
|-
|-
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Land
|[[File:MK7 Bullet Bill.png|100px]]
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Sea
|[[Bullet Bill]]
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Air
|Transforms the player into a Bullet Bill, which rockets down the entire track at high speeds on auto-pilot for a time that is determined by the player's current position. The Bullet Bill is invincible and can knock over items, course hazards and other players, which makes them lose any item in their possession.
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Land
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Sea
!bgcolor="#dedede"|Air
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:Supergilder.png|75px]]<br>[[Super Glider]]*
|[[File:Blooper MK7.png|100px]]
| 0
|[[Blooper]]
| 0
|Sprays ink on all the players ahead of the user and reduces their visibility. The ink will go away after a moment or when the player receives a boost from a Mushroom or a Boost Pad.
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Gold Glider.png|75px]]<br>[[Gold Glider]]
|[[File:Lightning MK7 no glow.png|100px]]
| 0
|[[Lightning]]
| 0
|Causes all players, except the user, to drop their item, shrink, and have their kart's top speed reduced for a moment, the effect being longer for the players that are leading the race. They can also get squashed by normal-sized players.
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Peach Parasol.png|75px]]<br>[[Peach Parasol (Mario Kart 7)|Peach Parasol]]**
|[[File:Star MK7.png|100px]]
| 0
|[[Super Star]]
| 0
|The player obtains total invincibility for a moment and is able to knock over everything in its path including items, course obstacles, and other players, making them lose their current item. In addition, the player receives a speed boost and the ability to drive off-road without losing any speed.
| -3
| +0.25
| -0.25
| 0
| 0
| +2
| 0
| +0.25
| 0
| -0.25
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Flower Glider.png|75px]]<br>[[Flower Glider]]
|[[File:Fire Flower MK7.png|100px]]
| 0
|[[Fire Flower]]<br>''New Item''
| 0
|Allows the player to throw fireballs that bounces off walls and cause other players to spin out of control on impact. Up to three fireballs are allowed at a time per player, throwing a fourth one will make the oldest one disappear. If ten fireballs are used, this item wears off immediately.
| -3
| +0.25
| -0.25
| 0
| 0
| +2
| 0
| +0.25
| 0
| -0.25
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Beast Glider.png|75px]]<br>[[Beast Glider]]<br><small>''(Ghastly Glider)''</small>
|[[File:SuperLeaf-MK7.png|100px]]
| 0
|[[Super Leaf]]<br>''New Item''
| 0
|Gives the player's kart a tail that can be used to deflect items, knock over opponents and collect coins. The tail will disappear after a moment or if the player is hurt.
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Swoop.png|75px]]<br>[[Swooper (Mario Kart 7)|Swooper]]<br><small>''(Swoop)''</small>
|[[File:MK7 Lucky7.png|100px]]
| 0
|[[Lucky Seven]]<br>''New Item''
| 0
|Surrounds the player with seven items that rotates around its kart. The player receives a Mushroom, Banana, Green Shell, Red Shell, Blooper, Bob-omb, and a Star. CPU players can't get this item, unless only one type of item is chosen in Battle Mode.
| -1.5
|}
| +0.25
</center>
| -0.25
 
| 0
==Courses==
| 0
Like ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', ''Mario Kart 7'' features 32 courses that includes 16 [[new course]]s and 16 [[Classic course|retro courses]], which consists of one course from ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'', two courses from ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', three from ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'', and four from ''Mario Kart DS'' and ''Mario Kart Wii''. Only the [[Mushroom Cup]] and [[Shell Cup]], as well as the battle courses, are available from the start, but upon unlocking them they are available for all game modes, and not just for that specific [[Mario Kart (series)#Engine Class|Engine Class]], unlike past installments. A new feature of ''Mario Kart 7'' is that three of the new courses &ndash; Wuhu Loop, Maka Wuhu, and Rainbow Road &ndash; have three sections each, with each section counting as one lap. The following charts show the American English names of the tracks, with the British English names in italics. Like in ''Mario Kart DS'', the retro tracks' width have been shortened, except the DS retro courses, which have been widened.
| +1
===New courses===
| 0
{|style="width:700px;margin:auto;text-align:center"class="wikitable"
| +0.25
|-
| 0
![[File:MK7-MushroomCup.png|50px]]<br>[[Mushroom Cup]]
| -0.25
|[[File:Toad Circuit.png|150px]]<br>[[3DS Toad Circuit|Toad Circuit]]<br><br>
||[[File:Daisyhills.png|150px]]<br>[[3DS Daisy Hills|Daisy Hills]]<br><br>
|[[File:Cheepcheeplagoon.png|150px]]<br>[[3DS Cheep Cheep Lagoon|Cheep Cheep Lagoon]]<br><small>''Cheep Cheep Cape''</small>
|[[File:ShyGuyBazaar.png|150px]]<br>[[3DS Shy Guy Bazaar|Shy Guy Bazaar]]<br><br>
|-
|-
! bgcolor="#ededed"|[[File:MK7 Paraglider.png|75px]]<br>[[Paraglider]]<br><small>''(Parafoil)''</small>
![[File:MK7-FlowerCup.png|50px]]<br>[[Flower Cup]]
| 0
|[[File:Wuhu Loop.png|150px]]<br>[[Wuhu Loop]]<br><small>''Wuhu Island Loop''</small>
| 0
|[[File:MariocircuitMK7.png|150px]]<br>[[3DS Mario Circuit|Mario Circuit]]<br><br>
| -1.5
|[[File:MusicPark.png|150px]]<br>[[3DS Music Park|Music Park]]<br><small>''Melody Motorway''</small>
| +0.25
|[[File:RockRockMountain.png|150px]]<br>[[3DS Rock Rock Mountain|Rock Rock Mountain]]<br><small>''Alpine Pass''</small>
| -0.25
| 0
| 0
| +1
| 0
| +0.25
| 0
| -0.25
|-
|-
!colspan=13 bgcolor="#dedede"|*Changes color, depending on the character.<br />**Changes color, only when used by female characters, excluding female [[Mii]]'s.
![[File:MK7 Star Cup Emblem.png|50px]]<br>[[Star Cup]]
|[[File:PPS2.png|150px]]<br>[[3DS Piranha Plant Slide|Piranha Plant Slide]]<br><small>''Piranha Plant Pipeway''</small>
|[[File:Wariogalleon.png|150px]]<br>[[3DS Wario Shipyard|Wario Shipyard]]<br><small>''Wario's Galleon''</small>
|[[File:NeoBowserCity.png|150px]]<br>[[3DS Neo Bowser City|Neo Bowser City]]<br><small>''Koopa City''</small>
|[[File:Wuhumountainloop.png|150px]]<br>[[Maka Wuhu]]<br><small>''Wuhu Mountain Loop''</small>
|-
|-
![[File:MK7 Special Cup Emblem.png|50px]]<br>[[Special Cup]]
|[[File:DKJungle.png|150px]]<br>[[3DS DK Jungle|DK Jungle]]
|[[File:RosalinaIceWorld.png|150px]]<br>[[3DS Rosalina's Ice World|Rosalina's Ice World]]
|[[File:BowserCastleMK7.png|150px]]<br>[[3DS Bowser's Castle|Bowser's Castle]]
|[[File:RainbowroadMK7.png|150px]]<br>[[3DS Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]]
|}
|}
{{br}}


===Unlocking Criteria===
===Retro courses===
The only parts that don't need to be unlocked are the [[Kart#Mario_Kart_7|Standard]] kart, the [[Birthday Girl]], the [[Bolt Buggy]], the [[Standard (wheels)|Standard]] wheels, the [[Roller]] wheels, the [[Monster (Mario Kart 7)|Monster]] wheels, and the [[Super Glider]]. To unlock a different kart part requires a certain total of coins collected from every race in Grand Prix. Once the player has reached that amount, a random kart part is unlocked. The only exceptions to this rule are the gold parts and the Beast Glider.
{|style="width:700px;margin:auto;text-align:center"class="wikitable"
|-
![[File:MK7 Shell Cup Emblem.png|50px]]<br>[[Shell Cup]]
|[[File:LuigiracewayMK7.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|N64|Luigi Raceway}}
|[[File:GBA Bowser Castle 1.jpg|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|GBA|Bowser's Castle 1|Bowser Castle 1}}
|[[File:MushroomGorgeMK7.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|Wii|Mushroom Gorge}}
|[[File:LuigiMansionMK7.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|DS|Luigi's Mansion}}
|-
![[File:MK7 Banana Cup Emblem.png|50px]]<br>[[Banana Cup]]
|[[File:KoopaTroopaBeachMK7.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|N64|Koopa Troopa Beach|Koopa Beach}}<br><small>''N64 Koopa Troopa Beach''</small>
|[[File:MK7-SFC-MC.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|SNES|Mario Circuit 2}}<br><br>
|[[File:Wii Coconut Mall.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|Wii|Coconut Mall}}<br><br>
|[[File:MK7-DS-WP.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|DS|Waluigi Pinball}}<br><br>
|-
![[File:MK7 Leaf Cup Emblem.png|50px]]<br>[[Leaf Cup]]
|[[File:KalimariDesertMK7.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|N64|Kalimari Desert}}
|[[File:DKPassMK7.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|DS|DK Pass}}
|[[File:DaisyCruiserMK7.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|GCN|Daisy Cruiser}}
|[[File:MapleTreewayMK7.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|Wii|Maple Treeway}}
|-
![[File:MK7 Lightning Cup Emblem.png|50px]]<br>[[Lightning Cup]]
|[[File:KoopaCapeMK7.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|Wii|Koopa Cape}}
|[[File:DinoDinoJungleMK7.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|GCN|Dino Dino Jungle}}
|[[File:AirshipFortressMK7.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|DS|Airship Fortress}}
|[[File:SNES MK7.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|SNES|Rainbow Road}}
|}


====Random Parts====
===Battle stages===
Players can unlock random parts by collecting the following coin values:
There are a total of six battle stages: three new stages and three retro ones. Similar to games prior to ''Mario Kart Wii'', the three new battle stages all have the same music, albeit with different arrangements between stages, while the three retro stages use the ''Mario Kart Wii'' arrangement of their respective music, which was previously used in that game's version of {{classic-link|GBA|Battle Course 3}}, {{classic-link|N64|Skyscraper}}, and {{classic-link|DS|Twilight House}} respectively.
 
{|style="width:400px;margin:auto;text-align:center"class="wikitable"
{|
|-
|
!New Stages
*50 coins
|[[File:HoneybeeHivemap MK7.png|150px]]<br>[[Honeybee Hive]]<br><small>''Honeybee House''</small>
*100 coins
|[[File:SherbetRinkmap MK7.png|150px]]<br>[[Sherbet Rink]]<br><br>
*150 coins
|[[File:WuhuTownmap MK7.png|150px]]<br>[[3DS Wuhu Town|Wuhu Town]]<br><br>
*200 coins
|-
*250 coins
!Retro Stages
*300 coins
|[[File:Battlecourse1gbaMK7.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|GBA|Battle Course 1}}
|
|[[File:BigDonutMK7.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|N64|Big Donut}}
*400 coins
|[[File:PalmShoremap MK7.png|150px]]<br>{{classic-link|DS|Palm Shore}}
*500 coins
*600 coins
*700 coins
*800 coins
*900 coins
|
*1000 coins
*1200 coins
*1400 coins
*1600 coins
*1800 coins
*2000 coins
|
*2500 coins
*3000 coins
*3500 coins
*4000 coins
*4500 coins
|}
|}
====Special Parts====
The special parts must be unlocked with these criteria:
*The [[Beast Glider]] can be unlocked by collecting up to 5,000 coins, but if players earn kart parts with the StreetPass feature, the amount of coins needed to unlock it will decrease.
*The [[Gold Glider]] can be unlocked by making a minimum of 100 StreetPass connections, or by collecting 10,000 coins.
*The [[Gold Tires]] are unlocked by obtaining a minimum of one star ranking in all cups of every engine class, or by collecting 15,000 coins.
*The [[Kart#Mario_Kart_7|Gold Standard]] can be unlocked by obtaining at least 10,000 VR, or by collecting 20,000 coins.
*The Gold Steering Wheel can be unlocked by racing 100 races using gyro-controls for 80% of the time. The golden steering wheel is lost once 20 races are played without the gyro controls, unlike the Golden Wheel in ''Mario Kart Wii''.


==Ghosts==
==Ghosts==
Just like in ''Mario Kart Wii'', ''Mario Kart 7'' has '''Normal Staff Ghosts''' and '''Expert Staff Ghosts''', which appear in the Time Trials game mode.<ref name="ghost">http://www.gamefaqs.com/3ds/997822-mario-kart-7/faqs/63593</ref> The Normal Staff Ghosts are available at the start, but when players achieve a certain time, the Expert Staff Ghosts will be unlocked.
Just like in ''Mario Kart Wii'', ''Mario Kart 7'' has '''Normal Staff [[Ghost (Mario Kart series)|Ghosts]]''' and '''Expert Staff Ghosts''', which appear in the Time Trials game mode. The Normal Staff Ghosts are available at the start, but when the player gets a time higher than the Normal Staff Ghost of a track, the Expert Staff Ghost of the same track will be unlocked.
 
===Normal Staff Ghosts===
===Normal Staff Ghosts===
{| border=1 style="text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse" width=70% align=center
{|border=1 style="text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse;max-width:100em;margin:auto"align=center class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor=#fff7f7
|-
!width=15% rowspan=2|Course
!width=15% rowspan=2|Course
!width=10% rowspan=2|Staff Name
!width=10% rowspan=2|Staff Name
!width=5% rowspan=2|Time
!width=5% rowspan=2|Time
!width=10% rowspan=2|Character
!width=10% rowspan=2|Character
!width=30% colspan=3|Kart Combo
!width=30% colspan=3|Vehicle Combination
|- bgcolor=#fff7f7
|-  
!width=10%|Body
!width=10%|Body
!width=10%|Wheels
!width=10%|Tires
!width=10%|Glider
!width=10%|Glider
|-
|-
Line 1,178: Line 1,765:
|-
|-
!Daisy Hills
!Daisy Hills
|Nin★Terui♪
|[[Satomi Terui|Nin★Terui♪]]
|02:06.351
|02:06.351
|Daisy
|Daisy
Line 1,186: Line 1,773:
|-
|-
!Cheep Cheep Lagoon
!Cheep Cheep Lagoon
|Nin★Gonta♪
|[[Kenta Nagata|Nin★Gonta♪]]
|01:53.758
|01:53.758
|Peach
|Peach
Line 1,194: Line 1,781:
|-
|-
!Shy Guy Bazaar
!Shy Guy Bazaar
|Ret★TEAGUE
|[[Teague Schultz|Ret★TEAGUE]]
|02:31.167
|02:31.167
|Shy Guy
|Shy Guy
Line 1,202: Line 1,789:
|-
|-
!Wuhu Loop
!Wuhu Loop
|Ret★Bryan
|[[Bryan Walker|Ret★Bryan]]
|01:44.287
|01:44.287
|Peach
|Peach
Line 1,210: Line 1,797:
|-
|-
!Mario Circuit
!Mario Circuit
|Nin★Miki★
|Nin★MIKI★
|02:25.001
|02:25.001
|Mario
|Mario
Line 1,234: Line 1,821:
|-
|-
!Piranha Plant Slide
!Piranha Plant Slide
|Nin★tBando
|[[Taro Bando|Nin★tBando]]
|02:20.186
|02:20.186
|Lakitu
|Lakitu
Line 1,250: Line 1,837:
|-
|-
!Neo Bowser City
!Neo Bowser City
|Ret★Chuck
|[[Chuck Crist|Ret★Chuck]]
|02:11.032
|02:11.032
|Metal Mario
|Metal Mario
Line 1,258: Line 1,845:
|-
|-
!Maka Wuhu
!Maka Wuhu
|Ret★Reed
|[[Reed Ketcham|Ret★Reed]]
|01:50.607
|01:50.607
|Yoshi
|Yoshi
Line 1,266: Line 1,853:
|-
|-
!DK Jungle
!DK Jungle
|Ret★Derek
|[[Derek Bonikowski|Ret★Derek]]
|02:24.040
|02:24.040
|Donkey Kong
|Donkey Kong
Line 1,274: Line 1,861:
|-
|-
!Rosalina's Ice World
!Rosalina's Ice World
|Ret★RLingo
|[[Russell Lingo|Ret★RLingo]]
|02:25.784
|02:25.784
|Rosalina
|Rosalina
Line 1,282: Line 1,869:
|-
|-
!Bowser's Castle
!Bowser's Castle
|Ret★Matt M
|[[Matt Manchester|Ret★Matt M]]
|02:34.815
|02:34.815
|Bowser
|Bowser
Line 1,297: Line 1,884:
|Peach Parasol
|Peach Parasol
|-
|-
!N64 Luigi Raceway
!<small>N64</small> Luigi Raceway
|Nin★McCoy
|Nin★McCoy
|02:04.317
|02:04.317
Line 1,305: Line 1,892:
|Super Glider
|Super Glider
|-
|-
!GBA Bowser Castle 1
!<small>GBA</small> Bowser Castle 1
|Nin★Hayata
|Nin★Hayata
|01:31.030
|01:31.030
Line 1,313: Line 1,900:
|Beast Glider
|Beast Glider
|-
|-
!Wii Mushroom Gorge
!<small>Wii</small> Mushroom Gorge
|Nin★Kataok
|Nin★Kataok
|02:02.292
|02:02.292
Line 1,321: Line 1,908:
|Paraglider
|Paraglider
|-
|-
!DS Luigi's Mansion
!<small>DS</small> Luigi's Mansion
|Nin★Konno
|[[Hideki Konno|Nin★Konno]]
|02:09.982
|02:09.982
|Luigi
|Luigi
Line 1,329: Line 1,916:
|Super Glider
|Super Glider
|-
|-
!N64 Koopa Beach
!<small>N64</small> Koopa Beach
|Ret★Amanda
|[[Amanda Rotella|Ret★Amanda]]
|01:54.274
|01:54.274
|Koopa Troopa
|Koopa Troopa
Line 1,337: Line 1,924:
|Super Glider
|Super Glider
|-
|-
!SNES Mario Circuit 2
!<small>SNES</small> Mario Circuit 2
|Nin★ITRO-S
|Nin★ITRO-S
|01:28.106
|01:28.106
Line 1,345: Line 1,932:
|Super Glider
|Super Glider
|-
|-
!Wii Coconut Mall
!<small>Wii</small> Coconut Mall
|Ret★Thomas
|[[Thomas Robins|Ret★Thomas]]
|02:30.117
|02:30.117
|Honey Queen
|Honey Queen
Line 1,353: Line 1,940:
|Super Glider
|Super Glider
|-
|-
!DS Waluigi Pinball
!<small>DS</small> Waluigi Pinball
|Ret★Bill
|[[Bill Vandervoort|Ret★Bill]]
|02:44.372
|02:44.372
|Wario
|Wario
Line 1,361: Line 1,948:
|Swooper
|Swooper
|-
|-
!N64 Kalimari Desert
!<small>N64</small> Kalimari Desert
|Nin★Nishim
|Nin★Nishim
|02:01.932
|02:01.932
Line 1,369: Line 1,956:
|Swooper
|Swooper
|-
|-
!DS DK Pass
!<small>DS</small> DK Pass
|Ret★Sean
|[[Sean Horton|Ret★Sean]]
|02:35.045
|02:35.045
|Donkey Kong
|Donkey Kong
Line 1,377: Line 1,964:
|Super Glider
|Super Glider
|-
|-
!GCN Daisy Cruiser
!<small>GCN</small> Daisy Cruiser
|Nin★Dai8
|Nin★Dai8
|01:49.564
|01:49.564
Line 1,385: Line 1,972:
|Peach Parasol
|Peach Parasol
|-
|-
!Wii Maple Treeway
!<small>Wii</small> Maple Treeway
|Nin★Asakaw
|Nin★Asakaw
|02:53.560
|02:53.560
Line 1,393: Line 1,980:
|Super Glider
|Super Glider
|-
|-
!Wii Koopa Cape
!<small>Wii</small> Koopa Cape
|Ret★Quinn
|[[Quinn Smith|Ret★Quinn]]
|02:49.046
|02:49.046
|Koopa Troopa
|Koopa Troopa
Line 1,401: Line 1,988:
|Super Glider
|Super Glider
|-
|-
!GCN Dino Dino Jungle
!<small>GCN</small> Dino Dino Jungle
|Nin★iwaco
|Nin★iwaco
|02:29.837
|02:29.837
Line 1,409: Line 1,996:
|Paraglider
|Paraglider
|-
|-
!DS Airship Fortress
!<small>DS</small> Airship Fortress
|Nin★OBSHNN
|Nin★OBSHNN
|02:23.323
|02:23.323
Line 1,417: Line 2,004:
|Super Glider
|Super Glider
|-
|-
!SNES Rainbow Road
!<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road
|Nin★YABUKI
|[[Kosuke Yabuki|Nin★YABUKI]]
|01:34.459
|01:34.459
|Lakitu
|Lakitu
Line 1,424: Line 2,011:
|Slim
|Slim
|Super Glider
|Super Glider
|-
|}
|}


===Expert Staff Ghosts===
===Expert Staff Ghosts===
{| border=1 style="text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse" width=70% align=center
{|border=1 style="text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse;max-width:100em;margin:auto"align=center class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor=#fff7f7
|-
!width=15% rowspan=2|Course
!width=15% rowspan=2|Course
!width=10% rowspan=2|Staff Name
!width=10% rowspan=2|Staff Name
!width=5% rowspan=2|Time
!width=5% rowspan=2|Time
!width=10% rowspan=2|Character
!width=10% rowspan=2|Character
!width=30% colspan=3|Kart Combo
!width=30% colspan=3|Vehicle Combination
|- bgcolor=#fff7f7
|-  
!width=10%|Body
!width=10%|Body
!width=10%|Wheels
!width=10%|Tires
!width=10%|Glider
!width=10%|Glider
|-
|-
Line 1,490: Line 2,076:
!Music Park
!Music Park
|Nin★Masa
|Nin★Masa
|02:07.551
|02:07.511
|Rosalina
|Rosalina
|Soda Jet
|Soda Jet
|Slim
|Roller
|Paraglider
|Paraglider
|-
|-
Line 1,521: Line 2,107:
|-
|-
!Neo Bowser City
!Neo Bowser City
|Ret★Matt M
|[[Matt Manchester|Ret★Matt M]]
|01:58.996
|01:58.996
|Metal Mario
|Metal Mario
Line 1,537: Line 2,123:
|-
|-
!DK Jungle
!DK Jungle
|Ret★Dupree
|[[Stephen Dupree|Ret★Dupree]]
|02:10.777
|02:10.777
|Donkey Kong
|Donkey Kong
Line 1,545: Line 2,131:
|-
|-
!Rosalina's Ice World
!Rosalina's Ice World
|Ret★Dax
|[[Dax Pallotta|Ret★Dax]]
|02:13.091
|02:13.091
|Rosalina
|Rosalina
Line 1,553: Line 2,139:
|-
|-
!Bowser's Castle
!Bowser's Castle
|Ret★Tom
|[[Tom Ivey|Ret★Tom]]
|02:15.244
|02:15.244
|Bowser
|Bowser
Line 1,568: Line 2,154:
|Flower Glider
|Flower Glider
|-
|-
!N64 Luigi Raceway
!<small>N64</small> Luigi Raceway
|Nin★miyakw
|Nin★miyakw
|01:52.206
|01:52.206
Line 1,576: Line 2,162:
|Paraglider
|Paraglider
|-
|-
!GBA Bowser Castle 1
!<small>GBA</small> Bowser Castle 1
|Nin★hokwai
|Nin★hokwai
|01:22.221
|01:22.221
Line 1,584: Line 2,170:
|Super Glider
|Super Glider
|-
|-
!Wii Mushroom Gorge
!<small>Wii</small> Mushroom Gorge
|Ret★Jay
|[[Jay Fuller|Ret★Jay]]
|01:50.526
|01:50.526
|Toad
|Toad
Line 1,592: Line 2,178:
|Super Glider
|Super Glider
|-
|-
!DS Luigi's Mansion
!<small>DS</small> Luigi's Mansion
|Ret★Vince
|[[Vince Joly|Ret★Vince]]
|01:58.539
|01:58.539
|Luigi
|Luigi
Line 1,600: Line 2,186:
|Paraglider
|Paraglider
|-
|-
!N64 Koopa Beach
!<small>N64</small> Koopa Beach
|Nin★ueda
|Nin★ueda
|01:42.909
|01:42.909
Line 1,608: Line 2,194:
|Paraglider
|Paraglider
|-
|-
!SNES Mario Circuit 2
!<small>SNES</small> Mario Circuit 2
|Nin★==Kony
|Nin★==Kony
|01:17.777
|01:17.777
Line 1,616: Line 2,202:
|Super Glider
|Super Glider
|-
|-
!Wii Coconut Mall
!<small>Wii</small> Coconut Mall
|Ret★RyanP
|[[Ryan Powell|Ret★RyanP]]
|02:14.167
|02:14.167
|Honey Queen
|Honey Queen
Line 1,624: Line 2,210:
|Paraglider
|Paraglider
|-
|-
!DS Waluigi Pinball
!<small>DS</small> Waluigi Pinball
|Nin★Nahhr
|Nin★Nshhr
|02:27.574
|02:27.574
|Wario
|Wario
Line 1,632: Line 2,218:
|Beast Glider
|Beast Glider
|-
|-
!N64 Kalimari Desert
!<small>N64</small> Kalimari Desert
|Nin★KOZ★
|Nin★KOZ★
|01:48.707
|01:48.707
Line 1,640: Line 2,226:
|Beast Glider
|Beast Glider
|-
|-
!DS DK Pass
!<small>DS</small> DK Pass
|Nin★MaTU
|Nin★MaTU
|02:16.534
|02:16.534
Line 1,648: Line 2,234:
|Paraglider
|Paraglider
|-
|-
!GCN Daisy Cruiser
!<small>GCN</small> Daisy Cruiser
|Ret★Carlos
|[[Carlos Mendieta|Ret★Carlos]]
|01:43.341
|01:43.341
|Daisy
|Daisy
Line 1,656: Line 2,242:
|Peach Parasol
|Peach Parasol
|-
|-
!Wii Maple Treeway
!<small>Wii</small> Maple Treeway
|Ret★Bill
|[[Bill Vandervoort|Ret★Bill]]
|02:34.877
|02:34.877
|Wiggler
|Wiggler
Line 1,664: Line 2,250:
|Flower Glider
|Flower Glider
|-
|-
!Wii Koopa Cape
!<small>Wii</small> Koopa Cape
|Ret★Shane
|[[Shane Lewis|Ret★Shane]]
|02:28.585
|02:28.585
|Koopa Troopa
|Koopa Troopa
Line 1,672: Line 2,258:
|Flower Glider
|Flower Glider
|-
|-
!GCN Dino Dino Jungle
!<small>GCN</small> Dino Dino Jungle
|Ret★Will
|[[Will Bate|Ret★Will]]
|02:14.430
|02:14.430
|Yoshi
|Yoshi
|Egg 1
|Egg 1
|Monster
|Monster
|Swooper
|Paraglider
|-
|-
!DS Airship Fortress
!<small>DS</small> Airship Fortress
|Ret★Shane
|[[Shane Lewis|Ret★Shane]]
|02:07.704
|02:07.704
|Metal Mario
|Metal Mario
Line 1,688: Line 2,274:
|Super Glider
|Super Glider
|-
|-
!SNES Rainbow Road
!<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road
|Nin★SRIWtm
|Nin★SRIWtm
|01:21.994
|01:21.994
Line 1,695: Line 2,281:
|Roller
|Roller
|Paraglider
|Paraglider
|-
|}
|}


==Patches==
==Differences in multiplayer modes==
[[Image:MK711.jpg|thumb|left|After the update, ''Ver. 1.1'' can be seen on the ''Online Multiplayer'' button.]]
When playing in multiplayer mode, both locally and online, there are several changes made to the tracks, most likely to retain a stable connection.
''Mario Kart 7'' is the first Nintendo 3DS game to utilize the 3DS's ability to patch games, spurred by significant shortcut exploits found on certain courses. Updating is free, with the data being categorized as 3DS Add-On Content; the patches can be deleted at any time, and have no effect in Single Player and Local Multiplayer, but are mandatory to play online. An SD Card is required to download the patches, however.
*One of the two [[Goat|Mountain Goat]]s has been removed from [[3DS Daisy Hills|Daisy Hills]].
*There is only one [[Sidestepper]] in [[3DS Cheep Cheep Lagoon|Cheep Cheep Lagoon]], as opposed to two.
*In the bazaar section of [[3DS Shy Guy Bazaar|Shy Guy Bazaar]], one [[jar]] has been removed. Also in the gliding section, there are fewer [[Shy Guy]]s on flying carpets.
*In [[Wuhu Loop]], the first group of cars consists of only two cars instead of three. The last group of cars near the finish line were removed entirely. Also, the wind turbines near the lighthouse have no rotor blades.
*In [[3DS Mario Circuit|Mario Circuit]], the coin placement in the castle area is different. Also, one of the two [[Goomba]]s is absent.
*In [[3DS Music Park|Music Park]], the second of three [[Music Bash|Bouncing Note]]s has been removed.
*[[3DS Piranha Plant Slide|Piranha Plant Slide]] has no [[Item Box]]es flowing with the water. Also in the section before the finish line, the Goomba and the [[Wooden cutout|boards]] resembling it were removed.
*The [[Fish Bone]]s in the tunnel in [[3DS Wario Shipyard|Wario Shipyard]] are absent as well as the Sidesteppers before the gliding section.
*One [[Tiki Goon]] and one [[Frogoon]] were taken out of [[3DS DK Jungle|DK Jungle]], reducing their number to two and one respectively.
*There are no [[penguin]]s in the underwater section of [[3DS Rosalina's Ice World|Rosalina's Ice World]].
*One of the two [[Thwomp]]s in [[3DS Bowser's Castle|Bowser's Castle]] is absent.
*There are fewer Boo portraits on the walls of {{classic-link|DS|Luigi's Mansion}}. Also, the two ceiling lights in the second room were removed.
*In {{classic-link|N64|Koopa Troopa Beach|Koopa Beach}}, three of the six Sidesteppers are absent: Two underwater and one before the finish line.
*In {{classic-link|DS|Waluigi Pinball}}, there is only one [[metal ball]] rolling around in the open area before the finish line.
*{{classic-link|N64|Kalimari Desert}} has only one [[Train (obstacle)|train]] on its rails as opposed to two.
*{{classic-link|DS|DK Pass}} does not have any [[Snowball|snowballs]] in the part that goes uphill. Also most of the [[snowmen]] are absent.
*There are no Cheep Cheeps in the underwater section of {{classic-link|GCN|Daisy Cruiser}}.
*One of the two [[Wiggler]]s in {{classic-link|Wii|Maple Treeway}} is removed.
*{{classic-link|Wii|Koopa Cape}} has no moving Item Boxes in the area where the water flows with the track. Also, there are no Cheep Cheeps in the underwater area.
*There are fewer [[Rocky Wrench|Rocky Wrenches]] in {{classic-link|DS|Airship Fortress}}.


==Regional differences==
*The Mainland China release was published by [[iQue]]. It is one of the last two games published by the company, the other being ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]''.
*The flag of Taiwan (ROC) was removed in the China release. Any Taiwanese locations were also hidden.<ref>https://twitter.com/chinesenintendo/status/1152588845570908160</ref>
*The China release is the only ''Super Mario'' game, as well as the last Nintendo game officially released in China (PRC), to support global online multiplayer, as the next PRC release that supports online multiplayer is ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'', published by Tencent, operates completely separately from the global release and offers no interactions between the two versions.
*''Mario Kart 7'' has more track name differences between the American English and British English versions than any other ''Mario Kart'' game, with a total of eight racetracks and one battle course.
==Update history==
[[File:MK7 online multiplayer.png|thumb|After the first update, "Ver. 1.1" can be seen on the "Online Multiplayer" button.]]
''Mario Kart 7'' is the first Nintendo 3DS game to use the system's ability to patch games, spurred by significant shortcut exploits found on certain courses. Updating is free, with the data being categorized as 3DS Add-On Content; the patches can be deleted at any time and have no effect in offline play, but are mandatory to play online. An SD Card is required to download the patches, however.
;Version 1.1 of May 15, 2012 (43 SD Card blocks)
;Version 1.1 of May 15, 2012 (43 SD Card blocks)
:Resolved shortcut exploits for Wuhu Loop, Maka Wuhu, and GBA Bowser Castle 1 when playing online. Does not affect offline play; the exploits remain in Single Player and Local Multiplayer, and ghosts that used these exploits are unaffected.
Resolved shortcut exploits for Wuhu Loop, Maka Wuhu, and <small>GBA</small> Bowser Castle 1 when playing online. Does not affect offline play; the exploits remain in Single Player and Local Multiplayer, and Ghosts that used these exploits are unaffected. Starting on May 15, 2012, all players must download and install this update to access Online Multiplayer.
:Starting on May 16, 2012, all players must download this update to access Online Multiplayer.
;Version 1.2 of December 13, 2022 (46 SD Card blocks)
This update patches a vulnerability in the game's network code which enables hackers to take full, remote control of a user's (unmodified) Nintendo 3DS system during online multiplayer sessions,<ref>PabloMK7, Rambo6Glaz, and Fishguy6564 (December 22, 2022). [https://github.com/PabloMK7/ENLBufferPwn ENLBufferPwn (CVE-2022-47949)]. ''GitHub''. Retrieved December 25, 2022. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20221225025808/https://github.com/PabloMK7/ENLBufferPwn Archived] December 25, 2022, 02:58:08 UTC via Wayback Machine.)</ref> with one possible use case being using it to reset the user's VR.<ref>Fishguy6564 (February 13, 2022). https://twitter.com/fishguy6564/status/1492742285590736896. ''Twitter''. Retrieved June 18, 2023.</ref> Starting on December 13, 2022, all players (excluding the iQue version) must download and install this update to access Online Multiplayer.
 
This update is not available for the Mainland China (iQue) version as the [[Nintendo 3DS XL|iQue 3DSXL]] lacks the [[Nintendo eShop]] to distribute the update. After December 13, 2022, the iQue version still has access to Online Multiplayer, but can no longer play together with other versions.<ref> https://twitter.com/chinesenintendo/status/1743566077932544485</ref>
{{br|left}}
{{br|left}}


==[[Nintendo 3DS#Nintendo eShop|Nintendo eShop]] Descriptions==
==[[Nintendo eShop#Nintendo 3DS|Nintendo eShop]] description==
:''The newest installment of the fan-favorite Mario Kart™ franchise brings Mushroom Kingdom racing fun into glorious 3D. For the first time, drivers explore new competitive kart possibilities such as soaring through the skies or plunging into the depths of the sea. New courses, strategic new abilities and customizable karts bring the racing excitement to new heights!''
;NA Version
<blockquote>''A New Dimension of Kart Racing!''
 
''The newest installment of the fan-favorite Mario Kart™ franchise brings Mushroom Kingdom racing fun into glorious 3D. For the first time, drivers explore new competitive kart possibilities, such as soaring through the skies or plunging into the depths of the sea. New courses, strategic new abilities and customizable karts bring the racing excitement to new heights.''</blockquote>
;EU Version
<blockquote>''Mario Kart 7 brings Mushroom Kingdom racing fun into glorious 3D - and that's just the beginning, as new courses, strategic new abilities and cutomisable karts bring the racing excitement to new heights.''


==Gallery==
''Up to 8 players can enjoy local wireless races or race together online.''</blockquote>
{{morepic}}
<center><gallery>
File:MarioGlider3DS.PNG|[[Mario]] gliding in air.
File:Luigi MK7.png|[[Luigi]] and his Bolt Buggy kart.
File:MK7 Yoshi.png|[[Yoshi]] in the Bumble V.
File:Shy Guy MK7.png|[[Shy Guy]] and his standard kart.
File:MK7 Groupart.png|Mario, Bowser, Peach, Luigi, Yoshi, Donkey Kong and Lakitu.
File:MK3DS1.png|[[Mario]] on [[Mario Circuit#Mario Kart 7|his own circuit]].
File:MK7logo.png|First logo.
</gallery></center>
<br clear=all>


==Beta Elements==
==Reception==
{{main|List of Mario Kart 7 beta elements}}
===Critical reception===
The game featured a demo which 3 courses could be played. These circuits are [[Rock Rock Mountain]], [[Cheep Cheep Lagoon]] and [[DK Jungle]].<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OASh_FOKJg4</ref>
The game has received generally positive reviews. As of December 12, 2013, Metacritic has an average score of 85, including 64 positive reviews, and 9 mixed.<ref>[http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/mario-kart-7 Metacritic score of ''Mario Kart 7''] ''Metacritic''. Retrieved December 12, 2013.</ref> GameRankings has an average score of 85.17% based on 50 reviews.<ref>[http://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/997822-mario-kart-7/index.html GameRankings score of ''Mario Kart 7''] ''GameRankings''. Retrieved December 12, 2013.</ref> Critics generally praise the new glider and underwater mechanic that the game adds, but often cite how similarly it feels to past entries of the ''Mario Kart'' series.


==Media==
GameXplain has given the game's Multiplayer 4.5 stars out of 5, and Single-Player a 3.5 out of 5.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWuxbTmdVQA</ref> Audrey Drake of IGN gave the game a 9.0/10. She criticized the character roster for being small and the potential of the Spiny Shell "screwing up" the race, but she praised the innovation and the polish the game provides.<ref>Drake, Audrey (Nov 29, 2011) [http://ds.ign.com/articles/121/1213485p1.html ''Mario Kart 7'' Review] ''IGN''. Retrieved December 11, 2013.</ref><ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16D9OXFzRJc&feature=channel_video_title</ref> Griffin McElroy of Joystiq gave it 4.5 stars out of 5. He praised the game for being well-polished with only a few flaws, noting the Spiny Shell as "unavoidable race-ruining bullshit".<ref>McElroy, Griffin (November 29th 2011) [http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/mario-kart-7-review/ ''Mario Kart 7'' review: An exercise in fun/frustration] ''Joystiq''. Retrieved December 11, 2013.</ref> Adam Biessener of Gameinformer gave it an 8.5/10. He praised the first person view, the new tracks, and the new glider and underwater features while criticizing the Battle Mode, and online modes "being a distraction rather than a destination".<ref>Biessener, Adam (November 29, 2011) [http://www.gameinformer.com/games/mario_kart_7/b/3ds/archive/2011/11/29/review.aspx Solid Tweaks, Cool Tracks, Same Design] ''GameInformer''. Retrieved December 11, 2013.</ref> 1up gave it a B- grade. Tom McShea of Gamespot gave it an 8/10. He remarked that the game has "been the same as previous entries of the series, but the innovations have kept it fresh", while criticizing the online structure and lack of mission mode.<ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/mario-kart-7/reviews/mario-kart-7-review-6346887?tag=games%3Bgame_title%3B1 ''Mario Kart 7'' review] ''Gamespot''. (broken link)</ref> Justin Towell on Gamesradar gave it a perfect 10/10. He praised the fanservice and how "anyone can pick up and enjoy" the game.<ref>Towelle, Justin (July 2, 2012) [http://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-7-review/?page=1 ''Mario Kart 7'' review] ''GamesRadar''. Retrieved December 11, 2013.</ref> However, Jim Sterling of Destructoid rated the game a 5.0/10, criticizing how this game is "practically the same as any other game in the ''Mario Kart'' series", criticizing the slow speed of the vehicles, the unpredictable item system, and the underwater and gliding's minimal impacts. They <!-- Jim Sterling is non-binary - please do not change to 'he'--> ended their review with, "''Mario Kart'' is in need of a severe shake up. This stagnant, crawling, and indolent effort is not it".<ref>Sterling, Jim (November 29, 2011) [https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-mario-kart-7/ Review: ''Mario Kart 7''] ''Destructoid''. Retrieved December 11, 2013.</ref>
{{main|List of media from Mario Kart 7}}
{|class="wikitable reviews"
{{media
!colspan="4"style="font-size:120%;text-align:center;background-color:silver"|Reviews
|type1=audio
|-style="background-color:#E6E6E6"
|name1=MK7 Theme2
|Release
|pipe1=Mario Kart 7
|Reviewer, Publication
|description1=The game's main theme.
|Score
|length1=3:04}}
|Comment
|-
|[[Nintendo 3DS]]
|Audrey Drake, [https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/11/29/mario-kart-7-review IGN]
|9/10
|align="left"|"''Overall [Mario Kart 7 is] a well-polished experience that fans of the kart-racing genre - or of the Mushroom Kingdom - should not hesitate to pick up.''"
|-
|Nintendo 3DS
|Marc Camron, [http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/egm-review-mario-kart-7/ EGM]
|9/10
|align="left"|"''Mario and pals return to get their race on. Featuring great graphics, amazing tracks and some hilarious new power-ups, the game shows that the series is a long way away from running its course.''"
|-
|Nintendo 3DS
|Neal Ronaghan, [https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/28552/mario-kart-7-nintendo-3ds Nintendo World Report]
|8.5/10
|align="left"|"''Mario Kart 7 isn’t a huge leap forward for the series. Instead, it’s another damn fine iteration in a proven series. You’ll still be upset when you’re “Mario Karted” by a blue shell followed up by a red shell and a bomb, but the winning online play and gameplay polish make Mario Kart 7 a must-have for all 3DS owners.''"
|-
|Nintendo 3DS
|Griffin McElroy, [http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/mario-kart-7-review/ Joystiq]
|4.5/5
|align="left"|"''Mario Kart 7 is an exquisitely polished game with few flaws.''"
|-
|Nintendo 3DS
|Adam Biessener,<br>[https://www.gameinformer.com/games/mario_kart_7/b/3ds/archive/2011/11/29/review.aspx Game Informer]
|8/10
|align="left"|"''Mario Kart 7 isn’t 100 percent golden, nor is it going to make believers out of anyone who wrote off the series years ago. Taken on the whole, though, this is one of the best entries in the series. As a fan, I’m thoroughly pleased.''"
|-
|Nintendo 3DS
|Justin Towell, [https://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-7-review/ GamesRadar]
|5/5
|align="left"|"''Mario Kart 7 is THE game the 3DS has been in dire need of. Sadly, it raises the bar so high for almost everything else, most 3DS games don't even look like they belong on the same system. Get it now.''"
|-
|Nintendo 3DS
|Jim Sterling, [https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-mario-kart-7/ Destructoid]
|5/10
|align="left"|"''Mario Kart 7 is as derivative as a game can get, and while we pour scorn on so many other games for rehashing themselves, something tells me this will get a free pass from many critics and gamers. That strikes me as ironic since Mario Kart 7 is the one game I'd hold up as the least deserving of any kind of leniency. It being an unadventurous and predictable retread, however, is only half of Mario Kart 7's problem. The other half is the fact that it's a lethargic and mundane game, easily outpaced by games that could be considered knock-offs of the formula Nintendo itself perfected.''"
|-
!colspan="4"style="background-color:silver;font-size:120%;text-align:center;"|Aggregators
|-style="background-color:#E6E6E6"
|colspan=2|Compiler
|colspan=2|Platform / Score
|-
|colspan=2|Metacritic
|colspan=2 style="background-color:limegreen"|[https://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/mario-kart-7 85]
|-
|colspan=2|GameRankings
|colspan=2|[http://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/997822-mario-kart-7/index.html 85.17%]
|}
{{br}}


==Glitches==
===Sales===
{{main|List of glitches in Mario Kart 7}}
The game sold over 420,000 units in its first 4 days in Japan.<ref>http://www.vgchartz.com/game/45691/mario-kart-7/Japan/</ref> As of March 31, 2024, ''Mario Kart 7'' is the best selling game for the Nintendo 3DS, having sold 18.99 million copies worldwide.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20240508122122/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/3ds.html Financial Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units - Nintendo 3DS Software]</ref>
Some of the most well known glitches are found in [[Wuhu Loop]], [[Maka Wuhu]] and [[Bowser Castle 1|GBA Bowser Castle 1]], if executed correctly they allow the driver to skip sections of the track. On May 15, 2012 an update was released that made these glitches unusable in multiplayer, but they still allowed in Time Trials.


==Staff==
==Staff==
{{main|List of Mario Kart 7 staff}}
{{main|List of Mario Kart 7 staff}}
[[Nintendo EAD|Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development]] developed ''Mario Kart 7'', with [[Retro Studios]] as Co-Developers and Artists. The music composition is credited to Kenta Nagata and Satomi Terui.
[[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development]] developed ''Mario Kart 7'', with [[Retro Studios]] as Co-Developers and Artists. Retro Studios was also responsible for contributing to the ''Donkey Kong series'' attributes in the game, mainly the [[3DS DK Jungle|DK Jungle]] track. The music composition is credited to [[Kenta Nagata]] and Satomi Terui. [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] and [[Satoru Iwata]] were the game's general and executive producers respectively.
 
==Glitches==
{{main|List of Mario Kart 7 glitches}}
Some of the most well known glitches are found in [[Wuhu Loop]], [[Maka Wuhu]], and {{classic-link|GBA|Bowser's Castle 1|Bowser Castle 1}}. If executed correctly, they allow the driver to skip sections of the track. On May 15, 2012, an update was released that made these glitches unusable in Online Multiplayer.
 
==Pre-release and unused content==
{{main|List of Mario Kart 7 pre-release and unused content}}
The ''7'' in the original logo featured a different design than the final logo. Original demos featured many elements from ''Mario Kart Wii'', such as menu music, [[Dash Panel]] textures and a winged [[Spiny Shell (blue)|Spiny Shell]]. Several tracks shown in early trailers lacked details shown in the final version, such as the lack of [[Wiggler]]s in {{classic-link|Wii|Maple Treeway}} and the lack of ramps in [[Wuhu Loop]], [[3DS Mario Circuit|Mario Circuit]], and [[3DS Rock Rock Mountain|Rock Rock Mountain]].
<gallery>
MK7logo.png|The original logo, featuring the seven's different design.
MK3DS4.png|An early version of [[3DS Mario Circuit|Mario Circuit]], with missing ramps.
KalamariDesertKart7.png|An early version of {{classic-link|N64|Kalimari Desert}}, featuring more cacti than the final version.
</gallery>


==References to Other Games==
==Gallery==
*''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'': The [[Fire Flower]] appears for the first time as a usable item that throws fireballs. The layout of the course [[Piranha Plant Slide]] greatly resembles the tile sprites from this game.
{{main-gallery}}
*''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]'': The [[Shy Guy Bazaar]] course makes references to the elements from this game such as the addition of [[Magic Carpet]]s (being ridden by Shy Guys) and [[vase]]s in their original colors.
<gallery>
*''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'': The [[Super Leaf]] appears as an item.
MarioGlider3DS.png|[[Mario]] gliding in his [[Standard Kart]]
*''[[Super Mario Kart]]'': The [[Kart|Pipe Frame]] returns from this game. The starting lineup of characters is also the same.
MK7 yoshi new.png|[[Yoshi]] driving his [[Bumble V]] with a [[Red Shell]]
*''[[Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3]]'': A small portion of Wario Shipyard's music is a remix of this game's main theme.
LuigiGlider3DS.png|[[Luigi]] gliding in his Standard Kart
*''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'': DK Jungle's music is a remix of the [[Jungle Hijinxs (Donkey Kong Country)|Jungle Hijinxs]] theme from this game.
MK3D Bowser.png|[[Bowser]] driving his [[Monster (tire)|Monster]] Standard Kart
*''[[Mario Kart 64]]'': Some musical pieces are remixes from this game such as the main title screen, the results screen and [[Rainbow Road]]. A segment of the theme for the course [[Toad's Turnpike]] can be heard in the newer course, [[Neo Bowser City]].
Peach-glider-mk7leuml.png|[[Princess Peach|Peach]] gliding in her [[Birthday Girl]]
*''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'': Part of the [[Bowser's Castle (course)|Bowser's Castle]] and Rainbow Road themes are based on their respective themes originating from this game. Also, the [[Barrel Train]] returns from this game.
Donkeykong-spinyshellnmdww.png|[[Donkey Kong]] driving his [[Bolt Buggy]] with a [[Spiny Shell]]
*''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP]]'': The way that [[Coin]]s give the kart a small boost upon being collected originated from this game.
</gallery>
*''[[Mario Kart DS]]'': The [[Egg 1]] and [[B Dasher]] return from this game as kart parts.
 
*''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'': The [[Comet Observatory]] and the starting planet of [[Gateway Galaxy]] appears in the background in the course, [[Rosalina's Ice World]]. A part of [[Space Junk Galaxy]]'s music is also remixed in the course.
==Media==
*''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'': Most of the gameplay in ''Mario Kart 7'' is based off of this game. The first part of the Award Ceremony fanfare music is from said installment as well. Minecarts from [[Wario's Gold Mine]] can be seen on [[Wario Shipyard]]. Tricks return from this game. The menu selection music is based on said music from this game.
{{main|List of Mario Kart 7 media}}
*''[[wikipedia:Wii Sports Resort|Wii Sports Resort]]'' / ''[[wikipedia:Wii Fit Plus|Wii Fit Plus]]'': [[Wuhu Loop]], [[Maka Wuhu]] and [[Wuhu Town]] all take place in [[Wuhu Island]].
{{media table
|file1=MK7 Theme2.oga
|title1=Mario Kart 7
|description1=The game's main theme
|length1=0:30
|file2=MK7 Neo Bowser City Theme.oga
|title2=Neo Bowser City
|length2=0:30
|file3=MK7 Wi-Fi MainMenu.oga
|title3=Wi-Fi menu
|description3=The first variation of the Wi-Fi menu music
|length3=0:30
|file4=MK7 Credits.oga
|title4=Credits
|length4=0:30
}}
 
==References to other games==
*''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'': The [[Fire Flower]] appears for the first time as a usable item that throws fireballs. The layout of the course [[3DS Piranha Plant Slide|Piranha Plant Slide]] greatly resembles the tile sprites from this game.
*''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]'': The [[3DS Shy Guy Bazaar|Shy Guy Bazaar]] course makes references to the elements from this game such as the addition of [[magic carpet]]s (being ridden by Shy Guys) and [[jar]]s in their original colors.
*''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'': The [[Super Leaf]] appears as an item, and the [[Angry Sun]] appears on a blanket in [[3DS Shy Guy Bazaar|Shy Guy Bazaar]].
*''[[Super Mario Kart]]'': The [[Pipe Frame]] returns from this game, however it uses the dual exhaust design from ''Mario Kart 64'' instead of the single exhaust from ''Super Mario Kart''. [[SNES Mario Circuit 2|Mario Circuit 2]] and [[SNES Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]] return as retro courses. Collecting coins also returns from this game.
*''[[Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3]]'': A small portion of Wario Shipyard's music is an arrangement of this game's main theme.
*''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'': DK Jungle's music is a rearrangement of the [[Jungle Hijinxs (Donkey Kong Country)|Jungle Hijinxs]] theme from this game.
*''[[Mario Kart 64]]'': Some musical pieces are arrangements from this game such as the main title screen, the results screen and [[N64 Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]]. A segment of the theme for the course [[N64 Toad's Turnpike|Toad's Turnpike]] can be heard in the newer course, [[3DS Neo Bowser City|Neo Bowser City]]. [[Chain Chomp|Chomp]]s appear in [[3DS Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]] similar to how they appear in [[N64 Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]] from that game. [[N64 Luigi Raceway|Luigi Raceway]], [[N64 Koopa Troopa Beach|Koopa Troopa Beach]], and [[N64 Kalimari Desert|Kalimari Desert]] return as retro courses, plus [[N64 Big Donut|Big Donut]] returns as a playable battle course.
*''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'': [[GBA Bowser's Castle 1|Bowser Castle 1]] returns as a retro course, plus [[GBA Battle Course 1|Battle Course 1]] returns as a playable battle arena.
*''[[Super Mario Sunshine]]'': The possible [[Toad]] artwork can be seen on Toad Circuit on the Mario Kart banner near the starting line.
*''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'': Part of the [[3DS Bowser's Castle|Bowser's Castle]] and Rainbow Road themes are based on their respective themes originating from this game. Some voice clips are reused. Also, the [[Barrel Train]] returns from this game. [[GCN Daisy Cruiser|Daisy Cruiser]] and [[GCN Dino Dino Jungle|Dino Dino Jungle]] return as retro courses, and finally, the 3-2-1 starting countdown returns with a new design.
*''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP]]'': The way that [[coin]]s give the kart a small boost upon being collected originated from this game.
*''[[Mario Kart DS]]'': The [[Egg 1]] and [[B Dasher]] return from this game as kart parts. [[DS Luigi's Mansion|Luigi's Mansion]], [[DS Waluigi Pinball|Waluigi Pinball]], [[DS DK Pass|DK Pass]], and [[DS Airship Fortress|Airship Fortress]] return as retro courses, plus [[DS Palm Shore|Palm Shore]] returns as a playable battle arena. During multiplayer with someone who doesn't have the game, [[Shy Guy]] becomes their automatic character like in this game. A portion of the [[Figure-8 Circuit]] and [[DS Mario Circuit|Mario Circuit]] theme from this game can be heard on the title screen.
*''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'': The playable Lakitu's artwork in ''Mario Kart 7'' is a color swapped version of Lakitu's artwork from this game. Koopa Troopa's artwork is also reused from the game.
*''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'': The [[Comet Observatory]], some domes, the Starshroom and the starting planet of [[Gateway Galaxy]] appear in the background in the course [[3DS Rosalina's Ice World|Rosalina's Ice World]]. [[Rosalina]] and [[Honey Queen]] both originate from this game.
*''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'': Most of the gameplay in ''Mario Kart 7'' is based off of this game. The music used on {{classic-link|SNES|Mario Circuit 2}}, {{classic-link|N64|Luigi Raceway}}, {{classic-link|GBA|Battle Course 1}} and the first part of the Award Ceremony is from the said installment as well. Minecarts from [[Wii Wario's Gold Mine|Wario's Gold Mine]] can be seen on [[3DS Wario Shipyard|Wario Shipyard]]. Tricks return from this game. The menu selection music is based on said music from this game. The roster and map sprites also return from this game. Some voice clips are reused. [[Wii Mushroom Gorge|Mushroom Gorge]], [[Wii Coconut Mall|Coconut Mall]], [[Wii Maple Treeway|Maple Treeway]], and [[Wii Koopa Cape|Koopa Cape]] return as retro courses.
*''[[Mario Super Sluggers]]'': Some of [[Wiggler]]'s voice clips, as well as its artwork, are taken from this game.
*''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]'': DK Jungle is based on and includes elements from this game.
*''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]'': DK Jungle is based on and includes elements from this game.
*''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]'': The new look for the Super Leaf, introduced in this game is shown as one of the newest items for the ''Mario Kart'' series and also used for the logo for the [[Leaf Cup]]. Also, the cardboard cut-out Goombas reappear in Piranha Plant Slide.
*''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]'': The new look for the Super Leaf introduced in this game is shown as one of the newest items for the ''Mario Kart'' series and used as the logo for the [[Leaf Cup]]. Also, the bush and [[Goomba]] [[Wooden cutout|Boards]] reappear in Piranha Plant Slide.


==References in Later Games==
==References in later games==
*''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP DX]]'': Gameplay elements such as the glider and underwater racing return in this game.
*''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP DX]]'': Gameplay elements such as the glider and underwater racing return in this game.
*''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]'': [[Donkey Kong]] plays this game during his idle animation. Also, he is confirmed as playing as himself.
*''[[Mario Golf: World Tour]]'': The countdown timer and the signal light returns in Speed Golf to signal the start of the first hole. Various voice clips of Rosalina are recycled.
*''[[Mario Kart 8]]'': The [[Wii U]] follow-up includes various elements from this game. [[3DS DK Jungle|DK Jungle]], [[3DS Music Park|Music Park]], and [[3DS Piranha Plant Slide|Piranha Plant Slide]] return as this game's retro tracks. The glider and underwater racing mechanics return. Customization returns as well. Some vehicle bodies, tires, and gliders from ''Mario Kart 7'' return also. [[3DS Neo Bowser City|Neo Bowser City]] returns as a downloadable retro course.
**''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'': The [[Koopa Clown]] kart body returns. [[3DS Wuhu Town|Wuhu Town]] returns as a retro battle course. [[Lunar Colony]] has a moon section with low gravity just like Rainbow Road. [[3DS Toad Circuit|Toad Circuit]], [[3DS Rock Rock Mountain|Rock Rock Mountain]], [[3DS Rosalina's Ice World|Rosalina's Ice World]], and [[3DS Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]] return as downloadable courses in the ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass|Booster Course Pass]]''.
*''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'' / ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U|Wii U]]'': Various voice clips of Rosalina are recycled in these games.
**Nintendo 3DS version: [[3DS Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]] appears as a stage in this game. The Rainbow Road theme music can play on the aforementioned stage, along with an arrangement of Rainbow Road themes from handheld ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' games. In addition, various trophies reference content from this game.
**Wii U version: The Rainbow Road theme, an arrangement of Rainbow Road themes from handheld ''Mario Kart'' games, and an arrangement of this game's circuit theme appear as music tracks for the Mario Circuit stage. Various trophies reference content from this game.
*''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'': All of the game's race courses return in this game except for [[Wuhu Loop]], Music Park, [[Maka Wuhu]], and DK Jungle. All of this game's [[classic course]]s also return in this game. Many of ''Mario Kart 7''{{'}}s music is also included in the game, including the local and online multiplayer menu music. [[Honey Queen]]'s emblem appears on a badge. The [[Birthday Girl]], [[Cloud 9]], [[Zucchini]], [[Blue Seven]], [[Bolt Buggy]], [[Bumble V]], [[Bruiser]], [[Soda Jet]], [[Koopa Clown]], and [[Gold Standard]] return as kart parts, along with various tires that are no longer separate pieces. The [[Super Glider]], [[Parachute (glider)|Parachute]], [[Parafoil]], [[Peach Parasol (glider)|Peach Parasol]], [[Flower Glider]], [[Gold Glider]], and [[Swooper (glider)|Swooper]] return as gliders.


==Reception==
==Names in other languages==
The game has received mostly critical acclaim from reviewers. GameXplain has given the game's Multiplayer 4.5 stars out of 5, and Single-Player a 3.5 out of 5.<ref>http://www.gamexplain.com/article-633-1322553607-mario-kart-7-review.html</ref><ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWuxbTmdVQA</ref>. IGN gave the game a 9.0/10,<ref>http://ds.ign.com/articles/121/1213485p1.html</ref><ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16D9OXFzRJc&feature=channel_video_title</ref> Gametrailers gave it a 8.8/10,<ref>http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-mario-kart-7/724422</ref> Joystiq gave it 4.5 stars out of 5,<ref>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/mario-kart-7-review/</ref> Gameinformer gave it an 8.50/10,<ref>http://www.gameinformer.com/games/mario_kart_7/b/3ds/archive/2011/11/29/review.aspx</ref> 1up gave it a B- grade,<ref>http://www.1up.com/reviews/mario-kart-7-3ds?pager.offset=0</ref> Gamespot gave it a 8/10,<ref>http://www.gamespot.com/mario-kart-7/reviews/mario-kart-7-review-6346887?tag=games%3Bgame_title%3B1</ref> and Gamesradar gave it a perfect 10/10.<ref>http://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-7-review/?page=1</ref> However, Destructoid only rated the game a 5.0/10.<ref>http://www.destructoid.com/review-mario-kart-7-216484.phtml</ref>
{{foreign names
 
As of December 10, 2011, Metacritic has an average score of 85%, including 41 positive reviews, and 6 mixed.<ref>http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/mario-kart-7</ref> Gamerankings has an average score of 84.03% based on 32 reviews.<ref>http://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/997822-mario-kart-7/index.html</ref> The game sold over 420,000 units in its first 4 days in Japan.<ref>http://www.next-gen.biz/news/mario-kart-7-enjoys-biggest-3ds-launch-week-japan</ref>
 
==Names in Other Languages==
{{foreignname
|Jap=マリオカート7
|Jap=マリオカート7
|JapR=Mario Kāto 7
|JapR=Mario Kāto Sebun
|JapM=Mario Kart 7
|JapM=Mario Kart 7
|Spa=Mario Kart 7
|Kor=마리오 카트
|SpaM=-
|KorR=Mario Kateu Sebeun
|Fra=Mario Kart 7
|FraM=-
|Dut=Mario Kart 7
|DutM=-
|Ger=Mario Kart 7
|GerM=-
|Ita=Mario Kart 7
|ItaM=-
|Por=Mario Kart 7
|PorM=-
|Rus=Mario Kart 7
|RusM=-
|Kor=마리오 카트 7
|KorR=Mario Kateu 7
|KorM=Mario Kart 7
|KorM=Mario Kart 7
|Chi=瑪利歐 賽車 7
|ChiT=瑪利歐賽車7
|ChiR=Mǎlìōu Sàichē 7
|ChiTR=Mǎlìōu Sàichē
|ChiM=Mario Racing 7
|ChiTM=Mario Racing 7
|ChiS=马力欧卡丁车7
|ChiSR=Mǎlìōu Kǎdīngchē Qī
|ChiSM=Mario Kart 7
}}
}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
[[File:MarioKart7Puzzle.png|frame|''Mario Kart 7'''s Puzzle Swap panel.]]
*The new courses use the current ''Mario Kart'' logo on their starting banners, while retro courses still use the classic logo.
*This is the second installment in the ''Mario'' series overall (excluding crossover installments) to be localised to Dutch, Portuguese, and Russian (the first was ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]'').
*When unlocking a new kart part, if the player goes to the [[Wii#Mario Kart Channel|Mario Kart Channel]] to change parts, no jingle sound will play and the gift icon will not be there. However, it will still appear when going into the Grand Prix or Time Trials.
**''Mario Kart 7'' and ''Super Mario 3D Land'' are marketed by Nintendo of Europe as the first ''Mario'' games to be released in these languages.<ref name="NintendoNL">
*This is the first ''Mario Kart'' game that does not have its corresponding year of release on the title screen.
[http://www.nintendo.nl/NOE/nl_NL/news/2011/geef_bowser_een_zwieper_-_de_tanooki_power-up_is_terug_45304.html Nintendo of the Netherlands - Geef Bowser een zwieper - de Tanooki power-up is terug]</ref><ref name="NintendoPG">[http://www.nintendo.pt/NOE/pt_PT/news/2011/super_mario_3d_land_e_mario_kart_7_chegam__nintendo_3ds_em_portugus_45304.html Nintendo of Portugal - SUPER MARIO 3D LAND e Mario Kart 7 chegam à Nintendo 3DS em português!]</ref><ref name="NintendoRU">[http://www.nintendo.ru/NOE/ru_RU/news/2011/discover_new_ways_to_race_with_fans_around_the_globe_with_mario_kart_7_for_nintendo_3ds__45418.html Nintendo of Russia - Узнайте больше о новых гонках, в которых смогут принять участие поклонники игры Mario Kart 7 для Nintendo 3DS.]</ref>
*The Circle Pad can be used to manually rotate the trophy in the Grand Prix results screen, as well as move the camera in both ending screens.
*''Mario Kart 7'' is the first [[Mario (series)|''Mario'' game]] to use the [[Nintendo Network]] service as it offers the ability to create custom communities, which would then become one of the features of the service.<ref>[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/120127/04.html]</ref>
*One of the newer Puzzle Swap panels in the ''StreetPass Mii Plaza'' software for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] is a ''Mario Kart 7'' picture.


==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references/>


==External Links==
==External links==
*[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/amkj/index.html Official Japanese Website]
{{NIWA|StrategyWiki=1|MiiWiki=1}}
*[http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/games/nintendo_3ds/mario_kart_7_44817.html Official European Website]
{{TCRF}}
*[http://gamesites.nintendo.com.au/mario-kart-7/ Official Australian Website]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N36jPMZWyAA Launch trailer]
*[http://mariokart7.nintendo.com/ Official American Website]
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/amkj/index.html Official Japanese website]
*[http://nintendo.co.kr/3DS/software/mariokart7/index.php Official Korean Website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120722030929/https://mariokart7.nintendo.com/ Official American website]
*[http://www.nintendo.com.hk/mk7/ Official Chinese Website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120603144650/https://mariokart7.nintendo.com/es/ Official Mexican website]
{{BoxTop}}
*[https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/games/nintendo_3ds/mario_kart_7_44817.html Official European website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120103104229/http://gamesites.nintendo.com.au/mario-kart-7/en_AU/index.php Official Oceanian website]
*[https://nintendo.co.kr/3DS/software/mariokart7/index.php Official Korean website]
*[https://www.nintendo.com.hk/mk7/ Official Chinese (Hong Kong) website]
*[https://www.nintendo.com.tw/mk7/ Official Chinese (Taiwan) website]
*[http://www.ique.com/3ds/amkj/index.html Official Chinese (China) website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120112171709/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/3DS_mario_kart_7_single_sheet_en.pdf American English manual]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20200130042113/https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/manual-3DS-mario-kart-7-en.pdf American English e-manual]
{{MK7}}
{{MK7}}
{{MK Players}}
{{Super Mario games}}
{{3DS}}
{{3DS}}
{{Spinoffs}}
[[de:Mario Kart 7]]
{{WiFi}}
[[it:Mario Kart 7]]
[[Category:Racing Games]]
[[Category:Mario Kart 7|*]]
[[Category:Mario Kart games]]
[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Racing games]]
[[Category:2011 games]]
[[Category:2011 games]]
[[Category:Mario Games]]
[[Category:2012 games]]
[[Category:Nintendo 3DS Games]]
[[Category:Nintendo 3DS games]]
[[Category:Mario Kart 7|*]]
[[Category:Games with Nintendo Network]]
[[Category:Mario Kart Series]]

Latest revision as of 12:28, November 24, 2024

Mario Kart 7
Box art for the game, Mario Kart 7.
United States box cover
For alternate box art, see the game's gallery.
Developer Nintendo EAD
Nintendo SPD Group No. 3
Retro Studios
Publisher Nintendo
Platform(s) Nintendo 3DS
Release date Retail:
Japan December 1, 2011[?]
Europe December 2, 2011[?]
Australia December 3, 2011[?]
USA December 4, 2011[?]
Mexico December 4, 2011[1]
South Korea May 31, 2012[?]
HK September 28, 2012[?]
ROC September 28, 2012[?]
China December 7, 2012[?]
Nintendo eShop:
Europe October 4, 2012[?]
Australia October 4, 2012[?]
USA October 18, 2012[?]
Mexico October 18, 2012[?]
Japan November 1, 2012[?]
Language(s) English (United Kingdom)
English (United States)
French (France)
French (Canada)
German
Spanish (Spain)
Spanish (Latin America)
Italian
Dutch
Portuguese (Portugal)
Russian
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean
Genre Racing
Rating(s)
ESRB:E - Everyone
PEGI:3 - Three years and older
CERO:A - All ages
ACB:G - General
USK:0 - All ages
ClassInd:L - General audience
GSRR:P - Six years and older
Mode(s) Single-player, local multiplayer (up to 8 players), online multiplayer
Format
Nintendo 3DS:
Game Card
Digital download
Input
Nintendo 3DS:
Serial code(s) Japan CTR-AMKJ-JPN
Europe CTR-AMKP-EUR
USA CTR-AMKE-USA
South Korea CTR-AMKK-KOR
ROC CTR-AMKW-TWN
China CTR-AMKC-CHN

Mario Kart 7 is a racing game developed by Nintendo EAD and Retro Studios for the Nintendo 3DS. It is the seventh console installment in the Mario Kart series (hence the game's title), and the second (the first being Super Mario 3D Land) installment in the Super Mario franchise overall (excluding crossover installments) to be localized to Dutch, Portuguese, and Russian. Additionally, it is the first Mario Kart game to be developed by more than one video game developer, namely Nintendo EAD and Retro Studios, and the second Mario Kart to have a different video game developer (not including the Mario Kart Arcade GP series), the first being Mario Kart: Super Circuit.

The main new feature of this installment is the hang gliding and underwater driving, which allows racers to glide through the air and race in underwater sections of the new and old tracks. Kart customization is also introduced instead of racing in pre-made karts like the previous titles. In the game, players can exchange Ghost data and play online in multiplayer mode. Players can also receive Ghost data via SpotPass and race against other player's Ghosts from around the world. Nintendo stated that the game brings "a bunch of new elements" to the Mario Kart series.

Mario Kart 7 was the first Super Mario game to use the Nintendo Network service, as it offered the ability to create custom communities, which would then become one of the features of the service; however, the service was terminated on April 8, 2024, making the game no longer playable online.[2][3] Once Nintendo introduced retail games that could be downloaded via the Nintendo eShop until its discontinuation on March 27, 2023, Mario Kart 7 was released in 2012 for the eShop, where it required 635.38 MB (5,083 blocks) to download.

Gameplay[edit]

Features[edit]

Lakitu racing at Kalimari Desert.
One of the gameplay mechanics in Mario Kart 7 is racing in First-Person View. By pressing +Control Pad up, the player can activate the view and then Tilt motion control the system to steer.

Mario Kart 7 features the standard gameplay present in preceding games in the series, with the gameplay style being very close to that of Mario Kart Wii. Players compete for gold trophies in the eight Grand Prix cups, four consisting of the new courses and four consisting of the retro courses, a returning feature from Mario Kart DS and Mario Kart Wii. Along with Grand Prix, Time Trials, and Battle Modes also return. Time Trials have players race on tracks to set records, as well as race against their own or other racers' ghosts. Battle Mode features two different modes; Balloon Battle and Coin Runners, the latter returning from Mario Kart Wii. Players can set their own rules for Battle Mode, choosing CPU difficulty, which items will appear or team games. Online races and battles return, allowing up to 8 players to race or battle using the Nintendo Network online service. Players can also create custom communities, which can be accessed by other players via codes.

Mario Kart 7 also has some new features. Players can now use hang-gliders to navigate through the air and propellers to drive underwater. In addition, players now assemble their own karts, rather than select preset karts as in the previous games. It is possible to select the kart's body, wheels, and glider, although some parts need to be unlocked before they can be used, mainly through collecting coins during races. Mario Kart 7 returns to the traditional eight-driver race like in the previous installments, instead of the total of twelve as seen in Mario Kart Wii. It is also compatible with both SpotPass and StreetPass.

Coins make a prominent return since Mario Kart: Super Circuit. Coins are to be found along a race track and can be underwater, on the road, or in the air. Collecting coins up to a maximum of ten slightly increases the player's top speed and, if enough are collected, will allow the player to unlock vehicle parts used for customization.

Similar to preceding games, an overall "game ranking" of ★, ★★, or ★★★ is shown next to the player's nationality flag if the player has earned the designated ratings in all cups and all classes. The overall ranking can also be seen while participating in a Grand Prix. The game shows the overall ranking at the results of the last course before the overall results of the last cup are shown.

Among other gameplay mechanics is the vehicle's behavior in the courses. Each element to assemble the vehicle has a function that grants an advantage on certain courses. In other words, speed and handling alter if the player is driving through land, underwater, or in the air. Gliders also provide speed and duration for the vehicle when airborne and can be controlled using the Circle Pad. Players can tilt the Circle Pad either up or down to fall quickly or gently, respectively. Additionally, when driving underwater, the kart's handling, speed, and drifting can considerably change compared to when driving on land.

This Mario Kart installment also introduces the option to race and battle in a first-person view. This function allows the player to watch the race and battle from the character's perspective and can race by Tilt motion control the system. In first-person view, the player can also see the vehicle's steering wheel in front of the character with an emblem on it. The gyroscope, which gives the player the ability to steer the kart in first-person mode by tilting the Circle Pad, can be enabled or disabled by going to the Mario Kart Channel, going to the player's Mii icon on the bottom right, going to "Settings", and lastly selecting "Use" or "Don't Use" when going to "Gyro Sensor".

In a minor note, an extra track with beats is added to the course's music if the player gets ahead in first place at top speed (frontrunning). This track fades when the player slows down via braking, going off-road, or getting hit by an item. This happens only in 100cc, 150cc, and Mirror class.

Motorbikes, which made their first appearance in Mario Kart Wii, do not return in the game. On the other hand, Tricks return, now known as "jump actions", and are now the sole way of obtaining a boost, known as "Jump Boost", when the kart jumps because of a ramp or an element of the course. The jump action can also be performed on glider ramps to receive a speed boost when gliding starts. The map is viewed in the bottom screen, but unlike in Mario Kart DS, the map does not display course hazards and obstacles such as some items and obstacles in DS Airship Fortress. The map also shows a larger area surrounding the player. The Single Player version of VS mode from the other Mario Kart games and the mission mode from Mario Kart DS are also removed.

Controls[edit]

  • A Button/Y Button: Accelerate / Rocket Start (press and hold when the countdown shows 2 before the race starts)
  • B Button: Brake / Reverse / Drop from glider
  • Circle Pad: Steer / Auto Drift
  • R Button: Hop / Manual Drift / Perform jump actions in midair.
  • L Button/X Button: Use item
  • Stylus: Switch map view
  • Start Button: Pause / Resume
  • HOME Button: Display HOME Menu
  • +Control Pad up: First-Person View
  • Tilt motion control: Steer / Auto Drift (First-person view only)
  • +Control Pad (except up): Third-Person View

Modes[edit]

Grand Prix[edit]

The game's main option mode.

As usual in the Mario Kart series, Mario Kart 7 has the Grand Prix, where a single player has to compete against computer-controlled opponents to obtain the trophies of the eight cups in the game. The Grand Prix has three engine classes: 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc. The higher the engine class, the harder the races will be against the opponents. In this mode, by beating the first cups available, the user unlocks the other cups as well as new elements such as the kart's parts (by collecting coins in each race) or a new playable character. By completing all the engine classes available at the start, the player unlocks the Mirror class.

A notable change featured in the game is the point system given to the racers after a race in Grand Prix mode. It is similar to Mario Kart: Double Dash!! and Mario Kart DS, but racers who finish a race in fourth place or lower get an extra point. Also, 4th place is not a losing place, similar to Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, and Mario Kart Wii (which has 12 racers). Below is a chart of the point spread comparison between these seven games:

Point spread comparisons (Grand Prix)
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th
Super Mario Kart
Mario Kart 64
Mario Kart: Super Circuit
9 6 3 1 0 0 0 0
Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
Mario Kart DS
10 8 6 4 3 2 1 0
Mario Kart Wii 15 12 10 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Mario Kart 7 10 8 6 5 4 3 2 1
A grove-green cell signifies victory results (great clapping, characters cheering) and the best after-race music.
A yellow-lime-green cell signifies moderate results (mild clapping, moderate character reaction) and the same music in Wi-Fi as the winner (different in Mario Kart DS GP).
A normal-colored cell signifies losing results and losing music.
In Super Mario Kart, and Mario Kart Super Circuit, 5th or worse forces the player to retry the race. If the racer fares this poorly four times, the Grand Prix must be started over. In Mario Kart 64, 5th or worse forces the player to retry the race, but without the restrictions on how many times the player can retry a race. Starting with Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, the Grand Prix normally continues.

Time Trials[edit]

Time Trials allow the player to complete all the laps of a race course in the fastest time possible. Mario Kart 7 saves the player's records, and a Ghost for the combo that they used. Through a Nintendo Network connection, the player can exchange his or her Ghosts with other players, compare their records, and even compete with their Ghosts. Up to seven Ghosts can be raced against at the same time, making it an 8-player race.

VS[edit]

In Versus Mode, players can customize the races by selecting personally the order of the racecourses and changing other settings, such as setting the computer difficulty, the requirements to win the races, and the engine class of the player's and computer players' karts. Unlike in Mario Kart DS and Mario Kart Wii, this mode is no longer available in single-player mode. In Download Play, the players that do not have the Mario Kart 7 game card in their handhelds play as Shy Guy, like in Mario Kart DS, and are unable to customize their kart.

Point Spread
Number of Players 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th
2 players 3 1 - - - - - -
3 players 4 2 1 - - - - -
4 players 5 3 2 1 - - - -
5 players 6 4 3 2 1 - - -
6 players 7 5 4 3 2 1 - -
7 players 9 7 5 4 3 2 1 -
8 players 10 8 6 5 4 3 2 1

Battle[edit]

In Battle Mode, the player can select one of the two types of battles available in Mario Kart 7 and one of the six battle courses that appear in this mode. There are three new courses, and the remaining three are from the previous installments in the series. This version of Battle can be played with any vehicle like in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, as opposed to Mario Kart DS and Mario Kart Wii, in which players could only use the Standard Kart or the Standard Bike.

Balloon Battle[edit]
Mario participating in a free-for-all Balloon Battle in Mario Kart 7.
Free-for-all Balloon Battle

Racers compete by popping their opponents' balloons to gain points in a time limit of two minutes. All racers start with three balloons and must use the items from the Item Boxes to take away a balloon from their opponents. Hitting a rival is worth a point. Players who lose all of their balloons will have half of their points deducted. Up to three points can be taken away, and the player re-spawns with three balloons.

Coin Runners[edit]
From Mario Kart 7.
Team Coin Runners

In Coin Runners (Coin Battle in the British English version), racers collect the Coins scattered in the battle course within the time limit of two minutes. The racer that has the most Coins at the end wins. Racers can use the items to hit their opponents and make them drop a maximum of three coins that they have collected. Unlike in Mario Kart Wii, only up to ten coins can be held at once. Coins collected in this mode do not count toward the coin total to unlock kart parts.

Online multiplayer[edit]

With the Nintendo 3DS's online capabilities, players could look for other users for online play, local, or global range. Players could choose a worldwide competition to race against other users who are connected, race with friends that were met via StreetPass, or play in communities formed by users with customized rules for the races. Just like in Mario Kart Wii, Mario Kart 7 had the Mario Kart Channel that showed updates of online activity automatically through the SpotPass and StreetPass modes. With StreetPass, the users can exchange their Miis, Ghost Data from Time Trials, players' names, and information about communities, while the user would only receive Ghost Data from other users and community recommendations via SpotPass.

VR[edit]

When players take part in online races or battles, points are added to or removed from their VR (short for VS Rating) based on their finishing position. The main purpose of VR is to determine the skill of players, to match them with players of a similar skill level. Players start with 1000 VR (rather than 5000 VR, as in Mario Kart Wii). Online play in Communities does not use the VR system. Also, a player's VR counts for both races and battles, as opposed to Mario Kart Wii with races affecting VR, and battles affecting BR (Battle Rating).

Names in other languages[edit]
Language Name Meaning Notes
Dutch RP / Racepunten[?] Race Points
French PC / Points course[?] Race Points
German RP / Rennpunkte[?] Race Points
Italian PC / Punti Corsa[?] Race Points
Portuguese PO / Pontos Obtidos[?] Earned Points
Russian ИР / Игровой Рейтинг[?]
IR / Igrovoy Reyting
Play Rating
Spanish PC / Puntos de carreras[?] Race Points

Characters[edit]

Drivers[edit]

Character Select Screen
The character select screen, with all characters unlocked.

Mario Kart 7 includes seventeen total drivers (eight starting drivers and nine unlockable drivers). New playable characters to the Mario Kart series in this game include Metal Mario, Wiggler, Honey Queen, and Lakitu (with a red shell as opposed to the Lakitu referee which wears a green shell), with Lakitu and Honey Queen also making their overall playable debuts. Additionally, this marks the first Mario Kart game where Shy Guy is a normal selectable driver, after only being available in Mario Kart DS to players who were playing in Download Play without a game card; in addition to being playable in single player, multicolored Shy Guys retain this previous role in download multiplayer. Also, this is the first installment in the series for a handheld console where Koopa Troopa, Rosalina, and Mii are playable, after previously being playable in at least one home console installment. The player's Mii never appears as a CPU driver, but Miis the player has obtained via StreetPass for this game's Mario Kart Channel can occasionally appear as a CPU driver during the standard Grand Prix mode.

Each driver is categorized into any of five weight classes: Feather being the lightest, followed by Light, Medium, Cruiser, and finally Heavy. There are also three kart frame sizes that generally correspond with the five weight classes, with the exception of Metal Mario due to his medium size and high density. All characters in any given weight class share the same statistic boosts, both displayed and internal.

Each character has two "rival" characters who have superior capability compared to other CPU racers; if one of the rivals is not unlocked, a default character is used as a third, "backup" rival. Wario is the only character without any "backup" rivals; both of his rivals, Luigi and Mario, are default characters.

All of the starting characters are the same as in Super Mario Kart, but with Donkey Kong in place of Donkey Kong Jr..

Default drivers[edit]

Driver Class Frame Speed Acceleration Weight Handling Off-Road Main rivals Backup rivals
Mario MK7.png
Mario
Medium Medium 2/4 4/8 4/8 1/2 1/2 Metal Mario
Bowser
Peach
Luigi MK7.png
Luigi
Medium Medium 2/4 4/8 4/8 1/2 1/2 Mario
Daisy
Yoshi
Peach MK7.png
Peach
Light Medium 1/4 6/8 2/8 2/2 1/2 Lakitu
Donkey Kong
Toad
Yoshi, with the Bumble V, in Mario Kart 7.
Yoshi
Light Medium 1/4 6/8 2/8 2/2 1/2 Wiggler
Toad
Donkey Kong
Bowser MK7.png
Bowser
Heavy Large 4/4 0/8 8/8 0/2 0/2 Mario
Rosalina
Luigi
Donkey MK7.png
Donkey Kong
Cruiser Large 3/4 2/8 6/8 0/2 1/2 Wario
Koopa Troopa
Bowser
Toad
Toad
Feather Small 0/4 8/8 0/8 2/2 2/2 Rosalina
Peach
Koopa Troopa
Koopa Troopa
Koopa Troopa
Feather Small 0/4 8/8 0/8 2/2 2/2 Yoshi
Shy Guy
Luigi

Unlockable drivers[edit]

Driver Class Frame Speed Acceleration Weight Handling Off-Road Main rivals Backup rivals Unlock method
Princess Daisy and her kart with a Birthday Girl body and Sponge wheels.
Daisy
Light Medium 1/4 6/8 2/8 2/2 1/2 Peach
Wario
Luigi Win the 150cc Mushroom Cup
Wario
Wario
Heavy Large 4/4 0/8 8/8 0/2 0/2 Luigi
Mario
N/A Win the 150cc Flower Cup
Rosalina's artwork in Mario Kart 7
Rosalina
Cruiser Large 3/4 2/8 6/8 0/2 1/2 Honey Queen
Peach
Toad Win the 150cc Star Cup
Metal Mario
Metal Mario(new)
Heavy Medium 4/4 0/8 8/8 0/2 0/2 Bowser
Rosalina
Mario Win the 150cc Special Cup
Shy Guy
Shy Guy
Feather Small 0/4 8/8 0/8 2/2 2/2 Toad
Lakitu
Koopa Troopa Win the 150cc Shell Cup
Honey Queen
Honey Queen(new)
Heavy Large 4/4 0/8 8/8 0/2 0/2 Koopa Troopa
Metal Mario
Yoshi Win the 150cc Banana Cup
Wiggler
Wiggler(new)
Cruiser Large 3/4 2/8 6/8 0/2 1/2 Shy Guy
Yoshi
Bowser Win the 150cc Leaf Cup
Lakitu
Lakitu(new)
Feather Small 0/4 8/8 0/8 2/2 2/2 Donkey Kong
Honey Queen
Mario Win the 150cc Lightning Cup
Mii
Mii
Medium Medium 2/4 4/8 4/8 1/2 1/2 Bowser (male)
Metal Mario (male)
Yoshi (female)
Rosalina (female)
Mario (male)
Peach (female)
Successfully complete all cups in any class

Background characters[edit]

These characters appear in the background of certain stages and do not affect the racers in any way.

Hazards and obstacles[edit]

These characters and features serve as hazards on tracks and can directly affect racers if hit.

Characters and elements
Character/element Location Description
A Banzai Bill in Mario Kart 7
Banzai Bill
DS Airship Fortress Banzai Bills are fired from a cannon near the starting straightaway of the track. They fly along the straight path in different positions based on where they were fired. They disappear once they hit the road where the starting line is located.
A Barrel in Mario Kart 7
Barrel
Wario Shipyard
DK Jungle
Barrels are scattered around the track and can be broken by players. Once broken, a Banana, a Mushroom, a Green Shell, or a Super Star may fly out. In Time Trials, the barrels cannot be broken.
A Big Wiggler in Mario Kart 7
Big Wiggler
Wii Maple Treeway Two Big Wigglers walk around the top of the tree section of the track. Racers simple bounce off of them rather than wiping out.
A Board in Mario Kart 7
Board
Piranha Plant Slide Boards can be broken by players by racing into them. There are two board shapes; Goomba shaped boards and bush shaped boards. Two bush shaped boards are located in off-road sections near the end of the track.
A Boulder in Mario Kart 7
Boulder
Rock Rock Mountain
Maka Wuhu
Boulders fall from mountain tops and roll down the track, flipping over any racer that hits them. They are destroyed upon hitting walls.
A Bouncing Note in Mario Kart 7
Bouncing Note
Music Park Bouncing Notes jump at regular intervals near the end of the track. Players can do jump actions off the ground when the Bouncing Notes land. However, players can also be flattened if a Bouncing Note lands on them. During the final lap, their bouncing is faster.
A Bumper in Mario Kart 7
Bumper
DS Waluigi Pinball Bumpers are located on the pinball table section of the track and will bump racers back when they collide with them. Pinballs will also ricochet off of bumpers.
A Car in Mario Kart 7
Car
Wuhu Loop
Wii Coconut Mall
Cars travel across the road of the entire track, causing players to flip over if hit. In Coconut Mall, cars are located in the parking lot and drive back and forth along the area.
A Cheep Cheep in Mario Kart 7
Cheep Cheep
Cheep Cheep Lagoon
Wii Koopa Cape
Cheep Cheeps swim in various water sections of the track, lightly bouncing back racers who hit them.
A Chomp in Mario Kart 7
Chomp
Rainbow Road Chomps appear on the moon segment of the track, rolling around in circles. Two Chomps also roll off of the craters on the surface, causing them to jump off of them and float in the air for a short time. Colliding with one will flip a racer over.
A Clampy in Mario Kart 7
Clampy
Cheep Cheep Lagoon
GCN Daisy Cruiser
Clampys appear in the first underwater segment of the track, opening and closing their mouths at regular intervals. Coins and Item Boxes can appear in an open Clampy, but if a racer is caught when a Clampy is closing its mouth, they will spin out.
A Crate in Mario Kart 7
Crate
DS Airship Fortress Crates are scattered inside the airship of the track and act identically to Barrels. A Banana, a Mushroom, a Green Shell, or a Star may fly out when broken, but will stop a racer in the process. Crates cannot be broken in Time Trial mode.
A cutting torch in Mario Kart 7
Cutting torch
DS Airship Fortress Cutting torches appear within the airship of the track, moving back and forth along the track. Racers will spin out if they drive through the fire.
A drain pipe in Mario Kart 7
Drain pipe
Piranha Plant Slide The water from these Warp Pipes can cancel out the glide of any player that drives under it. The Warp Pipes themselves serve as an obstruction.
A Fish Bone in Mario Kart 7
Fish Bone
Wario Shipyard Fish Bones appear near the track's beginning and swim through the first tunnel. Hitting one will simply bounce a racer back.
A Flipper in Mario Kart 7
Flipper
DS Waluigi Pinball Flippers appear at the pinball table section of the track, specifically at the bottom of the table. They hit any pinball back across the table and will hit racers if they get too close.
A Shy Guy on a flying carpet in Mario Kart 7
Flying Shy Guy
Shy Guy Bazaar Shy Guys fly about on carpets at the gliding section of the track. They will block any racer who collides with them.
A Frogoon in Mario Kart 7
Frogoon
DK Jungle Frogoons hop across the track in the jungle section before the giant temple. Colliding with one will cause the racer to spin out.
A Goomba in Mario Kart 7
Goomba
Mario Circuit
Piranha Plant Slide
Wii Mushroom Gorge
Wii Koopa Cape
Goombas appear on various tracks. They act in the same way they did in past installments, slowly waddling back and forth on certain parts of the track. If the player uses a Shell to destroy the Goomba, a Mushroom will spawn in its place.
A Hot-air balloon in Mario Kart 7
Hot-air balloon
Daisy Hills Hot-air balloons float in the air. Touching them will cause the racer to bounce off them.
An icicle in Mario Kart 7
Icicle
Rosalina's Ice World Icicles behave in an identical way to crates and barrels, slowing the player's vehicle speed upon impact. Items do not fly out of icicles when they break and icicles cannot be broken in Time Trial mode.
A vase in Mario Kart 7
Jar
Shy Guy Bazaar Jars function identically to Barrels and Crates, stopping racers and letting a Banana, a Mushroom, a Green Shell, or a Star as they break. Some jars also move around the area and do not release items if hit, instead releasing a pit of snakes for aesthetic effect. Jars cannot be broken in Time Trial mode.
A Lava Bubble in Mario Kart 7
Lava Bubble
GBA Bowser Castle 1 Lava Bubbles jump out of the lava between the ramps near the end of the track, causing players who hit them to spin out.
A goat in Mario Kart 7
Mountain Goat
Daisy Hills Mountain Goats roam around the mountainous areas of the track, wiping out racers who collide with them.
A Dinosaur in Mario Kart 7
Nossie
GCN Dino Dino Jungle The dinosaur appears near the track's center, occupying the bridge section after the cave and the ground below the bridge. The dinosaur's feet stomp the lower section, flattening racers in a similar manner to a Thwomp. The dinosaur's head does not spin a racer out, rather blocks their path.
An oil slick in Mario Kart 7
Oil slick
SNES Mario Circuit 2 Oil slicks appear on various parts of the track, causing racers to spin out if they race over them.
Two Penguins in Mario Kart 7
Penguin
Rosalina's Ice World
Sherbet Rink
Penguins appear around the icy pond section of Rosalina's Ice World, on both the land and in the water. In both instances, players will simply bounce off of them if they collide with them. On Sherbet Rink, Penguins roam around the track as a whole.
A pinball in Mario Kart 7
Pinball
DS Waluigi Pinball Pinballs roll across various sections of the track, causing racers to flip over when hit. On the pinball table, pinballs can be hit by flippers and bounce of the bumpers scattered across the table.
A pipe in Mario Kart 7
Pipe
Toad Circuit
SNES Mario Circuit 2
Pipes appear as stationary obstacles and are usually scattered on off road sections. Players will come to a complete stop if they collide with them.
A Piranha Plant in Mario Kart 7
Piranha Plant
Music Park
Piranha Plant Slide
Piranha Plants will attempt to bite any racer that drives near them. In Music Park, they appear on either sides of the track and occasionally swap positions. In Piranha Plant Slide, they are completely stationary and will turn back and forth regularly to attack racers.
A puddle in Mario Kart 7
Puddle
Neo Bowser City Puddles appear at the end of the track and function identically to oil slicks. They can be avoided by jumping over them.
A Rocky Wrench in Mario Kart 7
Rocky Wrench
DS Airship Fortress
GBA Battle Course 1
Rocky Wrenches pop out of the ground and will flip over racers who hit them. Players can also do jump actions off of their manhole covers when they peek out from the ground.
A Screaming Pillar in Mario Kart 7
Screaming Pillar
DK Jungle Screaming Pillars are completely stationary obstacles and will stop a racer if they collide with them. They occasionally let out screams that will push racers back if they are in range.
A Sidestepper in Mario Kart 7
Sidestepper
Cheep Cheep Lagoon
N64 Koopa Beach
DS Palm Shore
Sidesteppers move back and forth along parts of the track, causing any racer who hits them to spin out.
A snowball in Mario Kart 7
Snowball
DS DK Pass Snowballs appear on DK Pass and function identically to Boulders or Pinballs. They roll down the mountain and fall off the track, flipping over racers who collide with them.
A snowman in Mario Kart 7
Snowman
DS DK Pass Snowmen appear at the end of the track and function in the same way as they did in past installments, causing racers who hit them to flip over.
Several Stingbies in Mario Kart 7
Stingby
Honeybee Hive Several Stingbies fly around the battle stage, spinning out racers who hit them.
A Super Thwomp in Mario Kart 7
Super Thwomp
SNES Rainbow Road Super Thwomps appear throughout the track, wiping out racers who hit them. When they hit the ground, they cause ripples in the track, which make the kart jump, allowing the driver to perform a jump action.
A Swoop in Mario Kart 7
Swoop
Rock Rock Mountain Swoops appear in the cave section of the track, slowing racers down if they hit them.
A Thwomp in Mario Kart 7
Thwomp
Bowser's Castle
GBA Bowser Castle 1
Thwomps act identically as they did in past installments, stopping racers who hit them and flattening them if they fall on them.
A Tiki Goon in Mario Kart 7
Tiki Goon
DK Jungle Tiki Goons move back and forth along the track, pausing at the track's edges before moving the other way. Colliding with one will cause the player to spin out.
A train in Mario Kart 7
Train
N64 Kalimari Desert Two trains follow an oval track around the center of the race track. Players will flip over if they hit the train or their carriages.
A walking tree in Mario Kart 7
Walking Tree
DS Luigi's Mansion Walking Trees walk around set paths at the end of the track. They function just like normal trees and will stop a racer completely when hit.
A water geyser in Mario Kart 7
Water Geyser
GCN Dino Dino Jungle Water Geysers appear in both the cave section and near the end of the track, erupting at regular intervals. Racers are flipped over if they hit an erupting geyser. Players can do jump actions off of geyser spouts if they are inactive.

Vehicle parts[edit]

Mario Kart 7 introduces the option to personalize the player's vehicle before getting to the race. The player can select the body, the tires, and the glider to build the desired kart. By collecting many coins from the races in Grand Prix mode, the player can unlock a new body, a new set of tires, or a new glider to use. It is possible to acquire a maximum of ten coins in a race. As the user chooses the parts, the stats may vary according to the parts' combination, and the vehicle will work better in particular situations.

There are 17 kart bodies, 10 tires, and 7 gliders for a grand total of 1,190 kart combinations. Of the parts, the Standard Kart, Pipe Frame, and Super Glider have their colors vary depending on their drivers. The Birthday Girl and Peach Parasol also vary in color for the female characters, though Peach's pink versions are shared with the male and gender-indeterminate characters. The Birthday Girl also cannot be used by CPU-played male or indeterminate characters, while the "gold" parts cannot be used by CPU players in general aside from Miis obtained via StreetPass from this game's Mario Kart Channel, if they are equipped.

Additionally, the player can unlock a Gold Steering Wheel by racing in 100 races using gyro-controls in at least 80% of them.

Karts[edit]

Tires[edit]

Gliders[edit]

Unlocking random parts[edit]

Players can unlock random parts by collecting the following coin values:

  • 50
  • 100
  • 150
  • 200
  • 250
  • 300
  • 400
  • 500
  • 600
  • 700
  • 800
  • 900
  • 1,000
  • 1,200
  • 1,400
  • 1,600
  • 1,800
  • 2,000
  • 2,500
  • 3,000
  • 3,500
  • 4,000
  • 4,500

Drivers' and vehicle parts' statistics[edit]

For the in-game tables from which these values were derived and for the tables to translate those values into the actual statistics used by the game, see Mario Kart 7 in-game statistics.

Statistics shown in the vehicle customization screen[edit]

In contrast with Mario Kart DS and Mario Kart Wii, which directly added the characters' and vehicles' physical parameters to obtain their final values, the game introduces the Points which are conferred by characters and vehicle parts. In each statistics, the points given by the character, body, tires, and glider are summed to obtain a final value called Level (Lv) which is then used by a table to convert the level into various related physical parameters used by the game. The Level of five statistics is displayed in the vehicle customization screen:

  • Speed: The top speed of the kart on land.
  • Acceleration: The rate of speed increase when holding the acceleration button.
  • Weight: The weight of the kart. Karts with higher weight knock away vehicles with lower weight.
  • Handling: The turning ability of the kart on land. A higher stat means vehicles turn sharper.
  • Off-Road: The grasp of the kart. Karts with higher Off-Road slip less on certain terrain and are faster, to the point of being able to charge Mini-Turbos. Not to be confused with handling.

Said Level is represented through bars by adding two points to the sum of points, then dividing the result by four, resulting in values ranging from 0.75 to 5.5. As an example, the process through which the statistics of a certain combination of character and vehicle parts are calculated and displayed is shown below:

Bolt Buggy kart body.
A combination consisting of Bowser, Bolt Buggy, Monster Tires, and Paraglider.
Element Points conferred
Speed Acceleration Weight Handling Off-Road
Character select icon of Bowser from Mario Kart 7
Bowser
4 0 8 0 0
Bolt Buggy in Mario Kart 7
Bolt Buggy
7 1 3 2 3
Monster tire in Mario Kart 7
Monster Tires
7 0 8 0 15
Paraglider in Mario Kart 7
Paraglider
0 1 0 0 0
Final Values Speed Acceleration Weight Handling Off-Road
Level 4 + 7 + 7 + 0 =
18
0 + 1 + 0 + 1 =
2
8 + 3 + 8 + 0 =
19
0 + 2 + 0 + 0 =
2
0 + 3 + 15 + 0 =
18
Value shown in the vehicle customization screen (18 + 2) / 4 = 20 / 4 =
5
(2 + 2) / 4 = 4 / 4 =
1
(19 + 2) / 4 = 21 / 4 =
5.25
(2 + 2) / 4 = 4 / 4 =
1
(18 + 2) / 4 = 20 / 4 =
5

Internal statistics[edit]

The following table shows the statistics of the various drivers and kart parts. In addition to the statistics shown in the vehicle customization screen, there are the following statistics:

  • Water Speed: The top speed of the kart while driving underwater.
  • Air Speed: The top speed of the kart while gliding.
  • Water Handling: The turning ability of the kart while driving underwater.
  • Air Handling: The turning ability of the kart while gliding.
  • Mini-Turbo: The length of the kart's mini-turbo speed boosts.
  • Stability: How much the tires stick to the ground and how much the kart tends to tilt sideways when turning and drifting.
  • Drift: How much the kart slips when a drift begins.

The following table reports the statistics in points.

Character Stats
Weight Class Speed Acceleration Weight Handling Off-Road Mini-Turbo Stability Drift
Land Water Air Land Water Air
Feather ToadKoopa TroopaShy GuyLakitu 0 2 0 8 0 2 2 2 2 3 1 8
Light Princess PeachYoshiPrincess Daisy 1 2 0 6 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 4
Medium MarioLuigiMii 2 1 0 4 4 1 1 1 1 2 1 4
Cruiser Donkey KongRosalinaWiggler 3 0 0 2 6 0 0 0 1 1 1 0
Heavy BowserWarioMetal MarioHoney Queen 4 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Bodies
Body Speed Acceleration Weight Handling Off-Road Mini-Turbo Stability Drift
Land Water Air Land Water Air
Standard 6 4 2 3 2 3 1 1 2 2 0 2
Gold Standard (Gold Kart) 7 4 1 2 3 3 1 1 1 2 0 1
Birthday Girl (Royal Ribbon) 4 6 4 5 1 5 2 2 1 4 0 3
Bumble V 6 4 4 5 1 1 1 2 3 8 0 3
Bruiser (Growlster) 8 2 1 2 3 1 1 1 2 2 0 1
Soda Jet 7 2 4 4 1 3 1 2 1 4 0 3
B Dasher 8 2 2 1 2 4 1 1 1 2 0 2
Egg 1 5 10 4 5 1 3 1 1 2 4 0 3
Barrel Train 7 1 1 3 3 1 1 1 2 8 0 1
Tiny Tug 4 10 1 3 3 3 3 1 3 0 0 1
Cact-X 5 6 1 2 2 4 1 1 3 0 0 2
Koopa Clown 6 4 2 2 2 5 2 2 1 8 0 2
Cloud 9 4 8 4 4 1 5 3 2 2 4 0 3
Zucchini (Gherkin) 8 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 0 0 2
Blue Seven 8 4 1 1 3 2 1 1 2 0 0 1
Bolt Buggy 7 2 1 1 3 2 1 1 3 0 0 1
Pipe Frame 5 8 4 4 1 3 1 1 3 4 0 3
Tires
Tire Speed Acceleration Weight Handling Off-Road Mini-Turbo Stability Drift
Land Water Air Land Water Air
Standard (Normal) 4 4 0 3 4 5 5 4 10 4 4 4
Gold Tires (Gold Wheels) 8 0 0 1 6 0 5 0 0 4 4 0
Roller 1 8 4 6 0 13 10 8 5 8 8 0
Slim 3 4 0 4 3 10 10 4 5 0 8 8
Slick 8 0 0 2 5 0 0 4 0 4 4 8
Sponge 3 0 4 5 1 5 0 8 10 4 4 8
Mushroom 5 4 0 2 2 10 5 4 5 4 4 0
Wood (Wooden) 2 8 4 5 2 10 15 8 10 0 8 8
Red Monster 7 0 0 1 7 0 0 0 15 5 0 0
Monster 7 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 15 4 0 4
Gliders
Glider Speed Acceleration Weight Handling Off-Road Mini-Turbo Stability Drift
Land Water Air Land Water Air
Super GliderGold GliderBeast Glider (Ghastly Glider) 0 0 12 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Peach ParasolFlower Glider 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 8 0 1 0 0
Swooper (Swoop)Paraglider (Parafoil) 0 0 6 1 0 0 0 4 0 1 0 0

Items[edit]

For the probability of obtaining each item when an Item Box is opened in the various modes, see Mario Kart 7 item probability distributions.

Many classic items make a return in Mario Kart 7. The game introduces three new items – the Fire Flower, the Super Leaf, and the Lucky Seven (the last two of which do not return in Mario Kart 8). The Thunder Cloud, POW Block, and Mega Mushroom from Mario Kart Wii are absent from the game. The Fake Item Box from Mario Kart 64, Double Dash!!, DS, and Wii is also absent, along with Boo from Super Mario Kart, 64, Super Circuit, and DS. Similar to its predecessors, players receive items by driving through an Item Box found on courses. When players drive through an Item Box, the Item Roulette will select an item. In addition to Item Boxes, Coins can be found on the track. Players can collect the coins by driving through them. Picking up a coin increases a player's top speed. If players collect ten coins, their kart is at maximum speed and cannot gain additional coins. Players lose coins if they get hit by an item or fall in a pit. Collecting a certain amount of coins unlocks vehicle parts to select them in the vehicle's customization menu. Also, unlike in its predecessor, the item warning sound will only play if a Spiny Shell or a Bullet Bill is approaching.

One prominent change to the classic items is that the Spiny Shell now has been redesigned into a wingless form, similar to the one found in Mario Kart 64 and having a new sound effect. Its overall behavior is also changed as well; the shell now flies lower to the ground and is able to hit other racers on its path. In addition, the explosion is noticeably less powerful compared to previous installments.

Items found on tracks[edit]

Image Name Description
Item Box Item Box Item Boxes give players items.
Artwork of a Coin in Mario Kart 7 Coin Players receive a small boost and an increase to their top speed. A maximum of 10 can be carried at one time.

Items received from Item Boxes[edit]

Image Name Description
Banana Banana Players that run over Bananas spin out.
Triple Bananas from Mario Kart 7. Triple Bananas Gives the player three Bananas that trail behind the kart. They can then be dropped or thrown one by one.
A Green Shell from Mario Kart 7. Green Shell Travels in a straight line and bounces off walls. Knocks over the player it hits.
Triple Green Shells from Mario Kart 7. Triple Green Shells Three Green Shells that protect the player from incoming attacks by rotating around its kart. They can then be thrown one by one.
A Red Shell from Mario Kart 7. Red Shell Chases after the closest player in front of the player and knocks it over. Throwing it backwards will make it travel in a straight line, like a Green Shell.
Triple Red Shells from Mario Kart 7. Triple Red Shells Three Red Shells that protect the player from incoming attacks by rotating around its kart. They can then be thrown one by one. CPU players can't get this item in Grand Prix and Battle modes, unless the item settings are set to Shells Only.
Spiny Shell Spiny Shell Chases after the player in the lead, then explodes on it. It will also knock over anything that is on its path.
A Bob-omb from Mario Kart 7. Bob-omb After being thrown or dropped, it explodes after a moment or when a player comes too close, knocking over anything in its blast radius. It will also chase after players that comes by.
Artwork of a Mushroom in Mario Kart 7 Mushroom Gives the player a speed boost.
Triple Mushrooms from Mario Kart 7. Triple Mushrooms Same effect as the Mushroom. It can be used three times.
A Golden Mushroom from Mario Kart 7. Golden Mushroom Same effect as the Mushroom. It can be used at will, but only for a moment after the first use.
Bullet Bill Bullet Bill Transforms the player into a Bullet Bill, which rockets down the entire track at high speeds on auto-pilot for a time that is determined by the player's current position. The Bullet Bill is invincible and can knock over items, course hazards and other players, which makes them lose any item in their possession.
Blooper MK7.png Blooper Sprays ink on all the players ahead of the user and reduces their visibility. The ink will go away after a moment or when the player receives a boost from a Mushroom or a Boost Pad.
A Lightning (with no glow) from Mario Kart 7. Lightning Causes all players, except the user, to drop their item, shrink, and have their kart's top speed reduced for a moment, the effect being longer for the players that are leading the race. They can also get squashed by normal-sized players.
Artwork of a Super Star from Mario Kart 7 Super Star The player obtains total invincibility for a moment and is able to knock over everything in its path including items, course obstacles, and other players, making them lose their current item. In addition, the player receives a speed boost and the ability to drive off-road without losing any speed.
A Fire Flower from Mario Kart 7. Fire Flower
New Item
Allows the player to throw fireballs that bounces off walls and cause other players to spin out of control on impact. Up to three fireballs are allowed at a time per player, throwing a fourth one will make the oldest one disappear. If ten fireballs are used, this item wears off immediately.
Artwork of a Super Leaf with transparency. Super Leaf
New Item
Gives the player's kart a tail that can be used to deflect items, knock over opponents and collect coins. The tail will disappear after a moment or if the player is hurt.
Lucky Seven from Mario Kart 7. Lucky Seven
New Item
Surrounds the player with seven items that rotates around its kart. The player receives a Mushroom, Banana, Green Shell, Red Shell, Blooper, Bob-omb, and a Star. CPU players can't get this item, unless only one type of item is chosen in Battle Mode.

Courses[edit]

Like Mario Kart DS and Mario Kart Wii, Mario Kart 7 features 32 courses that includes 16 new courses and 16 retro courses, which consists of one course from Mario Kart: Super Circuit, two courses from Super Mario Kart and Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, three from Mario Kart 64, and four from Mario Kart DS and Mario Kart Wii. Only the Mushroom Cup and Shell Cup, as well as the battle courses, are available from the start, but upon unlocking them they are available for all game modes, and not just for that specific Engine Class, unlike past installments. A new feature of Mario Kart 7 is that three of the new courses – Wuhu Loop, Maka Wuhu, and Rainbow Road – have three sections each, with each section counting as one lap. The following charts show the American English names of the tracks, with the British English names in italics. Like in Mario Kart DS, the retro tracks' width have been shortened, except the DS retro courses, which have been widened.

New courses[edit]

Mushroom Cup icon
Mushroom Cup
Toad Circuit
Toad Circuit

Daisy Hills
Daisy Hills

Cheep Cheep Lagoon
Cheep Cheep Lagoon
Cheep Cheep Cape
Shy Guy Bazaar
Shy Guy Bazaar

Flower Cup icon
Flower Cup
Wuhu Loop
Wuhu Loop
Wuhu Island Loop
Mario Circuit
Mario Circuit

Music Park
Music Park
Melody Motorway
Rock Rock Mountain
Rock Rock Mountain
Alpine Pass
Star Cup icon
Star Cup
Piranha Plant Slide
Piranha Plant Slide
Piranha Plant Pipeway
Wario Shipyard
Wario Shipyard
Wario's Galleon
Neo Bowser City
Neo Bowser City
Koopa City
Maka Wuhu
Maka Wuhu
Wuhu Mountain Loop
Special Cup icon
Special Cup
DK Jungle
DK Jungle
Rosalina's Ice World
Rosalina's Ice World
Bowser Castle
Bowser's Castle
Rainbow Road
Rainbow Road

Retro courses[edit]

Shell Cup icon
Shell Cup
Luigi Raceway
N64 Luigi Raceway
GBA Bowser Castle 1.jpg
GBA Bowser Castle 1
MushroomGorgeMK7.png
Wii Mushroom Gorge
LuigiMansionMK7.png
DS Luigi's Mansion
Banana Cup icon
Banana Cup
KoopaTroopaBeachMK7.png
N64 Koopa Beach
N64 Koopa Troopa Beach
SNES Mario Circuit 2
SNES Mario Circuit 2

Wii Coconut Mall
Wii Coconut Mall

DS Waluigi Pinball
DS Waluigi Pinball

Leaf Cup icon
Leaf Cup
KalimariDesertMK7.png
N64 Kalimari Desert
DKPassMK7.png
DS DK Pass
DaisyCruiserMK7.png
GCN Daisy Cruiser
MapleTreewayMK7.png
Wii Maple Treeway
Lightning Cup icon
Lightning Cup
KoopaCapeMK7.png
Wii Koopa Cape
DinoDinoJungleMK7.png
GCN Dino Dino Jungle
AirshipFortressMK7.png
DS Airship Fortress
SNES MK7.png
SNES Rainbow Road

Battle stages[edit]

There are a total of six battle stages: three new stages and three retro ones. Similar to games prior to Mario Kart Wii, the three new battle stages all have the same music, albeit with different arrangements between stages, while the three retro stages use the Mario Kart Wii arrangement of their respective music, which was previously used in that game's version of GBA Battle Course 3, N64 Skyscraper, and DS Twilight House respectively.

New Stages HoneybeeHivemap MK7.png
Honeybee Hive
Honeybee House
SherbetRinkmap MK7.png
Sherbet Rink

WuhuTownmap MK7.png
Wuhu Town

Retro Stages Battlecourse1gbaMK7.png
GBA Battle Course 1
BigDonutMK7.png
N64 Big Donut
PalmShoremap MK7.png
DS Palm Shore

Ghosts[edit]

Just like in Mario Kart Wii, Mario Kart 7 has Normal Staff Ghosts and Expert Staff Ghosts, which appear in the Time Trials game mode. The Normal Staff Ghosts are available at the start, but when the player gets a time higher than the Normal Staff Ghost of a track, the Expert Staff Ghost of the same track will be unlocked.

Normal Staff Ghosts[edit]

Course Staff Name Time Character Vehicle Combination
Body Tires Glider
Toad Circuit Nin★KATIE 01:35.135 Toad Standard Standard Super Glider
Daisy Hills Nin★Terui♪ 02:06.351 Daisy Birthday Girl Roller Peach Parasol
Cheep Cheep Lagoon Nin★Gonta♪ 01:53.758 Peach Birthday Girl Roller Peach Parasol
Shy Guy Bazaar Ret★TEAGUE 02:31.167 Shy Guy Standard Roller Super Glider
Wuhu Loop Ret★Bryan 01:44.287 Peach Standard Sponge Peach Parasol
Mario Circuit Nin★MIKI★ 02:25.001 Mario Standard Standard Super Glider
Music Park Nin★wtnbt 02:19.336 Rosalina Birthday Girl Roller Super Glider
Rock Rock Mountain Nin★Morimo 02:35.105 Wiggler Standard Red Monster Super Glider
Piranha Plant Slide Nin★tBando 02:20.186 Lakitu Standard Monster Super Glider
Wario Shipyard Nin★Miyamo 02:26.268 Wario Bolt Buggy Monster Super Glider
Neo Bowser City Ret★Chuck 02:11.032 Metal Mario Standard Standard Super Glider
Maka Wuhu Ret★Reed 01:50.607 Yoshi Bumble V Sponge Paraglider
DK Jungle Ret★Derek 02:24.040 Donkey Kong Bolt Buggy Red Monster Super Glider
Rosalina's Ice World Ret★RLingo 02:25.784 Rosalina Standard Sponge Paraglider
Bowser's Castle Ret★Matt M 02:34.815 Bowser Standard Monster Super Glider
Rainbow Road Nin★Takamu 02:10.090 Honey Queen Birthday Girl Slim Peach Parasol
N64 Luigi Raceway Nin★McCoy 02:04.317 Luigi Standard Slick Super Glider
GBA Bowser Castle 1 Nin★Hayata 01:31.030 Bowser Pipe Frame Standard Beast Glider
Wii Mushroom Gorge Nin★Kataok 02:02.292 Toad Cloud 9 Mushroom Paraglider
DS Luigi's Mansion Nin★Konno 02:09.982 Luigi Zucchini Slim Super Glider
N64 Koopa Beach Ret★Amanda 01:54.274 Koopa Troopa Pipe Frame Standard Super Glider
SNES Mario Circuit 2 Nin★ITRO-S 01:28.106 Mario Pipe Frame Standard Super Glider
Wii Coconut Mall Ret★Thomas 02:30.117 Honey Queen Standard Slim Super Glider
DS Waluigi Pinball Ret★Bill 02:44.372 Wario Standard Slick Swooper
N64 Kalimari Desert Nin★Nishim 02:01.932 Shy Guy Cact-X Wood Swooper
DS DK Pass Ret★Sean 02:35.045 Donkey Kong Barrel Train Wood Super Glider
GCN Daisy Cruiser Nin★Dai8 01:49.564 Daisy Pipe Frame Sponge Peach Parasol
Wii Maple Treeway Nin★Asakaw 02:53.560 Wiggler Standard Wood Super Glider
Wii Koopa Cape Ret★Quinn 02:49.046 Koopa Troopa Standard Monster Super Glider
GCN Dino Dino Jungle Nin★iwaco 02:29.837 Yoshi Egg 1 Roller Paraglider
DS Airship Fortress Nin★OBSHNN 02:23.323 Metal Mario Zucchini Slick Super Glider
SNES Rainbow Road Nin★YABUKI 01:34.459 Lakitu Pipe Frame Slim Super Glider

Expert Staff Ghosts[edit]

Course Staff Name Time Character Vehicle Combination
Body Tires Glider
Toad Circuit Nin★ishi 01:26.632 Toad Standard Monster Super Glider
Daisy Hills Nin★SASAKI 01:51.111 Daisy Birthday Girl Sponge Super Glider
Cheep Cheep Lagoon Nin★Tkdr 01:42.011 Peach Tiny Tug Roller Peach Parasol
Shy Guy Bazaar Ret★RWO 02:14.714 Shy Guy Pipe Frame Monster Paraglider
Wuhu Loop Nin★nkm 01:32.854 Peach Pipe Frame Slick Peach Parasol
Mario Circuit Nin★raba 02:10.018 Mario B Dasher Slick Super Glider
Music Park Nin★Masa 02:07.511 Rosalina Soda Jet Roller Paraglider
Rock Rock Mountain Nin★Hiroma 02:19.149 Wiggler Standard Mushroom Flower Glider
Piranha Plant Slide Nin★JIKU 02:06.540 Lakitu Cloud 9 Sponge Paraglider
Wario Shipyard Nin★syun1 02:12.313 Wario Bruiser Slim Beast Glider
Neo Bowser City Ret★Matt M 01:58.996 Metal Mario Blue Seven Monster Paraglider
Maka Wuhu Nin★Chucky 01:39.361 Yoshi Standard Monster Super Glider
DK Jungle Ret★Dupree 02:10.777 Donkey Kong Standard Wood Swooper
Rosalina's Ice World Ret★Dax 02:13.091 Rosalina Zucchini Red Monster Super Glider
Bowser's Castle Ret★Tom 02:15.244 Bowser Bruiser Red Monster Beast Glider
Rainbow Road Nin★Asakur 01:52.077 Honey Queen Bumble V Standard Flower Glider
N64 Luigi Raceway Nin★miyakw 01:52.206 Luigi Pipe Frame Slick Paraglider
GBA Bowser Castle 1 Nin★hokwai 01:22.221 Bowser Koopa Clown Roller Super Glider
Wii Mushroom Gorge Ret★Jay 01:50.526 Toad Pipe Frame Monster Super Glider
DS Luigi's Mansion Ret★Vince 01:58.539 Luigi Egg 1 Monster Paraglider
N64 Koopa Beach Nin★ueda 01:42.909 Koopa Troopa Soda Jet Sponge Paraglider
SNES Mario Circuit 2 Nin★==Kony 01:17.777 Mario B Dasher Slick Super Glider
Wii Coconut Mall Ret★RyanP 02:14.167 Honey Queen Koopa Clown Sponge Paraglider
DS Waluigi Pinball Nin★Nshhr 02:27.574 Wario Bruiser Slim Beast Glider
N64 Kalimari Desert Nin★KOZ★ 01:48.707 Shy Guy Bolt Buggy Red Monster Beast Glider
DS DK Pass Nin★MaTU 02:16.534 Donkey Kong Bolt Buggy Red Monster Paraglider
GCN Daisy Cruiser Ret★Carlos 01:43.341 Daisy Tiny Tug Sponge Peach Parasol
Wii Maple Treeway Ret★Bill 02:34.877 Wiggler Egg 1 Sponge Flower Glider
Wii Koopa Cape Ret★Shane 02:28.585 Koopa Troopa Cact-X Standard Flower Glider
GCN Dino Dino Jungle Ret★Will 02:14.430 Yoshi Egg 1 Monster Paraglider
DS Airship Fortress Ret★Shane 02:07.704 Metal Mario Standard Monster Super Glider
SNES Rainbow Road Nin★SRIWtm 01:21.994 Lakitu Cloud 9 Roller Paraglider

Differences in multiplayer modes[edit]

When playing in multiplayer mode, both locally and online, there are several changes made to the tracks, most likely to retain a stable connection.

Regional differences[edit]

  • The Mainland China release was published by iQue. It is one of the last two games published by the company, the other being Super Mario 3D Land.
  • The flag of Taiwan (ROC) was removed in the China release. Any Taiwanese locations were also hidden.[4]
  • The China release is the only Super Mario game, as well as the last Nintendo game officially released in China (PRC), to support global online multiplayer, as the next PRC release that supports online multiplayer is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, published by Tencent, operates completely separately from the global release and offers no interactions between the two versions.
  • Mario Kart 7 has more track name differences between the American English and British English versions than any other Mario Kart game, with a total of eight racetracks and one battle course.

Update history[edit]

Bottom screen from Mario Kart 7's main menu.
After the first update, "Ver. 1.1" can be seen on the "Online Multiplayer" button.

Mario Kart 7 is the first Nintendo 3DS game to use the system's ability to patch games, spurred by significant shortcut exploits found on certain courses. Updating is free, with the data being categorized as 3DS Add-On Content; the patches can be deleted at any time and have no effect in offline play, but are mandatory to play online. An SD Card is required to download the patches, however.

Version 1.1 of May 15, 2012 (43 SD Card blocks)

Resolved shortcut exploits for Wuhu Loop, Maka Wuhu, and GBA Bowser Castle 1 when playing online. Does not affect offline play; the exploits remain in Single Player and Local Multiplayer, and Ghosts that used these exploits are unaffected. Starting on May 15, 2012, all players must download and install this update to access Online Multiplayer.

Version 1.2 of December 13, 2022 (46 SD Card blocks)

This update patches a vulnerability in the game's network code which enables hackers to take full, remote control of a user's (unmodified) Nintendo 3DS system during online multiplayer sessions,[5] with one possible use case being using it to reset the user's VR.[6] Starting on December 13, 2022, all players (excluding the iQue version) must download and install this update to access Online Multiplayer.

This update is not available for the Mainland China (iQue) version as the iQue 3DSXL lacks the Nintendo eShop to distribute the update. After December 13, 2022, the iQue version still has access to Online Multiplayer, but can no longer play together with other versions.[7]

Nintendo eShop description[edit]

NA Version

A New Dimension of Kart Racing! The newest installment of the fan-favorite Mario Kart™ franchise brings Mushroom Kingdom racing fun into glorious 3D. For the first time, drivers explore new competitive kart possibilities, such as soaring through the skies or plunging into the depths of the sea. New courses, strategic new abilities and customizable karts bring the racing excitement to new heights.

EU Version

Mario Kart 7 brings Mushroom Kingdom racing fun into glorious 3D - and that's just the beginning, as new courses, strategic new abilities and cutomisable karts bring the racing excitement to new heights. Up to 8 players can enjoy local wireless races or race together online.

Reception[edit]

Critical reception[edit]

The game has received generally positive reviews. As of December 12, 2013, Metacritic has an average score of 85, including 64 positive reviews, and 9 mixed.[8] GameRankings has an average score of 85.17% based on 50 reviews.[9] Critics generally praise the new glider and underwater mechanic that the game adds, but often cite how similarly it feels to past entries of the Mario Kart series.

GameXplain has given the game's Multiplayer 4.5 stars out of 5, and Single-Player a 3.5 out of 5.[10] Audrey Drake of IGN gave the game a 9.0/10. She criticized the character roster for being small and the potential of the Spiny Shell "screwing up" the race, but she praised the innovation and the polish the game provides.[11][12] Griffin McElroy of Joystiq gave it 4.5 stars out of 5. He praised the game for being well-polished with only a few flaws, noting the Spiny Shell as "unavoidable race-ruining bullshit".[13] Adam Biessener of Gameinformer gave it an 8.5/10. He praised the first person view, the new tracks, and the new glider and underwater features while criticizing the Battle Mode, and online modes "being a distraction rather than a destination".[14] 1up gave it a B- grade. Tom McShea of Gamespot gave it an 8/10. He remarked that the game has "been the same as previous entries of the series, but the innovations have kept it fresh", while criticizing the online structure and lack of mission mode.[15] Justin Towell on Gamesradar gave it a perfect 10/10. He praised the fanservice and how "anyone can pick up and enjoy" the game.[16] However, Jim Sterling of Destructoid rated the game a 5.0/10, criticizing how this game is "practically the same as any other game in the Mario Kart series", criticizing the slow speed of the vehicles, the unpredictable item system, and the underwater and gliding's minimal impacts. They ended their review with, "Mario Kart is in need of a severe shake up. This stagnant, crawling, and indolent effort is not it".[17]

Reviews
Release Reviewer, Publication Score Comment
Nintendo 3DS Audrey Drake, IGN 9/10 "Overall [Mario Kart 7 is] a well-polished experience that fans of the kart-racing genre - or of the Mushroom Kingdom - should not hesitate to pick up."
Nintendo 3DS Marc Camron, EGM 9/10 "Mario and pals return to get their race on. Featuring great graphics, amazing tracks and some hilarious new power-ups, the game shows that the series is a long way away from running its course."
Nintendo 3DS Neal Ronaghan, Nintendo World Report 8.5/10 "Mario Kart 7 isn’t a huge leap forward for the series. Instead, it’s another damn fine iteration in a proven series. You’ll still be upset when you’re “Mario Karted” by a blue shell followed up by a red shell and a bomb, but the winning online play and gameplay polish make Mario Kart 7 a must-have for all 3DS owners."
Nintendo 3DS Griffin McElroy, Joystiq 4.5/5 "Mario Kart 7 is an exquisitely polished game with few flaws."
Nintendo 3DS Adam Biessener,
Game Informer
8/10 "Mario Kart 7 isn’t 100 percent golden, nor is it going to make believers out of anyone who wrote off the series years ago. Taken on the whole, though, this is one of the best entries in the series. As a fan, I’m thoroughly pleased."
Nintendo 3DS Justin Towell, GamesRadar 5/5 "Mario Kart 7 is THE game the 3DS has been in dire need of. Sadly, it raises the bar so high for almost everything else, most 3DS games don't even look like they belong on the same system. Get it now."
Nintendo 3DS Jim Sterling, Destructoid 5/10 "Mario Kart 7 is as derivative as a game can get, and while we pour scorn on so many other games for rehashing themselves, something tells me this will get a free pass from many critics and gamers. That strikes me as ironic since Mario Kart 7 is the one game I'd hold up as the least deserving of any kind of leniency. It being an unadventurous and predictable retread, however, is only half of Mario Kart 7's problem. The other half is the fact that it's a lethargic and mundane game, easily outpaced by games that could be considered knock-offs of the formula Nintendo itself perfected."
Aggregators
Compiler Platform / Score
Metacritic 85
GameRankings 85.17%

Sales[edit]

The game sold over 420,000 units in its first 4 days in Japan.[18] As of March 31, 2024, Mario Kart 7 is the best selling game for the Nintendo 3DS, having sold 18.99 million copies worldwide.[19]

Staff[edit]

Main article: List of Mario Kart 7 staff

Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development developed Mario Kart 7, with Retro Studios as Co-Developers and Artists. Retro Studios was also responsible for contributing to the Donkey Kong series attributes in the game, mainly the DK Jungle track. The music composition is credited to Kenta Nagata and Satomi Terui. Shigeru Miyamoto and Satoru Iwata were the game's general and executive producers respectively.

Glitches[edit]

Main article: List of Mario Kart 7 glitches

Some of the most well known glitches are found in Wuhu Loop, Maka Wuhu, and GBA Bowser Castle 1. If executed correctly, they allow the driver to skip sections of the track. On May 15, 2012, an update was released that made these glitches unusable in Online Multiplayer.

Pre-release and unused content[edit]

Main article: List of Mario Kart 7 pre-release and unused content

The 7 in the original logo featured a different design than the final logo. Original demos featured many elements from Mario Kart Wii, such as menu music, Dash Panel textures and a winged Spiny Shell. Several tracks shown in early trailers lacked details shown in the final version, such as the lack of Wigglers in Wii Maple Treeway and the lack of ramps in Wuhu Loop, Mario Circuit, and Rock Rock Mountain.

Gallery[edit]

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Mario Kart 7.

Media[edit]

Main article: List of Mario Kart 7 media
Audio.svg Mario Kart 7 - The game's main theme
File infoMedia:MK7 Theme2.oga
0:30
Audio.svg Neo Bowser City
File infoMedia:MK7 Neo Bowser City Theme.oga
0:30
Audio.svg Wi-Fi menu - The first variation of the Wi-Fi menu music
File infoMedia:MK7 Wi-Fi MainMenu.oga
0:30
Audio.svg Credits
File infoMedia:MK7 Credits.oga
0:30
Help:MediaHaving trouble playing?

References to other games[edit]

References in later games[edit]

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese マリオカート7[?]
Mario Kāto Sebun
Mario Kart 7
Chinese (simplified) 马力欧卡丁车7[?]
Mǎlìōu Kǎdīngchē Qī
Mario Kart 7
Chinese (traditional) 瑪利歐賽車7[?]
Mǎlìōu Sàichē Qī
Mario Racing 7
Korean 마리오 카트 7[?]
Mario Kateu Sebeun
Mario Kart 7

Trivia[edit]

  • The new courses use the current Mario Kart logo on their starting banners, while retro courses still use the classic logo.
  • When unlocking a new kart part, if the player goes to the Mario Kart Channel to change parts, no jingle sound will play and the gift icon will not be there. However, it will still appear when going into the Grand Prix or Time Trials.
  • This is the first Mario Kart game that does not have its corresponding year of release on the title screen.
  • The Circle Pad can be used to manually rotate the trophy in the Grand Prix results screen, as well as move the camera in both ending screens.

References[edit]

  1. ^ Official Site – Mario Kart 7 for Nintendo 3DS. Nintendo (Spanish). Retrieved November 9, 2024. (Archived February 3, 2019, 12:07:53 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  2. ^ @NintendoAmerica (October 4, 2023). As of early April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end service for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software. Thank you very much for your continued support of our products.. Twitter. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  3. ^ @NintendoAmerica (January 23, 2024). Update: as of 4/8, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end service for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software. Thank you very much for your continued support of our products.. Twitter. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  4. ^ https://twitter.com/chinesenintendo/status/1152588845570908160
  5. ^ PabloMK7, Rambo6Glaz, and Fishguy6564 (December 22, 2022). ENLBufferPwn (CVE-2022-47949). GitHub. Retrieved December 25, 2022. (Archived December 25, 2022, 02:58:08 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  6. ^ Fishguy6564 (February 13, 2022). https://twitter.com/fishguy6564/status/1492742285590736896. Twitter. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  7. ^ https://twitter.com/chinesenintendo/status/1743566077932544485
  8. ^ Metacritic score of Mario Kart 7 Metacritic. Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  9. ^ GameRankings score of Mario Kart 7 GameRankings. Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  10. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWuxbTmdVQA
  11. ^ Drake, Audrey (Nov 29, 2011) Mario Kart 7 Review IGN. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
  12. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16D9OXFzRJc&feature=channel_video_title
  13. ^ McElroy, Griffin (November 29th 2011) Mario Kart 7 review: An exercise in fun/frustration Joystiq. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
  14. ^ Biessener, Adam (November 29, 2011) Solid Tweaks, Cool Tracks, Same Design GameInformer. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
  15. ^ Mario Kart 7 review Gamespot. (broken link)
  16. ^ Towelle, Justin (July 2, 2012) Mario Kart 7 review GamesRadar. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
  17. ^ Sterling, Jim (November 29, 2011) Review: Mario Kart 7 Destructoid. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
  18. ^ http://www.vgchartz.com/game/45691/mario-kart-7/Japan/
  19. ^ Financial Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units - Nintendo 3DS Software

External links[edit]