With the announcement at Nintendo Direct that Merry Mountain from Mario Kart Tour and Peach Gardens from Mario Kart DS will be making their way to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe via the Booster Course Pack, fans rejoiced and got excited about what other classic racecourses would be coming next to the hit Nintendo Switch racer.
While these new tracks do look spectacularly challenging to nab first place, the game has seen many tracks that have been easier for newcomers and casual racers to enjoy. Whether they are the iconic levels from Mario Kart Wii or new ones to introduce the game's new mechanics, they have still offered plenty of fun game racing experiences for all.
Royal Raceway
Introduced in Mario Kart 64, Royal Raceway took place on the same grounds as Peach's Castle from the iconic Super Mario 64. Recreated from the ground up, this track was given a gorgeous HD coat of paint that made the castle and its surrounding area a truly stunning place to drive through.
Despite the introduction of gliding and the effort the development team put in to beautifully recreate this stage, it still remains an easy level with just enough twists and turns and a few Piranha Plants to keep everyone on their toes. It's certainly a fun track that offers just enough obstacles to test the player and their reactions.
Mario Kart Stadium
Most likely one of the first tracks that anyone will play when they boot up the game, Mario Kart Stadium was a good introduction to the game's anti-gravity mechanic. No matter if players would find themselves going up steep, vertical ramps, or completely upside down, this track would play a key role in one of the series' most difficult Mushroom Cups.
Despite being set at night and using the new gameplay feature, it remains an easy stage that's a great way to teach newcomers as they drive around. With only a small selection of ramps, shortcuts, speed boost pads, and item boxes, it slowly taught gamers as they naturally played.
Cheep Cheep Beach
A classic track from the DS game, Cheep Cheep Beach featured the iconic fish from the Super Mario along with some troublesome crabs who tried to slow down racers. Add to that and the rise and fall of the waves from the ocean and this seemingly peaceful and tropical track can create some tension between the racers.
Despite the various obstacles though, this is an easy stage that goes around in a big loop that makes it easy to the layout after driving through the first lap. And with the mix of narrow and wide parts of it, this is also a great level to learn how effective the steering and handling of the vehicles can be while remaining in the top spot.
Moo Moo Meadows
One of the many classic tracks from previous entries in the series to be recreated, Moo Moo Meadows remains a visually unique level with its farm setting. Add to that and the adorable cows who can slowly get in anyone's way and the massive windmill and many fell in love with this one all over again.
Despite the cows, however, this is a fairly easy stage as it doesn't feature too many distractions or alternative routes to create chaos between players. It is surprisingly faithful to the track's original design, meaning that many gamers who owned Mario Kart Wii can jump in right away which made it one of the best retro courses in the game for some.
Animal Crossing Circuit
Originally part of the DLC pack for Mario Kart 8's Wii U days, the Crossing Cup was included for no extra cost when the game was ported to the Nintendo Switch. The last track of the cup would see everyone going up against each other in the gorgeous Animal Crossing Circuit.
One of many cross-over courses introduced in the series, it remains a fun and approachable one for any Animal Crossing and Mario Kart fan. Apart from Mr. Resetti, there are no other major stage hazards as people can find something new with each playthrough, whether it's the appearance of iconic characters from the series or the change of seasons.
Mario Circuit 3
One of several classic stages introduced through the Booster Course Pack, Mario Circuit 3 returned once again for a third time in the franchise. Debuting in Super Mario Kart on the SNES, it was recreated for Mario Kart Wii before being remade yet again for the Switch game.
Unlike the previous remake, this level was made to be wider for players to easily race and snake themselves around each other. And with only some minor oil spills on particular corners to avoid, this was not also an easy stage to finish, but one of the quickest too as everyone now had more freedom to one another.
Excitebike Arena
Another cross-over track that was part of the DLC for the Wii U version, Excitebike Arena was inspired by the classic Excitebike game for the NES. As this 8-bit bike racer features ramps and mud patches, it was only fitting to see them bought into another fun track.
This game may feature many ramps for experienced gamers to gain speed boosts and muddy puddles to slow anyone down, there is nothing else to stop everyone's enjoyment. A bigger oval loop than that of Baby Park from Mario Kart: Double Dash, it made it easier for anyone to race their way as the remade theme for Excitebike is playing.
Toad Circuit
Anyone who owned the 3DS or 2DS might have likely played Mario Kart 7, which introduced the gliding and underwater driving in the series that would make their way to the next installment. One of the tracks to introduce gliding and teach players the ropes of this new feature was Toad Circuit which has finally been included in one of the best party games for the Switch.
An easy course to drive around, it added extra depth with large, bending corners that could teach anyone speed boosting and the multiple routes and advantages that could open up by flying through the air. It taught a lot of newcomers how to become talented racers while acting as a fun and colorful track for those just looking for an easy and fun time without too many complicated maneuvers and distractions.
Mario Circuit (GBA)
Released in 2001 for the Game Boy Advance, Mario Kart: Super Circuit was the first portable game in the series that featured many new tracks at the time. Among them was Mario Circuit, a fairly flat course by today's standards that was fortunately remade for the latest entry in the franchise.
It may have included an anti-gravity section and some new shortcuts and hazards, but this was still an easy one to drive around. Not also was the layout easy to to help eagle-eyed players find advantages, but the anti-gravity part of the road also gave many the opportunity to see the layout of the map and help plan their next move.
Baby Park
One of the most beloved and memorable tracks from Mario Kart: Double Dash on the Game Cube, Baby Park made its triumphant return. With the gorgeous HD visuals and small details that could be discovered in the background, it looked better than ever before.
It also remains one of the easiest tracks in the entire game, especially with the additional circuits that have made their way, as it is one big circle without hazards. It may get chaotic against competitive players as Koopa shells and banana peels fly and bounce all over the place, but this is still an easy and fun course for anyone to grab a Joy Con and jump into the action.