What is Mario Kart and how can I talk with my child about the game?

At our house, the Nintendo Switch and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has become a fun addition, especially for our six-year-old. I was hesitant at first about introducing a console—mostly because, as a non-gamer (unless The Sims and removing the ladder counts, IYKYK), I wasn’t sure if we needed more screen time in the house, especially for someone so young. On top of that, I had my usual worries about the potential harms of media content.

To manage those, we have stricter rules around gaming: we’re always present when she plays, no online access, and misbehaviour while playing means a ban from the console. But despite the initial doubts, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has turned into a family favourite, transforming our Saturday nights from movie marathons into thrilling races and fun challenges, with plenty of laughs.

So, for this blog I will be giving you the all you need to know about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. For anything about The Super Mario Bros. Movie check out our content breakdown.

In this blog we discuss a lot about this popular online game. We've broken this information down into the following sections:

What do the kids say?

What is the game, how does it work?

What do we as Classification Advisors say about it?

Does it have a classification in NZ?  

Are parental controls an option?

While you’re here just be aware

Final thoughts and further reading

What do the kids say?

Before writing this blog, I decided to check in with Miss Six to get a download on what she thought about the video game. She explained that “Mario Kart is a racing game where you race against other characters on different tracks. And you have to try to win”.

When I asked, she said that her “favourite thing to do on Mario Kart is picking the cars, parachutes and the people, and racing. My favourite characters to play are Daisy, Luigi and ShyGuy.”

She explained that “you can throw weapons at people or use boosters to drive much faster. I like the one that is a rocket ship, and you zoom past people. Bananas (a weapon that makes you slip)] are not good, I do not like bananas.” She clarified that the weapons, such as bombs, don’t hurt other characters, and they just make you spin out of control. When I asked her if we would see that kind of driving in real-life on the road, I got a wee eyeroll and an immediate no – she didn’t think it was realistic at all.

My biggest take away was that she preferred to play with us and not on her own. She said that it makes it more fun when you are competing with friends and family. (I took a mental parental note here.)

Her recommendations for parents were to ask around and talk to people who have already played it or try playing it before their children do so they understand what the game is about. However, she didn’t think there was anything to worry about for children to play the video game.

I enjoy asking open questions about what we watch and play together. While her Mario Kart descriptions were pretty good, other times she has provided me with a completely new meaning to a film or series.

What is the game, how does it work?

Miss Six was pretty accurate. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a simple racing game requiring skill, where players choose from a roster of classic Nintendo characters, like Mario, Princess Peach, or Yoshi (my favourite), to race in go-karts around creative tracks. Each track has unique themes—there’s a rainbow-colored skyway, a desert filled with ancient ruins, and even a beach. The goal is simple: get to the finish line first. Along the way, players collect items, like bananas and turtle shells, that can either speed them up or slow down opponents. The game is colourful and has upbeat music.

Parents can adjust several settings to make it more accessible. For younger kids, there are options like "Smart Steering," which helps keep karts on track, and "Auto-Accelerate," so little ones don’t have to hold down buttons to go forward. There’s no intense violence here; the “weapons” are more about adding a playful challenge than harm. It’s an easy way for whānau to have a light-hearted gaming session while teaching kids some basics of friendly competition.

In addition to the standard races, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has a variety of "Battle Modes" that add extra layers of fun beyond the traditional racing. These battles include several mini-games where players compete in different arenas, rather than on race tracks, and can focus on teamwork, strategy, or just plain mayhem! For example, in Balloon Battle, players try to pop each other's balloons by using items like shells and bombs. The player who manages to keep the most balloons intact (or pops the most balloons from other players) wins.

There is an option to play online which allows players to compete against people from all over the world or just with friends and family in private lobbies. When players choose the online mode, they can join a global or regional race or battle, and create or join a room where only invited friends can play. Online play can involve up to 12 players, making it feel like a larger, lively competition, where players can see others’ rankings and interact with other users in a simple, safe way using pre-set messages like “Good luck!” or “Nice try!”

Parents should note that although Mario Kart 8 Deluxe doesn’t have open chat or voice communication with strangers, players can enable voice chat in private lobbies with friends through the Nintendo Switch Online app on a smartphone.

What do we (Classification Advisors) say about it?

Mario Kart is truly suitable for all audiences. As players age, some games reveal themselves to be evergreens. The Mario Kart series is one of these, brought out at gatherings of family and friends—no matter the age brackets. Whether players grew up with Mario and friends in the 1980s, or are new to them today, the characters and games have a wide appeal.

For parents considering the suitability for younger children, there are mildly violent themes to Mario Kart’s vehicle-based combat, but with an obvious cartoon flair and good humour to it. So any victim of the game’s goofy attacks, like the kart-spinning banana trap, might be downed for a moment but are never out. This is pretty similar to The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

As with regular sports, being gracious in success and defeat is a great quality to have, and video games like Mario Kart can be an opportunity for parents to show these values to their children. Even if they’re using cheeky shortcuts to ensure a win.

Does it have a classification in NZ?  

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe doesn’t have a New Zealand classification because, as an unrestricted game, it’s exempt under the Classification Act and doesn’t carry an NZ classification label However, it includes international ratings to help guide parents, such as a G rating (suitable for general audiences) from the Australian Classification Board. This rating is displayed on the packaging, in advertisements, and on online storefronts, and classifies the game as suitable for all ages. Other international ratings it carries are: it’s rated “Everyone” by the ESRB, “3” (for ages three and older) by PEGI.You can read more about international game classifications here.

Are parental controls an option?

In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, parents can turn off online play so kids only race with family or friends, keeping them from connecting with others online. Features like Smart Steering, which keeps karts on track, and Auto-Accelerate, which moves the kart forward automatically, aren’t exactly parental controls focused on safety. However, they’re helpful options designed to make the game easier for kids, allowing them to enjoy racing without getting stuck or frustrated.

For the Nintendo Switch console overall, there’s a free Parental Controls app that lets parents set daily time limits, restrict access to certain games or game ratings, and manage whether kids can play online or make purchases. You can set different limits per user profile, so if you have kids of different ages, each can have appropriate settings. The app also allows parents to view a daily report of what each child has played, making it easy to monitor screen time and game choices. These controls give parents flexibility to adjust settings to match their family’s needs, helping kids enjoy the fun of gaming in a safe and balanced way. Learn more about Nintendo’s Parental Controls app here.

The Classification Office provide a one-stop resource page about parental controls across streaming platforms, gaming, and internet providers.

While you’re here just be aware

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a fun and family-friendly game, but as with any activity, it’s important to approach it thoughtfully, especially for younger players. Whether your child is racing offline with family or online with players worldwide, having a plan for how they engage with the game can make it a more positive experience. Below, we’ve outlined practical advice for playing with little kids, managing online interactions, and helping them handle the highs and lows of competition.

Gaming with Little Kids

For younger kids, the excitement of Mario Kart can sometimes turn into frustration, especially if they’re still figuring out how to navigate the controls or deal with losing. Here are some simple ways to make gameplay fun and stress-free:

• Keep It Simple: Use features like "Smart Steering" and "Auto-Accelerate" to help younger players stay on track and avoid tricky challenges. These settings let them focus on the fun of racing without getting stuck.
• Make It a Family Event: Play together as a family! It’s a great way to cheer them on, share laughs, and teach them about teamwork and sportsmanship. Plus, kids often enjoy the game more when it becomes a shared experience.

By keeping the focus on fun rather than winning, you can help everyone enjoy the game—no matter who crosses the finish line first.

Making online play safe for kids

If your child is ready to try Mario Kart’s online mode, there are a few things to consider. Online play can add a new level of excitement but also brings challenges, especially for younger kids who are still learning the game.

• Watch Out for Tough Competition: Online matches pair players from all over the world, which means your child might race against more experienced, competitive players. This can be exciting but also frustrating for younger kids who are still learning the game. Remind them that it’s all about having fun and improving, not just winning.
• Keep tabs on chat options: The game itself doesn’t have open chat features, but voice chat is available in private matches through the Nintendo Switch Online app. If your child is using this feature, make sure it’s only with friends or family and monitor it as needed. You can also disable it entirely for peace of mind.
• Stick with friends and family: For younger kids, private lobbies with friends or family are the way to go. They provide a safe space to play without worrying about interactions with strangers or overly aggressive competitors.

Helping kids handle big feelings while playing

Whether they’re racing against the family in the living room or tackling tougher competition online, kids can feel big emotions when things don’t go their way. Losing a race, spinning out on a banana, or getting hit with a red shell right before the finish line can lead to frustration or even tears. Here’s how you can help your child manage those moments.

• It’s okay to feel upset: It’s normal for kids to feel upset when they lose—acknowledging those feelings can go a long way.
• Look how far you’ve come: Shift the focus from winning to learning. Point out how they’re improving, like "You handled that corner so much better this time!" This helps them see progress and stay motivated.
• Take a breather: When emotions run high, encourage a quick break or calming strategy, like taking deep breaths or stepping away for a few minutes. A little reset can make a big difference.
• Turn losses into lessons: Help your child view setbacks as chances to learn and improve. For example, after a tough loss, you might say, "That was a tricky race—what do you think you could try next time to avoid spinning out?" Encouraging curiosity over defeat builds resilience.
• It’s all about having fun: Remind your child that Mario Kart—and any game—is about having fun and spending time together. Share your own playful losses (maybe that time you drove off Rainbow Road!) to show that everyone has ups and downs.

By helping your child process these emotions, you’re teaching them resilience and emotional regulation—skills that will serve them well both in gaming and in life.

Hot tip: Kids learn a lot by watching how you handle setbacks. If you lose a race, laugh it off, cheer for the winner, or simply say, "Good game!" Modelling calm and positive behaviour teaches them how to keep perspective and enjoy the experience, no matter the outcome.

Final thoughts

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a game that many families enjoy, but like any activity, it comes with its own considerations. Whether your child is playing solo, with siblings, or exploring online features, it’s important to approach gaming with intention. By understanding the settings and options available, you can create an experience that’s not only fun but also age-appropriate and supportive of positive behaviours.

As parents, you have a chance to use this fun experience to teach values like resilience, empathy, and teamwork. With simple adjustments—like enabling kid-friendly settings or choosing private lobbies for online play—you can create a safe and enjoyable environment for your child to explore and grow.

As with all media, the key is to stay engaged and aware. By being involved, you can turn gaming into an opportunity to support your child’s development while creating shared moments of connection and joy.

Further reading

Keeping it safe in the gaming space (blog)

Game on: Our guide to understanding international gaming classifications (blog)

Gaming Resource Hub (resource)

You're in control with parental controls (resource)

Advice for young people online gaming (Netsafe)