Thirty-four years ago today, Mario got his driver's license. That's right, Super Mario Kart was released in Japan on August 27, 1992. Some of us weren't even born then - Mario's racecar driver career is officially longer than my own lifespan.
Appearing on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), this new driving game kicked off one of the biggest franchises in gaming. With 20 courses - including Rainbow Road (yes, the villainous course came into it that early) - and only eight racers, there wasn't as much maneuvering to master. It was a simpler time. But that doesn't mean it was easy.
The series has come a long way since then. The old four-button setup and D-pad didn't allow for intuitive movement, much drifting, or turning corners well… compared to when joysticks were brought in, this entry is hard to use. For those of us who aren't good at driving anyway, this offers a real challenge.
It is also on Nintendo Switch Online now, and appeared on the Wii, Wii U, and 3DS' Virtual Console, respectively. Even with the joysticks on these controllers, it's still a bit hammy. But it remains iconic nonetheless.
Since 1992, we've got nine other Mario games of the Kart variety - ten if you include 8 Deluxe as a separate entry. It's one of the most popular game series of all time, and for good reason, as there's no better feeling than lobbing a red shell at your family member who's ahead of you, watching them stall, and zooming past to get first place.
For five seconds, before someone shocks you with lightning.