Which Mario Kart game introduced gliders and underwater kart sections?

Which Mario Kart game introduced gliders and underwater kart sections? Mario Kart 7 did. Released for Nintendo 3DS in 2011, it added hang-glider attachments that let karts launch from ramps and spend parts of a course airborne. It also made karts fully submersible, creating dedicated underwater stretches rather than merely allowing brief water crossings.

These features were part of a broader vehicle-customization system. Players could combine different kart bodies, tires, and gliders, each affecting attributes such as speed, acceleration, handling, weight, and off-road performance. Mario Kart 7 also introduced first-person driving and optional gyroscope controls.

A common mix-up is Mario Kart 8, which also includes gliding and underwater racing. Those mechanics returned there, but they originated in Mario Kart 7. Mario Kart 7 was also the first game in the series to use glider sections and fully underwater track segments as regular race design elements.

The game was developed by Nintendo EAD with assistance from Retro Studios, which helped create retro-course content. Its online service ended in 2024 when Nintendo Network services for the 3DS and Wii U were discontinued.