It's been years in the making now, with fans waiting eagerly for news as to when the most ambitious Super Mario Kart ROM hack of all time would arrive. And now, it seems that after eating turkey and opening presents, we'll all be able to sit down and play Endurance Mode on SMKDX.
MrL314 and ScouBsmk have released a little teaser video showing a release date of December 25th, 2026, as the release date for their ROM hack. I mean, nothing says Christmas Day quite like Mario Kart, does it?
The ROM hack quite literally is a Deluxe version of the SNES game that started it all off back in 1992, adding in eight new characters, six extra cups, new multiplayer modes, faster speed classes - the works. If you grew up playing this game with a parent or friend, then you're going to want to invite them over for Christmas Dinner and make sure they bring their A-game with them.
Super Mario Kart Deluxe : Coming Soon...#SMKDX
— ScouB 🌟 (#SMKDX) (@ScouBsmk) September 29, 2026
☆ Original Artwork created for SMKDX by : Cajarito (Instagram: @el_cajarito)
☆ Original Music from this video composed for SMKDX by : Pinci (@MrPinci19) pic.twitter.com/8P0KxuS5yc
The new characters include Toadette, Wario, Kamek, Birdo, Dixie Kong, Waluigi, Bowser Jr., and Daisy. There will be a mission mode like Diddy Kong Racing, a new soundtrack, and modes like Shine Thief and Battle Race that you can dive into with friends. And, if that wasn't mad enough, you can race in Mirror Mode and up to 300cc! Or, you can get timed in Endurance mode and prove that you're one of the quickest racers around and nail tracks within a specific time limit.
Honestly, when SMKDX releases, I think it's going to immediately head into the top three of our best Mario Kart ROM hacks. The amount of work that has gone into this hack is incredible, and the love from the community that's kept it going over the years has created this palpable tension that is going to break worldwide come December 25th. If you're bored of Mario Kart World already and want a traditional feel MK game with oomph, then MrL314 and ScouBsmk have provided!
We don't have any information as to where you'll be able to pick up the game yet, but I'll post a link once it becomes available, even if that's during Christmas Day!
