My favourite has got be Mario Kart Wii, it’s still got a community and I’d say it is the Melee of Mario kart.
Plenty of good tracks, roster and bopping music.
What about you? What is your favourite Mario kart? I know Double Dash has a soft spot in some people’s hearts.
Gotta be Wii for me for the reasons you suggested. Great atmosphere and level design
But something about playing long, grinding balloon battles on DS with 7 other people on the school bus will always stick with me