The IncastroPC test
Fabio Graziosi · June 2026 · updated on 12 November 2026SuperTuxKart is the open source "Mario Kart" par excellence: super lightweight, native on Linux and perfect for family or friends' game nights. A real arcade gem that would only need a graphics overhaul to compete at the top level.
What we liked
- +Native on Linux, open source and completely free
- +Flawless support for up to 4 gamepads in local split-screen
- +Very lightweight: runs at 60 FPS even on lower-end PCs
- +Fun for adults and kids alike
- +Easy to add to Steam by pointing to the run_game.sh file
Less convincing
- −Graphics and audio with a somewhat retro, dated style
- −Smaller online multiplayer population than commercial competitors
How we tested it
Performance
Average FPS over 4 min 38 s of gameplay, measured with MangoHud. The line marks 60 FPS. Average FPS: how many frames per second on average. 1% low: the FPS in the worst moments (the slowest 1% of frames). The closer the 1% low is to the average, the smoother the game, without stutters.
Also applies to other mini PCs with the same Radeon 780M graphics: Ryzen 7 8845HS, Ryzen 7 8745HS, Ryzen 9 7940HS Same integrated graphics, so similar FPS. They can vary a bit with RAM (speed and dual channel) and with the power limit set by the manufacturer.
Test timeline
Power is the processor's (CPU and graphics) as read by MangoHud: at the wall it's a few watts more. Lighter areas are pauses, menus or loading screens (116 seconds), left out of the calculation.
Launch and tweaks
Solution: Download the archive from the official website, extract it and add the "run_game.sh" executable to your Steam library as a non-Steam game.
Recommended settings
Mini PC NiPoGi AM21
- Preset
- High
- Resolution
- 4K
Result: Rock-solid 37 FPS in every situation, even in 4-player split-screen.
SuperTuxKart is, for all intents and purposes, the open source, completely free answer to the famous Mario Kart. It's a pick-up-and-play title, incredibly fun to play with others and accessible to anyone, making it a great choice for adults and kids alike.
You download the game directly from the official website as a portable version. If you're using a couch PC hooked up to the TV or a system like Bazzite OS / SteamOS, setup is dead simple: just extract the archive, open Steam and add the run_game.sh executable as a "Non-Steam Game".
Its real strength lies in the excellent support for local split-screen multiplayer for up to 4 players. The system instantly detects up to 4 gamepads at once without any tedious setup. On top of that, the engine is extremely lightweight and delivers a rock-solid 60 FPS on any hardware configuration, from lower-end Mini PCs all the way up to dedicated gaming rigs.
SuperTuxKart's only real limitation is its presentation: the visuals and soundtrack betray a somewhat retro, dated style. A modern overhaul of the graphics and music would let this project take a huge leap in quality and earn the major success it deserves.
