In Turbo Kart Racer you jump into a go-kart and race against either a friend or the computer across multiple tracks to become champion. Races are viewed from above in split screen, showing only part of the circuit. Alongside normal acceleration you can use a limited turbo boost. Icons scattered around the track repair damage or refill turbo, with your kart flashing briefly when collected. A grey car also roams the track, sometimes carrying a spanner – crash into it to collect the tool. At the end of each race, the winner also takes any spanners the loser has gathered.