The Game Boy Advance and Xbox versions received "generally positive" reviews, while the N-Gage, GameCube and PS2 versions received "mixed or average" reviews. Manny LaMancha of "GamePro" concluded that the gameplay of "Crash Nitro Kart" was addictive though not innovative. "" said that "Crash Nitro Kart" was "satisfying and challenging at the same time" and "a great way to fill that need for speed." "Nintendo Power" praised the karts as "fast" and the power-ups as "creative". "Official PlayStation Magazine" concluded that "Vicarious Visions did all it could to emulate the Naughty Dog classic ("Crash Team Racing") and just added a PS2 coat of paint." "Play" magazine said that the game was "a little generic and heavily recycled, but the powerslide system from "CTR" pulls it together." Matt Helgeson of "Game Informer" dismissed the game as "probably one of the least exciting racing titles I've played recently." Demian Linn of "Electronic Gaming Monthly" noted that the gameplay was "nearly identical to "Crash Team Racing's", even down to the speed-boosting wumpa fruits, so if you loved it before, you'll still love it, and if not... not."