Mario Kart Tour out now! Here's everything you need to know

After more than a year of development, Mario Kart Tour is finally available now on Android and iOS. It’s the third Mario game to grace mobile devices, and the second in a month from developer DeNA (after Pokemon Masters).

Beta impressions: Mario Kart Tour has the makings of a great game, but with too many micro-transactions

Download the game now from the link below, and keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Nintendo’s latest mobile game!

What is the Mario Kart Tour release date?

Mario Kart Tour was released on September 25, 2019 on both Android and iOS.

How do you play?

Mario Kart Tour is played by simply swiping your finger across the screen. Swipe left or right to steer, or tap on the screen to launch items and jump.

Drift boosting is also a part of the game, and there are two ways to do it. In automatic mode, simply hold your finger down on the screen when turning, then release to boost. In manual drift mode you have to start your turn, then release and tap again to drift. It’s a bit more difficult, but manual drift is the only way to get the strongest level 3 boosts.

How much does Mario Kart Tour cost?

Mario Kart Tour is free-to-play, with in-app purchases. It’s primarily monetized via gacha-style (or loot box) character and item unlocks.

Do I need a Nintendo Account to play?

Yes. You will need a Nintendo Account in order to get a registration card (above) and play the game. A free Nintendo Account works fine.

What is a Gold Pass?

A Gold Pass is a subscription service that allows players to get in-game benefits for a monthly fee. Benefits include Gold Gift unlocks from each tour, special badges, and 200cc mode. There is a two-week trial, after which it will cost $4.99 a month.

What are Tours?

To keep things interesting, the game is broken up into two-week long Tours, each of which have a different theme. The launch Tour theme is New York City, and features a limited time course and a few special characters inspired by the Big Apple.

Is Mario Kart Tour multiplayer?

No, you do not race head-to-head with other players. Instead, opponents are computer controlled and your high score is compared to other players around the world.

Can I play offline?

Mario Kart Tour requires a persistent internet connection, and offline play is not available.

What characters are in it?

Currently, there are 35 characters on the Mario Kart Tour roster. Here’s the full list, including the first Tour’s unique characters Pauline and Musician Mario:

What courses are included in Mario Kart Tour?

The game features 17 classic Mario Kart courses at launch, which have been listed below. There are also reverse courses for Rainbow Road, Kalimari Desert, Luigi’s Mansion, Toad Circuit, and Waluigi Pinball. Exclusive courses will be added to the game over time, with the first three being inspired by New York City, Tokyo, and Paris.

Do different characters/karts have special advantages?

Yes. Each character and Kart has special advantages, which can be leveled up by collecting duplicate copies. Each character has a unique item, such as Yoshi’s egg or Dry Bones’ three green shells. Characters and Karts also gain advantages on certain tracks, so use that to your advantage to get new high scores!

That’s it for our guide to everything you need to know about Mario Kart Tour! Are you excited for Nintendo’s latest mobile release?