Key Details of
Mario Kart Tour
Platform & Release
- Mobile-exclusive – Available on iOS & Android since September 25, 2019.
- Free-to-start – Playable without upfront cost, but with in-app purchases.
Gameplay & Features
- Touch & Tilt Controls – Simplified racing optimized for mobile.
- Portrait Mode – Unique vertical-screen racing experience.
- Frenzy Mode – Temporary overpowered state when collecting three of the same item.
- Combo System – Chaining drifts, jumps, and attacks boosts scores.
Live-Service Structure
- Bi-weekly Tours – New themed events every two weeks with fresh content.
- Real-World Tracks – Courses based on cities like Tokyo, Paris, & New York.
- Classic Tracks – Retro courses from past Mario Kart
Collectibles & Progression
- Drivers, Karts & Gliders (DKGs) – Gacha-style system for unlocking characters and vehicles.
- Skill Variations – Each driver has unique special abilities (e.g., Coin Box, Giant Banana).
- Badges & Challenges – Earn rewards by completing missions.
Multiplayer & Competition
- Real-Time Online Races – Compete against players worldwide.
- Ranked Cups – Weekly leaderboard-based competitions for rewards.
Monetization Model
- Ruby Currency – Used for pulling characters/karts (gacha mechanic).
- Gold Pass – Subscription offering bonus rewards.
- Spotlight Pipes – Limited-time pulls for exclusive items.
Developer Description
Primary Developer
- Nintendo EPD (Entertainment Planning & Development)
- The same division behind Mario Kart 8 Deluxeand Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
- Oversaw core gameplay design and Nintendo’s signature polish.
Co-Development Partners
- DeNA (Japanese mobile game company)
- Collaborated with Nintendo on mobile infrastructure, live-service elements, and gacha mechanics.
- Previously partnered on Super Mario Runand Fire Emblem Heroes.
Key Development Choices
- Mobile-First Design
- Vertical screen orientation for one-handed play.
- Simplified controls (auto-acceleration, swipe-to-drift) for accessibility.
- Live-Service Model
- Bi-weekly updates (“Tours”) to retain players long-term.
- City-themed tracks tied to real-world events (e.g., “Paris Tour” during travel seasons).
- Hybrid Monetization
- Free-to-start with optional Gold Passsubscription ($4.99/month).
- Gacha-style “Spotlight Pipes” for rare drivers/karts (rubies as premium currency).
Why Nintendo Partnered with DeNA
- Mobile Expertise: DeNA handled backend systems, multiplayer servers, and gacha economies.
- Nintendo’s Oversight: Ensured the game retained Mario Kart‘s feel despite mobile compromises.
Post-Launch Support
- Ongoing Content: New drivers (e.g., Pauline, King Bob-omb), karts, and tracks added regularly.
- QoL Updates: Added real-time multiplayer (initially missing at launch).
Developer “Options”?
If you mean settings/options in-game:
- Control Schemes: Tilt or touch steering.
- Notifications: Customize tour reminders.
- Account Link: Nintendo Account sync for cross-device progress.
If you mean developer decisions they could revisit:
- Reduce Gacha Reliance: More earnable rubies/free pipes.
- Deeper Customization: Let players choose favorite tracks in multiplayer.