Mario Kart Tour

*Mario Kart Tour* brings the beloved kart racing franchise to mobile devices, offering a distinct experience tailored for smartphones. Developed and published by Nintendo, it launched on September 25, 2019, for both Android and iOS platforms. Unlike some previous Nintendo mobile titles like *Super Mario Run*, *Mario Kart Tour* is free-to-start, though it requires a persistent internet connection and a Nintendo Account to play. The game adapts the classic Mario Kart formula for mobile play, utilizing simplified touch controls. Players steer, drift, and deploy items using just one finger. While acceleration and some jump boosts are automatic, players can still perform tricks off ramps for speed boosts and utilize drifting mechanics. Gyroscope controls are also an option on supported devices. Initially playable only in portrait mode, an update later added landscape mode support. A major deviation from console entries is the game's structure around bi-weekly "Tours." Each Tour is themed, often after real-world cities like New York or Paris, but also featuring themes based on Mario characters or games. These Tours introduce cups, typically containing three courses and a bonus challenge. The courses include a mix of classic tracks from previous *Mario Kart* games (sometimes remixed with new layouts and mechanics) and brand-new courses inspired by the real-world city themes. Some characters also receive variations reflecting the local flavor of the featured cities. Gameplay incorporates familiar elements like gliding and underwater racing from *Mario Kart 7*. A unique feature is the "Frenzy mode," activated when a player obtains three identical items from an item box. This grants temporary invincibility and allows the player to repeatedly use that item for a short duration. Each character also possesses a unique special skill or item. Instead of focusing solely on finishing first, *Mario Kart Tour* employs a point-based system. Players earn points for actions like hitting opponents, collecting coins, using items, drifting, and performing tricks, with a combo system rewarding chained actions. Higher scores are crucial for progression and ranking. Players collect drivers, karts, and gliders. Unlike console versions where karts have distinct stats, in *Mario Kart Tour*, the primary function of these items is tied to a scoring system based on tiers for each specific track. Higher-tier drivers increase the chance of Frenzy mode and the number of items received from boxes, karts affect a bonus-point multiplier, and gliders extend the combo window. Selecting the right combination of driver, kart, and glider for each course is key to maximizing scores. Multiplayer functionality was added after launch, allowing players to race against up to seven others globally, nearby, or from their friends list. Multiplayer races offer customization options like team vs. individual races, kart speed, and item slot numbers. A ranked system compares players' high scores globally. Battle Mode, a staple of the series, was also added later, featuring balloon-based combat. *Mario Kart Tour* initially launched with significant controversy surrounding its monetization, particularly its "gacha" mechanic. Players used an in-game currency called Rubies (earnable slowly through gameplay or purchased with real money) to "fire a pipe," receiving random drivers, karts, or gliders. This loot box system drew criticism for encouraging spending and being akin to gambling, even leading to lawsuits. In October 2022, Nintendo removed the gacha pipe system, replacing it with a "Spotlight Shop" where players can directly purchase specific items using Rubies, offering more player control. The game also features a "Gold Pass," a monthly subscription ($4.99/month) that grants access to the faster 200cc races, additional in-game rewards, and exclusive challenges. While the removal of the gacha pipe was welcomed, the game still relies heavily on microtransactions and the Gold Pass for full access and faster progression. Despite mixed initial reviews often critical of its monetization, *Mario Kart Tour* proved commercially successful for Nintendo on mobile. It receives regular updates through its bi-weekly Tours, although as of September 2023, Nintendo announced that new content (courses, drivers, karts, gliders) would cease, with subsequent tours largely recycling content from previous ones. Mii characters were also added as playable racers in March 2022. Furthermore, several of the original tracks created for *Mario Kart Tour* have been added to *Mario Kart 8 Deluxe* on the Nintendo Switch as part of its Booster Course Pass DLC.