Mario Kart makes the jump from consoles to your mobile device
Evan James CarterMore than a year after Nintendo initially teased the game, the Mario Kart racing series has made the jump from consoles to mobile.
Mario Kart Tour was released on Android and iOS Wednesday as a free-to-start racing game. After an initial two-week free trial period ends, gamers will have the option to pay a $4.99-per-month subscription to unlock bonus content within the game.
The game includes many classic tracks, items and characters, with new tracks and characters also available. Special items specific to each driver have also been introduced, like Diddy Kong’s Banana Barrels and Peachette’s Mushroom Cannon.
The game has an online component and will allow gamers to compare their online ranking in a weekly ranked cup with players from around the world.
A new addition to the series is the game's city courses. The special in-game event courses are inspired by real-world locations and will be available during specific time periods and take place every two weeks.
“Many drivers from the Mushroom Kingdom have raced through haunted mansions, jungles and even on rainbows, but this is the first time they have driven on real world-inspired courses,” Nick Chavez, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, said in a statement. “With Mario Kart Tour, we are able to put the beloved Mario Kart experience into the hands of mobile gamers all over the world.”
The first city course, inspired by New York City, began Wednesday and will be available until Oct. 8. Tokyo and Paris are other scheduled city courses.
The game has received mixed responses on social media.
Some people enjoyed the game.
Others were not as fond of it.
ecarter@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @EvanJamesCarter