Nintendo Ends New Content Updates for Mario Kart Tour on Mobile Platforms

Nintendo Ends New Content Updates for Mario Kart Tour on Mobile Platforms Nintendo has officially announced that Mario Kart Tour, its popular mobile racing title available on iOS and Android, will no longer receive new content updates after October 4, 2023.

This strategic move marks the end of new tours and track additions for the game, which has held a prominent place in Nintendo’s mobile catalog since its 2019 debut. Launched in September 2019, Mario Kart Tour brought the beloved kart-racing franchise to smartphones, allowing fans to experience classic and reimagined tracks anywhere.

Over four years, players enjoyed a rotating schedule of 'Tours'—each featuring new challenges and revitalized courses.

The game quickly gained traction, leveraging the Mario Kart brand’s global popularity and Nintendo’s signature approach to casual, accessible gameplay on the go. In a statement posted in the game’s official news section, Nintendo clarified, "New content updates for Mario Kart Tour will conclude starting Wednesday, October 4th.

Existing Tours will continue to be cycled, but no additional courses or drivers will be introduced." This message signifies an important shift in focus for the platform holder’s mobile initiatives, and players can expect the game to maintain its current rotation of content moving forward. Despite winding down new content for Mario Kart Tour, Nintendo has successfully integrated select tracks from the mobile title into Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the best-selling entry in the series for Nintendo Switch.

Many courses, originally designed for mobile play, have been revamped and included in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass.

This downloadable content is available at no additional cost to subscribers of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, further expanding the value proposition of Nintendo’s premium online service. Since its arrival on Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has set records for the franchise, surpassing 50 million units sold worldwide as of early 2023.

The integration of Mario Kart Tour content has helped keep the Switch version fresh, giving established fans new tracks while offering fresh experiences to newcomers. Nintendo’s decision to conclude new Mario Kart Tour updates underscores the evolving strategies within its mobile and console ecosystems.

While no new features are planned for the mobile title, the continued adoption of popular tracks within Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ensures that legacy content remains accessible and engaging for players on Nintendo Switch. For ongoing updates, players are encouraged to follow Nintendo’s official channels and check in regularly on the eShop and Nintendo Direct presentations, which remain key sources for news on upcoming titles and expansions.

Mario Kart Nintendo Mario Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Mario Kart 8 Mario Kart Tour Booster Course Pass Kart Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Online iOS Android