Mario Kart Tour gets September release date and new trailers

Nintendo has confirmed a Mario Kart Tour release date of September 25, 2019.

Having previously said the iOS and Android title will launch this summer, the release date was revealed in two new trailers for the game, which you can view on this page.

• Related: Mario Kart Tour guide – Everything you need to know

Free-to-start and supported by microtransactions, Mario Kart Tour features a variety of drivers, karts and gliders, which players can collect and upgrade.

It includes new courses, fresh takes on classic courses and city courses inspired by real-world locations like New York, Tokyo and Paris.

“City courses, which are special in-game event courses inspired by real-world locations, will be available during specific time periods at launch and beyond,” Nintendo says.

“In addition to courses based on iconic locales, some Mario Kart characters will get variations that incorporate the local flavour of cities featured in the game.”

Developed by Super Mario Run and Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp creator DeNA, Mario Kart Tour had a closed Android beta test in Japan and North America earlier this year.

The game is played vertically. Players control their kart by swiping on the touch screen, with acceleration handled automatically.

The title reportedly features a gacha monetisation system for drivers, karts and gliders, with rare drivers having advantages in races.

Nintendo’s most recent mobile title, Dr. Mario World, had a solid launch compared to genre rivals, but failed to match the company’s previous performance on smartphones.

The free-to-play puzzle game – which was released on July 9 – was downloaded by over two million players in its first three days on sale, generating more than $100,000 via in-app purchases.