Mobile kart racer Mario Kart Tour is getting a multiplayer mode, almost six months after its launch. You'll be able to race online (or locally) against up to seven other players starting early next week.
To get started playing Mario Kart Tour's multiplayer modes, you'll need to update the game to its latest version. That update will be available on March 8th, the same day that multiplayer goes live. Both the Android and iOS versions of the game will be receiving the update at the same time. You'll need a persistent online connection, a Nintendo Account, and of course a smartphone that can run the game in order to play multiplayer.
How does Mario Kart Tour multiplayer work?
There will be two different kinds of multiplayer races available in Mario Kart Tour: Standard Races and Gold Races. Races will support up to eight players in both modes, and standard Races will be available to everyone, while Gold Races will only be available if you've got a Mario Kart Tour Gold Pass. You won't need the Gold Pass to play Standard Races or to play with friends nearby.
Standard Races offer the chance to race online players, friends, or nearby gamers. The races will use a set of rules that will change every day. If you're playing with friends or nearby players, you can create your own set of rules. Gold Races require a subscription to play and will allow you to race at higher speeds. Nintendo says you'll need to use "advanced kart maneuvers" to outwit your opponents in Gold Races.
Mario Kart Tour is available to download right now for Android and iOS. It's free-to-start, so you can play for a little while before you need to pay any money. If you want to grab a Gold Pass for the Gold Races, it'll cost you $4.99 a month. You'll get in-game items and badges for Gold Challenges if you've got a subscription. There's a two-week free trial if you want to try it out, but bear in mind that your first payment will be taken immediately after the trial period ends.
Will you be checking out multiplayer in Mario Kart Tour? Let us know in the comments below!
