In a thrilling twist for mobile gamers, Mario Kart Tour is set to receive its first update in years this July, just when fans thought it was winding down for good. Nintendo and DeNA have officially announced an exciting new season of content, marking a surprising revival for the beloved racing game.
The upcoming Sunshine Tour will kick off on July 22, coinciding with the recent launch of Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2. This update promises fresh content crafted to celebrate the latest adventures in the Mario Kart universe. Get ready for two new outfits featuring Mario and Luigi in their iconic Famicom racing gear, along with four colorful karts inspired by the new console release.
Last September, the anticipation hit a peak when Nintendo revealed it would cease creating new content for Mario Kart Tour after four years. The announcement aligned with the release of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s sixth and final DLC wave, which shared several new tracks with the mobile version. Fans were left wondering whether this would mark the end for the game, but the recent update has reignited interest.
Since entering the mobile gaming arena in 2016, Nintendo has phased out many of its mobile titles, with mobile contributing only a small fraction of its yearly revenue. Out of the eight major mobile games the company launched, five, including Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, have already ended support. In this landscape, Fire Emblem Heroes stands tall as Nintendo’s most successful mobile game, reflecting a significant disparity in performance among its titles.
Mario Kart Tour, however, has ascended to become Nintendo’s second biggest mobile earner, generating approximately $243 million from around 230 million downloads, averaging about $2 million monthly. This recent update brings new life to the game, offering players fresh experiences and reminding them why this franchise has remained a household name.
With this unexpected turn of events, fans are left buzzing about what further surprises Nintendo might have in store. Keeping an eye on Nintendo’s mobile strategy will be essential, especially as they navigate an evolving industry where mobile gaming continues to expand in innovative directions.