With Nintendo dutifully hitting their plans to release an Animal Crossing, Fire Emblem, and Pokemon game for mobile systems, the Kyoto-based publisher is now expanding their mobile plans to more iconic series — namely, Mario Kart. In an announcement moments ago, Nintendo revealed by Twitter that they will be crafting a brand new application titled Mario Kart Tour.
This news is undoubtedly a surprise, given little is mentioned about Nintendo’s mobile strategy in general — or specifically at the most recent direct. Even better, they gave a general release window, noting that the game should release “in the fiscal year ending in March 2019.” For anyone who wants the quick read on what that means, it is limited from April 1, 2018 and ends on March 31, 2019; you can expect the release anytime before that.
But what is Mari Kart Tour? We really don’t know much of anything yet. It is interesting to note that — despite the use of the game series’ name — Nintendo refers to the software as a “mobile application” instead of outright a game. While it could still end up being a mobile game by that definition, there is also the option that it may be a “service” to a larger game for the Nintendo Switch.
As for why they are moving on to Mario Kart, it should be no surprise. In their latest financial report, it was revealed that the second best selling title of the year was Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, falling roughly two-million units shy of Super Mario Odyssey and two million more than The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild. In short, Mario Kart is as notable of a series as Nintendo can try to bring to mobile consoles.
As mentioned above, Mario Kart Tour is coming to mobile devices before March 2019. Check out the tweet that started it all, below:
The checkered flag has been raised and the finish line is near. A new mobile application is now in development: Mario Kart Tour! #MarioKartTour Releasing in the fiscal year ending in March 2019. pic.twitter.com/8GIyR7ZM4z
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) February 1, 2018