Nintendo has announced that Mario Kart Tour, its mobile spin-off, will be permanently shut down on September 30, 2026, with no offline mode planned. The game, which launched in 2019, will become completely unplayable after that date.
Mario Kart Tour's Shutdown Details
According to an official FAQ page, Nintendo confirmed that 'an offline version is not scheduled for release.' Service ends on September 29 at 11:00 p.m. PT and September 30 at 8:00 a.m. CEST. In the UK, the shutdown occurs at 7:00 a.m. BST. Players will no longer be able to download or play the game after that time.
Nintendo stated, 'We sincerely thank the many players who have loved and supported the game since service began so long ago. Thank you for playing Mario Kart Tour.'
Impact on In-Game Purchases and Gold Pass
Some features have already been disabled, including Gold Pass subscription auto-renewals and the ability to buy rubies, the in-game currency. Players subscribed to Gold Pass renewals before the announcement will continue to receive benefits until their subscription expires. Additionally, from August 4, 2026, all players will get Gold Pass benefits for free until the shutdown.
Mario Kart Tour's Success and Influence
Despite initial criticism for its gacha mechanics—which Nintendo later removed—Mario Kart Tour proved highly profitable. According to Sensor Tower, it is the second highest-grossing mobile game for Nintendo, behind Fire Emblem Heroes. The game also influenced mainline titles: several city courses from Tour were added to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe via DLC, and characters and costumes appeared in Mario Kart World.
Nintendo discontinued updates for Mario Kart Tour in 2023, though it received a surprise update to coincide with Mario Kart World's launch last year.
Why Shut Down Now?
The decision to end service without an offline mode is surprising, especially since Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, another Nintendo mobile title, received an offline version before it was shut down. Speculation includes a possible sequel based on Tour's success or a shift in focus to Mario Kart World, which may require substantial DLC.
Nintendo continues to operate other mobile games, including Fire Emblem Heroes, Pikmin Bloom, Fire Emblem Shadows, and the recently launched Pictonico.
