Mario Kart Tour Slapped With 18+ Age Rating

Mario Kart Tour‘s age rating has been raised to 18+ in Brazil, without any explanation provided by Nintendo at this time. Released on iOS and Android devices in 2019, Mario Kart Tour marked the first time the racing series had been offered on anything other than a Nintendo system. The free-to-play mobile game features familiar elements from the series, while also adding new elements that would have an impact on games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Mario Kart World.

Mario Kart Tour introduced new tracks based on real-world locations, including Singapore, Amsterdam, and Vancouver. Additionally, the mobile game includes familiar tracks spanning the history of the Mario Kart series. For a long time, the newer tracks remained exclusive to Mario Kart Tour, but they were later added to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as part of the Switch game’s Booster Course Pass DLC. This isn’t the only impact the mobile game has had on the main series; Mario Kart Tour introduced costumed variations for several racers, which is something that would later be seen in Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2.

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Mario Kart Tour’s Age Rating Increased in Brazil

Mario Kart Tour‘s new age rating in Brazil recommends against the game being downloaded by anyone under the age of 18. While a specific reason for the change has not been given just yet, many fans are speculating that it might have something to do with the presence of gacha mechanics. Over the last few years, multiple countries have been cracking down on video game gacha mechanics or anything else that might resemble gambling, especially in games marketed towards younger players. It’s worth noting that Mario Kart Tour made changes to its gacha mechanics in 2022, removing the controversial pipe system and replacing it with the Spotlight Shop. As a result of that change, players were given a lot more control over what in-game items they received while spending money. It’s possible the changes do not go far enough for Brazil’s standards, but there’s no way of knowing for certain.

Who’s That Character?

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Who’s That Character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

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It’s possible Nintendo could appeal the change to Mario Kart Tour‘s age rating, though it might not bother. The company announced an end to new content in the game in 2023, but Mario Kart Tour had an in-game event last year to celebrate the release of Mario Kart World. Appealing the rating change might be more trouble than it’s worth for a game that’s no longer seeing new tracks or characters regularly added.

If Nintendo eventually plans on removing Mario Kart Tour from mobile storefronts, this might be a perfect excuse to do so in Brazil. Mobile games generally have limited lifespans, and Mario Kart Tour has been available for nearly seven years at this point. Whatever happens, it’s clear that consumer-focused legislation has had a significant impact on the video game industry lately, as countries like Brazil attempt to protect players from predatory practices.

Mario Kart Tour was released as part of a larger mobile strategy by Nintendo, which saw games like Pikmin Bloom, Super Mario Run, and Fire Emblem Heroes released on iOS and Android devices. Nintendo seems to be moving away from these mobile efforts in recent years, though games like Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete remain playable, even as new content has come to an end. On one hand, Nintendo’s mobile games offer players a chance to experience these franchises without having to own a video game system, but it makes sense that the company would want to steer more players towards buying Mario Kart games on Switch or Switch 2 instead.

Source: TheGamer