Yes, Mario Kart Tour is free to download and play. The game offers an exciting racing experience without any initial cost to the player. However, it does feature in-app purchases, giving players the option to buy rubies, the in-game currency used to unlock new characters, karts, and gliders. These purchases allow for a more personalized gaming experience and accelerated progress through the game's various levels and challenges.

In addition to in-app purchases, the game contains advertisements and a Gold Pass subscription. The Gold Pass offers exclusive rewards and faster access to high-tier items. Advertisements occasionally appear within the game, mainly as video ads while loading screens or as part of optional rewards. This blend of optional purchases and ads allows players to enjoy Mario Kart Tour with increased benefits if they choose to invest further.

Installation on iOS Devices: Mario Kart Tour is available on iOS devices running iOS 10.0 or later. To install, open the App Store on your device and tap on the search icon at the bottom of the screen. Type "Mario Kart Tour" into the search bar and find the app developed by Nintendo Co., Ltd. Tap "Get" next to the app icon, and the download will automatically begin. You may be prompted to enter your Apple ID password or use your Touch ID/Face ID for authentication. Once installed, grant necessary permissions, such as notifications, by following the on-screen instructions. Ensure to allow network permissions for a seamless multiplayer experience.

Installation on Android Devices: For Android devices, Mario Kart Tour supports Android OS 5.0 and above. Begin by opening the Google Play Store on your device. Tap the search bar at the top of the screen and enter "Mario Kart Tour." Look for the app developed by Nintendo Co., Ltd, and tap "Install" to start the download process. You might need to accept app permissions related to storage access and network functionality. Watch out for any pop-ups requesting permissions during installation, as they're essential for the game's functionality. Once completed, you can launch the game and start your kart racing adventure.

Step 1: Begin by launching Mario Kart Tour on your device. The first time you open the app, you'll be guided through a simple tutorial that introduces you to the game's controls and mechanics. Pay attention to the on-screen instructions to understand how to steer and drift your kart. You'll also get a chance to practice using items.

Step 2: After the tutorial, you need to sign in with a Nintendo Account or create one if you haven't already. This step is vital as it saves your progress and enables online gameplay. Follow the instructions to link or create your account, ensuring all your game data is secure.

Step 3: Next, it's time to explore the main menu. Here, you can select a tour to participate in, view your collection of characters, karts, and gliders, or head to the shop to explore available items. The menu is straightforward, with icons representing each section, making navigation easy for new players.

Step 4: Choose a tour and select your preferred character and kart. Each character and kart has unique attributes that can affect your performance. Once selected, press the "Start Race" button to enter a race.

Step 5: During the race, swipe left or right to steer, and swipe up or down on the screen to use items. Depending on the game mode, you may need to tap the screen for acceleration. Use the items strategically to gain an advantage over competitors, and try to finish the race in the top positions to earn rewards and unlock new content.

Tip 1: Master the art of drifting. In Mario Kart Tour, drifting through curves helps maintain speed, and properly executed, it builds up a turbo boost. To drift, initiate a turn and hold the drift button. Releasing the button at the right moment will give you a speed burst, crucial for edging out competitors in tight lanes.

Tip 2: Maximize your point total by collecting as many coins as possible during races. Coins not only boost your score but also help unlock new vehicles and characters. Look for opportunities to navigate through coin trails or take alternative routes offering more coins.

Tip 3: Use items wisely. Aggressive items like red shells and lightning should be reserved for strategic moments, such as when nearing the finish line or breaking a rival's clear run. Defensive items like bananas and green shells are best used to fend off attacks, especially when leading.