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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →You can’t unlock additional drivers in Mario Kart Tour now. Nintendo discontinued the mobile game’s service on September 30, 2026, ending the in-game routes that previously awarded drivers. This guide applies specifically to the smartphone game, not other titles in the Mario Kart series.
Why you can no longer unlock drivers
Nintendo says service for Mario Kart Tour ended at 11:00 p.m. PT on September 29, 2026—the shutdown moment also given as September 30 in Nintendo’s other regional notices. With the service ended, there is no current in-game method to add drivers. Nintendo of America Support and the Nintendo South Africa game page publish the discontinuation notice.
How drivers were unlocked before shutdown
Before service ended, drivers could come from rotating in-game rewards. Nintendo’s game overview described earning Grand Stars through racing and using the featured pipe to receive drivers, karts, and gliders. Tour-specific announcements also showed gifts and challenge rewards, but those were temporary offers rather than a permanent unlock calendar.
- Grand Stars and tour gifts: Racing earned Grand Stars, which could qualify players for the gifts listed in a particular tour.
- Featured pipes: The available drivers and other items varied by tour.
- Challenges: Some tour challenges offered a driver as a reward.
For instance, Nintendo’s December 2021 Holiday Tour announcement listed Lemmy as a gift for all players and Bowser as an additional Gold Pass gift for players who earned enough Grand Stars. It also listed Mario, Peach, Bowser, Luigi, Daisy, Donkey Kong, Wario, and Yoshi as first-tour gifts for new players. These are examples of past offers, not rewards available now. Nintendo’s Holiday Tour announcement gives the historical details.
#1 Best Overall
- Game includes easy-to-assemble obstacle course with dual lane track. Track features lap counter with 6 challenging obstacles and two kart figures including Mario and Luigi!
- Place karts at the starting line to begin. Use the manual buttons and levers to complete challenging obstacles and work to stay in your lane on the track! Maneuver your kart figure through tight turns, over wobbly bridges and up a hill climb as you compete to reach the finish!
- Master each obstacle and compete to complete 5 laps against your opponent!
- Competitive, tabletop game that builds skill and dexterity and develops concentration!
- TM & 2021 Nintendo.
A separate Halloween Tour announcement presented challenges as a way to add Waluigi (Bus Driver), with tour gifts varying by player eligibility. That event has also passed. Nintendo’s Halloween Tour announcement describes that event.
Gold Pass and other purchases won’t unlock drivers now
Gold Pass was a paid monthly service that included additional tour gifts, among other benefits, as described on Nintendo’s Gold Pass support page. Nintendo’s termination notice says ruby sales and new Gold Pass signups and automatic renewals stopped July 8, 2026. Some existing subscribers retained specified benefits until shutdown, and certain Gold Pass benefits were opened to all players from August 5 until service ended. Those were transition arrangements, not a current way to subscribe or obtain drivers. See Nintendo Japan’s termination announcement.
Rank #2
- Officially Licensed Super Mario Apparel for Women - Men - Boys - Girls - Toddler; Nintendo T-Shirts; Video Game T-Shirts; Seasonal; Birthday Gift; Gift For Dad; Back To School; Toad; Mario & Luigi; Super Mario Bros; Holiday Gift; Mario Kart;
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- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
Buying rubies, looking for a featured pipe, subscribing to Gold Pass, or completing a tour challenge cannot unlock drivers through the discontinued service. A physical game, guidebook, figure, or phone accessory likewise cannot add a driver to Mario Kart Tour.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If you meant another Mario Kart game
This answer is about the mobile game Mario Kart Tour. Driver unlocks differ between games in the series, so check the title and platform you’re playing before following an unlock guide for another Mario Kart game.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Mario Kart Gaming design. Officially Licensed By Fifth Sun
- 18NNTD00294A-001
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
Rank #4
- Officially Licensed by Fifth Sun
- 16NNTD773C
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Rank #3
- Officially Licensed Super Mario Apparel for Women - Men - Boys - Girls - Toddler; Nintendo; Video Game; Mario & Luigi; Vintage; Birthday Gift; Seasonal; Holiday; Super Mario Bros; Birthday Present; Mario Kart Racing; Nintendo 64; Super Star; Game Boy;
- 16NNTD10048A-001
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
