One feature missing from Mario Kart Tour at launch was the ability to play against actual other players. (You’re just competing against AI in the normal races.) However, actually getting to face off against real people isn’t too far away. The official Twitter account revealed that the Mario Kart Tour multiplayer beta will begin in December 2019.
Not everyone will be able to try the Mario Kart Tour multiplayer beta at launch. Instead, this test will be limited to people who pay for the game’s Gold Pass. This costs $4.99/£4.99 per month, though those who have not yet opted into it can take part in a free two-week trial. Only those who pay that extra fee will get to test out real-time racing. (People who subscribe also are able to earn additional rewards, like high-end Drivers and Karts, can take on more Challenges, and have the option to race at the 200cc level.)
Mario Kart Tour is available for Android and Apple iOS devices. The most recent update added Luigi, King Boo, a King Boo Halloween alt, Lakitu, a Rosalina Halloween alt, and Waluigi.
