Are Mario Apps Free? The Complete Guide to Nintendo's Mobile Games
Nintendo has released several Mario-themed mobile games, each with different pricing models. Here's the complete breakdown of which Mario apps are free and which require payment:
Super Mario Run
Free Trial $9.99 Full Unlock- Free content: First 3 levels (World 1-1 to 1-3), limited Toad Rally
- Paid content: $9.99 one-time payment unlocks all 24 levels and features
- Ads: None
- Platforms: iOS and Android
Mario Kart Tour
Free to Play In-App Purchases- Free content: Full game with rotating courses and characters
- Paid options: $4.99/month Gold Pass, rubies for gacha pulls ($0.99-$39.99)
- Ads: None
- Platforms: iOS and Android
Dr. Mario World (Discontinued)
Was Free Had In-App Purchases- Status: Service ended November 2021
- Was free: Full gameplay with energy system
- Had purchases: Diamonds for continues/stamina ($0.99-$99.99)
Detailed Pricing Comparison
| Game | Free Content | Paid Options | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Mario Run | 3 demo levels | $9.99 full unlock (one-time) | Players who prefer premium games without microtransactions |
| Mario Kart Tour | Full game with rotating content | Subscription ($4.99/mo) and gacha pulls | Fans who don't mind grinding or spending for characters |
| Dr. Mario World | Was fully playable | Discontinued (had energy system) | N/A (no longer available) |
Which Mario App is Right For You?
For Completely Free Players
Mario Kart Tour is your only option currently, as it offers unlimited gameplay without mandatory payments. However, you'll face:
- Rotating character/course availability
- Grinding for rewards
- Temptation to spend on favorite characters
For One-Time Payment Fans
Super Mario Run provides:
- Complete game after $9.99 payment
- No ads or additional purchases
- Traditional Mario platforming experience
- But limited to 24 levels (shorter than console games)
FAQ About Mario Mobile Apps
Is there any completely free Mario game?
Currently, only Mario Kart Tour is truly free to download and play indefinitely, though it has optional in-app purchases. Super Mario Run requires payment to access most content.
Why is Super Mario Run not free?
Nintendo chose a premium model to preserve Mario's brand value and avoid the "pay-to-win" mechanics common in mobile games. This ensures all players get the same complete experience.
Can I hack Mario apps to get free content?
No. Nintendo's mobile games have strong anti-cheat systems. Attempting to hack them will likely get your account banned.
Are more free Mario games coming?
Nintendo hasn't announced new Mario mobile games, but their recent apps suggest they'll continue mixing free-to-play and premium models depending on the game type.
Conclusion
While no current Mario mobile app is completely free without limitations, Mario Kart Tour offers the most substantial free experience. Super Mario Run provides a premium, payment-upfront alternative for players who dislike microtransactions.
Nintendo's approach to mobile gaming continues to evolve, but they've shown commitment to keeping their Mario apps high-quality - whether through fair free-to-play mechanics or reasonably priced premium offerings. For the best free experience, Mario Kart Tour is your only current option, while Super Mario Run remains the choice for players who prefer paying once for a complete game.