Find out how you can sign up for the Mario Kart Tour closed beta right here

It's been well over a year since it was first announced, but we've finally got our first sign that Mario Kart Tour is close to release. That sign comes in the shape of a closed beta that you can sign up to be a part of right now. Obviously though, there are a few provisos, so there's a chance you're not going to be able to get your name in the hat this time round.

For one thing, the beta is only taking place in two countries - the US and Japan, so if you're not based in one of those, or know some IP trickery, you're going to be out of luck. The beta is Android only as well, so if you're an iOS player looking to get in on it then you're going to have to wait a bit longer I'm afraid.

• Mario Kart Tour? The series has been on the road for 17 years

If you meet those two criteria, there's still a chance you're not going to get on - there are some Android devices that won't be allowed in the beta, although what those are Nintendo hasn't revealed, so it's potluck whether the phone or tablet you're rocking is going to be able to take Mario and friends for a spin.

Should you meet those lengthy requirements, you need to click here to go to the Mario Kart Tour site and get signed up. Registration for the closed beta runs until May 7th, with the beta itself running from May 22nd until June 4th. There's a limited number of spaces in the beta, so if there are more sign-ups than slots, they'll be given out at random.

Interestingly, IAPs will be disabled during the test, which gives us some clue as to the shape Mario Kart Tour might have when it finally comes out for the rest of the world. Still, if the IAPs are disabled there's probably a bigger chance that this one's going to be a paid game with optional purchases, rather than a free to play game with an IAP economy.

What do you think? Have you signed up for the beta yet, or are you stuck in one of the many groups that can't get in? Let us know in the comments below.