Nintendo has released the Mario Kart World Version 1.7.0 update for Nintendo Switch 2, delivering one of the game’s biggest post-launch patches to date. The update expands the popular Knockout Tour mode with two new rally routes, introduces quality-of-life improvements, rebalances characters and vehicles, and fixes a long list of gameplay issues reported by players.
Nintendo has also confirmed that six additional Knockout Tour routes are planned for future updates, signaling continued support for the racing title. The complete patch notes and update trailer were published on Nintendo’s official site.
Two new Knockout Tour rallies headline Version 1.7.0
The biggest addition in Version 1.7.0 is the arrival of Drill Rally and Boomerang Rally in Knockout Tour. Players who have already participated in at least one Knockout Tour rally can now access these new routes, adding more variety to the game’s elimination-style multiplayer mode.
Nintendo also confirmed that this isn’t the end of the expansion plans. According to the official patch notes, six more Knockout Tour routes will be added in future updates, giving players even more tracks to compete on in the coming months.
Outside of Knockout Tour, Photo Mode has also received a useful upgrade. Players can now decorate screenshots using previously unlocked stickers, with support for both touch controls and mouse controls on compatible setups.
Version 1.7.0 includes several gameplay tweaks aimed at improving racing balance. Nintendo increased the acceleration of characters and vehicles that previously struggled to recover speed, while faster racers received improvements to gliding performance to make aerial sections feel smoother.
Recovery mechanics have also been refined. Players can now hop immediately after being hit by Kamek’s magic or Bullet Bill, reducing frustrating downtime during races. Nintendo also adjusted Jump Boost conditions on water surfaces and extended the speed boost players receive after landing on opponents.
Competitive races should also feel fairer thanks to several additional changes. Players can now see when opponents are holding a Super Horn, slipstream behavior has been adjusted to give racers more control when braking, and item distribution has been rebalanced in both standard races and Knockout Tour to create a more consistent experience.
Another notable gameplay improvement is the addition of a new ramp on the route connecting Airship Fortress to Bowser’s Castle, creating another strategic option during races.
Extensive bug fixes improve stability across multiple tracks
Alongside gameplay adjustments, Nintendo resolved numerous technical issues affecting races across Mario Kart World. The update fixes incorrect Time Trial finish times, gliding slowdowns after crashes, problems with helicopters in Online Play and Wireless Play, and several Bullet Bill-related bugs.
Many track-specific issues have also been addressed. Players should no longer encounter situations where racers clip through walls in Bowser’s Castle, become stuck in Shy Guy Bazaar, fall through the ground in Dry Bones Burnout, or accidentally leave the course in locations such as Dandelion Depths, Koopa Troopa Beach, Dino Dino Jungle, and Wario Shipyard.
Nintendo also corrected issues involving Bob-omb throwing distance on specific bikes, coin collection errors, rail-riding glitches, and inconsistent respawn locations after falling off certain tracks. The company notes that several additional fixes have been implemented to further improve gameplay stability.
The update also adds Thai language support, allowing players to change the game’s language through the Nintendo Switch 2 system settings.
With new content, competitive balance updates, and a substantial list of bug fixes, Version 1.7.0 represents one of Mario Kart World’s most significant updates yet. Combined with Nintendo’s confirmation that six more Knockout Tour routes are already in development, the latest patch reinforces the company’s ongoing commitment to expanding and refining the Switch 2 racer.
