Nintendo has deployed a major update for Mario Kart World, moving the Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive title to version 1.7.0. The patch, which went live on July 1, 2026, focuses on expanding the game's Knockout Tour mode while addressing a laundry list of technical fixes and gameplay balances.
Headlining the content additions are the Drill Rally and Boomerang Rally. Players can access these new tracks within the Knockout Tour provided they have already completed at least one rally in that mode. Nintendo also confirmed that this is just the beginning of the post-launch support for the mode, with at least six more rallies currently in development for future updates.
Gameplay Balances and Quality of Life Improvements
The 1.7.0 update brings several mechanical adjustments intended to refine the racing experience. Most notably, characters and vehicles that previously suffered from low acceleration have received a performance boost. Additionally, the gliding speed for high-speed characters and select vehicles has been increased to keep pacing consistent.
Other key gameplay changes include:
- Increased Recovery: Players can now hop immediately after being hit by Bullet Bill or Kamek’s magic.
- Braking Mechanics: You can now avoid a slipstream boost by hitting the brake before the boost engages.
- Visual Cues: Rivals holding a Super Horn will now be visible to other players.
- Course Updates: A new ramp has been added to the route connecting Airship Fortress to Bowser’s Castle.
- Language Support: The game now includes full support for the Thai language, which can be toggled via System Settings.
Photo Mode enthusiasts also gain new creative tools, as the update now allows players to place unlocked stickers onto their captured images using either touch or mouse controls.
Squashing Bugs
Beyond the feature additions, Nintendo has addressed numerous technical issues that have plagued the experience since the game's 2025 launch. A significant fix addresses an issue where Time Trial finish times were recorded incorrectly; players should be aware that ghosts affected by this glitch may be removed from View Rankings without prior notice.
Several course-specific progression blockers and collision bugs were also resolved. These include:
- Fixed an issue where players would slip through walls in Bowser’s Castle.
- Resolved a bug where players could get stuck on an electronic sign in Dandelion Depths.
- Fixed a collision issue at Shy Guy Bazaar where hitting a shop pole would leave the player unable to move.
- Corrected a falling error on the shortcut route between Koopa Troopa Beach and Dino Dino Jungle.