Nintendo expands Mario Kart World Knockout Tour with two new rallies
Nintendo has released the version 1.7.0 update for Mario Kart World on July 1, 2026, introducing two major routes to the game’s signature Knockout Tour mode alongside significant balance adjustments.
The free software update, exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 system, expands the total number of elimination-style rallies from eight to ten by adding the Drill Rally and Boomerang Rally. To access this new content, players must have cleared at least one existing Knockout Tour rally.
Drill Rally and Boomerang Rally join the rotation
The update arrives just over a year after the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World, which both debuted in June 2025.
This latest version, 1.7.0, focuses heavily on the 24-player Knockout Tour mode, where competitors race through a continuous series of tracks and face elimination if they fall into the bottom four at any of the five checkpoints.
Beyond the new tracks, the update doubles the boost length when players land on rivals, increasing the dash time from 1.08 seconds to 2.17 seconds.
Since the game’s launch, many players have acquired the title through console bundles, making it a cornerstone of the Switch 2 library. While the Knockout Tour mode was initially praised for its scale, some users found the straight connecting roads between tracks to be lacking in skill-based gameplay.
This update looks to address variety by bridging fan-favorite tracks with new terrain, ensuring the competitive scene remains active as developers such as Strauss Zelnick confirm Grand Theft Auto 6 will arrive later in 2026.
Key details
The Drill Rally offers a high-stakes sequence that connects Wario Shipyard (originally from Mario Kart 7) to the iconic Bowser’s Castle. This six-course journey takes drivers through DK Pass, Dandelion Depths, a standard Mario Circuit, and Dry Bones Burnout.
The route is designed as one long continuous race, testing consistency across varying environments rather than individual sprint events. Drivers who struggle early in the snowy peaks of DK Pass may find it difficult to survive the elimination checkpoints before reaching the Koopa King’s fortress.
In contrast, the Boomerang Rally connects Salty Salty Speedway to the vertical heights of Whistlestop Summit. This route leans into the series’ heritage by incorporating Peach Beach from Mario Kart: Double Dash!! and Moo Moo Meadows from Mario Kart Wii. The full sequence includes:
- Peach Beach (GCN)
- Cheep Cheep Falls
- Moo Moo Meadows (Wii)
- Choco Mountain (N64)
- Mario Bros. Circuit
- Whistlestop Summit
These structure changes seek to satisfy a player base that found the initial launch rallies repetitive. By mixing classic tracks like Choco Mountain with new Switch 2 original courses, Nintendo leverages its historical catalog to maintain interest in the larger world map.
The developer has already confirmed that version 1.7.0 is not the end of the road, as more Knockout Tour routes are currently planned for future releases.
New creative tools and gameplay balance tweaks
Version 1.7.0 introduces a sticker feature for the in-game Photo Mode, allowing players to decorate their race captures directly within the sub-menu. These stickers can be placed on photos and combined with various digital frames before being shared.
This focus on cosmetic customization mirrors recent moves by other major publishers, such as when Valve debuted new stickers with dynamic pricing to boost community engagement in its competitive titles.
On the technical side, the patch notes reveal significant changes to character and vehicle performance. Acceleration has been raised for builds that previously struggled at low speeds, while gliding speed has been increased for high-speed characters.
Key details
Competitive players will also notice they can now see if a rival is holding a Super Horn, and they can stop a slipstream by braking before the boost triggers. These granular tweaks provide veteran racers with more defensive options during tight 24-player packs.
Other general adjustments include the ability to hop immediately after being hit by Bullet Bill or Kamek’s magic. Nintendo has also added support for the Thai language, accessible via the system settings. These additions aim to polish the user experience across all regions as the game continues its lifecycle as the system’s flagship racer.
Bug fixes and technical stability improvements
The 1.7.0 patch addresses several persistent glitches, most notably a geometry issue in Bowser’s Castle that allowed players to slip through walls. Another fix resolves an error where Time Trial results displayed the incorrect finish time. In Dandelion Depths, developers corrected a bug that caused players to stay caught on electronic signs or fall off the course after using a Feather following a Jump Boost.
Multiplayer stability also received attention. An issue that prevented players from boarding the helicopter shortcut in Online and Wireless Play has been resolved. Additionally, the update fixes a specific collision bug where players would crash after hitting a Goomba they had already sent flying. These refinements are essential for maintaining the competitive integrity of the Knockout Tour’s “glorious chaos.”
Maintaining value for the Nintendo Switch 2 ecosystem
As the console moves into its second year, Nintendo is focused on providing high-quality post-launch support for its $80 flagship title. This strategy is reflected in how the company manages its broader portfolio, similar to how Bobby Kotick claimed legal actions influenced the value of other major gaming acquisitions. By delivering substantive free content, Nintendo aims to reinforce the value of the Switch 2 platform.
Looking ahead, official social media posts and internal roadmap details suggest that more rallies are currently in development for release through 2026 and 2027. While the core mechanics of the Knockout Tour remain unchanged in 1.7.0, the addition of the Drill and Boomerang routes suggests a commitment to evolving the open-world map.
For now, players can dive back into the Boomerang Rally to test their luck on the coastal turns of Peach Beach.