Updated September 11, 2026. The Mario Kart World update 1.8.0 is available now on Nintendo Switch 2, adding ten classic SNES courses, two Knockout Tour rallies, improved spectating tools and a substantial collection of balance changes and fixes.
Nintendo released version 1.8.0 on September 9. You must install it to use the game’s internet features, and everyone in a multiplayer group needs the same software version.
All 10 Classic Courses in Mario Kart World Update 1.8.0
The update brings these Super Nintendo layouts into VS Race, Time Trials, Online Play and Wireless Play:
- SNES Mario Circuit 1
- SNES Mario Circuit 2
- SNES Mario Circuit 3
- SNES Ghost Valley 1
- SNES Ghost Valley 2
- SNES Ghost Valley 3
- SNES Choco Island 1
- SNES Choco Island 2
- SNES Vanilla Lake 1
- SNES Koopa Beach 1
Players select these layouts through their related Mario Kart World destinations: Mario Circuit, Ghost Valley, Choco Mountain, Sky-High Sundae and Koopa Beach. The retro courses use item panels instead of standard item boxes, while the race leading to Mario Circuit retains item boxes.
Propeller Rally and Turnip Rally Join Knockout Tour
Two new routes expand Knockout Tour. Propeller Rally and Turnip Rally become selectable after you have played one of the rallies in the mode. That gives regular Knockout Tour players more variety without changing the mode’s elimination-focused structure.
Online Rooms Now Support 26 People
Online and LAN rooms can now hold up to 26 people. A maximum of 24 can participate in the race itself, leaving room for spectators. When 24 racers are active, another person can join only after a participant switches to Spectator Mode.
Spectator Mode Gets Major Improvements
Version 1.8.0 lets players enter Spectator Mode in Online or LAN rooms. While watching, press Y to switch the camera to a player’s perspective and R to view real-time participant rankings. These options should make community races and small tournaments easier to follow.
Time Trials Are Easier to Read
Each lap time is now displayed in Time Trials. Nintendo also changed the ghost comparison colors: red shows that the player is faster, while blue indicates the player is slower. The clearer feedback makes practice sessions more useful.
Important Item and Balance Changes
Several combat and movement interactions were adjusted. Projectiles such as Green Shells, fireballs, ice balls and Boomerangs bounce off walls fewer times. Players recover faster after being crushed by a Thwomp, and item probabilities were adjusted for standard races and Knockout Tour.
Auto-Use Item now works with Custom Items. Rival-held Coin, Question Block, Kamek, Blooper, Feather, Fire Flower, Ice Flower, Boomerang and Hammer items can also be displayed.
Notable Bug Fixes
Nintendo fixed problems involving rail jumps, Free Roam pipes, incorrect respawn positions, Spiny Shell behavior and several course-specific glitches. A shortcut ranking issue on Mario Circuit was corrected, and affected Time Trials ghost data may be removed from rankings.
How to Download Mario Kart World Version 1.8.0
- Highlight Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2 HOME Menu.
- Press the + or – Button.
- Select Software Update.
- Choose Over the Internet.
Your save data remains available after the update. Nintendo Switch Online is required for online features.
Is Update 1.8.0 Worth Downloading?
Yes. The ten retro courses are the headline attraction, but the expanded rooms, spectator controls and bug fixes make this an important update for both solo and online players.
Explore more stories in our Nintendo hub and platform guides. Read Nintendo’s complete official update notes for every adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mario Kart World update 1.8.0 released?
It was released on September 9, 2026.
How many classic tracks were added?
Ten SNES courses were added across five course groups.
Does the update add new Knockout Tour routes?
Yes. Propeller Rally and Turnip Rally are now available.
