Nintendo has just rolled out a major update for Mario Kart World (Switch 2), and it’s big news for fans who were frustrated by recent gameplay changes. The latest 1.2.0 patch, released on July 30, 2025, includes a surprise reversal: more lap-based tracks are back in the game’s VS and wireless races.
The move addresses community feedback after Nintendo previously tweaked how courses were selected, which many players felt pushed them into too much open-world driving instead of the classic, curated lap-style tracks the Mario Kart franchise is famous for.
Why This Change Matters
Last month’s update reduced the frequency of Random course selection in VS mode, which players often used to land on a traditional three-lap track. Instead, many were being funneled into “intermission tracks,” which required driving through the game’s open world to reach the next course.
While the open-world concept was one of Mario Kart World’s biggest selling points at launch, not every fan appreciated the extra time spent in transitional driving. Many longtime players missed the competitive rhythm of lap-based racing.
Now, Nintendo has listened. The 1.2.0 patch “increased the frequency of lap-type courses appearing when choosing the next course in VS Race and wireless races,” according to the official patch notes.
Community Reactions: A Win for Players
This U-turn is a major win for the Mario Kart community. Forums and social media had been buzzing with complaints that Nintendo was “forcing” players to spend more time in less exciting parts of the game world.
Example fan comments included:
- “I want to race, not commute.”
- “The intermission tracks break the flow of Mario Kart.”
- “Open-world sections are great for exploration, but I miss the lap races.”
By rebalancing the course selection, Nintendo is restoring the variety and pace fans love.
Pro Tip: If you prefer lap-based racing, try using the Random course option in VS mode after updating the game. The odds of landing on a lap-style track are now much higher.
What Else Is New in the Mario Kart World 1.2.0 Patch?
This isn’t a one-line patch. Nintendo packed plenty of fixes and quality-of-life improvements into the update. Here are the highlights:
New Features and Enhancements
- “No COM” setting added to single-player VS Race for players who want a true solo challenge.
- Mushrooms-only item rule added for both single-player and multiplayer modes.
- Players can now view replays after downloading ghost data in Time Trials.
- Spectators in Knockout Tour and Balloon Battle can choose who to watch in online, wireless, and LAN play.
- Waiting times before the next race or battle are now visible in multiplayer lobbies.
- Camera settings now remember their position and size until the game is closed.
Gameplay Adjustments
- Computer-controlled opponents have been made weaker in modes outside Battle.
- Boomerang item homing accuracy reduced for better balance.
- New wheel-spinning animation appears if you accelerate too early at race start (but you won’t lose speed).
- Adjusted item probabilities:
- Triple Dash Mushrooms appear less frequently when not using “Frantic” item rules.
- Increased chance of getting a “?” block in standard item modes.
Bug Fixes
- Numerous fixes addressing glitches like falling through terrain, incorrect race results, and stuck animations across several tracks, including fan favorites like Bowser’s Castle, Wario Shipyard, Choco Mountain, and Rainbow Road.
- Fixed several online play issues related to scoring, dashing, and item display.
Full patch notes: Nintendo released an extensive list of over 30 bug fixes and tweaks. You can find the complete list in the official update notes on Nintendo’s support page.
What This Means for the Future of Mario Kart World
Nintendo’s willingness to reverse course shows that player feedback is shaping the future of Mario Kart World. This is particularly important as the game continues to evolve on the Switch 2 platform.
Here’s what to expect going forward:
- More balance updates: Nintendo is clearly watching competitive play closely and tweaking items, AI difficulty, and course design.
- Refinements to open-world elements: Expect future patches to better integrate exploration with lap-based racing.
- Community-driven features: Fan-requested options like “No COM” and Mushrooms-only mode show Nintendo is listening.
3 Tips to Maximize Your Experience After the Update
- Experiment with Custom Rules: Use the new item and COM settings to create fresh race experiences with friends.
- Play Both Styles: While lap races are back in higher numbers, try mixing in some open-world courses to explore hidden shortcuts and collectibles.
- Save Your Replays: The new replay feature is perfect for improving your racing skills or sharing epic wins online.
Final Thoughts
Nintendo’s 1.2.0 update for Mario Kart World is a welcome shift that restores more of the franchise’s signature lap-style racing, while also improving overall gameplay balance. Whether you’re a competitive player or a casual fan, the new settings and bug fixes make this a great time to jump back into the game.
Have you tried the update yet? Are you glad lap-based tracks are making a comeback? Share your thoughts with the Mario Kart community and see if your favorite tracks have made it back into the rotation!
