Nintendo has released a substantial new update for Mario Kart World, bringing the game to version 1.2.0 as of July 29, 2025. This update includes a wide range of additions, gameplay adjustments, and bug fixes that further refine the racing experience across both single-player and multiplayer modes. With expanded rule customization options, spectator enhancements, and refinements to AI and item mechanics, this patch continues Nintendo’s effort to support and evolve the game post-launch.
Among the most notable additions is the inclusion of a “No COM” option for single-player VS Races and a “Mushrooms only” item rule that can now be selected in both single-player and multiplayer modes. Players who engage with Time Trials will benefit from the ability to view replays after downloading ghost data. Online and LAN play receive substantial upgrades as well, with improved spectating functionality that lets users choose whom to watch and new indicators showing waiting time before the next match begins. The patch also adjusts various item probabilities and AI behavior to create a more balanced racing environment. Alongside these improvements, numerous track-specific and system-wide bugs have been addressed to ensure smoother gameplay.
Full Patch Notes: Mario Kart World Version 1.2.0 (Released July 29, 2025)
General Additions and Improvements
- Added “No COM” to the COM rules in Single Player VS Race.
- Added “Mushrooms only” to the item rules in Single Player and Multiplayer VS Race.
- Added the option to view replays after downloading ghost data in Time Trials.
- Spectating enhancements: players can now choose which racer to follow in Knockout Tour and Balloon Battle across Online, Wireless, and LAN play.
- Added a timer display showing the waiting time until the next race or battle in Online, Wireless, and LAN play.
- CameraPlay settings (cursor position and size) now persist across races until the game is closed; resets when changing player count.
- On the Free Roam map, collecting all P Switches, ? Panels, and Peach Medallions will now change the color of numerical indicators.
- Adjusted AI behavior: CPU opponents are now weaker in all modes except Battle.
- Boomerang homing ability has been reduced.
- Reduced the probability of receiving a Triple Dash Mushroom when in lower positions if item rules are not set to “Frantic.”
- Increased the chance of getting a ? Block in non-Frantic item rule settings.
- A wheel-spinning animation has been added for premature acceleration at race start; speed is unaffected.
- Increased frequency of lap-type courses appearing when selecting courses in VS Race and wireless play.
Bug Fixes
- Resolved an issue with incorrect rate fluctuations in wireless play.
- Fixed glitch where vehicles remained airborne after half-pipe jumps.
- Addressed a bug where gliding players using Bullet Bill could veer off the course.
- Resolved driver posture issue when exiting Rewind mode while wall-riding.
- Fixed item slot bugs where displayed items changed upon use.
- Corrected instances in Online Play where Dash Panels failed to activate.
- Fixed team score display errors in Wireless Play team races.
- Corrected control lockups on menus after retiring in Balloon Battle (Wireless Play).
- Fixed disappearing Peach Medallions during Rewind in Free Roam.
- Resolved inoperable controls on Free Roam map when selecting own character or course.
- Addressed input issues when quitting a mission before entering a pipe in Free Roam.
- Fixed slipping through drift ice in Sky-High Sundae.
- Corrected collision bugs on handrails in Airship Fortress and fences in Bowser’s Castle.
- Fixed gliding issues in Bowser’s Castle when using Bullet Bill.
- Addressed glitches causing players to fall out of bounds in Whistlestop Summit and Choco Mountain.
- Fixed Smart Steering problems that prevented recovery from railroad falls or shortcuts.
- Resolved various Bullet Bill-related glitches across several tracks including Choco Mountain, Acorn Heights, Wario Shipyard, and Wario Stadium.
- Fixed terrain clipping issues and obstacles in Shy Guy Bazaar, Dry Bones Burnout, Moo Moo Meadows, and more.
- Resolved display and collision errors on Rainbow Road, Starview Peak, and other maps.
- Addressed item box appearance issues and improved environmental interaction across multiple tracks.
- Several other gameplay and stability improvements were made.
Mario Kart World is a 2025 racing title developed by Nintendo EPD, released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. As the successor to Mario Kart 8, it expands the traditional racing format with open-world exploration, enhanced off-road mechanics, and a 24-player race limit. The game also introduces new features such as elimination modes and character costumes, offering a significantly broader experience compared to its predecessors.
The game was originally conceptualized for the Nintendo Switch as early as 2017 but transitioned to Switch 2 hardware in 2020 to take advantage of improved system capabilities. The musical score, led by composer Atsuko Asahi, spans over 200 tracks, including familiar rearrangements from earlier titles in the Mario franchise. Released on June 5, 2025, Mario Kart World launched alongside the Switch 2 and has already surpassed two million copies sold.
