Nintendo has released a free Version 1.5.0 update for Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2. This update lets players race in teams in Knockout Tour mode. Before, everyone raced alone. Now, you can team up with others in online and local wireless matches and play together.
Team Knockout Tour follows the same survival-style rules as before. A total of 24 racers start the race, and the lowest-ranked players are knocked out at different checkpoints.
Players can choose how teams are formed, like 2 teams of 12 racers, 3 teams of 8, or 4 teams of 6. Team scores are based on the total points of racers who are still in the race. Finishing in higher positions gives much more points than getting knocked out early. A team can also win right away if all four of its remaining racers clear the final checkpoint together.
The update also improves how eliminated players stay involved. An expanded Spectator Mode lets players watch the rest of the race, follow specific drivers with the camera, and send pre-set messages to other spectators. For online team races, Nintendo suggests using GameChat so teammates can plan and react during matches.
Along with gameplay changes, Version 1.5.0 adds support for the Polish language and fixes several issues. The update also fixes some problems. It removes a crash that happened when Kamek was used on the Choco Mountain track and corrects a bug that showed wrong player ratings in online public rooms.
A Reddit user pointed out that the new update now forces connected or intermission tracks when players choose “random” in online races. Earlier, many players picked “random” because it usually gave normal 3-lap races.
According to the post, a lot of players want Nintendo to add a proper classic race mode. This would let people play simple 3-lap track races again and make more players happy.
Nintendo is forcing intermission tracks in Mario Kart World online now
byu/Activehannes inNintendoSwitch
In another Reddit discussion, players clearly ask for an option to race on normal 3-lap tracks. Many say they don’t like the intermission or route-style sections and want a better balance with classic Mario Kart racing.
Request for 3 lap tracks, I hate intermissions
byu/ArchersAlliance inMarioKartWorld
A small group of players also thinks this update could be setting up future DLC. They believe the new team mode feels like a base for bigger competitive features, such as new tracks, vehicles, or characters coming later.
https://x.com/Swiftjar/status/1949092590214955221
Overall, the update is meant to make multiplayer races smoother and more fun, while keeping the original Knockout Tour gameplay the same.
