Full Breakdown
Mario Kart World Receives Version 1.7.0 Update Adding Two New Knockout Tour Routes and Photo-Mode Stickers
7/1/2026, 8:06:45 PM
Version 1.7.0 Patch Highlights
Nintendo released version 1.7.0 for *Mario Kart World* on Switch 2 on June 30 2026. The update adds two Knockout Tour routes—Drill Rally (Wario Shipyard -> Bowser’s Castle) and Boomerang Rally (Salty Salty Speedway -> Whistlestop Summit)—and a sticker-placement tool for Photo Mode. Routes unlock after clearing any rally; Nintendo says more will follow.
Launch History and Community Expectations
*Mario Kart World* launched with Switch 2 as a flagship title with an interconnected world and Knockout Tour, which strings six-course rallies. At launch only eight route combos existed, leading many players to call the mode repetitive after earning all gold trophies. Over a year later the community has pressed for new routes and fresh tracks.
Drill and Boomerang Rallies
Drill Rally links Wario Shipyard to Bowser’s Castle; Boomerang Rally links Salty Salty Speedway to Whistlestop Summit. Both become selectable after clearing any rally, raising the total Knockout Tour routes to ten.
Sticker Integration in Photo Mode
Photo Mode now lets players place collected stickers on screenshots using touch or Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, and stickers can be combined with frames.
Balance Tweaks and New Content
The patch raises acceleration for low-acceleration characters, gliding speed for high-speed characters, and permits hopping after Kamek’s magic or Bullet Bill. It also refines jump-boost on water, landing dash, slipstream braking, and item-box rates. Players can now see a rival’s Super Horn, a new ramp links Airship Fortress to Bowser’s Castle, and Thai language support was added.
Key Numbers
- Version 1.7.0 – released June 30 2026
- New routes: 2 (total 10)
- Photo-Mode: sticker placement via touch or mouse
- Launch price: $79.99 (Switch 2)
Nintendo’s Official Comments
Nintendo’s blog post confirmed that routes unlock after clearing a rally and that further Knockout Tour routes are planned. The company also highlighted the sticker addition to expand Photo Mode creativity and listed performance and quality-of-life tweaks as part of a broader effort to refresh the game’s racing meta.
Community Concerns
Some fans expressed disappointment that the update adds no new characters, karts, or entirely new tracks—content many have requested since launch. The feedback underscores a desire for more substantive additions beyond extra routes.
Unresolved Issues
No source reported major map changes in this patch, though an earlier update quietly improved a specific area. Details on the timing and scope of future routes remain unspecified.
Future Outlook
Nintendo indicated that more Knockout Tour routes will arrive in updates, and the community hopes future patches will also bring new tracks, characters and karts.
Key Quotes
- “These new routes become selectable once you clear at least one Knockout Tour rally.” — Nintendo, Blog Post
- “Additional Knockout Tour routes are also planned for future updates.” — Nintendo, Blog Post
- “So, yes, feel free to spam that cow everywhere.” — IGN author
- “Added support for Thai.” — Nintendo, Patch Notes
