Mario Kart World Update 1.8.0 Brings SNES Tracks and Spectator Mode

Key points

• Ten SNES-era courses, including Choco Island, Ghost Valley, and Mario Circuit, are now playable in Versus mode.
• Two new Knockout Tour routes, Propeller Rally and Turnip Rally, were added to the game.
• A new Spectator Mode allows up to 26 players to join a room, with 24 racing and 2 spectating.
• Photo Mode now includes filters, and Time Trials display lap times with color-coded differences.
• The update was revealed during the September Nintendo Direct and is free for all owners.

Background

Mario Kart World launched in June 2025 for Switch 2. In August 2026, Nintendo raised the Switch 2 price to $500 and introduced bundles pairing the console with Mario Kart World. In early September 2026, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe received a free Switch 2 update adding eight-player split-screen. This is the first update to Mario Kart World that adds new race tracks.

How outlets are covering it

Kotaku, Nintendo, Game Informer, and Engadget all confirm the addition of ten SNES courses and two Knockout Tour routes. Kotaku and Nintendo detail the full patch notes, including spectator mode and photo filters. Engadget notes that these courses were previously hidden in the open world but are now official tracks. All sources agree the update is free and arrived on September 9, 2026.

Why it matters

This update expands Mario Kart World's content by reintroducing iconic SNES tracks and adding new multiplayer features. It enhances the game's longevity and provides value to existing players without a purchase. The addition of spectator mode and photo filters improves the social and creative aspects of the game.

What to watch

Nintendo has indicated that additional Knockout Tour routes will be added in future updates. Players can now access the new tracks and modes immediately after downloading version 1.8.0.