Mario Kart World Update 1.7.0: New Routes and Creative Photo Mode Features Arrive

Expanding the Horizon of Mario Kart World

Since its high-profile launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, Mario Kart World has been pushing the boundaries of the legendary racing franchise. By shifting from traditional closed-circuit racing to a more ambitious open-world influence, the game has captivated millions of players. To keep the momentum going, Nintendo has released the free 1.7.0 update, delivering fresh content to one of the game's most addictive features: the Knockout Tour.

New Challenges in the Knockout Tour

The 'Knockout Tour' (Survival Mode) has quickly become the heartbeat of Mario Kart World. In this high-stakes mode, racers navigate a vast world map, chaining together multiple circuits with seamless driving in between. The tension is amplified by strategic checkpoints that systematically eliminate the trailing drivers, leaving only the fastest and most skilled to claim victory.

The 1.7.0 patch introduces two brand-new routes to this mode, offering unique environmental hazards and strategic shortcuts:

• Drill Rallye: A grueling trek that takes racers from the chaotic Wario Galleon all the way to the formidable Bowser's Castle.
• Boomerang Rallye: A scenic but challenging journey stretching from the snowy heights of Mt. Choo Choo to the elegant Salt-Flower City.

Putting a Personal Touch on the Photo Mode

Beyond the racing action, Nintendo is enhancing the creative side of the experience. The update brings a significant quality-of-life improvement to the Photo Mode. Players can now integrate the various stickers they have collected throughout their adventures directly into their captures.

This addition allows racers to personalize their screenshots, adding a layer of storytelling and humor to their victory shots. Whether it's marking a daring drift or commemorating a hard-won trophy, the sticker system makes every capture unique.

How to Install Update 1.7.0

For most players, the update will trigger automatically upon booting the Nintendo Switch 2. However, if the prompt does not appear, you can manually initiate the update by highlighting the game icon on the home screen and navigating to the software update menu. This ensures you have the latest balance tweaks and content ready for your next race.

The Anticipation for Major DLC

While these free updates are welcomed by the community, a lingering question remains among the fanbase: when will we see a full-scale DLC expansion? Following the precedent set by Mario Kart 8, which received a massive influx of new and classic tracks, players are eager for a similar expansion in Mario Kart World.

Currently, Nintendo has not officially announced a major paid expansion. However, industry rumors suggest that something substantial is in development. Until then, these free content drops serve as a testament to Nintendo's commitment to keeping the game fresh and engaging.