Nintendo has released the Ver. 1.7.0 update for Mario Kart World, adding two new Knockout Tour routes and photo mode sticker features, but the game still lacks substantial downloadable content a year after its launch alongside the Switch 2.
New Knockout Tour Routes
The update introduces two new routes: Drill Rally, connecting Wario Shipyard and Bowser's Castle, and Boomerang Rally, starting at Salty Salty Speedway and ending at Whistlestop Summit. Knockout Tour mode strings together various courses across the open world, offering new pathways through existing tracks.
Nintendo's patch notes state that 'additional Knockout Tour routes are also planned for future updates,' with the update's trailer showing gaps for six more routes, though no release timeline is provided.
Frustration Over Lack of DLC
Since Mario Kart World launched in June 2025, Nintendo has delivered only minor updates improving free roam, intermission tracks, and online play. A battle mode was added earlier this year, but there has been a notable absence of new costumes, characters, tracks, or other sizable additions. The lack of a user-generated route creator has also drawn criticism, as players note that connecting open-world sections is a simple feature.
The photo mode update, which allows players to add collected stickers to pictures, has been described as underwhelming given the year-long wait. Additionally, Donkey Kong and Pauline still have only one extra costume each, while the rest of the roster has multiple. This has fueled speculation about potential Donkey Kong Bananza DLC, but no substantial update has materialized.
Unmet Potential
Despite being praised as a fantastic foundation, Mario Kart World's open world has been criticized as empty and underutilized. A year after release, there is no sign that Nintendo plans to address this with meaningful expansions. The lack of a clear DLC roadmap has left fans frustrated, with no indication of when significant content might arrive. According to the report, 'It's a frustrating situation because Mario Kart World is a fantastic foundation that's ripe for expansion, but when its first year of support has been so lacklustre, it's hard not to feel like Nintendo is dropping the ball.'
