Nintendo has revealed that a Mario Kart World update will add classic SNES tracks, Knockout Tour courses, and more later today.
The company announced the news as part of its September 2026 Nintendo Direct today. While there are no new playable characters or outfits in Mario Kart World (yet), the new update should arrive as a welcome surprise to players who have been looking for a reason to grab the wheel following its Nintendo Switch 2 launch last summer.
A total of 10 classic courses have been added as part of the update. As a bonus, these courses feature old-school item tiles instead of the flashier floating boxes. For the Knockout Tour courses, players can look forward to two new routes to race through.
A free update for Mario Kart World launches later today!
Play 10 classic courses from Super Mario Kart in VS Race mode and two new Knockout tour routes. #NintendoDirect
Get the update: https://t.co/K9I0I75Mhh pic.twitter.com/1FIL2jzzQY
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) September 9, 2026
“Classic courses from Super Mario Kart have been hiding in plain sight across the continent of Mario Kart World, and now 10 of them can be played as standalone races in VS Race,” Nintendo said in a press release. “Tear through Choco Island, Vanilla Lake, Ghost Valley and more, complete with ? Panels that grant items just like in the Super NES original. The update also adds two new Knockout Tour routes, Propeller Rally and Turnip Rally, plus a Spectator Mode when playing with friends online or via LAN Play.”
In case you forgot, this is Nintendo’s second Direct of the week. For everything announced during yesterday’s Zelda Direct, click here. For everything announced during today’s Direct, click here.
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