The Mario Kart World update has just rolled out, and fans are buzzing about the latest changes. On June 17, 2025, Nintendo officially released version 1.1.1 for Mario Kart World, a Switch 2 exclusive. This update brings a host of fixes and improvements to the game, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable racing experience. Whether you’re a casual racer or a competitive player, understanding the Mario Kart World update is key to making the most of your time on the track.
This latest patch addresses several issues that had been affecting gameplay since launch. From item usage bugs to online connectivity problems, the update is designed to iron out the wrinkles and keep the fun rolling. With the Mario Kart World update now live, you’ll want to install it before heading online to ensure you’re racing with the latest improvements and bug fixes.
Table of Contents
What’s Fixed in the Mario Kart World Update?
The Mario Kart World update to version 1.1.1 focuses on stability, performance, and gameplay polish. Here’s a breakdown of the most important fixes:
- Item Usage Glitches Resolved: One of the most frustrating bugs—where items could not be used—has been fixed. This means you’ll no longer get stuck without power-ups during crucial moments.
- Control Issues Addressed: Some players reported that controls became unresponsive when selecting a character and trying to start Free Roam from the map. This has been corrected, ensuring smooth navigation.
- Crash Fixes: The update tackles crashes that occurred when watching replays after a race or after finishing an online race, making your experience more reliable.
- Online Play Improvements: Rate fluctuations in Knockout Tour and Online Play are now displayed correctly. Communication errors when joining Friends in VS Race or Battle modes have also been reduced.
- Course and Position Fixes: Players will no longer slip through walls before the finish line on the DK Spaceport track. Additionally, the issue where you couldn’t return to the correct position after falling off the course between Airship Fortress and Bowser’s Castle while gliding has been fixed.
These changes make Mario Kart World more stable and enjoyable for everyone, whether you’re racing solo or with friends online.
Key Features and Improvements in Recent Mario Kart World Updates
While the Mario Kart World update to 1.1.1 is all about fixes, it’s worth highlighting the broader improvements made in recent patches. Version 1.1.0, released earlier in June, introduced major new features and enhancements:
- Open-World Gameplay: For the first time in the series, Mario Kart World offers an open-world experience where players can freely explore and discover new challenges.
- Online and LAN Play: The game now supports robust online and LAN multiplayer modes, making it easier to race with friends both near and far.
- Camera Support: You can show your face during races using a compatible USB camera, adding a personal touch to multiplayer and online sessions.
- More Starting Characters: The selection of available characters at the start of the game has been expanded, giving players more options from the get-go.
- Improved Operability: Multiplayer sessions with three or more players are now smoother, and the course selection timer for local and LAN play has been removed for a hassle-free setup.
These additions have transformed Mario Kart World into a more immersive and social experience, setting it apart from previous entries in the franchise.
Key Point Summary Table
| Feature/Improvement | Version 1.1.0 (June 2025) | Version 1.1.1 (June 17, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Open-World Gameplay | Yes | N/A |
| Online & LAN Play | Yes | Improved stability |
| Camera Support | Yes | N/A |
| More Starting Characters | Yes | N/A |
| Item Usage Bug Fix | No | Yes |
| Control Bug Fix | No | Yes |
| Crash Fixes | No | Yes |
| Course Position Fixes | No | Yes |
The Future of Mario Kart World
With the Mario Kart World update now in place, the game is more stable and enjoyable than ever. Nintendo’s commitment to addressing player feedback and rapidly deploying fixes shows their dedication to quality. While 200cc mode is still missing, the community remains hopeful it will be added in future updates.
For now, players can look forward to smoother races, fewer bugs, and a more polished online experience. The open-world design and expanded multiplayer options make Mario Kart World a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike.
What’s Next for Players?
If you haven’t updated your game yet, now is the time. To install the Mario Kart World update, simply press the plus or minus button on the software from the Switch 2 Home menu and select “software update.” Alternatively, booting the game will prompt you to update automatically. Keeping your game up to date ensures you have access to all the latest features and fixes.
Ready to hit the track? Update your game, gather your friends, and experience the most polished version of Mario Kart World yet. With the latest improvements, there’s never been a better time to dive into the open-world racing adventure.