A free update has arrived for Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2 system. The new version, 1.5.0, introduces team racing to the popular Knockout Tour mode.
With this update, players can now compete as teams in Knockout Tour through local wireless play or online room matches. The new option allows friends to work together instead of racing individually.
What Is Knockout Tour?
Knockout Tour is a high-intensity racing mode featuring 24 drivers. The race unfolds across connected global courses, with no breaks or pit stops.
There are five checkpoints during each race. At every checkpoint, drivers who fall below the required position are eliminated. The race continues until only four drivers remain.
Previously, the Knockout Tour only supported free-for-all competition. The latest update changes that by allowing teams to race together.
Mario Kart World update 1.5.0 (Released January 21, 2026)
General
– Added team races to Knockout Tour when playing in a room during “Online Play” and “Wireless Play”.
– The game now supports the Polish language.
Fixed Issues
– Fixed an issue where the game would sometimes end… pic.twitter.com/b2e0t6xUDc
— Nintendeal (@Nintendeal) January 22, 2026What’s New in Update 1.5.0?
The headline feature is the addition of team races in the Knockout Tour. Players can now enable team formats when playing in online rooms or through local connections.
The update also adds Polish language support through system language settings. In addition, several fixes improve online accuracy and overall game stability.
Key features include:
- Team races added to Knockout Tour in room-based online and local play
- Polish language support introduced
- Bug fixes, including a crash issue linked to Choco Mountain
- Fix for an online rating display bug in “Everyone” rooms
- Backend improvements for smoother performance
🏁 Mario Kart World é pura adrenalina!
Ganhei o modo Eliminatório na última curva — emoção total 😮💨
🆕 Update grátis hoje 1.5.0:
— Knockout Tour agora tem corridas em equipe (online ou local)
🎮 Quer jogar comigo?
👉 Chama no DM e adiciona: SW-2267-1285-8318 pic.twitter.com/PDOKVUqwou
— Evandro Anelli (@CulturaPanda) January 22, 2026How Does the New Team Format Work?
Knockout Tour remains a mode built on pressure and elimination. However, the responsibility now shifts from individuals to teams.
All 24 drivers race through five checkpoints. At each checkpoint, the last four drivers are eliminated, leaving only four. Team performance now determines survival.
Players can choose from the following team formats:
| Number of Teams | Team Size |
|---|---|
| 2 | 12 vs. 12 |
| 3 | 8 vs. 8 vs. 8 |
| 4 | 6 vs. 6 vs. 6 vs. 6 |
How Does Team Scoring Affect the Race?
High finishes matter more than ever in team races. Strong placements help teams survive later checkpoints.
Under the new scoring system:
| Position | Points Earned |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | 50 |
| 2nd Place | 40 |
| 3rd Place | 35 |
| 4th Place | 30 |
| Eliminated at First Checkpoint | 1 |
The final stretch often decides the outcome, making coordination critical.
Is Team Racing Available in All Online Modes?
No. Team races in Knockout Tour are available only in online room matches or local wireless play. Standard online matchmaking does not support team formats.
