Nintendo’s latest update for Mario Kart World introduced a significant change to the way courses are selected during online wireless “VS Race” matches. The update modified the “Random” course selection option.
Previously, choosing a standard online race allowed players to pick either an intermission race from a fixed selection of three courses or select a random option. The random choice often led to a traditional 3-lap race on one of the game’s themed tracks — a popular format among players.
The recent update, however, increases the frequency of intermission races, which begin with a rolling start and feature a road-crossing phase before the main track. While 3-lap races remain possible, their occurrence has notably decreased.
This change has drawn criticism from the community. Users on Famiboards and content creators like TWD98 have expressed disappointment, citing frustration over losing access to the preferred 3-lap race format. For instance, user CoralSensei4 remarked that the update “ruined all of that practice” related to these races. Another community member, Ade117, said the update made playing 3-lap races online unnecessarily difficult. Some players, like hushh, called the change a “waste of money” and said they would avoid the game until the update is reversed.
As Nintendo continues to update Mario Kart World, players hope the company will reconsider and restore the option to regularly enjoy standard 3-lap online races.