Much like Donkey Kong Country Returns HD’s random update this week, Nintendo has announced a surprise new update for Mario Kart World that introduces team battles for Knockout Tour. Available with team divisions of 12v12, 8v8v8, or 6v6v6v6, the new update is available for online play, local wireless, and even LAN play. It comes some six months after Mario Kart World launched alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, filling out the game’s range of modes with a very much appreciated addition.
Team Battles have come to Knockout Tour in #MarioKartWorld! Drive to survive with (or against) friends in two, three or four teams online, via local wireless or over LAN play.
Learn more: https://t.co/bqWyOI7isy pic.twitter.com/4MReCG4xe0
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 22, 2026
In the base game, Knockout Tour is a point-to-point race taking place across six tracks with 24 racers. Each track counts as one lap, and the four lowest placed racers get knocked out at the checkpoint. The final track proceeds as a regular race, with the final four determining their overall position. Team Battle mode for Knockout Tour changes this up a bit by giving players points for their position after specific checkpoints.
While we don’t have a full point breakdown yet, first place will earn 50 points for their team. Second place will add 40, third place gets 35, fourth gets 30, and it goes down from there. The first four players to be eliminated will earn a single point, which could make or break a tie for first. You’ll still be knocked out of the race and have to spectate the finish, but failing at the first checkpoint won’t mean sitting around for 10 minutes feeling like a total loser. It should be noted, though, that if a team has four players enter the final checkpoint, they will automatically win the round.
Knockout Tour Team Battles should be available today as part of the 1.5.0 update for Mario Kart World.
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Written by Peter Glagowski
Peter has been a freelance gaming and film critic for over seven years. His passion for Nintendo is only matched by the size of his collection.
