Nintendo fans rage over Mario Kart patch

Nintendo has quietly rolled out a controversial update to Mario Kart World's online multiplayer, fundamentally altering how players select courses - a move that's flying directly in the face of community preferences regarding the game's open-world structure.

The Course Selection Shakeup

Version 1.1.2, launched overnight, includes what Nintendo vaguely describes as adjustments to "courses selected in Random when selecting next course in a wireless VS Race." While the wording might confuse, the practical effect is clear: the beloved Random option now prioritizes nearby courses over distant ones, making those lengthy open-world trets more frequent.

The Intermission Track Dilemma

This update directly impacts how players experience 'intermission tracks' - those unavoidable open-world segments between official race courses. Previously, savvy racers could use the Random selection to bypass these transitional zones and jump straight to distant three-lap courses. Now, the algorithm favors local tracks, forcing players to endure more of the meandering open-world traversal the community actively tries to avoid.

Forum threads across gaming communities are buzzing with discontent. "Nintendo essentially forced their vision of how we should play," wrote one frustrated fan. "They saw players creating their own organic solution and purposefully dismantled it."

Rainbow Road's Disappearing Act

The change makes Mario Kart World's spectacular Rainbow Road - accessible only through specific Grand Prix selections - even more elusive in online play. What was already a rare treat in random selections becomes practically mythical under the new system.

"So long, Rainbow Road sessions," lamented a player on ResetEra. The community's frustration is palpable, with many questioning why Nintendo wouldn't simply add a dedicated three-lap mode rather than restricting existing options.

Community Backlash and Alternatives

Disappointed fans have proposed numerous alternatives Nintendo could have implemented instead of limiting course selection:

• A dedicated "Classic VS" mode with traditional three-lap races
• Tighter intermission track design with more engaging routes
• Keeping lengthy open-world segments confined to Knockout Tour mode

The debate highlights ongoing tension between Nintendo's vision for Mario Kart World's open-world and player expectations for quick, competitive racing. While the scenic routes have their peaceful charm, they struggle to match the tight, skill-focused gameplay of traditional Mario Kart tracks.

As noted in our review, "The open highways aren't unpleasant - some even offer fun moments - but their sprawling, straightforward paths lack the thrilling technical challenge that makes Mario Kart's dedicated courses so satisfying."

For now, players must adapt to more open-world traversal in their online sessions. Whether Nintendo will adjust course based on this backlash remains uncertain. In the meantime, check out our Mario Kart World guides to mastering character unlocks, locating hidden food items, and collecting every costume - because apparently we'll all have more travel time between races now.