Switch 2 updates roll in: Mario Kart World v1.5.0 + today’s team-racing guide

Meta description: Today’s gaming recap: Mario Kart World v1.5.0 adds Knockout Tour team races, Switch firmware 21.2.0, and FF7 Remake Intergrade’s Streamlined Progression update.

Quick Summary

Mario Kart World (Switch 2) updated to Ver. 1.5.0 (Jan 21, 2026): Team Races are now available in Knockout Tour when playing in a room via Online Play or Wireless Play, plus Polish language support and bug fixes.
Nintendo Switch / Switch 2 system software: Current system version is 21.2.0 (released Jan 13, 2026) with general stability improvements.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade: Launches on Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S on Jan 22, 2026, featuring “Streamlined Progression.” Square Enix also confirmed a free update bringing Streamlined Progression to PS5 and PC on the same date.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack (Switch 2): A Nintendo Classics update adds Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance to Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics (announcement dated Jan 9, 2026).

Today’s Gaming News Highlights

Mario Kart World (Switch 2) – Ver. 1.5.0 adds Knockout Tour Team Races

Nintendo’s newest Mario Kart World patch is a meaningful one for groups: Team Races are now supported in Knockout Tour when you’re playing in a room via Online Play or Wireless Play. The update also adds Polish language support and resolves several issues, including an online rating display bug and a crash-related issue tied to Choco Mountain. (Version: 1.5.0, Released: Jan 21, 2026.)

Added: Team races in Knockout Tour (rooms, Online Play + Wireless Play)
Added: Polish language support
Fixed: Issue that could end the game on Choco Mountain involving Kamek item usage
Fixed: Sometimes-incorrect rating display when joining “Everyone” in Online Play (while in a room)
Plus: “Several other issues” addressed

Nintendo Switch / Switch 2 system update is now 21.2.0

If you’ve been postponing the system prompt, Nintendo lists the current Switch system version as 21.2.0 (released Jan 13, 2026). The official notes are brief: general system stability improvements.

FF7 Remake Intergrade expands platforms (and adds Streamlined Progression everywhere)

Square Enix confirmed FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S on Jan 22, 2026, including a new accessibility-style option set called Streamlined Progression. Square Enix also stated that the same feature set is coming as a free update to PS5 and PC on Jan 22, 2026 so existing players can use it too.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack (Switch 2): Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance added

Nintendo announced that Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is now part of the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics lineup for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members on Switch 2 (announcement dated Jan 9, 2026).

Guide Corner (How-to / Walkthrough / Rules / Strategy)

How to win Knockout Tour Team Races in Mario Kart World (v1.5.0)

Knockout Tour is elimination-based, so “team mode” isn’t just about going fast—it’s about keeping enough teammates alive at each checkpoint while setting up a closer to score well at the end. Here’s a practical, room-friendly game plan you can use immediately after the v1.5.0 update.

1) Pick roles before the countdown (Leader, Bodyguard, Disruptor)

Leader (1 player): Drives the cleanest lines and aims to stay safely above the cutoff at each checkpoint.
Bodyguard (1–2 players): Hovers near the Leader and prioritizes defense (blocking, item control, covering mistakes).
Disruptor (rest of team): Plays “messy” on purpose—uses items to slow rival clusters and force eliminations.

Why this works: in Knockout Tour, you don’t need every teammate to be a hero—your team needs enough survivors each checkpoint to keep scoring potential high.

2) Treat checkpoints like “mini-finish lines”

Don’t burn everything early. If you’re comfortably above the cutoff, hold defensive items instead of forcing passes.
If you’re near the cutoff, spend items aggressively. Getting eliminated is always worse than “wasting” a mushroom or protection item to survive one more gate.
Call out danger zones. In voice chat, teammates should say “I’m at risk” when they drop near the cutoff so Bodyguards/Disruptors can react.

3) Item discipline: stack defense around the Leader

Leader priority: shield items and clean recovery options (anything that prevents one mistake becoming an elimination).
Bodyguard priority: deny rival momentum—clear space behind/alongside the Leader, and watch for incoming threats.
Disruptor priority: aim items at dense rival packs right before checkpoints to force last-second chaos.

4) Mid-pack is a trap—either front-pack or “smart back”

In team Knockout, mid-pack tends to eat the most item chaos. If you’re not racing at the very front, consider a controlled “smart back” approach: stay just high enough above the cutoff, preserve items, then surge when rivals panic near the checkpoint.

Common Mistakes

Everyone plays “solo hero.” In team Knockout Tour, one teammate getting eliminated because nobody protected them often swings the whole run.
Using speed items too early. Mushrooms used in safe sections often don’t matter; mushrooms used to survive a cutoff do.
Over-stacking the front. If all teammates fight for top spots, the back of your team gets wiped out by checkpoint pressure.
No communication on cutoff risk. A simple “I’m 2 spots from elimination” callout is frequently worth more than perfect driving.

Advanced Tips

Designate a “sweeper.” One player intentionally stays near the cutoff to harass rivals who are also struggling—your goal is to push them below the line while you survive by a spot or two.
Checkpoint timing: save disruptive items for the final stretch before a checkpoint, when rivals can’t recover position in time.
Leader pacing: being 1st doesn’t matter if your team’s 9th–12th are about to be eliminated; sometimes the Leader should drive “safe fast,” not “maximum fast.”
Room setup matters: team play only applies to Knockout Tour in rooms (Online Play / Wireless Play). If your group is missing the option, double-check you’re actually in a room and updated to Ver. 1.5.0.

How to research better (Checklist)

Start with official patch notes/support pages to confirm version numbers and release dates.
Cross-check with one reputable outlet (e.g., Gematsu) for fast summaries and context.
Verify platform wording (Switch vs Switch 2, PS5 vs PS4, PC storefront differences) before sharing tips.
Capture the exact feature name (example: “Streamlined Progression”) to avoid misinformation.
Write down dates in full (e.g., Jan 21, 2026) so readers aren’t confused by “this week.”

FAQ (5–8 Qs)

Q1) What version is Mario Kart World after the latest patch?

It’s Ver. 1.5.0, released Jan 21, 2026.

Q2) Where do Team Races work in Knockout Tour?

Team races were added for Knockout Tour when playing in a room during Online Play and Wireless Play.

Q3) What else is in Mario Kart World Ver. 1.5.0 besides team racing?

Polish language support and multiple fixes, including a Choco Mountain issue involving Kamek item usage and a rating display bug when joining “Everyone” online (in a room), plus other improvements.

Q4) What’s the current Nintendo Switch / Switch 2 system software version?

Nintendo lists the current system version as 21.2.0 (released Jan 13, 2026).

Q5) When does FF7 Remake Intergrade release on Switch 2 and Xbox?

Jan 22, 2026.

Q6) Is Streamlined Progression coming to PS5 and PC too?

Yes. Square Enix confirmed a free update for PS5 and PC on Jan 22, 2026 that adds Streamlined Progression options.

Q7) What’s new for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on Switch 2?

Nintendo announced Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is available via Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics for Switch 2 Expansion Pack members (announcement dated Jan 9, 2026).