Nintendo won't fix Mario Kart 7 track glitch

By Tom Phillips Published 17 January, 2012

Cheaters say Wuhu.

A major glitch in one of Mario Kart 7's tracks will remain unfixed, Nintendo has said.

Mario Kart 7 players discovered an exploit that enables racers to skip almost half of the Wuhu Mountain Loop course (named Maka Wuhu in North American versions).

By deliberately driving off of the track at a specific point near the course's start, gamers are sneakily returned to the track much farther on - near its final section.

But fixing the bug would give an "unfair advantage" to those with unpatched copies of the game, Nintendo decided.

"We are aware that it is possible to navigate a certain part of the track in Wuhu Island in a way that allows a large part of the course to be bypassed," said Nintendo spokesman Buddy Roemer in a statement to fans, posted by Sticktwiddlers.

"There are no plans to update the game to remove this shortcut as doing so would create an unfair advantage for the users of the original release of the game. Rest assured your comments have been added to our records for Mario Kart 7."

The track has become a favourite for online players who know the exploit, as it allows for an easy win against players unaware of the shortcut. A video of the illicit manoeuvre lies below.

Picture of Tom.

About Tom Phillips

Tom joined Eurogamer in 2010 and has quickly made his mark writing news and columns and coming up with puntastic straplines. Questionable beard. @TomPhillips151 on Twitter.

Read more articles from Tom by visiting the Tom Phillips archive page.

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Comments (94) Latest comment 4 months ago

Comments for this article are now closed, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • arcam #1 4 months ago

    It's like Wario Stadium on the N64...

  • redneon Verified Programmer, SUMO Digital #2 4 months ago

    Alternatively you could either 1) force people to update before they can play online or 2) only allow players with the same version to play together. No?

  • bigjimbeef #3 4 months ago

    This reminds me of my childhood playing Super Mario Kart and driving off all the courses to try and find points where it did this. Ahhh.. good times.

  • MENTAL1ST Verified Senior Software Engineer, Picsel UK Ltd. #4 4 months ago

    Alternatively you could either 1) force people to update before they can play online or 2) only allow players with the same version to play together. No?

    Don't be ridiculous, that'd be a sensible, (relatively) modern online policy. You can't be expecting Nintendo to implement internet stuff in 2012 that Microsoft had working in 2002!

  • Toothball #5 4 months ago

    As an aside, why is it that Nintendo are using different names for an increasing number of things between the US and UK English versions of games? It's like they don't even want different regions talking to each other about their 3DSes.

  • Stuz359 #6 4 months ago

    Why admit to a glitch? Just say it's a secret route.

  • abigsmurf #7 4 months ago

    This is Nintendos third online console and they still seem to mess up the basics.

    If you're worried about people using unpatched versions, don't let them play without being up to date.

  • Lexx87 #8 4 months ago

    Judging by past experience of games with buggy tracks like this, all and every multiplayer game you find will just be this track with everyone just using the glitch.

    Nintendo should really fix it in my opinion.

  • photoboy #9 4 months ago

    This is pretty weak. It suggests that Nintendo still don't have a proper patching system and that their online system isn't built to enforce people having the latest patched version of a game. Both pretty fundamental features in this modern age of glitches, bugs and online cheaters.

  • Marshall2008 #10 4 months ago

    Wow, its the Xbox Live (1st Gen Xbox) MotoGP online Beta bug. Who would have though it. If it exists on one track it will exist on them all. Get ready for 6 second laps :)

  • Dr_Wadd #11 4 months ago

    @arcam And not forgetting the ability to launch off to the left at the start of Rainbow Road and skip over a large section of the course. Sadly that same trick doesn't seem to work with the F-Zero X version of the same course.

  • Komino #12 4 months ago

    Why show a video of where the glitch can be found! Why advertise it and potentially ruin this track for all of us who love Mario Kart.

    We're all gamers here Eurogamer. Please just think of what of the ramifications of articles like this one on the games we love.

  • OllyJ #13 4 months ago

    oh...so it's a shortcut is it Nintendo?

    I'd call it either bad level design or a bug.

  • repeater #14 4 months ago

    "Rest assured your comments have been added to our records for Mario Kart 7."

    Yes, Nintendo, I am sure people affected by the bug will sleep easier knowing that their justified complaints will be gathering dust in the distant reaches of one of your email servers until the end of time. :lol:

  • MarcusJ #15 4 months ago

    Bowser's Inside Line.

  • eviroboy #16 4 months ago

    Suddenly everyone's a game designer....
    Don't intend to use it, those that do are only cheating themselves.

  • Cataferal #17 4 months ago

    The worst a part about this glitch isn't the glitch itself, but the fact everyone chooses this level thinking they have an edge over those who aren't in on it.

  • skowhegan Verified Staff Writer, Eurogamer Network #18 4 months ago

    Nintendo's stance means you can either cheat or get left behind.

    Hopefully there will come a time when everybody uses it, and then it's just another part of the course. Always rage at the players spamming the course's selection though.
    Edited by skowhegan at 17/01/12 @ 11:39

  • nickthegun #19 4 months ago

    Nintendo statement read 'we are incapable of patching this. Have you seen our online strategy recently?'

  • WAusJackBauer #20 4 months ago

    @MENTAL1ST Best comment I've ever seen on this site.

  • andisart #21 4 months ago

    Yes, they could make it mandatory to install a patch-fix before playing online again. However, you could then still be playing against local players who havent connected to the internet and still use the previous version. It's a lesser issue IMO, but maybe that's what they are thinking.

  • DwarfyP #22 4 months ago

    @Komino Showing the video not only shows people how to do it, it also shows how people are going to do it so you know what to look out for when you are playing.

    If you don't want to know how to do it then don't watch the video.

    @eviroboy As it is online, they aren't only cheating themselves, they are cheating everyone they play against.
    Edited by DwarfyP at 17/01/12 @ 10:28

  • roz123 #23 4 months ago

    I think they are more worried about resetting the ghosts and best times more then anything as if they patched this then the cheating ghost times will be unbeatable.

  • Sid-Nice #24 4 months ago

    Where's Jimmy Savile when you need him?

  • Tomnd #25 4 months ago

    Pack the patch with the next firmware update, then put the firmware update with each new software release from now on. Problem solved.
    Edited by Tomnd at 17/01/12 @ 10:32

  • Kami #26 4 months ago

    Well, if you didn't know it, you sure do now, with video guidelines to boot!

    Should be fixed though.

  • beep #27 4 months ago

    I always wondered why I would lose so badly on that track...as a 3DS Ambassador, I am appalled and will try this glitch in order to...er...mmmyess....

  • skowhegan Verified Staff Writer, Eurogamer Network #28 4 months ago

    @roz123 Good point.

  • Kay #29 4 months ago

    They should reset all times for this track, patch it, and force users to update before they can next play online. Simple, surely?

  • Phishfood #30 4 months ago

    My guess is there isn't anything already in the code that allows specific parts of the game to be updated. A very bad move for a game that has competitive online multiplayer.

    When I'm playing this at night it always seems to be the Japanese and American players that exploit this glitch. I know this because they are always the ones picking this track.

  • Daikon #31 4 months ago

    Blue shell.

  • youhavenomail #32 4 months ago

    Shy Guy FTMFW.

  • Sunyavadin #33 4 months ago

    It's not hard guys, it's single fragment of your network code, query the game version when loading this track in an online game, and then refuse to allow unpatched clients to connect.

  • FireMonkey #34 4 months ago

    "There are no plans to update the game to remove this shortcut as doing so would create an unfair advantage for the users of the original release of the game"

    As opposed to leaving the bug in which gives an unfair advantage to those who do not know about it?

    Just make it so when players try connecting with each other a version check is done between the games so only matching versions can play together. That is a pretty standard bit of code to have in multiplayer games, so I'd be surprised if it isn't already. Just seems lazy to me.

  • Komino #35 4 months ago

    @DwarfyP I didn't.

    But i still stand behind the fact that the video does not need to be on this article, IMO.
    Edited by Komino at 17/01/12 @ 10:59

  • Der_tolle_Emil #36 4 months ago

    This wouldn't bother me too much if it was found on one of the weak tracks; However, I really like this track and it's sad that it's pretty much ruined for public multiplayer.

  • Toothball #37 4 months ago

    @FireMonkey

    Preventing people who own older and newer versions of the game isn't really a good solution either, as then you end up people who can't play with their friends because not everyone bought the game at the same time. That's probably less desirable than leaving it as is, since you can still play the rest of the game at least.

  • DodgyPast #38 4 months ago

    At firemonkey.

    Would annoy people trying to play locally which is a lot more popular in Japan.

    Unless there was a way for other machines to grab the patch off an updated machine and install it.

    Which while sounding like a great solution probably would mean creating a very interesting target for hackers.

    Is the shortcut a zero skill one? At least the wario one was pretty tricky.

  • PixelPirate #39 4 months ago

    oh Ninty when will you understand the internet and embrace it.
    Just inforce patches if people want to play online. It works for everyone else.

  • Toothball #40 4 months ago

    @Sunyavadin

    The problem is that the unpatched clients are all the copies of the game that they have already sold. It doesn't seem that they have a method of patching games after they release them. This fix that Nintendo aren't doing would in theory be applied to any new copies of the game produced. Locking all those out of online play would leave them with a lot of angry gamers.

  • Triggerhappytel #41 4 months ago

    "track much farther on"

    'Farther on'? Tut tut EUROgamer, where's you proof readers?!

    As for this, it's pretty shite but hardly surprising - Nintendo feel archaic when it comes to online capabilities.

  • MENTAL1ST Verified Senior Software Engineer, Picsel UK Ltd. #42 4 months ago

    Post deleted at 11:28:30 17-01-2012

  • Architect_z #43 4 months ago

    Maybe i'm wrong about this, but the glitch on tracks like Wario Stadium on MK64 were quite nice to know, just incase you ever came across someone who bet you 20 quid that they could beat you on any track. Coz that what happened to me. Easy money. ^_^
    Edited by Architect_z at 17/01/12 @ 11:31

  • Architect_z #44 4 months ago

    Post deleted at 11:30:58 17-01-2012

  • Kill_Crazy #45 4 months ago

    @triggerhappytel

    "...where's you proof readers?'

    Where are yours!

  • Sunyavadin #46 4 months ago

    "Why patch it when we can charge you full price for a new game next year?"

  • Nico4 #47 4 months ago

    Nintendo: failing at online options once again.

  • Shakey_Jake33 #48 4 months ago

    Serious question, does Nintendo actually have a mechanism for patching 3DS games?

  • levitate #49 4 months ago

    Nintendo's unfortunate stubborness resembles that of a child. "The game is FUN! There is no glitch! It's FUN! Metacritic says so. It's FUN! There is no glitch. It's FUN!"

    Instead of listening to their customers and patching a glitch that is, arguably, not providing any fun whatsoever they decide to go the "it's unfair to others!" route.

  • Sunyavadin #50 4 months ago

    @Shakey_Jake33 If they don't, it makes their DRM claims about being able to remotely brick people running homebrew software seem laughable.

  • vert1go #51 4 months ago

    @abigsmurf Nintendo have been doing online since the Famicom. Hell they had downloadable games and content before anyone.

  • Lunastra78 #52 4 months ago

    Motorstorm Pacific Rift had the same kind of glitch on one track, effectively ruining it for online play since Evolution refused to patch it.

  • TonyHarrison #53 4 months ago

    Sounds like one of the glitches from previous Mario Kart games. They eventually became so well known that they weren't a problem. Stories like this only increase the likelihood of the same happening again.

  • urban #54 4 months ago

    @redneon That would make sense though! Nintendo don't do commonsensical updates

  • Lemming81 #55 4 months ago

    Fucking hell Nintendo, Skyward Sword now this? Since they've been working in the Wii U have they just rushed stuff out the door?

    If it was any other company I'd be like 'meh' (Mainly because other companies know they can get away with buggy software because they expect everyone online to download patches), but Nintendo, I expect better from you.

  • TheVoice #56 4 months ago

    "Rest assured your comments have been added to our records for Mario Kart 7."

    And those records thrown in the bin. And that bin then set on fire.

  • RobTheBuilder #57 4 months ago

    That seems a very strange reaction. If you are playing against other people you must be online therefore you can be auto-patched...

  • Matfink #58 4 months ago

    "your comments have been added to our records for Mario Kart 7."
    Why's everyone complaining? Isn't sweeping it under the rug enough for you ungrateful gits?!

  • deez #59 4 months ago

    @Der_tolle_Emil it's so irritating, just don't get why people think such a great track is more fun with these hollow victories. Losers. The queuing up to take the short cut is so so sad.

  • roz123 #60 4 months ago

    @Shakey_Jake33 They have already patched some eShop games on the 3DS. Not sure about full retail releases though

  • Rodster #61 4 months ago

    Online gamers found cheating ?! No way. :p

  • threemoh #62 4 months ago

    Another victory for EG's in-house punlords.

  • mr_pink #63 4 months ago

    @Eurocensor Adblock Plus browser extension/add-on

  • Slipstream #64 4 months ago

    You can do that with Rainbow Road on the N64

  • miiiguel #65 4 months ago

    Nintedo has a patching system ? For the 3ds ?

  • FenderMaster #66 4 months ago

    "There are no plans to update the game to remove this shortcut as doing so would create an unfair advantage for the users of the original release of the game. Rest assured your comments have been added to our records for Mario Kart 7."

    But not fixing the bug results in a far more unfair advantage to those who know the bug/exploit, and those that don't.

  • deez #67 4 months ago

    @Eurocensor last couple of days I've been unable to read some articles on my phone due to this..

  • Acrid #68 4 months ago

    @abigsmurf
    "This is Nintendos third online console and they still seem to mess up the basics."
    Actually, what makes it worse is that this is Nintendo's 5th console with online functionality, 4th console with online gaming and, if I'm not mistaken, 4th online Mario Kart.

    Very soon this will no longer be a glitch/cheaters short-cut, it will just become "the way".

  • gandhimaster #69 4 months ago

    I know so many people have already said this, but this issue shows how far behind nintendo are with online systems. I definitely believe they don't understand it completely.

  • retr0gamer #70 4 months ago

    When has mario kart not had glitchy shortcuts.

  • CamelCarcass #71 4 months ago

    Nintendo being awful at making games is why no-one plays their games. If they can't patch in a very common way because they're that bad at coding, maybe they shouldn't be making games in the first place.
    Edited by CamelCarcass at 17/01/12 @ 15:19

  • WadiumArcadium #72 4 months ago

    Annoying. I'm tempted to quit every time this track gets chosen, at least half of the players use it.

  • Pwnsweet #73 4 months ago

    Lame game made by lame company has lame glitches that can't be fixed because of lame online system. Is anyone honestly surprised?

  • the-Axtor-show Verified Product Manager Microsoft Entertainment & Devices, Also Finland LTD #74 4 months ago

    How big of an issue is this? its not like its a hardcore competitive online game?

  • Triggerhappytel #75 4 months ago

    @Kill_Crazy
    Heh, touche my friend. I blame my phone's auto-correct! ;)

  • deez #76 4 months ago

    @aleksiranta it's an online racing game, therefore by it's very nature it's competitive. Plus it's a great game, so having one of the tracks spoilt is irritating.

  • Triggerhappytel #77 4 months ago

    @Pwnsweet
    You're a lame troll.

  • TheJuriel #78 4 months ago

    Oh, Japanese developers, and your network understanding from the 90s...

  • djm99 #79 4 months ago

    do people really play this rubbish??

  • Collymilad #80 4 months ago

    @redneon - #2 is exactly what I was about to say, considering that's what almost EVERY other game on the planet enforces for online play.

    Nintendo, you really are clueless.

  • Paulie_P #81 4 months ago

    I don't understand people - even if I was half-decent at any track, I'd choose different tracks each time because I enjoy the variety. The wii version always had people voting for the Luigi Circuit track and it done my head in! You may as well be playing a normal racer if you're going to pick that.

  • etBie #82 4 months ago

    @Lexx87 I already had it several times, that some of the players chose this track every round. It's not fun anymore.

  • etBie #83 4 months ago

    @Komino You can see the glitch within the game. The Ghostrace is your friend. Also if you don't use the glitch, you automatically lose.

  • hippyjump #84 4 months ago

    lmfao who plays that kids game anyway

  • dirtysteve #85 4 months ago

    'added to our records' ? That's Nintendo for you, jesus, just force the update. And get youtube on 3ds too. It's a bit too late to still be scared of the internet.

  • dangerousbrian0 #86 4 months ago

    I think they better get rid of the Original Nintendo Seal Of Quality stamp on the back since it is not of quality because of the glitch or change the tag line on the back from Drive,Dive and Glide to victory to Drive,Dive,Glide and Cheat to victory lol.

  • jamiscool #87 4 months ago

    This is a shame. I steadfastly refused to take the shortcut for the first dozen or so times I've played it. But due to the fact that you have ZERO chance of catching up I have myself now given in to temptation, which is unfortunate as I'd rather do the track properly.

  • Jay1983 #88 4 months ago

    lol @ Those moaning about a glitchy Nintendo game. Are u the same ppl that love the glitchfest Skyrim?

    And as for Nintendo not being able to patch 3DS games.... SpotPass says Hello.

  • Jay1983 #89 4 months ago

    @CamelCarcass
    Which is why they have the best selling, highest rated games ever made eh?

  • Pwnsweet #90 4 months ago

    @Triggerhappytel
    So stating fact is considered trolling now? Everything I said is true after all.

  • Lunatic4ever #91 4 months ago

    Oh how nice, it has been added to their records. Wow. Way to solve the problem :D

  • Matfink #92 4 months ago

    @Jay1983 Yeah - it really ruins Skyrim's online component.

  • FerrisBueller #93 4 months ago

    Eurogamer, I'm disappointed in your lack of comment on this. This story could, on the basis of the YouTube video, lead to Eurogamer being banned in the US, blocked from search engines, and blocked from getting any advertising revenue, if SOPA/PIPA passes in the US. In other words, this story could lead to the demise of Eurogamer.

    Think I'm exaggerating? I'm really not. This is what the legislation is designed to do, because Nintendo won't have approved the YouTube footage, so technically it is a copyright infringement. What I listed above is the reprecussions SOPA/PIPA sets up, and they can be enforced without any due process, but on a coporation's demand. Even to websites outside the US. Stop SOPA/PIPA. Keep the internet for us.

    http://blacklists.eff.org/
    Edited by FerrisBueller at 18/01/12 @ 22:51

  • Rennieboy #94 4 months ago

    I got hit by 2 of them using this earlier! Wondered how the feck i went from 1st to 3rd place :( damn u cheating scumbags.... I think i might give it a bash tho, best to get it out there i say then at least if everyone is using it then alls fair again!!