Here's an interesting Mario Kart fact - the exclusive Nintendo racetrack you'll only find in mobile spin-off Mario Kart Tour is Piranha Plant Pipeline. This whimsical course takes players through warp pipe interiors resembling waterslides, yet curiously never transitioned to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch.
Mario Kart Tour's extensive lineup blends reimagined classics with innovative courses like Squeaky Clean Sprint (set partially in bathrooms) and Sky-High Sundae, which later appeared in Mario Kart World's open-world map. Piranha Plant Pipeline remains the odd one out - despite fan enthusiasm, Nintendo hasn't explained its absence from the Switch versions.
The Elusive Pipeline
Due to Mario Kart Tour's rotating track system, Piranha Plant Pipeline appears infrequently - Nintendo recently announced its return via Twitter/X, marking only its third appearance ever and first in 2025. "Well hello Piranha Plant Pipeline," one delighted fan tweeted. "Missed you so much."
Racers have until July 22nd to experience this rarity before Nintendo vaults it again. Its future remains uncertain - while Mario Kart World on Switch 2 may eventually expand its roster, Nintendo hasn't revealed post-launch content plans.
The Pipe Tour starts today and it features Piranha Plant Pipeline! #MarioKartTour pic.twitter.com/6X76J0X7w0
— Mario Kart Tour (@mariokarttourEN) July 9, 2025
The Future of Mobile Exclusives
Though Nintendo ceased Mario Kart Tour updates in 2023, the app remains available on iOS/Android. Initially controversial for its gacha mechanics (later removed), the mobile title was highly profitable. Nintendo's mobile legacy is inconsistent - discontinued games like Miitomo and Dr. Mario World suggest Piranha Plant Pipeline could vanish forever if Tour shuts down.
For now, this quirky pipe-racing experience persists as Mario Kart's most exclusive track - but its days may be numbered.
