3DS Rainbow Road

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This article is about the race course from Mario Kart 7. For Rainbow Road as a whole and other versions of the track, see Rainbow Road.
Rainbow Road
Rainbow Road
Information
Appears in Mario Kart 7 (2011)
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS (2014)
Mario Kart Tour (2019)
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Booster Course Pass, Wave 3) (2022)
Cup(s) Special Cup (7)
Moon Cup (8 Deluxe)
Tour(s)
Online play Available (3DS until April 8, 2024, Switch)
Music sample
Mario Kart 7 / Mario Kart Tour
Normal

Moon

Mario Kart 7
Frontrunning

Moon/frontrunning

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Normal
Moon

Frontrunning

Moon/frontrunning
Course map
Mario Kart 7
Rainbow Road bottom screen mapRainbow Road
Mario Kart Tour
The map of 3DS Rainbow Road from Mario Kart Tour
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Map of 3DS Rainbow Road in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Staff ghost(s)
7 Nin★Takamu
2:10.090 Honey QueenBirthday GirlSlim TiresPeach Parasol
7 Expert Nin★Asakur
1:52.077 Honey QueenBumble VStandard tiresFlower Glider
8DX 150cc Nin★Mizuho
1:52.015 Rosalina's head icon in Mario Kart 8Circuit Special body from Mario Kart 8StandardThumbnail of Rosalina and Baby Rosalina's Super Glider (with 8 icon), in Mario Kart 8.
8DX 200cc Nin★Dylan
1:19.545 Waluigi's head icon in Mario Kart 8The Duke body from Mario Kart 8MonsterThumbnail of Waluigi's Super Glider (with 8 icon), in Mario Kart 8.

Rainbow Road is the fourth and last course of the Special Cup in Mario Kart 7. The course has once again increased in length compared to previous renditions, but still shares a similar theme to its predecessor. Instead of floating above the atmosphere, it now takes place around the Moon, with several small asteroids in the background. As a result, unlike past Rainbow Roads, this incarnation features the player driving on off-road surfaces such as the Moon itself and rings of Saturn. It is the first Rainbow Road course to contain one lap divided into three sections, being followed by N64 Rainbow Road in Mario Kart 8. Due to its length, it is one of the longest courses in the Mario Kart series, and as such is also one of the longest Rainbow Roads in the series; however, the iteration of Rainbow Road in Mario Kart 64 takes more time to complete, as it is three laps long instead of one.

This Rainbow Road returns as a classic course in Mario Kart Tour, debuting in the 2019 Holiday Tour. It is one of only two courses in the game to have three laps or sections (the other being GCN Baby Park T). It also returns in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as the fourth and final course of the Moon Cup in the Booster Course Pass.

Mario Kart 7[edit]

Along with Wuhu Loop and Maka Wuhu, Rainbow Road only has one lap instead of three. It is divided into three sections to resemble laps. The truss at the start-and-finish line displays the Mario Kart logo with dynamic rainbow. The start of the second section has a truss displaying two dynamic rainbow stars. The truss at start of the third section displays three dynamic rainbow stars. It is the only course in the game with three sections to not take place on Wuhu Island.

When performing a trick on this course, a slightly different sound effect will be produced when compared to other courses; the same applies to SNES Rainbow Road.

This course has the most Glide Ramps out of every Mario Kart course, with five. However, only the Glide Ramps going onto and off of the planet rings are mandatory.

Course layout[edit]

The starting line at Rainbow Road with Honey Queen.
The start of the track. The colors on the start-and-finish checkered line (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) constitute the four plates of the CMYK color model.

The race starts off with a short straightaway, following with a sharp turn to the right, then left, going around a planet. Afterward, there are three platforms that the drivers drive and jump off each one (similar to the area before the temple in DK Jungle). Next, players drive around another planet, but are spiraling down as they do so, with drop-offs allowing for tricks. The track then comes to a rainbow-spotted Mushroom Trampoline, and then a sharp right turn. After the turn, players have the opportunity to snatch some item boxes and coins on a waving road (similar to Mario Kart Wii).

Section two starts off with another sharp turn followed by a glide ramp which leads racers onto the rings of a Saturn-like planet. Players have to dodge holes in the rings before they then come to a section where they can hit some dash panels for speed boosts. Players then activate their glider again after hitting the next glide ramp at the end of the rings. Once landing, players take three turns, all loaded with dash panels. Next, there is another wavy road, but this one has holes in it. Once the drivers make it through the wavy road or fall through, they land on the moon, where they need to dodge rolling Chain Chomps, and they can trick off of craters. Though there's no water in the moon portion, its low gravity works identically to the physics of driving underwater, so sometimes players can fly far with just one trick.

Section three starts with some conveyor belts that give little boosts, then leads into a Turning Floor with dash panels and glide ramps at the end. The track splits into two parts, then three, then two, before fusing back into one. This part is filled with ramps that can be used to go through rings for extra speed. If players hit a glide ramp, they have to dodge asteroids, but try to pass through rings at the same time. The track ends with a part that increases in altitude, then decreases again, leading to one small jump facing the finish line.

Rainbow Road
The hidden Item Boxes

There are three Item Boxes floating under the rings of the Saturn-like planetoid. It is possible to get one of these Item Boxes by gliding, but the player must get back on the track after getting it in order to use their item. However, it is quite difficult to do so without a mushroom.

Shortcuts[edit]

  • The first turn of the second section can be skipped or taken tightly by drifting off the red and white striped side of the road.
  • Time can be gained by repeatedly swooping far down below the planetoid’s ring and up again after the first Glider ramp.
  • Another Glider shortcut can be performed with the second Glider ramp by gliding off to the left back over the planet’s ring and landing after or on the second set of Dash Panels, skipping the turn.
  • The last turn of the course can be skipped by drifting off the red and white striped side of the road and landing on the final straightaway.

Mario Kart Tour[edit]

View of 3DS Rainbow Road in Mario Kart Tour
The course in Mario Kart Tour

This version of Rainbow Road makes its classic course debut in Mario Kart Tour, starting with the 2019 Holiday Tour. Various changes have been made to the track - it is noticeably flatter overall, with several turns being far less banked. The start-and-finish truss is now formed by a rainbow arch with a gold half star surrounding it and displays the Mario Kart logo in cyan. The checkered line is now black and white, instead of magenta, yellow, cyan, and black. The other two trusses for the start of the second and third sections are also formed by a rainbow arch and display three golden stars. The rails on the race track are now formed by golden stars while the rails on the moon are now formed by cyan neon lights. The star-shaped rings are now silver and have disco balls at the corners pointing outwards, like the golden star-shaped ring on the rotating tunnel. The launch rings are now cyan, resembling the dash ring items. The curbs, located on the turn after the start of the second section and at the descending section before the jump to the stretch to the start-and-finish line, have been removed. The series of jumps following the first few turns have been aligned. The part between the mushroom trampoline and the start of the second section is now entirely wavy. At the turn after the start of the second section, the rails are placed on the left side of the track, instead of the right side. The series of turns following the second Glide Ramp have also been made tamer. The boost panel on the wavy section before the moon area has been replaced with a trick ramp. Toads in space suits now appear as spectators next to the spaceships and the moon near the first turn is now a blue planet that resembles Uranus, while Jupiter replaces the second moon. After the start of the third section, the golden arches are replaced with star-shaped rings. When driving on the boost conveyors, the acceleration sound effect has been removed. The rail at the descending section before the jump to the stretch to the start-and-finish line has been removed. Plus, the jump ramp at the jump has been removed. Earth is also now visible in the background of the track, and the galaxy has been replaced by the Andromeda Galaxy. The sun has also been moved to a spot that is visible from the Moon section.

The course also appears as Rainbow Road R (reversed), Rainbow Road T (with ramps), and Rainbow Road R/T (reversed with ramps). The former two debuted alongside the original in the 2019 Holiday Tour, while the latter debuted in the Baby Rosalina Tour. In all three variants, the rolling Chain Chomps are gone. In the R and R/T variants, the gaps between paths where the path splits are now filled in by Kanaami Road. In the R variant, the moon section is cut short as racers use a cannon to glide up to the road, and racers can glide over the three platforms towards the end of the track. In the T and R/T variants, the starting line is now located in the split path section, making them two of five courses in Mario Kart Tour to not start in the same location as the original, the others being 3DS Rock Rock Mountain T, Singapore Speedway R/T and Athens Dash R/T. Additionally, the Turning Floor and both wavy parts of the road are completely gone. In the T variant, there are several more mushroom trampolines, and all three former gliding sections are also gone, but racers instead glide over the moon. In the R/T variant, racers glide over where the Turning Floor was.

Appearances[edit]

For this course's tour appearances, see List of 3DS Rainbow Road tour appearances in Mario Kart Tour.

Top-tier and middle-tier items[edit]

Select "show" to reveal the drivers, karts, and gliders for which 3DS Rainbow Road and its variants are always favored or favorite courses. For instances in which additional drivers, karts, and gliders temporarily had this course and its variants as favored or favorite courses, see List of 3DS Rainbow Road tour appearances in Mario Kart Tour.

Course Three-item drivers Bonus points ×2 karts Combo bonus ×3 gliders Two-item drivers Bonus points ×1.5 karts Combo bonus ×2 gliders
3DS Rainbow Road from Mario Kart Tour
Normal variant
Birdo (White)Daisy (Fairy)Fire RosalinaGold Mii Racing SuitKing Bob-omb (Gold)King Boo (Gold)Mario (Happi)Rosalina (Aurora)Rosalina Mii Racing Suit Black Penguin Slider from Mario Kart TourThe Black Sneeker from Mario Kart TourComet Tail from Mario Kart TourDreamy Egg from Mario Kart TourGold Cheep Snorkel from Mario Kart TourGold Clanky Kart from Mario Kart Tour.Gold Egg from Mario Kart TourGold Pumpkin Kart from Mario Kart TourGold Zucchini from Mario Kart TourLunar Cruiser from Mario Kart TourPaintster from Mario Kart TourQuickshaw from Mario Kart TourThe Rainbow Taxi from Mario Kart TourRed B Dasher from Mario Kart Tour 8-Bit Fire Flower from Mario Kart Tour8-Bit Star from Mario Kart TourBaby Mario Hanafuda from Mario Kart TourCrimson Crane from Mario Kart TourGift Glider from Mario Kart TourGold Home-Field Glider from Mario Kart TourGold Swooper from Mario Kart TourGolden Wings from Mario Kart TourJolly Bells from Mario Kart TourStarry Great Sail from Mario Kart TourTulip Corsage from Mario Kart Tour Daisy (Thai Dress)Dr. BowserDr. PeachDry Bowser (Gold)***Green Mii Racing SuitLakitu (Party Time)Mario (Santa)Mario (Satellaview)*Pauline (Rose)Rosalina (Swimwear)* Bright Bunny from Mario Kart Tour***Cact-Ice from Mario Kart TourCupid's Arrow from Mario Kart TourFast Frank from Mario Kart TourGold Bunny from Mario Kart Tour*Gold Cheep Charger from Mario Kart Tour**The Gold Rambi Rider from Mario Kart TourGoo-Goo Buggy from Mario Kart TourGrand Badwagon from Mario Kart TourHoliday King from Mario Kart Tour*Ice-blue Poltergust from Mario Kart TourThe Purple Dozer in Mario Kart TourSakura Quickshaw from Mario Kart TourYellow Taxi from Mario Kart Tour** Butterfly Prism from Mario Kart TourCandlelight Flight Cake from Mario Kart TourCape Mario Hanafuda from Mario Kart TourGold Glider from Mario Kart Tour**Le Tricolore from Mario Kart TourLuma Parafoil from Mario Kart TourPink Gold Meteors from Mario Kart Tour*Rainbow Fare Flier from Mario Kart Tour*Rainbow Starchute from Mario Kart TourSilver Bells from Mario Kart TourSnow Crystals from Mario Kart TourSweetheart Glider from Mario Kart Tour
Birdo (Light Blue) Birdo from Mario Kart Tour and Mario Kart 8 DeluxeRosalina's icon from Mario Kart Tour Streamliner from Mario Kart TourTurbo Birdo from Mario Kart TourWhite Royale from Mario Kart Tour** Mushroom Glider from Mario Kart Tour
Lemmy Koopa's icon from Mario Kart Tour. MKT Icon BabyPeach.png**Baby Rosalina's icon from Mario Kart Tour
3DS Rainbow Road R from Mario Kart Tour
R variant
Daisy (Thai Dress)Dr. BowserDry Bowser (Gold)Green Mii Racing SuitIce MarioLakitu (Party Time)Pauline (Party Time)Pauline (Rose)Rosalina (Aurora)Toad (Astronaut) Cact-Ice from Mario Kart TourCupid's Arrow from Mario Kart TourFast Frank from Mario Kart TourGold Cheep Snorkel from Mario Kart TourGold Clanky Kart from Mario Kart Tour.Gold Pipe Frame from Mario Kart TourThe Gold Rambi Rider from Mario Kart TourGoo-Goo Buggy from Mario Kart TourLunar Cruiser from Mario Kart TourPlatinum Taxi from Mario Kart TourRed B Dasher Mk. 2 from Mario Kart TourRibbon Rider from Mario Kart TourSnow Skimmer from Mario Kart Tour Baby Mario Hanafuda from Mario Kart TourGold Meteors from Mario Kart TourGold Penguin Wingtip from Mario Kart TourGold Tanooki Parafoil from Mario Kart TourNew Year's 2020 from Mario Kart TourNew Year's Kite from Mario Kart TourPlanet Glider from Mario Kart TourRainbow Starchute from Mario Kart TourRecord Setter from Mario Kart TourSnow Crystals from Mario Kart TourSunset Balloons from Mario Kart Tour Birdo (White)*Dr. PeachFire RosalinaKamek from Mario Kart TourKing Boo (Gold)Mario (Satellaview)**Peach (Halloween)Peach (Happi)Peach (Vacation)**Penguin Mario from Mario Kart TourShy Guy (Gold)* The Black Sneeker from Mario Kart TourBlack Turbo Birdo from Mario Kart Tour**The Blooper Shuttle from Mario Kart Tour*Blue Soda from Mario Kart Tour**Comet Tail from Mario Kart Tour**Dark Trickster from Mario Kart TourDouble-Decker from Mario Kart Tour***Frost Wing from Mario Kart TourGold Egg from Mario Kart Tour*The Gold Lunar Cruiser from Mario Kart Tour*Purple Bunny from Mario Kart Tour*Rose Queen from Mario Kart TourStar Broom from Mario Kart Tour Cape Mario Hanafuda from Mario Kart Tour**Galaxy Glider from Mario Kart Tour*Gift Glider from Mario Kart Tour***Glinting Glider from Mario Kart Tour*Gold Swooper from Mario Kart TourGolden Wings from Mario Kart TourMeteor Balloons from Mario Kart Tour*Rose Parasol from Mario Kart TourSakura Origami Glider from Mario Kart TourSilver Bells from Mario Kart Tour**Soaring Jack from Mario Kart Tour
Pink Toad (Pit Crew)MKT Icon Waluigi.png Blue Seven from Mario Kart Tour Blue Flower Glider from Mario Kart Tour MKT Icon Bowser.pngBowser Jr. from Mario Kart TourToadette's icon from Mario Kart Tour Koopa Clown from Mario Kart TourRed Standard 8 from Mario Kart TourTurbo Birdo from Mario Kart Tour
Parachute
3DS Rainbow Road T from Mario Kart Tour
T variant
Builder ToadetteDry Bowser (Gold)Ice MarioKamek from Mario Kart TourLuigi (Knight)Mario (Satellaview)Peach (Happi)Penguin Mario from Mario Kart TourPink Gold Peach from Mario Kart TourShy Guy (Gold) The Blooper Shuttle from Mario Kart TourComet Tail from Mario Kart TourDreamy Egg from Mario Kart TourGold Bunny from Mario Kart TourGold Cheep Charger from Mario Kart TourIce-blue Poltergust from Mario Kart TourIce-Cream Minibus from Mario Kart TourPaintster from Mario Kart TourPurple Bunny from Mario Kart TourRed B Dasher Mk. 2 from Mario Kart TourRose Queen from Mario Kart TourRose Taxi from Mario Kart TourYellow Taxi from Mario Kart Tour Baby Mario Hanafuda from Mario Kart TourDream Glider from Mario Kart TourGalaxy Glider from Mario Kart TourGlinting Glider from Mario Kart TourGold Tanooki Parafoil from Mario Kart TourJolly Bells from Mario Kart TourNew Year's 2020 from Mario Kart TourPink Gold Paper Glider from Mario Kart TourRainbow Starchute from Mario Kart TourRecord Setter from Mario Kart TourWicked Topaz from Mario Kart Tour Bowser (Santa)*Builder LuigiCat LuigiDr. Mario from Mario Kart TourGold Mii Racing SuitMario (Santa)Peachette's icon from Mario Kart Tour.*Petey Piranha from Mario Kart TourRosalina Mii Racing Suit The Black Sneeker from Mario Kart TourCandy Clown from Mario Kart Tour**Clanky Kart from Mario Kart TourCupid's Arrow from Mario Kart TourDark Trickster from Mario Kart TourGold Cheep Snorkel from Mario Kart Tour*Gold Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour*Holiday King from Mario Kart Tour**Jingle Bells from Mario Kart TourLunar Cruiser from Mario Kart Tour**Macharon from Mario Kart TourThe Purple Dozer in Mario Kart TourQuickshaw from Mario Kart TourThe Rainbow Taxi from Mario Kart Tour*Snow Skimmer from Mario Kart Tour**Sports Coupe 2022 from Mario Kart Tour 8-Bit Star from Mario Kart Tour*Butterfly Prism from Mario Kart TourCandlelight Flight Cake from Mario Kart TourCape Mario Hanafuda from Mario Kart TourFull Flight from Mario Kart TourGlitter Glider from Mario Kart TourGold Crane from Mario Kart Tour*Meteor Balloons from Mario Kart Tour**Pink Gold Meteors from Mario Kart TourSafety Glider from Mario Kart TourSnow Crystals from Mario Kart TourSoaring Jack from Mario Kart Tour
Birdo from Mario Kart Tour and Mario Kart 8 DeluxeMKT Icon Bowser.png Koopa Clown from Mario Kart Tour Pink Flower Glider from Mario Kart Tour Boomerang Bro's icon from Mario Kart TourFire Bro's icon from Mario Kart TourHammer Bro's icon from Mario Kart Tour White Royale from Mario Kart Tour Blue Flower Glider from Mario Kart Tour
Lemmy**Wendy
3DS Rainbow Road R/T from Mario Kart Tour
R/T variant
Builder ToadetteChargin' Chuck (Gold)Dry Bones (Gold)Gold Koopa (Freerunning)Ice MarioLuigi (Painter)Mario (Satellaview)Pauline (Rose)Pink Gold Peach from Mario Kart TourRosalina (Aurora)Rosalina (Volendam)Tanooki Mario from Mario Kart TourYoshi (Gold Egg) Bright Bunny from Mario Kart TourComet Tail from Mario Kart TourCrawly Kart from Mario Kart TourGilded Prancer from Mario Kart TourThe Gold Bruiser from Mario Kart TourGold Bunny from Mario Kart TourThe Gold Jingle Bell from Mario Kart TourGold Kiddie Kart from Mario Kart TourThe Gold Lunar Cruiser from Mario Kart TourIce-blue Poltergust from Mario Kart TourKamek's Zoom Broom from Mario Kart TourPink B Dasher Mk. 2 from Mario Kart TourRed Crawly Kart from Mario Kart TourSilver Bullet Blaster from Mario Kart TourVampire Flyer from Mario Kart Tour Blizzard Balloons from Mario Kart TourFireworks Parachute from Mario Kart TourGlinting Glider from Mario Kart TourGold Eggshell Glider from Mario Kart TourGold Penguin Wingtip from Mario Kart TourGold Tanooki Parafoil from Mario Kart TourGold Toe-Bean Balloons from Mario Kart TourGolden Wings from Mario Kart TourHeart Balloons from Mario Kart TourMeteor Balloons from Mario Kart TourNew Year's 2023 from Mario Kart TourRainbow Starchute from Mario Kart TourSilver Bells from Mario Kart TourSnow Crystals from Mario Kart TourSweetheart Glider from Mario Kart Tour ? Block Mii Racing SuitDaisy (Fairy)Donkey Kong Jr. (SNES)King Boo (Gold)Mario (Halloween)**Mario (King)Peach (Halloween)*Penguin Luigi*Petey Piranha (Gold)Rosalina (Halloween)Rosalina Mii Racing SuitSilver Mii Racing SuitTanooki RosalinaToad (Astronaut)*Toadette (Explorer)* Dark Trickster from Mario Kart Tour**Dreamy Egg from Mario Kart TourGold Cheep Charger from Mario Kart TourThe Gold Double-Decker from Mario Kart TourThe Gold Eagle from Mario Kart TourThe Gold Rambi Rider from Mario Kart TourGold Standard from Mario Kart TourLunar Cruiser from Mario Kart Tour*Paintster from Mario Kart TourParty-Wing from Mario Kart TourPink Dozer from Mario Kart TourRambi Runner from Mario Kart TourRibbon Rider from Mario Kart TourRose Taxi from Mario Kart Tour Galaxy Glider from Mario Kart TourGold Hard Hat Balloon from Mario Kart Tour*Gold Home-Field Glider from Mario Kart Tour***Luma Parafoil from Mario Kart Tour*Magic Parasol from Mario Kart TourNew Year's Kite from Mario Kart Tour*Planet Glider from Mario Kart TourPurple Oilpaper Umbrella from Mario Kart TourStrawberry Crêpe from Mario Kart TourSunset Balloons from Mario Kart Tour
Dark Clown from Mario Kart TourSoda Jet from Mario Kart Tour Birdo from Mario Kart Tour and Mario Kart 8 DeluxeIce Bro's icon from Mario Kart Tour Blue Seven from Mario Kart Tour*Koopa Clown from Mario Kart TourPara-Wing from Mario Kart Tour**Royale from Mario Kart Tour* Pink Flower Glider from Mario Kart Tour**
Parachute
* indicates a favored course upgraded to a favorite course after reaching level 3.
** indicates a favored course upgraded to a favorite course after reaching level 6.
*** indicates a favored course upgraded to a favorite course after reaching level 8 for High-End items.

Bonus challenges[edit]

Ring Race
Icon Course variant Chosen
driver
Chosen
kart
Chosen
glider
Grand Star scores Tour appearances Cup
Thumbnail of the Ring Race bonus challenge held on 3DS Rainbow Road Regular MKT Icon BabyLuigi.png
Baby Luigi
Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour
Pipe Frame
Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour
Super Glider
  • 30
  • 50
  • 70
Holiday Tour (2019) The icon of the Luigi Cup from Mario Kart Tour.
Luigi Cup
  • 40
  • 50
  • 70
Mario Tour (2021) The icon of the Mario Cup from Mario Kart Tour.
Mario Cup
Do Jump Boosts
Icon Course variant Chosen
driver
Chosen
kart
Chosen
glider
Grand Star scores Tour appearances Cup
The Metal Mario Cup Challenge from the 2020 New Year's Tour of Mario Kart Tour Regular Metal Mario's icon from Mario Kart Tour.
Metal Mario
Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour
Pipe Frame
Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour
Super Glider
  • 20
  • 32
  • 44
New Year's Tour (2020) The icon of the Metal Mario Cup from Mario Kart Tour.
Metal Mario Cup
The icon of the Bowser Jr. Cup challenge from the Summer Festival Tour and the Luigi Cup challenge from the Space Tour in Mario Kart Tour Shy Guy's icon from Mario Kart Tour.
Shy Guy
Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour
Pipe Frame
Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour
Super Glider
  • 18
  • 32
  • 44
Summer Festival Tour Bowser Jr. Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Bowser Jr. Cup
  • 24
  • 36
  • 42
Space Tour (2021) The icon of the Luigi Cup from Mario Kart Tour.
Luigi Cup
Big Reverse Race
Icon Course variant Opponents Tour appearances Cup
7th 6th 5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st Extra
The icon of the Toad Cup challenge from the Marine Tour and the Baby Peach Cup challenge from the 2021 Autumn Tour in Mario Kart Tour. Regular Driver Koopa Troopa's icon from Mario Kart Tour.[1] Luigi's icon from Mario Kart Tour.[1] Toad's icon from Mario Kart Tour[1] Peach[1] MKT Icon Bowser.png[1] MKT Icon DonkeyKong.png[1] MKT Icon Yoshi.png[1] Mario's icon from Mario Kart Tour. Marine Tour The icon of the Toad Cup from Mario Kart Tour.
Toad Cup
Kart Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour
Glider Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour Autumn Tour (2021) Baby Peach Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Baby Peach Cup
Goomba Takedown
Icon Course variant Chosen
driver
Chosen
kart
Chosen
glider
Item Box
type found
Number of item slots Grand Star scores Tour appearances Cup
The icon of the Peachette Cup challenge from the Baby Rosalina Tour and the Mario Cup challenge from the Toad vs. Toadette Tour in Mario Kart Tour Regular Peachette's icon from Mario Kart Tour.
Peachette
Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour
Pipe Frame
Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour
Super Glider
Bob-omb from Mario Kart Tour.
Bob-omb

Mega Mushroom from Mario Kart Tour.
Mega Mushroom

Bullet Bill from Mario Kart Tour.
Bullet Bill
2
  • 25
  • 55
  • 95
Baby Rosalina Tour Peachette Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Peachette Cup
1
  • 30
  • 60
  • 90
Toad vs. Toadette Tour The icon of the Mario Cup from Mario Kart Tour.
Mario Cup
  • 30
  • 50
  • 85
Space Tour (2023) Dry Bones Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Dry Bones Cup
Glider Challenge
Icon Course variant Chosen
driver
Chosen
kart
Chosen
glider
Grand Star distances Tour appearances Cup
The icon of the Dry Bones Cup challenge from the 2019 Holiday Tour, the Fire Bro Cup challenge from the Snow Tour, and the Donkey Kong Cup challenge from the 2021 Autumn Tour in Mario Kart Tour Regular Peach's icon from Mario Kart Tour
Peach
Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour
Pipe Frame
Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour
Super Glider
  • 200
  • 600
  • 900
Holiday Tour (2019) Dry Bones Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Dry Bones Cup
  • 300
  • 600
  • 900
Snow Tour Fire Bro Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Fire Bro Cup
Autumn Tour (2021) The icon of the Donkey Kong Cup from Mario Kart Tour.
Donkey Kong Cup
Space Tour (2023) Kamek Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Kamek Cup
Steer Clear of Obstacles
Icon Course variant Chosen
driver
Chosen
kart
Chosen
glider
Obstacles Tour appearances Cup
The Larry Cup Challenge from the Mario Bros. Tour of Mario Kart Tour Regular Larry Koopa's icon from Mario Kart Tour.
Larry
Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour
Pipe Frame
Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour
Super Glider
A Star Thwomp in Mario Kart Tour
Star Thwomp
Mario Bros. Tour Larry Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Larry Cup
Yoshi Tour (2022) The icon of the Toad Cup from Mario Kart Tour.
Toad Cup
vs. Mega Metal Mario
Icon Course variant Mega opponent information Tour appearances Cup
Driver Kart Glider Items used
The icon of the Dry Bowser Cup challenge from the 2019 Holiday Tour and the Bowser Jr. Cup challenge from the 2021 Yoshi Tour in Mario Kart Tour Regular Metal Mario's icon from Mario Kart Tour.
Metal Mario
Gold Train from Mario Kart Tour
Gold Train
Gold Glider from Mario Kart Tour
Gold Glider[2]
Fire Flower from Mario Kart Tour
Fire Flowers[2]
Holiday Tour (2019) The icon of the Dry Bowser Cup from Mario Kart Tour.
Dry Bowser Cup
Yoshi Tour (2021) Bowser Jr. Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Bowser Jr. Cup
Smash Small Dry Bones
Icon Course variant Chosen
driver
Chosen
kart
Chosen
glider
Grand Star scores Tour appearances Cup
Thumbnail of the Rosalina Cup challenge from the 2020 Trick Tour; a Smash Small Dry Bones challenge set on 3DS Rainbow Road (reused as the King Boo Cup's bonus challenge in the 2021 Holiday Tour) Regular Rosalina's icon from Mario Kart Tour
Rosalina
Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour
Pipe Frame
Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour
Super Glider
  • 5
  • 8
  • 12
Trick Tour (2020) The icon of the Rosalina Cup from Mario Kart Tour.
Rosalina Cup
Holiday Tour (2021) The icon of the King Boo Cup from Mario Kart Tour.
King Boo Cup
Time Trial
Icon Course variant Chosen
driver
Chosen
kart
Chosen
glider
Grand Star scores Tour appearances Cup
The icon of the Luigi Cup challenge from the 2020 Mario vs. Luigi Tour in Mario Kart Tour Regular Monty Mole from Mario Kart Tour
Monty Mole
Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour
Pipe Frame
Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour
Super Glider
  • 2:40.00
  • 2:34.00
  • 2:22.00
Mario vs. Luigi Tour (2020) The icon of the Luigi Cup from Mario Kart Tour.
Luigi Cup
The icon of the Ice Mario Cup challenge from the 2021 Trick Tour in Mario Kart Tour R Toad (Pit Crew) from Mario Kart Tour
Toad (Pit Crew)
Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour
Pipe Frame
Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour
Super Glider
  • 2:34.00
  • 2:22.00
  • 2:12.00
Trick Tour (2021) Ice Mario Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Ice Mario Cup
Combo Attack
Icon Course variant Chosen
driver
Chosen
kart
Chosen
glider
Highest combo counts Tour appearances Cup
Thumbnail of the Lakitu Cup challenge from the Flower Tour; a Combo Attack challenge set on 3DS Rainbow Road T (reused as the Funky Kong Cup's bonus challenge in the 2023 New Year's Tour) T Lakitu from Mario Kart Tour
Lakitu
Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour
Pipe Frame
Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour
Super Glider
  • 15
  • 25
  • 45
Flower Tour Lakitu Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Lakitu Cup
New Year's Tour (2023) Funky Kong Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Funky Kong Cup
Snap a Photo
Icon Course variant Chosen
driver
Chosen
kart
Chosen
glider
Other driver information Objectives Tour appearances Cup
Driver Kart Glider
Thumbnail of the Monty Mole Cup challenge from the Space Tour; a Snap a Photo challenge set on 3DS Rainbow Road T T Mario (Satellaview) from Mario Kart Tour
Mario (Satellaview)
Lunar Cruiser from Mario Kart Tour
Lunar Cruiser
Meteor Balloons from Mario Kart Tour
Meteor Balloons
Metal Mario's icon from Mario Kart Tour.
Metal Mario
Iron Cucumber from Mario Kart Tour
Iron Cucumber
Silver Starchute from Mario Kart Tour
Silver Starchute
  • 2 or more drivers
  • A Jump Boost
  • Take a photo
Space Tour (2021) Monty Mole Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Monty Mole Cup
Pink Gold Peach from Mario Kart Tour
Pink Gold Peach
Rose Queen from Mario Kart Tour
Rose Queen
Pink Gold Meteors from Mario Kart Tour
Pink Gold Meteors

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe[edit]

3DS Rainbow Road as it appears in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
View of the course

This version of Rainbow Road returns as the fourth and last course of the Moon Cup in the third wave of the Booster Course Pass DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It is based on its appearance and layout in Mario Kart Tour, albeit with a graphical overhaul, giving the course a neon aesthetic. The rainbow arches on the start-and-finish truss and the truss at the start of the second section are now a complete circle. The start-and-finish checkered line is now blue and cyan. The Dash Panels on the Saturn-like planet’s rings now have boost rings on top of them. The boost rings and the star-shaped rails are now in the form of the ones in N64 Rainbow Road. The Uranus-like planet is now replaced by Neptune. The moon section is now in anti-gravity, just like the battle course Lunar Colony. Alongside Wii Koopa Cape, it is one of two courses in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to not entirely be set in anti-gravity, but not feature an Antigravity Panel or half-pipe to mark the beginning of an anti-gravity section; this is due to anti-gravity being activated as players fall toward the moon. The rainbow tunnel spins more slowly than in past iterations of the course and the star-shaped ring on it is now yellow. The minimap now lacks the holes in the wavy road prior to the moon section. Like SNES Rainbow Road, when a player approaches the curve on the planet’s rings and the Moon, two and ten green arrow holograms will appear behind the turn and fence respectively, and indicate the direction in which the player must drive. Once the player has made the turn, the arrows will disappear.

It is one of two courses to originate from Mario Kart 7 to appear in the third wave of the DLC, alongside 3DS Rock Rock Mountain. Excluding Mario Kart 8's Rainbow Road theme, which is used in all trailers for the Booster Course Pass, 3DS Rainbow Road was one of two courses whose music was used for the second trailer for Wave 3, alongside Wii Maple Treeway.

Other appearances[edit]

This Rainbow Road appears in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS as a stage. The match takes place on flat platform and is a cruise-type stage similar to Port Town Aero Dive. Shy Guys also appear as stage hazards similar to the F-Zero machines from Port Town Aero Dive and the Shy Guys from Figure-8 Circuit. It also has a trophy in this game.

Music[edit]

Like Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'s Rainbow Road, the music for this course contains an arrangement of a portion of the music for Mario Kart 64's Rainbow Road.[3] Kenta Nagata was a composer for all three games.

There are two different variations of the music for 3DS Rainbow Road. The normal version plays for the majority of the course, while an alternate version plays if the highest placed human player is in the moon portion of the second section. When the third section is reached, as well as speeding the music up like with most courses, it is adjusted so that the end of the music (which is the part based on N64 Rainbow Road's music) plays first, followed by the usual start of the music. In Mario Kart 7, if the player returns to the moon section after crossing the entrance to the third section, the music will change to the final lap version of the moon variation of the theme, but only if the final lap theme had already begun in the third section. It is also possible to hear the final lap version of the moon variant in Mario Kart Tour in the T variant (although this is absent in Combo Attack), since the moon is in the final segment in this version of the track. In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, however, there is no moon version of the final lap music.

This course's music also appears in the Super Smash Bros. series as selectable music tracks, both in its original arrangement and as a part of "Rainbow Road Medley". Both are playable on the Rainbow Road stage in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, the Mario Circuit stage in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and any Mario Kart stage as well as Battlefield, Big Battlefield, Small Battlefield, and Final Destination in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (as of the version 8.1.0 update for the latter four).

Profiles[edit]

Mario Kart Tour[edit]

  • Mario Kart Tour Twitter: 3DS Rainbow Road delivers on exactly what the name promises: a rainbow-colored track that twists and turns through outer space! Race past planets and ride the rings of Saturn, but don't fall off into the abyss! Blast off across the stars like a comet![4]

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe[edit]

  • Official European Nintendo social media accounts: Take a multi-coloured ride around the Mario Kart 7 version of Rainbow Road, coming in Wave 3 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass. Don’t be distracted by the pretty colours, there’s a race to win![5][6]
  • Nintendo Switch News app (US):
    • This course first appeared in the Mario Kart™ 7 game on the Nintendo 3DS™ system.
    • Welcome to space! Use the glowing rainbow road to make your way through planets, craters, and... Chain Chomps?
    • While you can experience the anti-gravity areas on the moon, racers can also fall off the course! The key is to control your speed by mastering the drifting technique.
  • Nintendo Switch News app (UK): Race by starlight in Rainbow Road!
    We'd like to present to you a course released as part of the third wave, which is available now: Rainbow Road.
    This version of Rainbow Road recreates the course's appearance in the Nintendo 3DS game Mario Kart 7. The path you'll take winds its way through the solar system and even includes a brief sprint across the surface of the Moon. It's pretty easy to fall off the track, so mastering the art of drifting may just be the key to finishing first!

Gallery[edit]

Mario Kart 7[edit]

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS[edit]

Mario Kart Tour[edit]

Course icons[edit]

Screenshots[edit]

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe[edit]

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning
Japanese レインボーロード
Reinbō Rōdo
Rainbow Road

Chinese (simplified) 彩虹之路
Cǎihóng zhī Lù
彩虹桥 (Mario Kart 7)
Cǎihóng Qiáo

Rainbow Road

Rainbow Bridge

Chinese (traditional) 彩虹之路
Cǎihóng zhī Lù
Rainbow Road

Dutch Regenboogbaan
Rainbow Track
French (NOA) Route arc-en-ciel
Rainbow Road
French (NOE) Route Arc-en-ciel
Rainbow Road
German Regenbogen-Boulevard
Rainbow Boulevard
Italian Pista Arcobaleno
Rainbow Track
Korean 무지개 로드
Mujigae Rodeu
Rainbow Road

Portuguese (NOA) Avenida Arco-íris
Rainbow Avenue
Portuguese (NOE) Estrada Arco-Íris
Rainbow Road
Russian Трасса Радуга
Trassa Raduga
Rainbow Track

Spanish Senda Arco Iris
Rainbow Path

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g TheMadWeazel (July 1, 2020). Marine Tour “Toad Cup” - Mario Kart Tour. YouTube. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Elliott Royce (December 29, 2019). Mario Kart Tour - "Dry Bowser Cup" (Holiday Tour). YouTube. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  3. ^ Lukas U (November 29, 2011). Mario Kart 7 - Senda Arcoiris. YouTube. Retrieved October 8, 2013.
  4. ^ mariokarttourEN (December 19, 2019). Twitter. Retrieved March 13, 2020.
  5. ^ NintendoEurope (December 1, 2022). Twitter. Retrieved December 8, 2022. (Archived December 8, 2022, 20:26:14 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  6. ^ MarioKartUK (December 1, 2022). Facebook. Retrieved December 8, 2022.