New course

A new course is the term used to refer to an original course in the Mario Kart series that is new to the series and has never appeared before. They often took the name of the game they were derived from: in Mario Kart: Super Circuit, the original tracks are called Super Circuit Tracks to distinguish them from the tracks originating from Super Mario Kart, called Extra Tracks. In Mario Kart DS, the new courses are known as Nitro Courses from the project codename of the game, Project Nitro. In Mario Kart Wii the new courses are known as Wii courses. Some of them have reappeared in later Mario Kart games as Retro Courses. At least one Mario Circuit, Bowser's Castle, Rainbow Road, a beach- or water-themed course, and a snow-themed course have appeared in each Mario Kart game as a new course.

Lightning Cup
NOTE: From Mario Kart DS onwards, it is the last cup of the Retro Courses.

Trivia

 * The four worlds after World Bowser in Super Mario 3D World resemble the new cups (World Mushroom for Mushroom Cup, World Flower for Flower Cup, World Star for Star Cup, and World Crown for Special Cup).