SNES Rainbow Road: Difference between revisions

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{{articleabout|the race course originally from ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' and featured as a retro course in ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'', ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'', and ''[[The Legend of Zelda X Mario Kart 8]]'' DLC pack for ''[[Mario Kart 8]]''|Rainbow Road as a whole and other versions of the track|[[Rainbow Road]]}}
{{classic title}}
{{racecourse
{{About|the race course from [[Super Mario Kart]]|Rainbow Road as a whole or the other tracks with the same name|[[Rainbow Road]]|the musical composition of the same name|{{classic-link|SNES|Rainbow Road (theme)}}}}
{{race course infobox
|title=Rainbow Road
|title=Rainbow Road
|image=[[File:SMK Rainbow Road.png]]
|image=[[File:SMK Rainbow Road Lower-Screen Map.png]]
|appearances=''[[Super Mario Kart]]<br>[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]''<br>''[[Mario Kart 7]]''<br>''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' ([[The Legend of Zelda X Mario Kart 8|DLC Pack 1]])
|appears_in=''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' ([[List of games by date#1992|1992]])<br>''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'' ([[List of games by date#2001|2001]])<br>''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' ([[List of games by date#2011|2011]])<br>''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' ([[The Legend of Zelda x Mario Kart 8|DLC Pack 1]]) ([[List of games by date#2014|2014]])<br>''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' ([[List of games by date#2017|2017]])<br>''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'' ([[List of games by date#2019|2019]])
|cups=[[Special Cup]] (SMK)<br>Extra [[Special Cup]] (MKSC)<br>[[Lightning Cup]] (MK7)<br>[[Triforce Cup]] (MK8)
|cups=[[Special Cup]] (''Super Mario Kart'')<br>[[Extra Cup|Extra Special Cup]] (''Super Circuit'')<br>[[Lightning Cup]] (''7'')<br>[[Triforce Cup]] (''8'', ''8 Deluxe'')
|ghost=Nin★YABUKI (1:34.459) (MK7)<br>Nin★Anne (1:46.599) (MK8)
|tours=[[Tokyo Tour]]<br>[[Halloween Tour (2019)]]<br>[[Winter Tour (2019)]]<br>[[London Tour]]<br>[[Valentine's Tour]]<br>[[Vancouver Tour]]<br>[[Mario Bros. Tour]]<br>[[Trick Tour (2020)]]<br>[[Peach Tour]]<br>[[Exploration Tour (2020)]]<br>[[Halloween Tour (2020)]]<br>[[Sunset Tour]]<br>[[Mario vs. Luigi Tour (2020)]]<br>[[Winter Tour (2020)]]<br>[[Rosalina Tour]]<br>[[Peach vs. Daisy Tour]]<br>[[Ninja Tour (2021)]]<br>[[Los Angeles Tour (2021)]]<br>[[Kamek Tour]]<br>[[Halloween Tour (2021)]]<br>[[Amsterdam Tour]]<br>[[Halloween Tour (2022)]]<br>[[Space Tour (2023)]]
|expert_ghost=Nin★SRIWtm (1:21.99$) (MK7)
|online_play=No longer available ([[Nintendo 3DS|3DS]], [[Wii U]])<br>Available ([[Nintendo Switch|Switch]])
|wifi=Available ([[Nintendo 3DS|3DS]])
|sample=''Super Mario Kart'': Soyo Oka<br>[[File:SMK-Music-RainbowRoad.oga]]<br>''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'': Kenichi Nishimaki, Masanobu Matsunaga, Minako Hamano<br>[[File:MKSC-ExtraCourse-RainbowRoad.oga]]<br>''Mario Kart 7'' / ''Mario Kart Tour'': Kenta Nagata, Satomi Terui<br>[[File:MK7-Music-SNES-RainbowRoad.oga]]<br>''Mario Kart 7'' (frontrunning)<br>[[File:MK7_SNES_RainbowRoad_Frontrunning.oga]]<br>''Mario Kart 8'' / ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'': Atsuko Asahi<br>[[File:MK8-DLC-Music-SNES-RainbowRoad.oga]]<br>''Mario Kart 8'' / ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' (frontrunning)<br>[[File:WiiU_SNES_RainbowRoad_Frontrunning.oga]]
|music=[[File:Rainbow Road (SNES).ogg]]
|map=''Super Mario Kart''<br>[[File:SMK Rainbow Road Overhead Map.png|140px]]<br>''Mario Kart: Super Circuit''<br>[[File:Super Circuit SNES Rainbow Road.png|140px]]<br>[[File:MKSC SNES Rainbow Road Extra Cup Map.png|frameless|upright=0.75]][[File:MKSC SNES Rainbow Road Mini Map.png|frameless|upright=0.75]]<br>''Mario Kart 7''<br>[[File:MK7 SNESRainbowRoad.png|140px]][[File:MK7 SNES Rainbow Road Minimap.png|140px]]<br>
<center>''Super Mario Kart''</center>
''Mario Kart 8'' / ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''
|map=SNES Map<br>
<div style="white-space: nowrap;">[[File:MK8 SNES Rainbow Road Map.png|frameless|upright=0.65]][[File:MK8DX SNES Rainbow Road Map.png|frameless|upright=0.65]]</div>
[[File:SNES Rainbow Road.png|255px]]<br>
''Mario Kart Tour''<br>[[File:MKT Map RainbowRoadSNES.png|140px]]
GBA Map<br>
|ghost={{ghost|7|Nin★YABUKI|1:34.459|[[File:LakituIcon-MK7.png|32px|link=Lakitu]][[File:MK7CyanPipeFrame.png|32px|link=Pipe Frame]][[File:MK7 Slim.png|32px|link=Slim (tire)]][[File:MK7LakituSuperGlider.png|32px|link=Super Glider]]}}{{ghost|7 <small>Expert</small>|Nin★SRIWtm|1:21.994|[[File:LakituIcon-MK7.png|32px|link=Lakitu]][[File:MK7 Cloud 9.png|32px|link=Cloud 9]][[File:MK7 Roller.png|32px|link=Roller]][[File:MK7 Paraglider.png|32px|link=Parafoil]]}}{{ghost|8|Nin★Anne|1:46.599|[[File:MK8 Cat Peach Icon.png|32px|link=Cat Peach]][[File:CatCruiserBodyMK8.png|32px|link=Cat Cruiser]][[File:Retro Off-Road.png|32px|link=Retro Off-Road]][[File:MK8ThumbCatPeachSG.png|32px|link=Super Glider]]}}{{ghost|8DX <small>150cc</small>|Nin★Anne|1:40.711|[[File:MK8 Cat Peach Icon.png|32px|link=Cat Peach]][[File:CatCruiserBodyMK8.png|32px|link=Cat Cruiser]][[File:Retro Off-Road.png|32px|link=Retro Off-Road]][[File:MK8ThumbCatPeachSG.png|32px|link=Super Glider]]}}{{ghost|8DX <small>200cc</small>|Nin★Marie|1:12.762|[[File:MK8 Tanooki Mario Icon.png|32px|link=Tanooki Mario]][[File:GLARed-MK8.png|32px|link=GLA]][[File:GLATires-MK8.png|32px|link=GLA Tires]][[File:ParachuteGliderMK8.png|32px|link=Parachute]]}}{{ghost|8DX <small>200cc</small>|Nin★Marie<ref>@zachruff (May 22, 2022). [https://twitter.com/Zachruff/status/1528386463632658434 "''So it turns out that there are 4 staff ghosts in the Tencent Chinese version of MK8D that are actually different to the global version. It seems that they really did not like the Mercedes car parts so any ghost that used them had to be redone.''"] ''Twitter''. Retrieved May 24, 2022.</ref>|1:12.696|[[File:MK8 Tanooki Mario Icon.png|32px|link=Tanooki Mario]][[File:MK8OrangePFIcon.png|32px|link=Pipe Frame]][[File:StandardTiresMK8.png|32px|link=Standard (tire)]][[File:ParachuteGliderMK8.png|32px|link=Parachute]]}}
[[File:GBA Raimbow Road.png|240px]]<br>
3DS Map<br>
[[File:SFC Rainbow Road.png|250px]]
}}
}}
'''Rainbow Road''' is a race course that first appeared in ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'', and as a retro track in ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'', ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'', and ''[[The Legend of Zelda X Mario Kart 8]]'' DLC pack for ''[[Mario Kart 8]]''.
'''Rainbow Road''' is a course that debuted in ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'', as the fifth and last course of the [[Special Cup]]. It started the [[Mario Kart (series)|''Mario Kart'']] series tradition of having [[Rainbow Road]] as the finale of the game. It is the shortest Rainbow Road in the series.


==Appearance in ''Super Mario Kart''==
This course is unique in ''Super Mario Kart'' in the fact that it is the only track in the game that is not numbered compared to the others, and thus it is the game's only unique track. It is the only track in the Special Cup with normal traction, but lacks rails entirely and has only 90° turns. Rainbow-colored tiles and a few [[jump]]ing bumps cover the track's surface, and the yellow tiles conceal [[coin]]s. This course features [[Star Thwomp]]s which can wipe out a racer by touch, unlike regular Thwomps, as well as by crushing, unless the racer uses a [[Super Star]] or a [[Boo]].
[[File:RainbowRoad-SMK.jpg|thumb|left|240px|Mario racing on Rainbow Road.]]
Rainbow Road is unique in the fact that it is the only track in the game that is not numbered compared to the others, and thus it is the game's only unique track. Despite being the final track of the game, it is relatively short compared to other tracks in the game and it is also the shortest Rainbow Road to date. It is also the only track in the Special Cup with normal traction. Rainbow Road also lacks rails entirely and has only 90-degree turns. Rainbow-colored tiles cover the track's surface, and the yellow tiles conceal [[Coins]] and [[jump]]ing bumps. This course features Star [[Thwomp]]s which can, unlike regular Thwomps, wipe out a racer by touch as well as by crushing, unless the racer activates a [[Star]] or a [[Boo]].


The track begins with racers taking a turn to the right, where they will find [[? Panel]]s to gather items. There are some jumping bumps that might be a hindrance as there is a quartet of Star Thwomps ahead with a very tight space between them for racers to pass, although racers can also pass on the sides of the Thwomps. After this, racers turn to the right again where they can collect some coins, followed by another turn to the right, where there is once again a path with jumping bumps with an incoming turn that might cause racers to fall. After this turn, the track gets narrower and follows a long path where more coins and Star Thwomps are found along the way with another turn awaiting the player. It is here where the track gets even more narrow increasing the risk of falling. Before the final turn, the track splits into two roads; the left side contains coins while the right side has 2 ? Panels, both have a pair of Star Thwomps near the part where these roads merge. Alternatively, there is a jumping bump in the middle gap; if any racers use a [[Mushroom]] while they are heading it, they can jump over the gap for a significant shortcut. After the final turn, before the finish line, there is another quartet of Star Thwomps, but this time there is no space between them to pass, with players only being able to pass them by driving on the side or when the Star Thwomps are rising.
Rainbow Road reappears in ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'' as the fourth and final course of the Extra Special Cup, in ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' as the fourth and final course of the [[Lightning Cup]], in ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' as the second course of the [[Triforce Cup]] as part of the [[The Legend of Zelda x Mario Kart 8|''The Legend of Zelda'' × ''Mario Kart 8'']] DLC (and in ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' as part of the base game), and in ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'', debuting in the [[Tokyo Tour]]. If one counts ''Mario Kart 8'' and ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' as two separate games, then Rainbow Road is the most frequently appearing [[classic course]] in the series, having appeared six times in different games. In the opposite case, its number of appearances is then tied with [[SNES Mario Circuit 3|Mario Circuit 3]], also from ''Super Mario Kart'', the latter course re-appearing in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' as part of the second wave of the ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass|Booster Course Pass]]'' DLC.


==Appearance in ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit''==
In ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'', the [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart: Super Circuit)|Rainbow Road]] theme rearranges a part of this course's music at its beginning; it is also rearranged in ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'' as part of the song "Buckle Up." ''Super Mario Kart'' composer [[Soyo Oka]] also considers this course's theme to be one of her favorite compositions.<ref>[http://www.rocketbaby.net/interviews_soyo_oka.html Interview between Rocketbaby and Soyo Oka]. Retrieved February 12, 2015.</ref>
[[File:SNESRainbowRoad-MKSC.png.png|thumb|200px|Luigi racing through the track.]]
Rainbow Road reappeared in ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'', as the last track of the Extra Special Cup. The background is from [[Rainbow Road (GBA)|<small>GBA</small> Rainbow Road]], but with only the sparkles, foreground clouds, and moon appearing. The Star Thwomps and the jumping bumps were removed.


===Gallery===
The track's location has alternated between each of its appearances. In ''Super Mario Kart'', ''Mario Kart 7'', and ''Mario Kart Tour'', it is in space, but in ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'' and ''Mario Kart 8'', it is in the night sky.
<gallery widths=64px>
 
File:GBARainbowroadSNES.png|Minimap as seen on the menu.
==''Super Mario Kart''==
File:GBARainbowroadSNESmap.png|Minimap as seen in the race.
[[File:SMK Rainbow Road Screenshot.png|thumb|left|[[Donkey Kong Jr.]] racing on the course in ''Super Mario Kart'']]
===Course layout===
The course is composed mostly of straightaways and 90° turns. There are also [[Star Thwomp|Super Thwomp]]s as obstacles, which remain airborne on the first lap. The course begins with a right turn followed by a straightaway, with most of the [[? Panel]]s in the middle as well as several jump pads. The first row of four Super Thwomps also lies at the end of this straightaway. There is then two right turns followed by a brief straight with several more jump pads. Racers then take two left turns onto another brief straight with two pairs of Super Thwomps. After another two right turns, the track narrows and racers must go left or right as the path briefly splits; the paths are symmetrical and each contain a pair of Super Thwomps, though the right path has two ? Panels. Once the paths join, the track widens again and there is one more right turn followed by one more straightaway with a row of four Super Thwomps. Racers then reach the finish line.
 
===Shortcuts===
There is a notable shortcut near the end of the track. The player can use a [[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]] to go off a jump pad in between the split paths and clear the gap, saving time and avoiding the Super Thwomps.
{{br|left}}
 
==''Mario Kart: Super Circuit''==
[[File:MKSC SNES Rainbow Road Screenshot.png|thumb|[[Luigi]] racing on Rainbow Road in ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'']]
This version of Rainbow Road reappears in ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'' as the last track of the [[Classic course|Extra Special Cup]]. The background is similar to [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart: Super Circuit)|this game's own Rainbow Road]], but with only the twinkles, foreground clouds, and moon appearing; the background starts at the highest level rather than starting near Earth and working up. In addition, the track's surface is now transparent (with the twinkles slightly visible through it), the tiles are notably more detailed and less spaced out than before, and their borders are now the same color as their respective tiles rather than all of them being black. The Super Thwomps and jump bumps are removed. The coins had their placements altered so that they are only on the blue tiles, making them visible. The music was also arranged into this game's sound font.
 
==''Mario Kart 7''==
[[File:SNES MK7.png|thumb|left|{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}} in ''Mario Kart 7'']]
{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}} also returns as the fourth and last course of the [[Lightning Cup]] in ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'', as well as the thirty-second and last course of the game overall. It is the first Rainbow Road to reappear as a classic course in another ''Mario Kart'', even excluding its reappearance in ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]''.
 
The track is now slightly wider, and has received many graphical improvements. It uses a similar background to ''Super Mario Kart'' (which is also used in {{classic-link|DS|Waluigi Pinball}}), though the blue tint was removed, and the stars are now depicted across the entire background, rather than only the top. Unlike previous incarnations, this new version adds the characteristic "glistening" sound effect when drifting on it, a common feature of all Rainbow Roads starting from the [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart: Double Dash!!)|GCN rendition]]. The number of coin rows on the track was reduced, though there are still three per row. When the player enters [[First-Person View|first-person view]], the player can see through the breaks in the tiles. The Super Thwomps return after being removed from ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'', though they now have an appearance based on Thwomps from ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'', are larger, were reduced from sixteen to seven, now topple racers rather than spinning them out, and form ripples on the track upon impact, which the player can now [[Jump Boost|trick]] off of. Additionally, howling noises can now be heard near the Super Thwomps.
 
The tiles' colors are similar to the ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'' rendition of [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart: Super Circuit)|Rainbow Road]], with the only difference being that they are square, paler, and the pink tiles replace the red tiles and the cyan tiles replace the teal tiles. The track is no longer translucent, making it look like its appearance in ''Super Mario Kart''. The widest part of the gap in the forked road has had two tiles removed, but the gap itself has also had seven tiles removed, making the shortcut easier to use. Also, the section of tiles before the fork (from the orange tiles on the narrow part of the straight after turn 7 to the purple tiles before the gap) is wider: the first orange, blue, yellow, and last purple tile rows before the gap are now two tiles wider. The finish line is also two tiles long, removing the red tiles that used to be in front of it. Ramps are added in all of the locations where bumps appeared in ''Super Mario Kart'', though the first two bumps were not replaced, the last pair at the fork were replaced by one taller ramp in front of the gap, and a ramp was added on the inside of the second U-turn, creating a shortcut that requires a [[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]] or [[Mini-Turbo]] to get across; the ramps are only two tiles wide, rather than the bumps which were three. Like most other SNES and GBA classic courses, a starting banner stylized after the one from ''Mario Kart 64'' is added in this course.
 
This is the only course in ''Mario Kart 7'' not to have a [[Dash Panel]]/ramp, and one of four courses not to have a [[Glide Ramp]]; the others are {{classic-link|N64|Luigi Raceway}}, {{classic-link|GCN|Daisy Cruiser}}, and [[3DS Rosalina's Ice World|Rosalina's Ice World]].
 
Aside from enhanced percussion, the music is faithful to the original SNES composition.
 
==''Mario Kart 8'' / ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''==
[[File:Mk8-DLC-Course-SNES RainbowRoad.jpg|thumb|Overview of the track in ''Mario Kart 8'']]
{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}} returns in the [[The Legend of Zelda x Mario Kart 8|''Legend of Zelda'' × ''Mario Kart 8'']] DLC Pack of ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'', appearing as the second course of the [[Triforce Cup]]. As a result, a Rainbow Road course is not the last race of a cup for the only time so far.
 
The track's layout is similar to its appearance in ''Mario Kart 7''. The course has seen extensive graphical improvements, is now significantly wider and larger, and has banked turns, most notably the third inclined U-turn. The tiles are based on their coloration from ''Super Mario Kart'', though their color pattern is reversed, they are now flashing LED lights like the ones on {{classic-link|N64|Rainbow Road}}, and there are eight different colors of tiles instead of seven from its previous appearances (adding cyan between teal and blue); the tiles the Star Thwomps land on are now white, and the tiles at the edges of the track now have borders on the outer edges. The forked road is also altered further, with the narrow part of the hole's end filled in, and the ramp in front reverted to the same height as the equivalent bumps from ''Super Mario Kart''.
 
The Star Thwomps now have sparkles, a mosaic-like appearance, horizontal rainbow lines running from bottom to top of them. They also use the species' ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]''  appearance, like the other Thwomps in ''Mario Kart 8'', rather than their spiked ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii'' design in ''Mario Kart 7''. Additionally, all of the Star Thwomps are bigger except for the last pair. When they start to crash down, they will create rainbow waves above them. Also, when they land, they make metallic glistening sounds. The waves on the track they create are now bigger, move more quickly, and disappear faster, making tricks more difficult to perform.
 
The course now takes place in a cloudy night sky with the full moon visible, which has color-changing hills that stick above them, and is closer to the ground than previous appearances. It is also above a lake underneath, and has lots of scenery, such as [[Toad House]]s resued from {{classic-link|SNES|Donut Plains 3}}. The starting banner was also redesigned, with colored blocks with a Star on top of it and the ''Mario Kart'' logo's letters now individually colored (red, green, yellow, and blue) instead of having a rainbow gradient through the entire logo; the banner is wider no longer sits on the course, and stands on two walled areas, making the start the only walled part of the course. Also, when a player approaches a turn, two green arrow holograms will appear behind the turn, and indicate in which direction the player must drive. Once the player has made the turn, the arrows will disappear.
 
In ''Mario Kart 8'', this is one of the only two courses that do not have any Dash Panels, Glide Ramps, underwater sections, or anti-gravity sections, the other being {{classic-link|GCN|Yoshi Circuit}}, another course from DLC Pack 1. However, in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'', it is the only one of the five Rainbow Road race courses present in the game to not have anti-gravity. It is also the only ''Super Mario Kart'' race course not to have the number 3 in its name.
 
The body of water underneath the course is shaped identically to the one in {{classic-link|SNES|Donut Plains 3}}, with all course elements, the walls, and the [[fortress]] being removed. The reason for this is unclear.
{{br}}
 
==''Mario Kart Tour''==
[[File:MarioKartTour SNESRainbowRoad.jpg|thumb|left|SNES Rainbow Road in ''Mario Kart Tour'']]
This iteration of Rainbow Road reappears in ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'' starting with the [[Tokyo Tour]]. It mostly takes on the appearance of its ''Mario Kart 7'' iteration. However, the arrow signs and Star Thwomps from the ''Mario Kart 8'' rendition are used over their ''Mario Kart 7'' versions, and red tiling was added to the course; also, the tiles are more colorful, like with the ''Mario Kart 8'' rendition of the course. The ramp at the second U-turn is absent, the hole in the road is smaller than it was before (the narrow part at the end is only one tile long, and the hole in general is 7 tiles shorter), and the last two Star Thwomps are further apart. The track edges are rounded rather than squared, and the track itself is of a thicker shape. The track reuses the arrangement heard in ''Mario Kart 7''; this is unlike most other classic courses, which usually retained their original music. The starting banner is now colored red as opposed to pink. The background is based on its appearance from ''Mario Kart 7'', albeit with meteors added as background scenery and the blue tint from ''Super Mario Kart'' being readded, except more detailed, taking up the entire screen, and with purple colored details added. The Thwomps also retain their shaking effect from ''Mario Kart 8'', rather than the one ''Mario Kart 7''.
 
The course also appears as '''Rainbow Road R''' (reversed), '''Rainbow Road T''' (with ramps), and '''Rainbow Road R/T''' (reversed with ramps). The latter was later added in the [[Winter Tour (2019)|2019 Winter Tour]]. In the R and R/T variants, the first straightaway racers encounter is missing and they instead use a [[Glide Ramp|glide ramp]] to get across. In the T variant, all Star Thwomps are removed and the road is constantly wavy. In the R/T variant, there are [[Ring (Mario Kart series)|star ring]]s as well as a [[Mushroom Trampoline|mushroom trampoline]].
 
This Rainbow Road received two remixed versions, titled [[RMX Rainbow Road 1]] and [[RMX Rainbow Road 2]], first appearing in the [[Super Mario Kart Tour]] and [[New Year's 2021 Tour]], respectively.
 
If the [[List of Mario Kart Tour pre-release and unused content#Closed beta|beta test]] is included, this course is one of the two courses to appear as a [[Coin Rush (Mario Kart Tour)|Coin Rush]] course four separate times, with the other being [[N64 Royal Raceway]].
 
===Appearances===
For this course's tour appearances, see [[List of SNES Rainbow Road tour appearances in Mario Kart Tour|List of SNES Rainbow Road tour appearances in ''Mario Kart Tour'']].
 
===Top-tier and middle-tier items===
{{MKT favored table|SNES|Rainbow Road}}
 
===Bonus challenges===
<div class="contentbox mw-collapsible mw-collapsed>
{{MKT bonus challenge table|Ring Race|SNES Rainbow Road}}
{{MKT bonus challenge table|Do Jump Boosts|SNES Rainbow Road}}
{{MKT bonus challenge table|Big Reverse Race|SNES Rainbow Road}}
{{MKT bonus challenge table|Goomba Takedown|SNES Rainbow Road}}
{{MKT bonus challenge table|Glider Challenge|SNES Rainbow Road}}
{{MKT bonus challenge table|Steer Clear of Obstacles|SNES Rainbow Road}}
{{MKT bonus challenge table|Vs. Mega|SNES Rainbow Road|char=Lemmy|lc=yes}}
{{MKT bonus challenge table|Smash Small Dry Bones|SNES Rainbow Road}}
{{MKT bonus challenge table|Break Item Boxes|SNES Rainbow Road}}
{{MKT bonus challenge table|Time Trial|SNES Rainbow Road|SNES Rainbow Road R}}
{{MKT bonus challenge table|Combo Attack|SNES Rainbow Road T}}
</div>
 
==Other appearances==
[[File:WWG Super Mario Kart.png|thumb|left|The Super Mario Kart microgame]]
In ''[[WarioWare Gold]]'', Rainbow Road appears as the setting of the [[Super Mario Kart (microgame)|Super Mario Kart]] [[microgame]].
 
While the course does not appear in the film itself, a rendition of its music plays in ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'' when Mario, [[Princess Peach]], [[Toad]] and the [[Kong]]s land on a [[Rainbow Road]] during their drive to [[Bowser's Castle]].
{{br}}
 
==''[[Mario Kart 8 Original Soundtrack]]'' liner notes==
''"I love this tune, so I was really nervous when rearranging, as I didn't want to spoil it. This is the third time this has appeared as a classic course, so I wanted to make it as bright and sparkly as possible. I went all-out and used a cutting edge digital synth sound."''
 
==Gallery==
===''Mario Kart 7''===
<gallery widths=150px>
SNESRainbowRoadMK7StartRace.jpg|The countdown to the start of the race with [[Bowser]] in his [[Pipe Frame]]
SNES MK7 Rainbow Road.png|[[Lakitu]] and [[Donkey Kong]] racing on the classic course
MK7SNESRainbowThwomp.jpg|[[Super Thwomp]]s on the course
MK7SNESRainbowRoad.jpg|[[Mario]] racing on the course
MK7SNESRainbowJump.jpg|The long jump near the end of the course
</gallery>
 
===''Mario Kart 8''===
<gallery widths=150px>
MK8 SNES Rainbow Road Course Icon.png|The course icon
MK8 SNES Rainbow Road Starting Line.jpg|View of the course
Mk8-DLC-Course-SNES RainbowRoad-screenshot01.jpg|[[Toad]], starting the race in the [[Sneeker]]
Mk8-DLC-Course-SNES RainbowRoad-screenshot02.jpg|Toad turning
MK8-DLC-Course-SNES RainbowRoad-screenshot-Link.jpg|Star Thwomps, warping the course
CatPeachRainbow.jpg|[[Cat Mario|Cat Peach]] racing on the course
Rosalina-SNESRainbowRoad-MK8.jpg|[[Rosalina]] racing on the course while holding a [[Green Shell]]
DaisyonSNES.jpg|[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]], taking the first shortcut on the course
DaisyonSNES2.jpg|Daisy, taking the second shortcut on the course
Facebook MarioKartDE 2017-04-26.jpg|Image macro featuring a view of {{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}, originally posted on the official German ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' Facebook page
</gallery>
 
===''Mario Kart Tour''===
====Course icons====
{{main-gallery|Mario Kart Tour race course icons (SNES courses)#Rainbow Road|Mario Kart Tour race course icons (SNES courses) § Rainbow Road}}
<gallery>
MKT Icon RainbowRoadSNES Rosalina.png|The course icon
MKT Icon RainbowRoadRSNES MetalMario.png|The course icon of the R variant
MKT Icon RainbowRoadTSNES BabyRosalina.png|The course icon of the T variant
MKT Icon RainbowRoadRTSNES PinkGoldPeach.png|The course icon of the R/T variant
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Appearance in ''Mario Kart 7''==
====Screenshots====
Rainbow Road returned again as the last course of the [[Lightning Cup]] in ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'', being the first Rainbow Road to reappear as a retro track in another ''Mario Kart'' (besides its reappearance in ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]''). Even though this track is short, and is one of the shortest tracks in the game, there are only three laps instead of five. While keeping the original layout, the red tiles are now pink, and the turquoise tiles are now cyan. Unlike ''Super Circuit'', Star Thwomps (now with the ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'' appearance) return. They are bigger (which reduces their number in the track, from 16 to seven), and now form undulations on the track upon landing, which the player can [[Trick]] off of. Also, howling noises can be heard near the Star Thwomps. Ramps also replace the yellow bumps, though the first two bumps were removed entirely, and a ramp was added on the inside of the second U-turn. In first-person view, the player can see the stars in the background through the breaks in the tiles.
<gallery>
MKT Rosalina.jpg|Rosalina tricking in the [[Soda Jet]]
MKT Pink Gold Peach.jpg|[[Pink Gold Peach]] tricking in the [[Wildfire Flyer]]
</gallery>


===Gallery===
==Names in other languages==
<center><gallery widths=250px>
{{foreign names
File:SNES MK7.png|The course's appearance in ''Mario Kart 7''.
|Jap=レインボーロード
File:SNES MK7 Rainbow Road.png|[[Lakitu]] and [[Donkey Kong]] racing on the retro track.
|JapR=Reinbō Rōdo
</gallery></center>
|JapM=Rainbow Road
|ChiT=彩虹之路
|ChiTR=Cǎihóng zhī Lù
|ChiTM=Rainbow Road
|ChiS=彩虹之路
|ChiSR=Cǎihóng zhī Lù
|ChiSM=Rainbow Road
|ChiS2=彩虹桥
|ChiS2N=''Mario Kart 7'', ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'' prototype
|ChiS2R=Cǎihóng Qiáo
|ChiS2M=Rainbow Bridge
|Dut=Regenboogbaan
|DutM=Rainbow Track
|FreA=Route arc-en-ciel
|FreAM=Rainbow Road
|FreE=Route Arc-en-ciel
|FreEM=Rainbow Road
|Ger=Regenbogen-Boulevard
|GerM=Rainbow Boulevard
|Ger2=Regenbogen-Blvd. <small>(''Mario Kart 7'')
|Ger2M=Rainbow Boulevard
|Ita=Pista Arcobaleno
|ItaM=Rainbow Track
|Kor=무지개 로드
|KorR=Mujigae Rodeu
|KorM=Raindow Road
|PorA=Avenida Arco-íris
|PorAM=Rainbow Avenue
|PorE=Estrada Arco-Íris
|PorEM=Rainbow Road
|Rus=Трасса Радуга
|RusR=Trassa Raduga
|RusM=Rainbow Track
|Spa=Senda Arco Iris
|SpaM=Rainbow Path
}}


==Appearance in ''Mario Kart 8''==
==References==
[[File:Mk8-DLC-Course-SNES RainbowRoad.jpg|thumb|300px|<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road in ''Mario Kart 8''.]]
<references/>
{{newsubject}}
Rainbow Road returns for the third time in the [[The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8|DLC pack 1]] of ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'', appearing as the second course in the [[Triforce Cup]]. The track looks similar to its appearance in ''Mario Kart 7''. The color of the tiles are the same as they were in the original version, but this time, they have a neon appearance, their color pattern is reversed, and the tiles the Star Thwomps land on are white. The course now takes place in the sky (presumably above [[Donut Plains 3 (course)|<small>SNES</small> Donut Plains 3]]) with the moon visible, just like in ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'', but it now has color-changing hills that stick above them. Various [[Toad House|Toad Houses]] litter the landscape below the course. The Star Thwomps are the same as they were in ''Mario Kart 7'', but they now sparkle, have a mosaic-like appearance, and use the rounded ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'' look, like the other Thwomps in ''Mario Kart 7'' and ''8'', rather than ''7'''s spiked ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii'' look. Unlike before, when they start to crash down, they will create rainbow waves above them. The waves on the track they create are now bigger. The starting banner is now redesigned, with the traditional ''Super Mario Kart'' colored blocks with a star on top of it.
{{br}}
===Gallery===
<center><gallery widths=170px>
File:MK8-DLC-Course-icon-SNES RainbowRoad.png|The track's icon.
File:Mk8-DLC-Course-SNES RainbowRoad-startingline.jpg|The course as seen in the starting line from ''Mario Kart 8''.
File:Mk8-DLC-Course-SNES RainbowRoad-screenshot01.jpg
File:Mk8-DLC-Course-SNES RainbowRoad-screenshot02.jpg
File:MK8-DLC-Course-SNES RainbowRoad-screenshot-Link.jpg
File:Rosalina-SNESRainbowRoad-MK8.jpg
</gallery></center>


==Trivia==
{{MK race courses}}
*''Super Mario Kart'' composer [[Soyo Oka]] considers this course's theme one of her favorite compositions.
*<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road has appeared in four ''Mario Kart'' games, more than any other track in the series.
*<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road is the only course in ''Mario Kart 7'' not to have a [[Boost Pad|boost pad]]/ramp, and one of four courses not to have a glider pad/ramp; the others being [[Luigi Raceway|<small>N64</small> Luigi Raceway]], [[Daisy Cruiser|<small>GCN</small> Daisy Cruiser]], and [[Rosalina's Ice World]].
**Also, in ''Mario Kart 8'', it is the only course that does not have any boost pads, glider pads, or anti-gravity sections.
{{BoxTop}}
{{Racecourses}}
{{SMK}}
{{SMK}}
{{MKSC}}
{{MKSC}}
{{MK7}}
{{MK7}}
{{MK8}}
{{MK8}}
[[Category:Super Mario Kart]]
{{MKT}}
[[Category:Super Mario Kart Race Courses]]
[[Category:Classic courses]]
[[Category:Mario Kart: Super Circuit Race Courses]]
[[Category:Cosmic areas]]
[[Category:Mario Kart 7 Race Courses]]
[[Category:Downloadable content]]
[[Category:Retro Courses]]
[[Category:amiibo tap: Nintendo's Greatest Bits]]
[[Category:Unlockables]]
[[Category:Mario Kart 7 race courses]]
[[Category:Mario Kart 8 race courses]]
[[Category:Mario Kart: Super Circuit race courses]]
[[Category:Mario Kart Tour race courses]]
[[Category:Super Mario Kart race courses]]
[[it:Pista Arcobaleno (SNES)]]
[[de:SNES Regenbogen-Boulevard]]

Latest revision as of 18:27, September 1, 2024

This article is about the race course from Super Mario Kart. For Rainbow Road as a whole or the other tracks with the same name, see Rainbow Road. For the musical composition of the same name, see SNES Rainbow Road (theme).
Rainbow Road
SNES Rainbow Road.
Information
Appears in Super Mario Kart (1992)
Mario Kart: Super Circuit (2001)
Mario Kart 7 (2011)
Mario Kart 8 (DLC Pack 1) (2014)
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017)
Mario Kart Tour (2019)
Cup(s) Special Cup (Super Mario Kart)
Extra Special Cup (Super Circuit)
Lightning Cup (7)
Triforce Cup (8, 8 Deluxe)
Tour(s)
Online play No longer available (3DS, Wii U)
Available (Switch)
Music sample
Super Mario Kart: Soyo Oka

Mario Kart: Super Circuit: Kenichi Nishimaki, Masanobu Matsunaga, Minako Hamano

Mario Kart 7 / Mario Kart Tour: Kenta Nagata, Satomi Terui

Mario Kart 7 (frontrunning)

Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Atsuko Asahi

Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (frontrunning)
Course map
Super Mario Kart
The map for Rainbow Road.
Mario Kart: Super Circuit
Super Circuit SNES Rainbow Road.png
MKSC SNES Rainbow Road Extra Cup Map.pngMKSC SNES Rainbow Road Mini Map.png
Mario Kart 7
SNES Rainbow Road bottom screen mapThe Mini Map for SNES Rainbow Road

Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Map of SNES Rainbow Road in Mario Kart 8.Map of SNES Rainbow Road in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Mario Kart Tour
Map of SNES Rainbow Road from Mario Kart Tour.

Staff ghost(s)
7 Nin★YABUKI
1:34.459 LakituPipe FrameSlim (tire)Super Glider
7 Expert Nin★SRIWtm
1:21.994 LakituCloud 9RollerParafoil
8 Nin★Anne
1:46.599 Cat PeachCat CruiserRetro Off-RoadSuper Glider
8DX 150cc Nin★Anne
1:40.711 Cat PeachCat CruiserRetro Off-RoadSuper Glider
8DX 200cc Nin★Marie
1:12.762 Tanooki MarioGLAGLA TiresParachute
8DX 200cc Nin★Marie[1]
1:12.696 Tanooki MarioPipe FrameStandard (tire)Parachute

Rainbow Road is a course that debuted in Super Mario Kart, as the fifth and last course of the Special Cup. It started the Mario Kart series tradition of having Rainbow Road as the finale of the game. It is the shortest Rainbow Road in the series.

This course is unique in Super Mario Kart in the fact that it is the only track in the game that is not numbered compared to the others, and thus it is the game's only unique track. It is the only track in the Special Cup with normal traction, but lacks rails entirely and has only 90° turns. Rainbow-colored tiles and a few jumping bumps cover the track's surface, and the yellow tiles conceal coins. This course features Star Thwomps which can wipe out a racer by touch, unlike regular Thwomps, as well as by crushing, unless the racer uses a Super Star or a Boo.

Rainbow Road reappears in Mario Kart: Super Circuit as the fourth and final course of the Extra Special Cup, in Mario Kart 7 as the fourth and final course of the Lightning Cup, in Mario Kart 8 as the second course of the Triforce Cup as part of the The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8 DLC (and in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as part of the base game), and in Mario Kart Tour, debuting in the Tokyo Tour. If one counts Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as two separate games, then Rainbow Road is the most frequently appearing classic course in the series, having appeared six times in different games. In the opposite case, its number of appearances is then tied with Mario Circuit 3, also from Super Mario Kart, the latter course re-appearing in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as part of the second wave of the Booster Course Pass DLC.

In Mario Kart: Super Circuit, the Rainbow Road theme rearranges a part of this course's music at its beginning; it is also rearranged in The Super Mario Bros. Movie as part of the song "Buckle Up." Super Mario Kart composer Soyo Oka also considers this course's theme to be one of her favorite compositions.[2]

The track's location has alternated between each of its appearances. In Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 7, and Mario Kart Tour, it is in space, but in Mario Kart: Super Circuit and Mario Kart 8, it is in the night sky.

Super Mario Kart[edit]

Rainbow Road
Donkey Kong Jr. racing on the course in Super Mario Kart

Course layout[edit]

The course is composed mostly of straightaways and 90° turns. There are also Super Thwomps as obstacles, which remain airborne on the first lap. The course begins with a right turn followed by a straightaway, with most of the ? Panels in the middle as well as several jump pads. The first row of four Super Thwomps also lies at the end of this straightaway. There is then two right turns followed by a brief straight with several more jump pads. Racers then take two left turns onto another brief straight with two pairs of Super Thwomps. After another two right turns, the track narrows and racers must go left or right as the path briefly splits; the paths are symmetrical and each contain a pair of Super Thwomps, though the right path has two ? Panels. Once the paths join, the track widens again and there is one more right turn followed by one more straightaway with a row of four Super Thwomps. Racers then reach the finish line.

Shortcuts[edit]

There is a notable shortcut near the end of the track. The player can use a Mushroom to go off a jump pad in between the split paths and clear the gap, saving time and avoiding the Super Thwomps.

Mario Kart: Super Circuit[edit]

Luigi racing on Rainbow Road in Mario Kart: Super Circuit

This version of Rainbow Road reappears in Mario Kart: Super Circuit as the last track of the Extra Special Cup. The background is similar to this game's own Rainbow Road, but with only the twinkles, foreground clouds, and moon appearing; the background starts at the highest level rather than starting near Earth and working up. In addition, the track's surface is now transparent (with the twinkles slightly visible through it), the tiles are notably more detailed and less spaced out than before, and their borders are now the same color as their respective tiles rather than all of them being black. The Super Thwomps and jump bumps are removed. The coins had their placements altered so that they are only on the blue tiles, making them visible. The music was also arranged into this game's sound font.

Mario Kart 7[edit]

SNES Rainbow Road in Mario Kart 7

SNES Rainbow Road also returns as the fourth and last course of the Lightning Cup in Mario Kart 7, as well as the thirty-second and last course of the game overall. It is the first Rainbow Road to reappear as a classic course in another Mario Kart, even excluding its reappearance in Mario Kart: Super Circuit.

The track is now slightly wider, and has received many graphical improvements. It uses a similar background to Super Mario Kart (which is also used in DS Waluigi Pinball), though the blue tint was removed, and the stars are now depicted across the entire background, rather than only the top. Unlike previous incarnations, this new version adds the characteristic "glistening" sound effect when drifting on it, a common feature of all Rainbow Roads starting from the GCN rendition. The number of coin rows on the track was reduced, though there are still three per row. When the player enters first-person view, the player can see through the breaks in the tiles. The Super Thwomps return after being removed from Mario Kart: Super Circuit, though they now have an appearance based on Thwomps from New Super Mario Bros. Wii, are larger, were reduced from sixteen to seven, now topple racers rather than spinning them out, and form ripples on the track upon impact, which the player can now trick off of. Additionally, howling noises can now be heard near the Super Thwomps.

The tiles' colors are similar to the Mario Kart: Super Circuit rendition of Rainbow Road, with the only difference being that they are square, paler, and the pink tiles replace the red tiles and the cyan tiles replace the teal tiles. The track is no longer translucent, making it look like its appearance in Super Mario Kart. The widest part of the gap in the forked road has had two tiles removed, but the gap itself has also had seven tiles removed, making the shortcut easier to use. Also, the section of tiles before the fork (from the orange tiles on the narrow part of the straight after turn 7 to the purple tiles before the gap) is wider: the first orange, blue, yellow, and last purple tile rows before the gap are now two tiles wider. The finish line is also two tiles long, removing the red tiles that used to be in front of it. Ramps are added in all of the locations where bumps appeared in Super Mario Kart, though the first two bumps were not replaced, the last pair at the fork were replaced by one taller ramp in front of the gap, and a ramp was added on the inside of the second U-turn, creating a shortcut that requires a Mushroom or Mini-Turbo to get across; the ramps are only two tiles wide, rather than the bumps which were three. Like most other SNES and GBA classic courses, a starting banner stylized after the one from Mario Kart 64 is added in this course.

This is the only course in Mario Kart 7 not to have a Dash Panel/ramp, and one of four courses not to have a Glide Ramp; the others are N64 Luigi Raceway, GCN Daisy Cruiser, and Rosalina's Ice World.

Aside from enhanced percussion, the music is faithful to the original SNES composition.

Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe[edit]

SNES Rainbow Road from Mario Kart 8 - The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8.
Overview of the track in Mario Kart 8

SNES Rainbow Road returns in the Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8 DLC Pack of Mario Kart 8, appearing as the second course of the Triforce Cup. As a result, a Rainbow Road course is not the last race of a cup for the only time so far.

The track's layout is similar to its appearance in Mario Kart 7. The course has seen extensive graphical improvements, is now significantly wider and larger, and has banked turns, most notably the third inclined U-turn. The tiles are based on their coloration from Super Mario Kart, though their color pattern is reversed, they are now flashing LED lights like the ones on N64 Rainbow Road, and there are eight different colors of tiles instead of seven from its previous appearances (adding cyan between teal and blue); the tiles the Star Thwomps land on are now white, and the tiles at the edges of the track now have borders on the outer edges. The forked road is also altered further, with the narrow part of the hole's end filled in, and the ramp in front reverted to the same height as the equivalent bumps from Super Mario Kart.

The Star Thwomps now have sparkles, a mosaic-like appearance, horizontal rainbow lines running from bottom to top of them. They also use the species' Super Mario Galaxy appearance, like the other Thwomps in Mario Kart 8, rather than their spiked New Super Mario Bros. Wii design in Mario Kart 7. Additionally, all of the Star Thwomps are bigger except for the last pair. When they start to crash down, they will create rainbow waves above them. Also, when they land, they make metallic glistening sounds. The waves on the track they create are now bigger, move more quickly, and disappear faster, making tricks more difficult to perform.

The course now takes place in a cloudy night sky with the full moon visible, which has color-changing hills that stick above them, and is closer to the ground than previous appearances. It is also above a lake underneath, and has lots of scenery, such as Toad Houses resued from SNES Donut Plains 3. The starting banner was also redesigned, with colored blocks with a Star on top of it and the Mario Kart logo's letters now individually colored (red, green, yellow, and blue) instead of having a rainbow gradient through the entire logo; the banner is wider no longer sits on the course, and stands on two walled areas, making the start the only walled part of the course. Also, when a player approaches a turn, two green arrow holograms will appear behind the turn, and indicate in which direction the player must drive. Once the player has made the turn, the arrows will disappear.

In Mario Kart 8, this is one of the only two courses that do not have any Dash Panels, Glide Ramps, underwater sections, or anti-gravity sections, the other being GCN Yoshi Circuit, another course from DLC Pack 1. However, in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, it is the only one of the five Rainbow Road race courses present in the game to not have anti-gravity. It is also the only Super Mario Kart race course not to have the number 3 in its name.

The body of water underneath the course is shaped identically to the one in SNES Donut Plains 3, with all course elements, the walls, and the fortress being removed. The reason for this is unclear.

Mario Kart Tour[edit]

SNES Rainbow Road
SNES Rainbow Road in Mario Kart Tour

This iteration of Rainbow Road reappears in Mario Kart Tour starting with the Tokyo Tour. It mostly takes on the appearance of its Mario Kart 7 iteration. However, the arrow signs and Star Thwomps from the Mario Kart 8 rendition are used over their Mario Kart 7 versions, and red tiling was added to the course; also, the tiles are more colorful, like with the Mario Kart 8 rendition of the course. The ramp at the second U-turn is absent, the hole in the road is smaller than it was before (the narrow part at the end is only one tile long, and the hole in general is 7 tiles shorter), and the last two Star Thwomps are further apart. The track edges are rounded rather than squared, and the track itself is of a thicker shape. The track reuses the arrangement heard in Mario Kart 7; this is unlike most other classic courses, which usually retained their original music. The starting banner is now colored red as opposed to pink. The background is based on its appearance from Mario Kart 7, albeit with meteors added as background scenery and the blue tint from Super Mario Kart being readded, except more detailed, taking up the entire screen, and with purple colored details added. The Thwomps also retain their shaking effect from Mario Kart 8, rather than the one Mario Kart 7.

The course also appears as Rainbow Road R (reversed), Rainbow Road T (with ramps), and Rainbow Road R/T (reversed with ramps). The latter was later added in the 2019 Winter Tour. In the R and R/T variants, the first straightaway racers encounter is missing and they instead use a glide ramp to get across. In the T variant, all Star Thwomps are removed and the road is constantly wavy. In the R/T variant, there are star rings as well as a mushroom trampoline.

This Rainbow Road received two remixed versions, titled RMX Rainbow Road 1 and RMX Rainbow Road 2, first appearing in the Super Mario Kart Tour and New Year's 2021 Tour, respectively.

If the beta test is included, this course is one of the two courses to appear as a Coin Rush course four separate times, with the other being N64 Royal Raceway.

Appearances[edit]

For this course's tour appearances, see List of SNES 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 SNES 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 SNES 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
SNES Rainbow Road from Mario Kart Tour
Normal variant
Birdo Mii Racing SuitDaisy Mii Racing SuitIce MarioKoopa Clown Mii Racing SuitLuigi (Gold Knight)Luigi (Painter)Metal MarioPauline (Party Time)Peach (Wedding)Tanooki RosalinaToadette Mii Racing SuitYoshi (Gold Egg) CheermellowDaikon RocketDesert Rose WagonGold Cupid's ArrowGold Monarch KartGold PaintsterGold Wild SluggerGrand BadwagonJukebox BuggyJumbo JetterKabuki DasherMonarch KartPaintsterPink SpeederPrancerRed B DasherRed B Dasher Mk. 2Sakura Sports CoupeSilver KingSweet Daytripper Bright RibbonFlying EaselGlittering GliderGold Chocolate BalloonsGold Eggshell GliderGold GliderGold Toe-Bean BalloonsJumping Mario HanafudaNew Year's KiteRainbow Flappy WingsRed Checkered GliderSilver BellsSilver-and-Gold HeartsSuper Mario Kart Glider Dry Bones (Gold)*Mario (SNES)Mario Mii Racing SuitPeach (Kimono)**Rosalina (Halloween)Rosalina (Swimwear) 8-Bit Pipe Frame**Candy ClownGold BruiserGold Fish Bone FerryGold Lunar Cruiser*Gold Pipe FrameGold PipesGold Train*Goo-Goo GoldHappy Ride*Holiday SpeederPineapple 1Pink CometPink SneekerPink WingSakura QuickshawVampire Flyer** 8-Bit Star8-Bit Super MushroomCrimson Crane*Gold BellsGold Flappy WingsGold Hard Hat BalloonGold Home-Field Glider**Gold Mario's Hat BalloonGolden GliderGolden Wings*Mario Golf CapPiranha Plant Hanafuda*Rainy BalloonsSilver Candlelight Flight*
Rosalina Cloud 9 Oilpaper Umbrella Pink Shy GuyPink Toad (Pit Crew)* DaytripperGold BlooperYellow Turbo Birdo Waluigi Wing
LemmyLudwigShy Guy Bull's-Eye Banzai Parachute**Piranha Plant Parafoil
SNES Rainbow Road R from Mario Kart Tour
R variant
Baby Peach (Cherub)Dry Bones (Gold)Gold MarioIce MarioKamekMario (Santa)Mario (Satellaview)Mario Mii Racing SuitOrange Mii Racing SuitPauline (Rose)Peach (Wedding)Peach Mii Racing Suit Black CircuitBright GirlCupid's ArrowGold Cheep ChargerGold Pumpkin KartGold Soft SwerveGold TrainHappy RideKamek's Zoom BroomKarp KartLunar CruiserPaintsterPink CometRainbow StreetleRed Crawly KartRed CometRose QueenSpicy Zucchini 8-Bit StarBlizzard ParasolBright GliderBullet Bill ParachuteCrimson CraneDream GliderGalaxy GliderGlinting GliderGold BellsGold Checkered GliderGold MeteorsJolly BellsJumping Mario HanafudaMario Golf CapPink Gold MeteorsRoyal Flush Fire Rosalina**King Boo (Gold)Luigi (Painter)Mario (SNES)Mario (Sunshine)**Metal Mario*Pauline (Party Time)PeachettePink Mii Racing SuitPiranha Plant Mii Racing SuitRosalina (Halloween)Wiggler (Gold) 8-Bit Pipe FrameApple KartBlooper Shuttle*Blue Badwagon*Combo CruiserComet TailFlower Kart*Gold 8-Bit Pipe FrameGold BunnyGold Cupid's ArrowGold Monarch KartGold Pipe FrameGold Snow SkimmerGold Wild SluggerHead Honcho**Holiday SpeederJukebox BuggyJumbo JetterPink Wing*Sweet Daytripper* Bright RibbonButterfly Prism*Full FlightGold Origami GliderGold Toe-Bean BalloonsLe TricoloreMosaic StarchuteNew Year's 2022Pink Checkered GliderPiranha Plant Hanafuda**Planet Glider**Rainbow BellsSilver-and-Gold HeartsSoaring JackSuper Mario Kart Glider
Koopa Clown Rosalina* Oilpaper Umbrella
Lemmy Baby Rosalina Cheep Charger BBIA Parafoil
SNES Rainbow Road T from Mario Kart Tour
T variant
Builder ToadetteLuigi (Painter)Mario (Santa)Mario (SNES)Metal MarioPeach (Yukata)Penguin MarioPink Gold PeachPiranha Plant Mii Racing SuitTanooki RosalinaWiggler (Gold) 8-Bit Pipe FrameBlue BadwagonBright BunnyCombo CruiserFlower KartGold 8-Bit Pipe FrameGold BunnyGold Hop RodGold Pipe FrameGold PipesGold Shielded SpeedsterGold ZucchiniGoo-Goo GoldHappy RideRainbow TaxiRed B Dasher Mk. 2Sakura Quickshaw 8-Bit Star8-Bit Super MushroomBright GliderGold 8-Bit GliderGold GliderGold Home-Field GliderGold Piranha Plant BalloonsGolden GliderJumping Mario HanafudaLe TricoloreMosaic StarchutePink Checkered GliderRainbow BellsSnow CrystalsSuper Mario Kart Glider ? Block Mii Racing SuitBirdo Mii Racing SuitBowser (Santa)Donkey Kong Jr. (SNES)Gold Mii Racing SuitKing Boo (Gold)**Mario (Hakama)*Mario (Musician)Mario (Satellaview)Mario (Sunshine)Rosalina (Halloween)*Rosalina (Swimwear)Yoshi (Gold Egg) Candy ClownCarrot Kart*Comet Tail*Daikon Rocket**Dreamy EggGold B DasherGold BruiserGold Cheep Charger***Gold DriverGold Pumpkin Kart**Gold Soft SwerveGrand BadwagonLunar CruiserPaintsterPrancerRibbon RiderTaiko Drum DasherTrickster*Watermelon Kart Butterfly PrismGalaxy GliderGold Eggshell GliderGold Manta GliderGold Mario Golf CapGold TulipsHeart Balloons*Jolly Bells**Magic Parasol*New Year's KitePiranha Plant HanafudaRainbow Flappy WingsRed Checkered GliderStealth Glider
Egg 1Royale Bowser Daytripper**Gold BlooperLight-blue Turbo Yoshi Lightning Oilpaper*Oilpaper Umbrella**Waluigi Wing
Baby Rosalina BBIA Parafoil
SNES Rainbow Road R/T from Mario Kart Tour
R/T variant
? Block Mii Racing SuitChargin' Chuck (Gold)King Boo (Gold)King Boo (Luigi's Mansion)Mario (King)Mario (SNES)Mario (Tuxedo)Peach (Halloween)Pink Gold PeachRosalina (Halloween)Rosalina (Swimwear)Shy Guy (Gold) Bright BunnyBumble VCleanup HitterComet TailFlaming SpeederGold B DasherGold Cheep ChargerGold Clanky KartGold EagleGold EggGold Fish Bone FerryGold Monarch KartGold StandardGold ZucchiniJingle BellsSilver Cupid's ArrowSilver Warrior WagonSports Coupe 2022 8-Bit 1-Up Mushroom8-Bit Fire FlowerGold BellsGold Cloud BalloonsGold Eggshell GliderGold Flappy WingsGold Mario Golf CapGold Mario's Hat BalloonGold New Year's KiteHeart BalloonsLe TricoloreLuma ParafoilManta GliderMario Bros. ParafoilStarchuteSunset Balloons Baby Peach (Cherub)*Bowser (Santa)Builder ToadDaisy Mii Racing SuitDonkey Kong Jr. (SNES)***Gold MarioMario (Santa)Pauline*Peach (Wintertime)Petey Piranha (Gold)*Rosalina (Aurora)Toadette Mii Racing Suit Black Kabuki DasherBright GirlFestival GirlGold Cupid's ArrowGold Soft SwerveGold Sweet RideGold Train*Gold Trickster*Gold Warrior WagonHoliday SpeederKarp KartMacharon*Party-WingPink SneekerPlatinum TaxiRainbow StreetleRose Taxi**Snow SkimmerSpicy ZucchiniStreetle*Surf Sailer 8-Bit StarFare Flier*Glittering GliderGold 8-Bit GliderGold Checkered GliderGold Chocolate BalloonsGold Hard Hat BalloonGold Meteors*Gold Penguin WingtipGold Piranha Plant BalloonsGold SwooperGold TulipsJumping Mario HanafudaPiranha Plant HanafudaRainbow Starchute*Royal FlushSweetheart Glider
Pink Toad (Pit Crew)Rosalina Light-blue Turbo YoshiPoltergust 4000 Green Toad (Pit Crew) Cloud 9* Blue Flower Glider**
Baby Rosalina
* 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 Rosalina Cup challenge from the Mario Bros. Tour; a Ring Race challenge set on SNES Rainbow Road (reused as the Cat Peach Cup's bonus challenge in the 2023 Space Tour) Regular Toad's icon from Mario Kart Tour
Toad
Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour
Pipe Frame
Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour
Super Glider
  • 10
  • 15
  • 22
Mario Bros. Tour The icon of the Rosalina Cup from Mario Kart Tour.
Rosalina Cup
  • 12
  • 18
  • 22
Space Tour (2023) The Cat Peach Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Cat Peach Cup
Do Jump Boosts
Icon Course variant Chosen
driver
Chosen
kart
Chosen
glider
Grand Star scores Tour appearances Cup
Thumbnail of the Toad Cup challenge from the Tokyo Tour; a Do Jump Boosts challenge set on SNES Rainbow Road (reused as the Waluigi Cup's bonus challenge in the Rosalina Tour) Regular Baby Rosalina's icon from Mario Kart Tour
Baby Rosalina
Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour
Pipe Frame
Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour
Super Glider
  • 5
  • 10
  • 15
Tokyo Tour The icon of the Toad Cup from Mario Kart Tour.
Toad Cup
  • 5
  • 12
  • 15
Rosalina Tour Waluigi Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Waluigi Cup
Big Reverse Race
Icon Course variant Opponents Tour appearances Cup
7th 6th 5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st Extra
Thumbnail of the Bowser Cup challenge from the Valentine's Tour; a Big Reverse Race challenge set on SNES Rainbow Road (reused as the Baby Luigi Cup's bonus challenge in the 2022 Halloween Tour) Regular Driver Peach[3] Bowser[3] Koopa Troopa[3] Toad[3] Donkey Kong[3] Yoshi[3] Luigi[3] Mario[4] Valentine's Tour The icon of the Bowser Cup from Mario Kart Tour.
Bowser Cup
Kart Pipe Frame Pipe Frame Pipe Frame Pipe Frame Pipe Frame Pipe Frame Pipe Frame Pipe Frame
Glider Super Glider Super Glider Super Glider Super Glider Super Glider Super Glider Super Glider Super Glider Halloween Tour (2022) Baby Luigi Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Baby Luigi 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
Thumbnail of the Dry Bones Cup challenge from the 2019 Halloween Tour; a Goomba Takedown challenge set on SNES Rainbow Road (reused as the Wendy Cup's bonus challenge in the Peach Tour and the Mii Cup's bonus challenge in the 2022 Halloween Tour) Regular Baby Rosalina's icon from Mario Kart Tour
Baby Rosalina
Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour
Pipe Frame
Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour
Super Glider
Bob-omb from Mario Kart Tour.
Bob-omb

Mushroom from Mario Kart Tour.
Mushroom

Mega Mushroom from Mario Kart Tour.
Mega Mushroom

Super Horn from Mario Kart Tour.
Super Horn

Coin from Mario Kart Tour.
Coin
1
  • 15
  • 30
  • 45
Halloween Tour (2019) Dry Bones Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Dry Bones Cup
Peach Tour Wendy Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Wendy Cup
  • 15
  • 30
  • 40
Halloween Tour (2022) Mii Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Mii Cup
Glider Challenge
Icon Course variant Chosen
driver
Chosen
kart
Chosen
glider
Grand Star distances Tour appearances Cup
Thumbnail of the Wario Cup challenge from the Tokyo Tour; a Glider Challenge set on SNES Rainbow Road (reused as the Waluigi Cup's bonus challenge in the 2020 Exploration Tour, the Ice Mario Cup's bonus challenge in the Peach vs. Daisy Tour, and the Monty Mole Cup's bonus challenge in the Amsterdam 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
  • 200
  • 400
  • 500
Tokyo Tour The icon of the Wario Cup from Mario Kart Tour.
Wario Cup
Exploration Tour (2020) Waluigi Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Waluigi Cup
  • 300
  • 450
  • 600
Peach vs. Daisy Tour Ice Mario Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Ice Mario Cup
  • 300
  • 450
  • 580
Amsterdam Tour Monty Mole Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Monty Mole Cup
Steer Clear of Obstacles
Icon Course variant Chosen
driver
Chosen
kart
Chosen
glider
Obstacles Tour appearances Cup
Thumbnail of the King Boo Cup challenge from the 2020 Halloween Tour; a Steer Clear of Obstacles challenge set on SNES Rainbow Road (reused as the Mario Cup's bonus challenge in the 2021 Halloween Tour) Regular Dry Bones's icon from Mario Kart Tour.
Dry Bones
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
Halloween Tour (2020) The icon of the King Boo Cup from Mario Kart Tour.
King Boo Cup
Halloween Tour (2021) The icon of the Mario Cup from Mario Kart Tour.
Mario Cup
vs. Mega Lemmy
Icon Course variant Mega opponent information Tour appearances Cup
Driver Kart Glider Items used
Thumbnail of the Diddy Kong Cup challenge from the Vancouver Tour; a Vs. Mega Lemmy challenge set on SNES Rainbow Road (reused as the Ludwig Cup's bonus challenge in the 2021 Los Angeles Tour) Regular Lemmy Koopa's icon from Mario Kart Tour.
Lemmy
Super Blooper from Mario Kart Tour
Super Blooper
TBD Banana from Mario Kart Tour.
Bananas

Bob-omb from Mario Kart Tour.
Bob-ombs[5]

Mushroom from Mario Kart Tour.
Mushrooms[5]
Vancouver Tour Diddy Kong Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Diddy Kong Cup
Los Angeles Tour (2021) Ludwig Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Ludwig Cup
Smash Small Dry Bones
Icon Course variant Chosen
driver
Chosen
kart
Chosen
glider
Grand Star scores Tour appearances Cup
Thumbnail of the Funky Kong Cup challenge from the 2023 Space Tour; a Smash Small Dry Bones challenge set on SNES Rainbow Road Regular Red Yoshi from Mario Kart Tour
Red Yoshi
Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour
Pipe Frame
Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour
Super Glider
  • 6
  • 9
  • 12
Space Tour (2023) Funky Kong Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Funky Kong Cup
Break Item Boxes
Icon Course variant Chosen
driver
Chosen
kart
Chosen
glider
Item Box
type found
Number of item slots Grand Star scores Tour appearances Cup
Thumbnail of the Koopa Troopa Cup challenge from the London Tour; a Break Item Boxes challenge set on SNES Rainbow Road (reused as the Baby Rosalina Cup's bonus challenge in the Sunset Tour) Regular Rosalina's icon from Mario Kart Tour
Rosalina
Soda Jet from Mario Kart Tour
Soda Jet
Parachute from Mario Kart Tour
Parachute
Mushroom from Mario Kart Tour.
Mushroom

Coin from Mario Kart Tour.
Coin

Star from Mario Kart Tour
Super Star
3 15 Beta Test The icon of the Rosalina Cup from Mario Kart Tour.
Rosalina Cup
2
  • 5
  • 10
  • 22
London Tour The icon of the Koopa Troopa Cup from Mario Kart Tour.
Koopa Troopa Cup
Sunset Tour Baby Rosalina Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Baby Rosalina Cup
Time Trial
Icon Course variant Chosen
driver
Chosen
kart
Chosen
glider
Grand Star scores Tour appearances Cup
Thumbnail of the Rosalina Cup challenge from the Vancouver Tour; a Time Trial challenge set on SNES Rainbow Road (reused as the Larry Cup's bonus challenge in the Ninja Tour) Regular Lemmy Koopa's icon from Mario Kart Tour.
Lemmy
Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour
Pipe Frame
Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour
Super Glider
  • 1:50.00
  • 1:28.00
  • 1:16.00
Vancouver Tour The icon of the Rosalina Cup from Mario Kart Tour.
Mario Cup
  • 1:35.00
  • 1:20.00
  • 1:14.00
Ninja Tour (2021) Larry Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Larry Cup
Thumbnail of the Baby Mario Cup challenge from the Mario Bros. Tour; a Time Trial challenge set on SNES Rainbow Road R (reused as the Lemmy Cup's bonus challenge in the Kamek Tour) R MKT Icon Waluigi.png
Waluigi
Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour
Pipe Frame
Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour
Super Glider
  • 1:50.00
  • 1:28.00
  • 1:09.00
Mario Bros. Tour Baby Mario Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Baby Mario Cup
  • 1:35.00
  • 1:23.00
  • 1:13.00
Kamek Tour Lemmy Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Lemmy Cup
Combo Attack
Icon Course variant Chosen
driver
Chosen
kart
Chosen
glider
Highest combo counts Tour appearances Cup
Thumbnail of the Waluigi Cup challenge from the 2020 Halloween Tour; a Combo Attack challenge set on SNES Rainbow Road T T MKT Icon DonkeyKong.png
Donkey Kong
Pipe Frame from Mario Kart Tour
Pipe Frame
Super Glider from Mario Kart Tour
Super Glider
  • 8
  • 18
  • 28
Halloween Tour (2020) Waluigi Cup from Mario Kart Tour
Waluigi Cup

Other appearances[edit]

The Super Mario Kart microgame

In WarioWare Gold, Rainbow Road appears as the setting of the Super Mario Kart microgame.

While the course does not appear in the film itself, a rendition of its music plays in The Super Mario Bros. Movie when Mario, Princess Peach, Toad and the Kongs land on a Rainbow Road during their drive to Bowser's Castle.

Mario Kart 8 Original Soundtrack liner notes[edit]

"I love this tune, so I was really nervous when rearranging, as I didn't want to spoil it. This is the third time this has appeared as a classic course, so I wanted to make it as bright and sparkly as possible. I went all-out and used a cutting edge digital synth sound."

Gallery[edit]

Mario Kart 7[edit]

Mario Kart 8[edit]

Mario Kart Tour[edit]

Course icons[edit]

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Mario Kart Tour race course icons (SNES courses) § Rainbow Road.

Screenshots[edit]

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese レインボーロード[?]
Reinbō Rōdo
Rainbow Road
Chinese (simplified) 彩虹之路[?]
Cǎihóng zhī Lù
Rainbow Road
彩虹桥[?]
Cǎihóng Qiáo
Rainbow Bridge Mario Kart 7, Mario Kart: Super Circuit prototype
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
Regenbogen-Blvd. (Mario Kart 7)[?]
Italian Pista Arcobaleno[?] Rainbow Track
Korean 무지개 로드[?]
Mujigae Rodeu
Raindow 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. ^ @zachruff (May 22, 2022). "So it turns out that there are 4 staff ghosts in the Tencent Chinese version of MK8D that are actually different to the global version. It seems that they really did not like the Mercedes car parts so any ghost that used them had to be redone." Twitter. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  2. ^ Interview between Rocketbaby and Soyo Oka. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g TheMadWeazel (January 29, 2020). Valentines Tour “Bowser Cup” - Mario Kart Tour. YouTube. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  4. ^ Dutch Mayo (February 23, 2020). MARIO KART TOUR - Valentine's Tour - Bowser Cup - Big Reverse Race. YouTube. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  5. ^ a b Andruidus (February 25, 2020). Mario Kart Tour - Vancouver Tour: Diddy Kong Cup. YouTube. Retrieved December 21, 2020.