Nintendo Music Expands to Desktop, Tablet, and CarPlay Alongside Mario Kart World Soundtrack

After 19 months as a mobile-only perk exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, Nintendo Music has finally shed its smartphone shackles. The 1.6.0 update delivers a sweeping transformation: a desktop web player, tablet-optimized interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, plus the long-awaited arrival of the Mario Kart World soundtrack. This is not just a refresh; it is a signal that Nintendo sees its music service as a serious, multi-platform offering rather than a mobile curiosity.

From Mobile to Multi-Platform, The 1.6.0 Update

When Nintendo Music launched in October 2024, it was exclusively available on iOS and Android devices for paying Nintendo Switch Online members. Subscribers could listen to classic soundtracks on the go, but the experience was tethered to a phone screen. Version 1.6.0 changes that in three major ways.

First, a dedicated web player is now live at music.nintendo.com, accessible on any desktop or laptop browser. PC and Mac users can browse the full catalog, create playlists, and listen without needing to pick up their phone. This alone ends months of complaints from players who wanted to enjoy Nintendo tunes while working or gaming on their computers.

Second, the update brings a tablet-optimized interface. iPads and other large-screen devices now display a layout suited to bigger displays, making navigation and playlist management far more comfortable. The redesign takes advantage of the extra screen real estate, showing album art and track lists in a grid that feels more natural than a blown-up phone app.

Third, and perhaps most notable for daily commuters, Nintendo Music now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Drivers can access the service through their car’s infotainment system, with full Siri voice search on Apple devices for hands-free track selection. Whether cruising to Mario Kart race themes or winding down with Zelda field music, the integration makes the service a genuine companion for road trips and daily drives. (The existing mobile apps remain fully supported, so subscribers can still listen on their phones without interruption.)

The timing of this update is deliberate. It arrives just ahead of the one-year anniversary of Mario Kart World, which launched as a Nintendo Switch 2 launch title on June 5, 2025. By expanding the platform reach now, Nintendo ensures that the most requested soundtrack addition lands on every screen its subscribers own.

Mario Kart World Soundtrack Finally Rolls Into the Service

Since Mario Kart World debuted last June, fans have consistently asked for its music to appear on Nintendo Music. The wait is finally over with the addition of 130 tracks totaling 4 hours and 13 minutes of listening time. This is one of the largest single-soundtrack drops the service has received.

The collection includes all 37 racing circuit themes, each capturing the personality of tracks like Peach Gardens, Bowser’s Castle, and the new Rainy Ruins circuit. Beyond the race music, the soundtrack also features battle arena themes, the iconic power-up jingles that play when grabbing a Mushroom or Star, and the triumphant victory lap music that caps off each Grand Prix.

However, one notable omission remains. The Free Roam open world tracks, the ambient music that plays while exploring Mario Kart World’s hub areas, are not included in this update. Nintendo has confirmed they will arrive in a future update. Nintendo’s Bill Trinen explained the delay, attributing it to the “particularly robust” scope of the Mario Kart World soundtrack. Preparing such a large and varied collection for streaming takes time, and the team prioritized the core racing and battle themes first. The absence will be felt by players who loved exploring the hub areas, but the core racing themes make this a substantial addition nonetheless.

For context, Mario Kart World launched as a flagship title for the Nintendo Switch 2, and its soundtrack has been praised for blending energetic orchestral arrangements with classic Mario Kart melodies. The addition nearly a year later may feel slow, but the scale of the release, over four hours of music, suggests Nintendo treated it with the care it deserves.

New Features and What’s Next for Nintendo Music

Alongside the platform expansion and soundtrack drop, version 1.6.0 introduces a new feature called ‘My Mix.’ This custom playlist generator analyzes your listening history and curates a personalized, radio-like stream of tracks. It works similarly to algorithmic playlists on other streaming services, but tailored exclusively to Nintendo’s catalog. For subscribers who have built up months of listening data, My Mix offers a fresh way to rediscover old favorites or hear soundtracks they might have overlooked.

With the Mario Kart World addition, Nintendo Music now hosts soundtracks from nearly 150 games. The library spans generations, from the original Super Mario Bros. through to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Splatoon 3. The service continues to add music regularly, though the pace has been slower than some fans would like. The 1.6.0 update suggests Nintendo is investing more resources into the platform.

Perhaps the most intriguing hint of future ambitions came from Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa, who recently acknowledged the app’s popularity by stating that the company is considering orchestral concert tours. This would mirror what other gaming music services have done, transforming digital soundtracks into live experiences. If Nintendo moves forward, concerts featuring music from Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, and Mario Kart could become a major new revenue stream and a powerful way to connect with fans.

A Broader Musical Horizon

The 1.6.0 update marks a pivotal moment for Nintendo Music. By expanding to desktop, tablets, and cars while finally adding the highly anticipated Mario Kart World soundtrack, Nintendo has transformed a niche mobile app into a genuinely useful, multi-platform service. The addition of ‘My Mix’ and hints at orchestral concerts suggest this is just the beginning.

For Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, who already pay for online play, classic game libraries, and DLC access, the music service is no longer a second thought. It is a destination in its own right, one that can accompany players across every part of their day: on their phone during a commute, in the car on the road, or on their desktop while working. The roads are wide open, and Nintendo Music is ready for the ride.