Editor’s note: This article serves as an update to our original review of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. After spending time with it on Switch 2, we can now give you our thoughts on how the game runs on the system.
Since its September 2025 release, the passing months have been very kind to Sonic Racing Crossworlds. Sega has been eager to provide free updates that include fan-favorite Sonic characters like the previously comic-exclusive Tangle and Whisper as well as non-Sonic all-stars like Nights and AiAi. The game’s bangin’ soundtrack now lets you race with Outrun, Daytona USA, and Sega Rally tracks blaring — a ’90s arcade racing fan’s dream. And new gadgets that effectively change the balancing and meta of the game have been introduced at a great pace. With all of this in mind, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is also now available in physical form on Nintendo Switch 2 as of today and I can’t recommend this version enough.
First off, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds on Nintendo Switch 2 is fully on cartridge. In addition, the biggest draws for the Switch 2 version of CrossWorlds, 1440p resolution in Docked mode and 1080p resolution in Handheld mode, really make you feel like you’re playing a totally different game compared to the Switch version. Both Docked and Handheld achieve a locked 60 fps. This is a massive step up from the performance of the base Nintendo Switch version of the game, the only version of the game that was available at launch for either Switch system. As I noted in my original review, I actually found the original Switch version, with it retaining most of the major particle effects, fairly impressive despite being majorly held back by the aging hardware’s limitations. It’s fantastic to have an actual Switch 2 version of the game that was made with the significantly better capabilities of the new console in mind.
If you’re hesitant to purchase another racing game after most likely getting Mario Kart World bundled in with your Switch 2, understandable. But CrossWorlds’ bustling online modes have retained a decent and healthy player base thanks to full crossplay support with all other versions of the game. Keep in mind, this is a game that’s on everything from PlayStation 4 and Xbox One to Steam and PlayStation 5. There’s always a race to be ran. Matchmaking is smooth and the traditional lobby voting setup is comparable to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s. If you’re a racing fan pining for another more traditionally set up kart racer, CrossWorlds is your best bet in the current racer landscape. Furthermore, CrossWorlds achieves the engagement of a live service racer with its weekend Festivals without charging you a single additional cent. Festivals, which almost always coincide with a new DLC character’s release, throw some solid fan service swag like decals, music tracks and even gadgets your way for participating. The Battle Pass progression is actually pretty generous and moves along quick. Even better, the game’s World Match mode can now be played while the Festivals are ongoing which was not the case until the most recent update.
My opinion on Sonic Racing CrossWorlds has only improved since my original review. While there are plenty of recently released racers that rival it, CrossWorlds has a leg up on its competition by having focused on the racing, balancing, customization and flexibility that its world-hopping Grand Prix allows for. With the crispness of its Switch 2 version and constant stream of new content, both free and paid DLC, it remains an attractive purchase for anyone looking for a racer to pick up and play or dump several weekends into. This is also the only video game in existence not named Super Smash Bros. that lets Sonic, Pac-Man and Mega Man duke it out. This roster will also eventually include the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Genesis does… you know the rest.
Check out the full review
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Written by Matthew Powers
Nintendo has been Matthew’s preference for fun video gaming since 2004. In addition to his love for all things Mario, Metroid and beyond, Matthew also enjoys heavy metal, roller coasters, pinball machines, and being a proud cat dad.
