4PGP Brings 1990s Arcade Racing Flair to Nintendo Switch 2: A Detailed Review
In recent years, the arcade racing genre has seen a resurgence, driven by a wave of nostalgic projects that aim to recapture the electric thrill of classic titles from the 1990s.
One of the most notable additions to this trend is 4PGP, a four-player Grand Prix arcade racer developed by indie studio Vision Reelle and published by 3goo.
Released for the Nintendo Switch 2, 4PGP seeks to evoke the golden era of polygonal racing games, drawing inspiration from SEGA’s legendary catalogue with the support of former SEGA staff members who helped shape the original genre-defining experiences. Upon launch, 4PGP presents players with a robust suite of game modes designed to offer both nostalgic challenges and modern convenience.
In Championship mode, players can compete across a series of races, accumulating points to claim a coveted spot on the podium.
Multiple difficulty levels provide an avenue for newcomers and racing veterans alike to unlock new vehicles by besting the Championships at increasing levels of challenge.
For those seeking immediate action, Quick Race mode allows players to select their preferred track and car and dive right into the competition, while Time Attack presents an opportunity to refine lap times and master the intricacies of each course. A notable feature of 4PGP is its accommodating multiplayer functionality.
Players have the option of traditional split-screen competition with up to four racers, an increasingly rare treat in the age of online play, as well as both local and remote GameShare options via GameChat.
These flexible multiplayer modes ensure that whether players are grouped in a living room or seeking to race friends online, 4PGP fosters a vibrant, shared experience reminiscent of classic couch gaming. The game’s roster is a well-curated collection of nineteen cars and fourteen circuits, each meticulously designed to evoke the spirit of the 1990s F1 racing world.
While devoid of official licenses, the attention to detail ensures that enthusiasts of the era will find the selections both familiar and engaging.
Tracks have been thoughtfully adapted, not only to sidestep potential legal concerns but also to enhance their suitability for the fast-paced, arcade-style gameplay central to the 4PGP experience. Racing mechanics in 4PGP are purposefully crafted to reward consistent speed, echoing the design philosophy of classic polygonal racers.
The focus is on smooth control and tactical use of the analog turbo boost, which can be activated via the shoulder button and replenished strategically in the pits.
Unlike many contemporary racing games, drifting is omitted in favor of mechanics more faithful to SEGA’s early 3D racing titles.
Players can also choose to enable driving assists or take advantage of gyro controls, further broadening the game’s accessibility. According to the developer Vision Reelle, “Our focus was to recreate the pure, unadulterated fun of the arcade racing era while ensuring technical excellence and performance.” 4PGP demonstrates this commitment with optimized performance on the Nintendo Switch 2, running at a smooth 120 frames per second with crisp visuals, bringing the high-speed action to life.
4PGP succeeds in delivering an engaging, effortlessly enjoyable arcade racing experience, especially appealing to those with fond memories of 1990s racing games or an appreciation for classic gameplay design.
With a strong selection of cars and tracks, as well as accessible yet deep mechanics, it stands out on the Nintendo Switch 2 as both a solo and multiplayer title.
Combined with its polished presentation and technical achievement, 4PGP reaffirms the enduring appeal of the arcade racer on modern hardware. Version reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2 Review copy provided by 3goo.
One of the most notable additions to this trend is 4PGP, a four-player Grand Prix arcade racer developed by indie studio Vision Reelle and published by 3goo.
Released for the Nintendo Switch 2, 4PGP seeks to evoke the golden era of polygonal racing games, drawing inspiration from SEGA’s legendary catalogue with the support of former SEGA staff members who helped shape the original genre-defining experiences. Upon launch, 4PGP presents players with a robust suite of game modes designed to offer both nostalgic challenges and modern convenience.
In Championship mode, players can compete across a series of races, accumulating points to claim a coveted spot on the podium.
Multiple difficulty levels provide an avenue for newcomers and racing veterans alike to unlock new vehicles by besting the Championships at increasing levels of challenge.
For those seeking immediate action, Quick Race mode allows players to select their preferred track and car and dive right into the competition, while Time Attack presents an opportunity to refine lap times and master the intricacies of each course. A notable feature of 4PGP is its accommodating multiplayer functionality.
Players have the option of traditional split-screen competition with up to four racers, an increasingly rare treat in the age of online play, as well as both local and remote GameShare options via GameChat.
These flexible multiplayer modes ensure that whether players are grouped in a living room or seeking to race friends online, 4PGP fosters a vibrant, shared experience reminiscent of classic couch gaming. The game’s roster is a well-curated collection of nineteen cars and fourteen circuits, each meticulously designed to evoke the spirit of the 1990s F1 racing world.
While devoid of official licenses, the attention to detail ensures that enthusiasts of the era will find the selections both familiar and engaging.
Tracks have been thoughtfully adapted, not only to sidestep potential legal concerns but also to enhance their suitability for the fast-paced, arcade-style gameplay central to the 4PGP experience. Racing mechanics in 4PGP are purposefully crafted to reward consistent speed, echoing the design philosophy of classic polygonal racers.
The focus is on smooth control and tactical use of the analog turbo boost, which can be activated via the shoulder button and replenished strategically in the pits.
Unlike many contemporary racing games, drifting is omitted in favor of mechanics more faithful to SEGA’s early 3D racing titles.
Players can also choose to enable driving assists or take advantage of gyro controls, further broadening the game’s accessibility. According to the developer Vision Reelle, “Our focus was to recreate the pure, unadulterated fun of the arcade racing era while ensuring technical excellence and performance.” 4PGP demonstrates this commitment with optimized performance on the Nintendo Switch 2, running at a smooth 120 frames per second with crisp visuals, bringing the high-speed action to life.
4PGP succeeds in delivering an engaging, effortlessly enjoyable arcade racing experience, especially appealing to those with fond memories of 1990s racing games or an appreciation for classic gameplay design.
With a strong selection of cars and tracks, as well as accessible yet deep mechanics, it stands out on the Nintendo Switch 2 as both a solo and multiplayer title.
Combined with its polished presentation and technical achievement, 4PGP reaffirms the enduring appeal of the arcade racer on modern hardware. Version reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2 Review copy provided by 3goo.
