Carmageddon: Rogue Shift Announced for Nintendo Switch — Reviving Vehicular Mayhem in 2026

Carmageddon: Rogue Shift for Nintendo Switch has been officially announced by developer 34BigThings, with a planned release window set for 2026.

This bold new title revitalizes the notorious Carmageddon franchise, which first debuted in 1997, by blending its hallmark vehicular carnage with modern roguelite mechanics and roguelike progression.

Carmageddon: Rogue Shift aims to deliver a fresh, high-octane experience for fans of the series and a new generation of Nintendo Switch players alike. Set in a dark, post-apocalyptic future in the year 2050, Carmageddon: Rogue Shift throws players into a world ravaged by the aftereffects of a global conflict and environmental disasters.

In this dystopian wasteland, humanity is besieged by the nightmarish 'Wasted' — mutated, aggressive creatures spawned by a disastrous food supplement.

Each night, survivors must take refuge in fortified skyscrapers as hordes of monsters rule the streets.

The only hope for escape lies in participating in the deadly, infamous Carmageddon races.

Victory brings not just power and prestige, but the coveted chance to break free from Earth by reaching the last remaining spaceport beyond the mountains. Players assume the role of a desperate racer, starting with only a decrepit vehicle, limited fuel, and improvised weaponry.

To survive, they must compete against ruthless gangs such as the Autoscum, confront tough rogue drivers, and evade corrupt Enforcer police forces bent on stripping vehicles for supplies.

Each event is an escalating battle for survival, where success means securing vital upgrades, new weapons, and vehicle enhancements that stack and synergize for ever-wilder destruction. "We've reimagined the spirit of Carmageddon to create an accessible, fast-paced, and visceral combat racing experience," 34BigThings shared in an official statement.

The developer reiterated its commitment to honoring the franchise’s heritage while infusing new systems such as a dynamic day-night cycle, changing weather effects, and an extensive damage model for vehicles.

Players will be able to choose from 15 customizable vehicles, each with unique handling profiles, and arm themselves with 13 different weapon classes—all fully upgradeable.

More than 80 unlockable perks add depth and strategy to every race. Each campaign run offers procedurally generated challenges and branching paths, ensuring that no two playthroughs are alike.

Earn credits by taking down rivals and mastering advanced racing maneuvers, then spend them on repairs, perks, and upgrades at in-game shops.

With escalating difficulty, boss battles against menacing opponents, and the ever-present threat of the Wasted, players must continually adapt and refine their strategies to advance. Carmageddon: Rogue Shift also introduces a persistent progression system: even if a user's vehicle is destroyed, another racer steps in to continue the fight, with permanent unlocks available between runs.

This roguelite feature encourages replayability, as players collect Beatcoins to unlock bonuses and experiment with new builds in the Black Market. The developer’s pedigree — 34BigThings previously earned acclaim for its work on Redout, an award-winning futuristic racing franchise — further elevates expectations for Carmageddon: Rogue Shift.

By bringing the series to the Nintendo Switch platform, the studio expands on the original’s legacy while leveraging Switch’s accessibility and thriving eShop ecosystem. Carmageddon: Rogue Shift is set to launch on Nintendo Switch in 2026.

Fans can catch the debut trailer now and should stay tuned for further updates, including a confirmed release date, as development progresses.

For ongoing coverage of Nintendo Switch titles and Carmageddon series updates, follow our Nintendo Switch news hub.