Team Sonic Racing Drives onto Nintendo Switch: Everything SEGA Revealed Ahead of Launch

SEGA’s much-anticipated kart racing title, Team Sonic Racing, is officially speeding onto the Nintendo Switch with a confirmed release scheduled for Winter 2018.

Developed by the seasoned team at Sumo Digital, the new installment builds on the legacy established by previous Sonic racing games but aims to set itself apart with a bevy of new gameplay mechanics and a bolstered cast of fan-favorite characters. Team Sonic Racing, announced via an official SEGA livestream, brings back Sonic the Hedgehog and his cast of allies and rivals in a brand-new racing format tailored for modern consoles like the Nintendo Switch.

During the broadcast, Aaron Webber—acting as SEGA’s social media and PR representative—clarified several key points about the game’s development and unique approach to arcade racing on Nintendo platforms. Webber confirmed that Team Sonic Racing would be featured and fully playable at E3 in June, with gameplay footage slated for imminent release.

He emphasized the extensive development timeline, stating that the project has been in the works for “quite some time,” highlighting SEGA and Sumo Digital’s long-term investment in the Sonic racing franchise. One of the most critical distinctions Webber addressed is that Team Sonic Racing is not a direct sequel to Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed.

“This is a completely new experience with very different and unique mechanics,” Webber affirmed, reiterating that SEGA’s goal is to move the series in bold new directions. Character selection is another area seeing significant expansion in Team Sonic Racing.

According to Webber, fans can expect to encounter more Sonic universe characters than ever before, exceeding the rosters from any previous Sumo Digital-developed Sonic racer.

“There are characters returning whom players haven’t seen in years,” Webber teased, suggesting even dedicated series followers may be surprised by the lineup.

In addition to the new racers, the game will feature dynamic voice lines, enhancing both character interaction and immersion. Webber also addressed the long-standing question of why Sonic, known for his super-speed, participates in car races.

He clarified, “If Sonic wasn’t in a car, he’d finish every race before it even started.

Racing with vehicles levels the playing field.” Webber encouraged fans to share this explanation to dispel recurring confusion about the game’s premise. As Team Sonic Racing gears up for its Winter 2018 launch on Nintendo Switch, excitement continues to build within the Sonic community and the broader kart racing audience.

With its promise of innovative gameplay, an expanded character roster, and tailored multiplayer experiences, Team Sonic Racing is poised to make a significant impact on the eShop and racing genre alike.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo SEGA Switch Sonic Sumo Digital Team Sonic Racing Team Sonic Aaron Webber Sonic the Hedgehog E3 All-Stars Racing Transformed Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing