Ichiban Kasuga from Yakuza Series Joins Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds as Free DLC on Nintendo Switch

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Continues Expansion with New Yakuza Crossover on Nintendo Switch SEGA’s commitment to keeping Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds fresh and engaging for Nintendo Switch players continues to shine with the debut of Ichiban Kasuga, a starring character from the renowned Yakuza series, as the latest free DLC racer.

Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the minds behind the Yakuza and Like a Dragon franchises, this update merges two iconic SEGA properties and offers players both new gameplay twists and celebratory fan service. Released in September, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds quickly established a strong presence on the Nintendo Switch eShop, backed by consistent content updates and a growing roster of beloved characters.

The game’s latest update, made available on November 6, 2025, sees Ichiban Kasuga joining the race.

This free addition comes with his signature vehicle, Dragon Brave, and unlocks exclusive new songs inspired by the Yakuza universe, further enriching the game’s soundtrack for loyal fans and newcomers alike.

Upon launching the game after the update, players will automatically receive Kasuga and his machine, ready to hit the racetrack. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio announced the crossover during their recent live stream, inviting viewers to preview in-depth gameplay featuring Ichiban Kasuga.

Players can tune in to the presentation—specifically between the 6 and 13-minute marks—to see the new character in action, as he races alongside Sonic and the rest of the CrossWorlds cast.

The update is also paired with a limited-time festival event running from November 7 through November 10, 2025, giving players extra incentives to participate and unlock additional themed rewards. This major update follows a growing trend of crossover content in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.

Joker from the Persona franchise made his appearance as free downloadable content prior to this release, and SEGA has introduced paid DLC racers from Minecraft—including Steve, Alex, and Creeper—alongside a fresh racing course inspired by the block-building phenomenon.

These collaborations reflect SEGA’s strategy to introduce creative crossovers and keep the game’s community buzzing with new reasons to return to the tracks. As Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds prepares for its scheduled launch on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 later this year, the game’s successful integration of guest characters and steady post-launch support signal the enduring appeal and adaptability of both the Sonic and Yakuza game universes.

With Ichiban Kasuga now joining the roster, players have another compelling reason to revisit the fast-paced action of SEGA’s flagship racing title. To experience Ichiban Kasuga’s unique racing style and celebrate this innovative crossover between the Yakuza and Sonic franchises, load up Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds today on Nintendo Switch and take part in the latest festival events before they speed away.

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