Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Promises Largest Roster Ever, Features Iconic SEGA and Nickelodeon Characters

Sega’s highly anticipated Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is set to deliver the largest character roster in the history of Sonic racing games.

First announced for the Nintendo Switch and other major platforms, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds enters the spotlight as it prepares for a prominent showcase during this year’s Summer Games Fest.

This new entry from Sega not only builds on the successful heritage of the Sonic franchise but also promises fans a collection of racers that extends across the broader Sega universe — and potentially even further. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds was first revealed in an official Sega announcement, which described the game as featuring the “largest roster ever” in a Sonic racing title.

The game intends to unite iconic characters drawn from a wide variety of Sega franchises, offering a diverse selection for veterans and newcomers alike.

Sonic racing games have previously included numerous fan-favorite characters from across the Sonic universe, but CrossWorlds appears to be setting a new industry benchmark for crossover rosters. Recently, excitement and curiosity in the community skyrocketed as footage reportedly from an early build of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds circulated online.

According to these clips, the game includes a playable version of SpongeBob SquarePants—the beloved Nickelodeon character long associated with his pineapple under the sea.

In the footage, SpongeBob races competitively on Extreme Gear, showcasing stunts and collecting rings—although, as is typical in early development, his character icon and voice assets were not yet present. While Sega has not made an official statement regarding these specific crossover inclusions, the developer has a history of collaborating with unexpected franchises.

Previous Sonic racing installments have surprised players with inventive guest appearances, fueling speculation about potential newcomers in the upcoming title.

The recent leak further mentioned the possibility of additional collaborations involving renowned series such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Minecraft, and Hatsune Miku, although these details have not yet been officially confirmed. Despite the rumors, experienced fans know to await Sega’s official word regarding final rosters.

It’s common in the game development process for features seen in early builds—including cameo characters and crossover content—not to appear in the retail release.

Nevertheless, the prospect of seeing characters like SpongeBob SquarePants race alongside Sonic and friends has generated palpable buzz within the gaming community. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is shaping up to be a headline release for the Nintendo Switch, with players eager to see which universes collide when the game arrives on the eShop later this year.

Stay tuned for further updates as Sega prepares for its full reveal and sheds light on the full scope of its ambitious crossover roster.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo SEGA Sega Switch Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Sonic Nickelodeon SpongeBob SquarePants Sonic franchise Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Avatar: The Last Airbender Minecraft Hatsune Miku crossovers