Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and Mario Kart World Chart Unique Courses on Nintendo Switch 2

With the release of Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2, the race for dominance in the kart racing genre has intensified, but SEGA is confident their upcoming title, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, can thrive alongside Nintendo’s flagship racer.

Developed by Sonic Team, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is set to carve its own identity and cater to fans seeking a different racing experience.

Speaking to Video Games Chronicle (VGC), Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka explained that despite both titles launching on Nintendo’s latest hardware, Mario Kart World and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds are intentionally designed to offer fundamentally distinct gameplay.

Iizuka highlighted how Mario Kart World introduces an open-world racing format, representing Nintendo’s new approach to the beloved series.

In contrast, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is grounded in the expertise of SEGA’s acclaimed arcade racing team, whose mission is to modernize the arcade racing experience with innovative and imaginative features unique to the Sonic franchise.

Iizuka told the publication that from the very beginning, SEGA’s focus has been to elevate the classic racing game formula by incorporating fresh ideas and improvements, setting Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds apart.

'Our development team has extensive experience in creating racing games,' Iizuka explained.

'What we set out to do was to build upon those foundations, modernize it, and inject the kind of new, crazy concepts that set the game apart.

Even conceptually, we’re headed in different directions than Mario Kart World, so the experiences will fundamentally differ.' Regarding platform support, Iizuka addressed the enhancements made possible by the Nintendo Switch 2’s improved performance.

He noted that the original Nintendo Switch provided excellent portable gameplay, but the new hardware allows developers to avoid the compromises necessary with earlier models.

Players can look forward to better frame rates and improved resolution, ensuring a smoother and more immersive experience on Switch 2.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will launch for the original Nintendo Switch on September 25.

Iizuka revealed that while the game will not debut on Switch 2 immediately, development is underway to bring it to the new hardware as quickly as possible, ensuring fans can enjoy the title’s enhancements soon after the initial release.

'We hope that shortly after September 25, the Switch 2 version will hit the market, giving everyone the opportunity to play and enjoy,' Iizuka added.

SEGA is also considering how progression between the two consoles will function, aiming to ensure a smooth transition for players moving from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2.

Meanwhile, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds continues to generate excitement with news of collaborations, such as Minecraft DLC, and the unveiling of a collector’s edition, further enriching the game’s appeal. As both Mario Kart World and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds prepare to rev up on Nintendo Switch 2, it’s clear that SEGA and Nintendo are offering fans diverse and compelling racing experiences, each paving its own road to success.

Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart Nintendo Switch Mario Kart World Nintendo Mario Sonic Team SEGA Switch 2 Switch Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Sonic Kart Takashi Iizuka VGC