Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Revealed – Sega Unveils Largest Roster Yet for Nintendo Switch

Sega has officially unveiled Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, the latest entry in the popular Sonic Racing series.

The announcement comes alongside a new trailer and an exclusive in-depth preview released by IGN, showcasing exciting gameplay features destined for the Nintendo Switch and a variety of other platforms.

IGN’s Jada Griffin, after hands-on time with CrossWorlds, reports that the game moves away from the team-based approach of its predecessor, returning to a free-for-all style familiar to Mario Kart fans.

Griffin notes that while it echoes the gameplay of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds takes the well-known formula even further, building on the innovations introduced in earlier titles while advancing beyond Mario Kart 8’s mechanics, which first launched on Wii U over a decade ago. One of the most talked-about aspects of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is its expansive roster.

Sega confirms that this will be the largest lineup ever seen in a Sonic Racing game, with characters representing the rich history of both Sonic and the wider Sega universe.

Players with a passion for customization will appreciate the new mix-and-match vehicle options, allowing for unique combinations of parts, powers, and abilities tailored to personal racing styles. A standout addition to gameplay is the introduction of "Travel Rings," a dynamic feature allowing players to jump between diverse worlds mid-race.

Notably, the player in the lead selects the next destination on the second lap, adding a fresh layer of strategy as competitors speed across land, sea, and air.

This is complemented by a new RPG-inspired gadget system, giving racers the chance to equip and combine gadgets before each event for enhanced performance and tactical depth. Sega also celebrates the return of "Extreme Gear," originally featured in the fan-favorite Sonic Riders series.

In CrossWorlds, Extreme Gear offers a boost-centric racing style, providing another nod to the franchise’s legacy.

Takashi Iizuka, Creative Officer at Sonic Team, shared in an official statement that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a fusion of the series’ past innovations and new ideas.

He explained that the development team set out to create a title that honors previous entries while introducing fresh mechanics—incorporating features from both the Sonic Riders and All-Stars Racing series to deliver what he calls a "culmination of all the Sonic Racing series games to date." Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is scheduled for digital and physical release, including on Nintendo Switch, with additional platforms to follow.

As fans eagerly await more details—including the full character roster and confirmed launch date—Sega’s latest racing endeavor is already generating considerable excitement across the gaming community. For a comprehensive look at new gameplay mechanics, customization features, and early impressions, visit IGN’s exclusive preview.

Stay tuned to official Sega channels and upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations for further updates on Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.

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