Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Brings Largest Sonic Roster and New Mechanics to Nintendo Switch in 2025

SEGA has officially announced Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, the next major kart racer starring Sonic the Hedgehog, as part of a broad promotional campaign kicking off with an all-new animated series arriving in September 2025.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is primed for a global release on September 25, 2025, for the Nintendo Switch, available both physically and for digital download via the Nintendo eShop.

An enhanced Nintendo Switch 2 version is also confirmed for a later date. Building on the franchise's legacy, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds promises the biggest character lineup seen in any Sonic racing title to date.

Players can select from 23 distinct characters at launch—including beloved heroes and new challengers—and speed through 24 main tracks that span land, air, and sea courses.

SEGA has introduced the innovative 'Travel Rings' feature, a gameplay mechanic allowing racers to travel between dimensions mid-race, dynamically changing the course and strategy for every race.

This feature brings a new level of unpredictability and excitement to the kart racing genre. Reflecting on the game's features, SEGA representatives describe the Travel Rings as a breakthrough system that gives every race a unique twist, allowing fans to experience Sonic and SEGA universes in a fresh way.

The game further enhances replayability with 'Gadgets'—over 70 unique items that can be equipped for various strategic perks before each race.

Players are encouraged to customize their vehicles, mix and match parts, powers, and abilities, ensuring each race mirrors their personal play style.

Returning from the fan-favorite Sonic Riders series, Extreme Gear hoverboards offer an extra layer of high-speed competition. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds’ character roster will be expanded post-launch through free updates, bringing in iconic characters from other SEGA properties, including Joker from Persona 5 Royal, Kasuga Ichiban from Like A Dragon, and even crossover guests like virtual idol Hatsune Miku.

The Digital Deluxe Edition further enriches the game's lineup with characters from the Netflix original Sonic Prime, alongside a Season Pass that unlocks new guest characters, vehicles, and tracks inspired by recognizable franchises, beginning with content themed after Minecraft. Key features in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds include: - 'Travel Rings' gameplay mechanic for mid-race dimensional travel - 23 characters at launch and 24 main tracks, plus 15 challenging CrossWorlds locations - Over 70 unique gadgets for in-depth pre-race customization - Return of the fan-favorite Extreme Gear hoverboards from Sonic Riders - Vehicle and gameplay customization to fit a variety of racing styles With its expansive features and cross-franchise collaborations, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds exemplifies SEGA’s commitment to delivering innovative and engaging content to fans.

The September 25, 2025 release marks a key addition to the Nintendo Switch racing library, as well as an anticipated entry for the Nintendo Switch 2.

For more details, prospective racers can follow the latest updates on the official SEGA and Sonic the Hedgehog social channels.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo SEGA Switch Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Sonic Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Sonic the Hedgehog Persona 5 Royal Joker Like A Dragon Kasuga Ichiban Hatsune Miku Sonic Prime Netflix Minecraft