Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Adds Ichiban Kasuga as Free DLC Character on Nintendo Switch

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Continues to Expand with Free Ichiban Kasuga DLC on Nintendo Switch SEGA’s high-speed multiplayer racer, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, has been making waves on the Nintendo Switch eShop since its launch in September.

Developed by the renowned Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio—best known for the acclaimed Yakuza franchise—this kart racer has steadily gained traction among fans with a series of post-launch updates, new characters, and exciting crossover events. This week, during a live stream hosted by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the development team officially announced a major guest addition: Ichiban Kasuga, the standout protagonist from Yakuza: Like A Dragon.

Ichiban will be introduced as a free download on November 6, 2025, expanding the game’s crossover roster and offering fans a brand-new way to race through imaginative Sonic-themed tracks.

To celebrate his arrival, a limited-time festival event will run from November 7 through November 10, 2025. Gameplay footage shown during the studio’s broadcast provided fans an early look at Kasuga in action, highlighting his unique animations and vehicle customization options.

The segment featuring Ichiban Kasuga can be viewed between the 6-13 minute mark of the archived live stream.

This addition follows the earlier free DLC release of Joker from the Persona series, and the recent introduction of Minecraft characters (Steve, Alex, and Creeper) as paid racers, which also included a new themed race course. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds has carved out a reputation for its robust post-launch content and cross-genre collaborations.

According to SEGA, the game stands among the most content-rich kart racers available on Switch, and the inclusion of celebrated characters such as Ichiban underscores Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s commitment to keeping the player community engaged. In related news, SEGA reaffirmed that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is set for release on the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console later this year, bringing enhanced visuals and performance while maintaining feature parity with the current Switch version.

This planned launch aims to capitalize on the next-generation hardware’s capabilities, ensuring that longtime fans and newcomers alike will enjoy the franchise’s fast-paced action and ever-growing roster of racers. For those eager to jump into the festival event or experience Ichiban Kasuga’s debut behind the wheel, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is available now on Nintendo Switch via the eShop.

Stay tuned for further details as SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio prepare for the next chapter in this dynamic racing series.

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