Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Switch 1 Release Date Set for September 2025—New Playable Characters Announced

SEGA has officially announced that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will launch on Nintendo Switch 1 on September 25, 2025, as revealed at this year's Summer Game Fest.

The news marks the highly anticipated arrival of the latest installment in the popular Sonic racing series on Nintendo's current-generation hardware, following months of speculation and excitement within the fanbase.

According to the publisher, the initial release date applies exclusively to the Switch 1 version.

A release for the upgraded Nintendo Switch 2 edition is planned for a later unannounced date.

The Switch 2 Edition will be priced at £64.99 GBP.

Importantly, SEGA has detailed an upgrade pathway: players who purchase Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds for Switch 1 at £54.99 GBP will have the option to buy a paid upgrade pack, allowing access to the enhanced Switch 2 version when it becomes available.

This approach enables early adopters to enjoy the game on launch day and transition seamlessly to next-generation hardware when ready. Adding to the excitement, several new playable characters from across SEGA’s franchises and partners were unveiled.

Knuckles the Dread, Rusty Rose, and Tails Nine, all originally appearing in the Netflix animated series Sonic Prime, headline the latest roster additions.

SEGA is also further expanding the cross-universe appeal of CrossWorlds by including Ichiban Kasuga from Yakuza, Joker from Persona, and virtual pop sensation Hatsune Miku as selectable racers. The company confirmed that Minecraft content will feature in a future Season Pass and Digital Deluxe Edition, priced at £79.99 GBP.

This collaboration introduces Steve as a playable character and a new racetrack set in the iconic Minecraft world.

These additions continue SEGA’s trend of integrating fan-favorite properties to broaden the game’s appeal and replay value. Digital pre-orders will come with exclusive content: players who reserve the title ahead of launch will receive Sonic the Werehog from Sonic Unleashed, along with a special themed vehicle and in-game decal.

However, SEGA clarified that pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch eShop version are not yet available at the time of announcement. While there was a recent leak suggesting SpongeBob SquarePants may be added as a future DLC character, SEGA has not issued an official statement confirming his inclusion in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. With a confirmed release date, legacy and new characters, and a robust season pass, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is shaping up to be a significant release for SEGA and Nintendo Switch fans in 2025.

Players eager to catch all the latest characters and features should stay tuned to SEGA’s official channels and upcoming Nintendo Directs for further updates.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo SEGA Minecraft Switch Yakuza Nintendo Switch 1 Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Persona Sonic Switch 1 Nintendo Switch 2 Sonic Prime Netflix Hatsune Miku Ichiban Kasuga Joker Steve Sonic Unleashed Sonic the Werehog Rusty Rose Knuckles the Dread Tails Nine Nintendo eShop