Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Announces Open Network Test Dates for Nintendo Switch 1 and More

SEGA has officially announced an open network test for its upcoming kart racer, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.

Scheduled to begin on August 29, 2025, the test will be accessible on a range of supported platforms, including the Nintendo Switch 1.

This highly anticipated demo can be downloaded directly from the Nintendo eShop.

Notably, the open network test will not be available for Nintendo Switch 2 users. The event will run across three days, concluding on September 2, 2025.

Players participating in the test will gain early access to a robust portion of gameplay content, providing a hands-on look at SEGA’s latest addition to the Sonic franchise before its official release.

"We're committed to delivering an engaging multiplayer racing experience and welcome fans to help us stress-test our online features," SEGA stated in an official communication regarding the network test. During the open network test, players can expect to explore nine dynamic courses, including E-Stadium, Metal Harbor, Rainbow Garden, Wonder Museum, Water Palace, Mystic Jungle, Apotos, Sand Road, and Colorful Mall.

The test will also showcase seven unique CrossWorlds environments: Roulette Road, Dinosaur Jungle, Kraken Bay, Magma Planet, Sky Road, Dragon Road, and Holoska. Racers will be able to select from a roster of 13 characters, with iconic faces like Sonic, Tails, Amy, Knuckles, and Shadow making their return.

Additional characters such as Eggman, Omega, Zazz, Cream, Jet, Wave, Storm, and the debut of Joker (available starting August 31) will round out the character lineup.

Players can also test drive a diverse selection of 21 vehicles, each categorized by racing attributes like Speed, Acceleration, Steering, Power, and Dash.

The special Arsène Wing will be unlocked on August 31. The Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds open network test features a variety of modes, including Grand Prix events (three Prixs, each with three courses), World Match, Joker Festival, and Time Trials spanning nine courses.

Both machine and gadget customization options will be available, alongside a total of 42 gadgets for players to experiment with. It’s important to note that local split-screen multiplayer is not supported in the open network test, and any progress or save data from the demo will not carry over into the full game upon release.

The open test offers a valuable opportunity for players to provide feedback that could influence the final adjustments ahead of launch. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is the latest in SEGA’s celebrated series and continues the tradition of high-speed, character-driven competitive racing, exclusively providing fans with a taste of what’s in store on the Nintendo Switch 1 platform and other select systems.

Stay tuned for more updates as the official release approaches.

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