Sega Details Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Delay for Nintendo Switch 2, Promises Enhanced Performance

Sega has provided new details on the delayed launch of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds for Nintendo Switch 2, clarifying the company's commitment to making the most of the next-generation hardware.

As a flagship title in Sega’s racing catalog and the latest innovation in the Sonic franchise, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds debuted across multiple platforms.

However, the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 version was postponed, leaving fans eager for an explanation. In a recent interview with Traxion, Takashi Iizuka, the producer of the Sonic series, discussed the rationale behind delaying the Switch 2 release.

Iizuka explained that Sega aimed to launch the game on Switch 2 simultaneously alongside other platforms, but the later release date of Nintendo’s new console changed those plans.

According to Iizuka, the delay was implemented to ensure Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds would be fully optimized for the upgraded hardware, delivering a product that leverages the console’s advanced capabilities. "Our intention was to provide the Switch 2 version at the same time as other platforms," Iizuka stated, "but because the hardware release was scheduled for a later date, we prioritized creating a game that would be properly optimized for the new system." Addressing concerns about possible feature disparities, Iizuka clarified that while there are no major content differences between the Switch 1 and Switch 2 versions, some variations in presentation are inevitable due to the distinct hardware specifications.

The Switch 2 edition will offer notable enhancements in visuals and performance, an upgrade designed to demonstrate what the newer hardware can deliver over its predecessor.

Specific technical details, such as whether the game will support 4K resolution, were not disclosed. Iizuka emphasized that resolution and frame rate targets are tailored to each console’s capabilities.

"On every platform, we want to ensure the best possible resolution and frame rate based on the hardware specs.

Consequently, these aspects won’t be identical across all consoles," he said.

This approach extends to the game's crossplay functionality—featured on all platforms—which is intended to deliver a consistent and enjoyable multiplayer experience regardless of the device used.

As Iizuka put it, "When engaging in cross-play, it’s essential that players enjoy the same level of gameplay, no matter which console they choose." The original release of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds on the Nintendo Switch showcased the flexibility of the platform but was inherently limited by the aging hardware.

With the Switch 2 version, Sega is aiming to demonstrate significant improvements, ensuring that the popular kart racer can truly shine with enhanced performance and visual fidelity. As anticipation builds for the Switch 2’s arrival and the upgraded Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds experience, both seasoned fans and newcomers can look forward to a release that capitalizes on the latest in gaming technology.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is currently available for Nintendo Switch and other major platforms via the eShop and physical retailers, with the Switch 2 version slated to follow upon hardware launch.

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