OctaRace Announced for Nintendo Switch 2, PC, and Modern Platforms: A Micro Machines Successor Emerges

Pixel Almost Perfect and publisher PixelHeart have officially announced OctaRace, a retro-inspired arcade racing game aiming to recapture the spirit of gaming classics like Codemasters' Micro Machines.

Now set to launch on an expansive slate of platforms—including the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One—OctaRace is positioning itself as a modern successor to one of the most beloved top-down racers of the NES era. Micro Machines, first developed by Codemasters in the early 1990s, won over gamers worldwide with its fast-paced, toy-themed tracks and competitive multiplayer, inspiring numerous sequels and spiritual successors in the decades since.

OctaRace seeks to build upon this legacy with a fresh approach that blends accessible controls, competitive depth, and a distinct 'retro ambiance' reminiscent of the iconic PlayStation 1 era.

Scheduled for release later this year, OctaRace will first launch a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter to support its physical production and secure continued development for additional features and online play. Representatives from Pixel Almost Perfect describe OctaRace as a "family-friendly, arcade experience" that caters to both solo players and groups seeking local or online multiplayer action.

The game is designed to accommodate up to eight players in quick, dynamic sessions, offering a wide selection of customizable vehicles, character options, and a range of solo and group game modes, ensuring broad appeal for fans of classic and contemporary racing games alike. Key features highlighted by the developers include intuitive controls paired with deep, skill-driven gameplay; support for up to eight players in local couch co-op or through robust online multiplayer; diverse game modes for both single players and groups; an extensive roster of vehicles to select and customize; and a cast of original, vibrant characters tailored for creative play. OctaRace is already available to wishlist on Steam, and interested players can register to receive updates on its upcoming Kickstarter campaign.

With its commitment to nostalgic design sensibilities and wide-ranging platform support—including both the current and next-generation Nintendo Switch hardware—OctaRace is shaping up to be a notable entry in the ever-evolving landscape of arcade racing games.

Fans of Micro Machines, as well as newcomers looking for accessible, engaging multiplayer action, have much to look forward to as the title approaches release later this year.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo PlayStation Switch 2 PC Xbox Switch Kickstarter PixelHeart