Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Reveals Opening Theme Featuring Busted's James Bourne on Nintendo Switch

Sega has pulled back the curtain on the official opening theme for the highly anticipated Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, set to launch on Nintendo Switch this September 25.

This time, the iconic video game publisher has delivered an unexpected collaboration: James Bourne, frontman of the British pop-punk sensation Busted, is lending his distinctive vocals to "Cross the Worlds," the game's energetic main track.

For fans familiar with both the Sonic franchise and the UK music scene, this partnership is a delightful surprise.

Busted, founded in 2000, rocketed to fame with hits like "What I Go to School For" and "Year 3000"—the latter gaining additional recognition through a cover by the Jonas Brothers and a collaborative re-recording in 2023.

Despite a split in 2005 as the members pursued various solo projects—Bourne notably going on to form Son of Dork, release work under the alias Future Boy, and later team up with McFly to create McBusted—the band eventually reunited in 2015 and has remained active since. CrossWorlds' opening theme is composed by Takahiro Kai, previously recognized for his work on Sonic Superstars.

The track bursts with an upbeat, pop-rock flair that bridges classic Sonic energy with the signature style of Busted.

In response to questions about the musical direction, Sega representatives noted that the collaboration injects a "distinct pop-rock dynamic into the Sonic universe, matching the game's fast-paced excitement." Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds seeks to expand the franchise's legacy on Nintendo Switch, offering fans a robust roster that stretches beyond classic Sonic characters.

In addition to Sonic and friends, players can look forward to racing as crossover DLC characters like Hatsune Miku, Ichiban Kasuga from Like a Dragon, Joker from Persona 5, Steve from Minecraft, and beloved Nickelodeon icons.

Sega has confirmed that a version for the upcoming Switch 2 is also in development, underscoring their commitment to supporting multiple Nintendo hardware platforms. With the game's release date confirmed for September 25, 2024, excitement is building among Sonic enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

The combination of high-profile music talent, diverse DLC racers, and classic high-speed gameplay positions Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds as a must-have title for the Nintendo Switch and a highlight of this year's eShop lineup.

The official soundtrack, featuring James Bourne's vocal performance, is expected to resonate with a wide audience, particularly fans of British pop punk and dynamic game music.

As the gaming community awaits more details, one thing remains clear: Sega's innovative approach to blending musical and gameplay nostalgia ensures Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will hit the ground running this autumn.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Sega Switch Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds soundtrack Sonic Busted James Bourne Switch 2 Takahiro Kai Sonic Superstars Jonas Brothers McFly McBusted Hatsune Miku Ichiban Kasuga Like a Dragon Joker Persona 5 Steve Minecraft Nickelodeon