Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Switch 2 Edition is a stark improvement over the original Switch game, offering superior visuals and performance for a modest price upgrade.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds launched in September on almost every major platform, even releasing on the archaic PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. One exception, however, was the Nintendo Switch 2.
While the original Switch version is playable on Nintendo’s new console via backwards compatibility, the hardware’s launch timing pushed back the native Switch 2 version.
Several months later, the Switch 2 Edition of Sega’s kart racer is here – and it was worth the wait.
Sonic racing games have a long history on portable platforms, starting with the Game Gear-exclusive Sonic Drift games before Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed’s PlayStation Vita port and the Switch version of Team Sonic Racing. As such, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds feels at home on a handheld.
Switching it up
On the original Switch, CrossWorlds highlights the eight-year-old hardware’s limitations. It’s serviceable, but easily the worst version, marred by blurry visuals riddled with aliasing, downgraded environments and a low frame rate.
Thankfully, improvements made to the Switch 2 version bring it closer to its PC and console counterparts. The difference is stark.
Speaking to Traixon at Gamescom, Sonic series producer Takashi Iizuka said that CrossWorlds will “use the full capability” of Switch 2. In truth, the Switch 2 Edition doesn’t reach 4K resolution on a TV. Instead, it’s limited to 1440p docked, though it’s worth noting that Mario Kart World also plays in this resolution.
Like other Switch 2 Edition games, this is an enhanced version of the original Switch game, rather than a new standalone title. As such, some of the original Switch version’s compromises still carry over, such as reduced detail in some environments.
Nevertheless, the Switch 2 Edition’s higher resolution results in a noticeably sharper, cleaner image. Background details look more defined, lighting is higher quality and water sections no longer appear as flat textures. It also shines when played in handheld mode at 1080p.
What makes a bigger difference, however, is the higher frame rate. Despite all the chaos happening on-screen, the Switch 2 Edition performs at a rock-solid 60fps, whether playing in handheld or docked mode. This is also the case in split-screen with two players, though we were unable to test it with four players. As a result, the controls are much smoother, and the racing feels faster.
Two worlds collide
With the arrival of the Switch 2 Edition, CrossWorlds is naturally pitted head-to-head with Mario Kart World, in a duel between the two mascot rivals reminiscent of the 16-bit era. If you have exhausted Nintendo’s kart racer, CrossWorlds is a worthy alternative.
Its titular CrossWorlds are a novel idea and well executed. As you drive through giant portals at the end of the first lap, you are seamlessly teleported to a new, randomly generated location. You could be racing through a shopping mall, only to be teleported onto a jungle with stampeding dinosaurs to dodge or a lava-filled area with fire-breathing dragons.
CrossWorlds’ customisation is also commendable. A glaring omission in Mario Kart World, Sega’s kart racer lets you extensively customise vehicles by swapping front and rear body parts, changing wheels or adding decals.
Another aspect that sets CrossWorlds apart from its chief rival is the Gadget system. Up to six gadget slots can be equipped, unlocking abilities beyond the standard power-ups, such as scoring more air trick points or starting the race with maximum boost, with more powerful gadgets taking up multiple slots. The options are surprisingly vast, rewarding players who utilise the best loadouts.
Befitting the crossover theme, numerous DLC packs have expanded the character and track roster, with cameos from the likes of SpongeBob SquarePants, Minecraft and Pac-Man. Sega hasn’t forgotten about its own franchises either, with characters, vehicles and locations from Mega-Man also set to arrive in 2026. That said, it’s a shame there are still far fewer Sega mascot characters than Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed.
While Nintendo has yet to reveal its post-launch plans for Mario Kart World, Sega will support CrossWorlds until at least Q3 2026 with DLC via the game’s season pass alongside free character updates.
Fans will endlessly argue over which title reigns supreme, but both have their own merits. Mario Kart World provides a level of polish you expect from a first-party title, with crisp visuals, tight vehicle handling and an eclectic character roster, though its half-baked free roam mode leaves a lot to be desired.
CrossWorlds, on the other hand, is more challenging and chaotic, playing like a classic arcade racer.
If you own Nintendo’s latest console hybrid and the original Switch 1 version of CrossWorlds, this enhanced edition is essential. With vastly superior visuals and performance, it’s a significant step up that shines on Switch 2, costing a modest £10 / $10 for existing owners who upgrade. New players can also buy it separately.
For collectors, a physical version is also due to release in early 2026, which, mercifully, will include a proper cartridge rather than a game key-card.