The best Nintendo Switch 2 racing games in 2026

If you’re looking for the best Nintendo Switch 2 racing games to play in 2026, look no further.

Launched in June 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 is the fastest-selling console ever. Compared to the original, it boasts a larger screen, a more powerful processor and redesigned Joy-Con controllers.

Admittedly, its improvements feel iterative, offering little innovation beyond the gimmicky mouse controls. But judging from its strong sales, the ability to switch between a home console and a hybrid is clearly a winning formula.

With a stellar launch lineup and a comprehensive catalogue of backwards compatible titles, the Switch 2 is already proving to be an excellent platform for playing racing games on the go. That said, its lack of pressure-sensitive triggers is a disappointing omission, meaning you can’t modulate acceleration and braking in driving games.

It’s worth noting that the Switch 2 is backwards compatible with most Switch 1 games. That means you can import your Switch racing game library to the Switch 2 and enjoy games like Burnout Paradise, Cruis’n Blast and Grid Autosport on the new console, with some titles benefiting from improved performance.

However, our list only includes native titles or older Switch 1 games enhanced with a Switch 2 patch. Without further ado, these are our picks for the best Switch 2 racing games. We will update this list as more native Switch 2 racing games are released.

6. Disney Speedstorm

Disney Speedstorm first launched in 2023, reminding us of a time when the market was saturated with IP-based kart racers. Since then, live service updates have added new characters and environments from the world of Disney and Pixar. Whether you want to race as Mike from Monsters, Inc. or race under the sea in Atlantica from The Little Mermaid, Disney’s TV and film catalogue is well represented.

Don’t let the Disney theme deter you: this is a surprisingly solid kart racer with involving vehicle handling, satisfying drifting and spectacular visuals. It even introduced Tony Hawk-style rail grinding before Mario Kart World, and weapons can be charged to create secondary powerups, bringing more depth to the combat.  

While there’s no native Switch 2 release, a recent patch upgraded the kart racer to 60fps and 1080p in handheld mode and 1440p in docked mode on Nintendo’s new console.

It’s no Mario Kart killer, but Disney Speedstorm has the advantage of being free-to-play compared to the expensive Mario Kart World – but be aware that this means that progression is similar to mobile games, with progression tied to collecting shards or in-game purchases.

5. F-Zero GX

For many fans, F-Zero GX is the pinnacle of Nintendo’s futuristic racing series. Released in 2003 for the GameCube, it’s notable for being the only title in the series to be developed by Sega’s Amusement Division, rather than Nintendo. Since its initial release, F-Zero GX has only been officially playable on the GameCube – until now.

In the wake of a new entry, an emulated version of F-Zero GX is playable on Switch 2 as part of the new GameCube collection. There is a caveat, though: you’ll need to pay for a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription to access and play it.   

Over 20 years on, F-Zero GX is as punishing and exhilarating to play as it was in 2003, and the visuals hold up remarkably well.

With F-Zero 99 also released last year, Nintendo seemingly hasn’t forgotten about F-Zero. Let’s hope this is a sign that the futuristic racing series will make a belated comeback soon.    

4. Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer

Ridge Racer used to be a quintessential console launch title. It famously showcased the prowess of the original PlayStation with its revolutionary polygonal graphics, bringing the arcade experience home. Fittingly, Ridge Racer has returned as one of several driving games that launched alongside the Switch 2.

This isn’t a new entry, however. Part of Hamster Corporation’s Arcade Archives 2 series, it’s a perfect port of the 1993 arcade classic – the first time the original arcade version has been released on a home console.  

While the retro visuals and techno soundtrack are retained, the new home port is updated with a new Time Attack mode and multiple save slots for convenience.  

Considering you only get one track (albeit with multiple layouts), the £14.99/$17.99 asking price is a tad steep, but Ridge Racer remains one of the purest arcade racers that still plays well today. Few racing games can match the euphoria of excuting a perfect drift around a tight corner in Ridge Racer.

3. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

While the original Switch version of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds was backwards compatible on Nintendo’s new console at launch, the native Switch 2 release was delayed for several months. Thankfully, it was well worth the wait.

The Switch 2 version trumps the original in every way, running at a higher resolution and, crucially, maintaining a faster 60fps frame rate, making it feel significantly better to play. As a result, Sega’s kart racer shines on Switch 2.

What also makes it easy to recommend is that the Switch 2 upgrade costs only £10/$10 if you already own the original, or it’s available standalone for new players. For collectors, a physical version will be released in 2026 on a proper cartridge rather than a game key-card.

Whether it dethrones Mario Kart is up for debate, but CrossWorlds’ unique gameplay mechanics set it apart. With its faster, more chaotic pace akin to a classic arcade racer, unique Travel Rings transporting you to new worlds and a deep vehicle upgrade system, it’s certainly a worthy challenger, though it lacks the graphical polish of its main rival.

Sega is set to support CrossWorlds throughout 2026, with new characters and tracks joining the roster via free updates and a paid season pass, including the likes of Pac-Man and Mega Man.

2. Fast Fusion

While Nintendo continues to neglect F-Zero. Shin’en Multimedia’s superb Fast Racing series has been filling the void since the first entry, Fast Racing League, on the Wii.

A sequel to Fast RMX, Fast Fusion is the latest entry, launching alongside the Switch 2. Its title alludes to its new Fusion mechanic, where ship parts can be fused together to create unique vehicles with boosted stats.

Other than that, Fast Fusion offers a familiar experience if you’ve already played its predecessor. The signature boosting mechanic returns, requiring you to swap your ship’s engine colour to match the corresponding boost pad to get an extra speed boost. As you hurtle around the science-fiction-style tracks, the sense of speed is intoxicating. Visually, it’s easily one of the visually dazzling Switch 2 games so far.     

With fewer tracks than RMX and no online multiplayer, Fast Fusion is light on content, but free updates are adding more content. At only £13.49/$14.99, it’s commendably cheap, making it irresistibly good value. Fast Fusion is a must-have for futuristic racing fans and a technical showpiece of the Switch 2. For now, it’s the next best thing to a new WipEout or F-Zero game.

1. Mario Kart World

Was there any doubt that Mario Kart World would top our list of the best Switch 2 racing games? Of course not.

With over 68 million copies sold, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best-selling Nintendo Switch game. When combined with the Wii U’s Mario Kart 8, it’s the best-selling racing game of all time. With that in mind, Nintendo Switch 2 flagship launch title was always going to be a new Mario Kart game.    

Mario Kart World could have been a lazy sequel with new locations and characters. Instead, it reinvigorates the formula in meaningful ways. A revamped Grand Prix mode features interlinked circuits, where you drive between tracks on connecting roads. It’s still fundamentally Mario Kart, but on a grander scale.

These locations can be explored in a new free roam mode, but it’s not intrinsic – don’t mistake Mario Kart World for an open-world racer on par with Forza Horizon. While aimlessly cruising around the colourful circuits can be fun, the environments feel empty, there are no unique races and the P Switch mini challenges offer little lasting appeal. As a result, free roam feels like an afterthought.

The new Knockout Tour mode partially makes up for this. A battle royale-style race across six locations where the final five racers are eliminated at each checkpoint, its nail-biting intensity makes it a standout addition, particularly when played in local or online multiplayer.

With the number of on-track racers increased from 12 to 24, the on-track action is more chaotic than ever – sometimes too chaotic when you are constantly getting pulverised by powerups.

Mario Kart World has fewer tracks than its predecessor, but each location is impeccably designed, with a mix of new and returning circuits. Standout new additions include DK Spaceport, where you must avoid barrels thrown by Donkey Kong, and the desert-themed Mario Bros. Circuit. The reimagined Rainbow Road is also magnificent.

Like previous games, Mario Kart World shines in multiplayer. If you have friends over, Mario Kart is still the undisputed king of party racers.

Future updates will surely expand Mario Kart World with more circuits, characters and game modes for years to come. It’s going to take something special to knock Mario Kart World off the top of the podium.