Next month sees the release of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, the first new Sonic Racing entry in over five years. It will launch on all major platforms, including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch. However, Nintendo Switch 2 players will have to wait longer.
Although the Switch 1 game will be backwards compatible on Nintendo’s new console, a native Switch 2 version is set to arrive several months later.
There’s no release date yet, but Sega plans to release the Switch 2 version later this year, during the Christmas period. A physical Switch 2 release is also slated for early 2026. Mercifully, it will include the full game on a cartridge rather than a game-key card.
Why Sonic Racing CrossWorlds will launch on Switch 2 later than other platforms
“We wanted to release the Switch 2 version at the same time [as other platforms],” Sonic Series Producer Takashi Iizuka tells Traxion.
“But because the console’s release date was later, we wanted to make sure we could provide a game that optimised the new console.” As a result, extra development time was required to optimise the game for the Switch 2.
“When you look at the content that will be provided, there’s no difference between the Switch 1 and Switch 2 games,” says Iizuka. As such, both versions will feature the same characters, locations, gadgets and Travel Rings.
“It won’t be a 100% replica because of the differences in the hardware specs,” Iizuka adds. Since it can take advantage of the more powerful hardware, this implies the Switch 2 version will boast enhanced visuals and performance over its Switch 1 counterpart.
While Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will utilise the “full capability of Switch 2,” Iizuka wouldn’t confirm if this version is targeting 4K resolution and 60fps.
For Iizuka, parity across all platforms is important – especially as Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will support cross-play. “For all consoles, we want to make sure we can provide the best resolution and frame rate based on the specs of the console. In regards to resolution and frame rate, it won’t be the same across all platforms.”
“I think cross-play is one of the key features. Being able to play with users worldwide on all platforms is one of the key things we’ve put a lot of effort into. When you play cross-play, it’s important for people to get the same level of experience, no matter what console they are using.
“Because of that, Switch 1 and 2 will offer the same experience with the same content as well. I think our users can look forward to the game on Switch 2.”
Optimising Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds for old hardware is “very difficult”
Alongside the original Nintendo Switch, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is also launching on the last-generation PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles. Optimising the kart racer for the older hardware was “very difficult” according to Iizuka, particularly with the Travel Rings allowing you to warp between locations mid-race.
“It won’t be 100% the same presentation in terms of the visuals,” he says. There are some adjustments added to make it run on the old generations.
“However, we wanted to make sure the experience that users get will not differ. We spent a lot of time optimising it for the old generation, and that’s the reason why it was very difficult.”
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds speeds onto PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on 25th September. Players who pre-order the Digital Deluxe Edition will get early access from 22nd September. A Switch 2 version is planned for later this year.
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