10 Best Racing Games 2026 in the United States

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds on the Nintendo Switch 2 is a fast-paced, fun kart racing game that blends classic Sonic characters with a fresh twist through its unique Travel Rings mechanic, which warps racers to different track dimensions mid-race. With 24 varied tracks and a large roster of 23 characters, it offers plenty of variety for fans of Sonic and SEGA. The graphics are vibrant and well-suited for the Nintendo Switch 2, providing smooth and colorful visuals that make the racing experience enjoyable without pushing hardware limits excessively.

Gameplay mechanics stand out thanks to 45 customizable vehicles and 70 gadgets, allowing players to tailor their racing style, which adds depth beyond just speeding around tracks. Additionally, the inclusion of 23 power-up items, including new ones like the Monster Truck, keeps races unpredictable and exciting. Multiplayer options are robust: you can enjoy local split-screen with friends, play party mode in Race Park, or compete online with up to 12 players worldwide, making it versatile for both solo and social play.

Since it’s exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, it fits perfectly for owners of this platform but isn’t available elsewhere. The game’s style might feel niche for those who prefer realistic racing over arcade-style fun. If you enjoy colorful, character-driven kart racers with a strong multiplayer focus and creative gameplay elements, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a solid choice for your Nintendo Switch 2 collection.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds offers a fresh twist on kart-style racing by blending well-known characters from the Sonic and SEGA universes with a unique 'Travel Rings' mechanic that changes race tracks dynamically. With 24 tracks and 15 different worlds, the game keeps the experience lively and unpredictable, which fans of fun, fast-paced racing will appreciate. The graphics are designed for the Xbox Series X, ensuring smooth and colorful visuals that bring each vibrant world to life, though it’s more about playful style than ultra-realistic visuals.

The gameplay is varied and strategic, thanks to 23 playable characters and a wide selection of 45 vehicles and 70 gadgets, allowing players to customize their racing style. The inclusion of 23 different power-up items adds an exciting layer of competition, especially with some new items like the Monster Truck that shake things up. Multiplayer features are strong, supporting both local split-screen for friends in the same room and online races with up to 12 players, catering well to social gamers. Additionally, modes like Grand Prix, Race Park, and Time Trials provide varied ways to enjoy the game beyond just racing.

Being an Xbox Series X exclusive, it’s perfect for players with that console looking for a vibrant, party-friendly racing game. One downside might be that it leans more towards casual and arcade-style racing, so if you're seeking a realistic racing simulation, this might not be the ideal choice. Also, since it focuses heavily on Sonic characters and themes, it will appeal most to fans of those franchises. If you enjoy fast, fun, and customizable kart racing with friends online or offline, this game delivers a solid experience.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds for PlayStation 5 offers a fun and vibrant kart racing experience featuring 23 beloved Sonic characters, which is the largest roster in any Sonic racing game. The game stands out with its unique Travel Rings mechanic that lets players warp across 24 tracks and 15 different worlds, adding a fresh twist to traditional racing. Graphics are colorful and well-suited to the playful Sonic universe, creating an engaging visual experience without pushing heavy realism.

Gameplay is enhanced by 45 customizable vehicles and 70 gadgets, allowing players to personalize their racing style. The variety of 23 items, including some new ones like the Monster Truck, adds strategic layers to races and keeps the competition lively. Multiplayer options are strong, supporting local split-screen play for friends and family, as well as online races with up to 12 players worldwide, which is perfect for both casual and competitive play. The game is exclusive to PS5, ensuring optimized performance on this platform but limiting access for players on other consoles.

Some players might find the gameplay a bit hectic if they prefer more realistic racing sims, and while the graphics are appealing, they lean more toward cartoonish charm than high-end realism. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds caters well to fans of lighthearted, fast-paced kart racing with a social multiplayer focus rather than those seeking a serious racing simulator.