Sonic Racing CrossWorlds – New Gameplay Features & Release Details

Sega’s Latest Racing Game Aims to Take Over the Kart Racing Genre

Sega has officially announced Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, a brand-new racing game featuring Sonic the Hedgehog and his friends. The game was revealed at Sony’s State of Play 2025, and fans are already excited about what this new installment will bring to the racing genre.

With dynamic tracks, transforming vehicles, and the return of Extreme Gear, this game is set to offer a fresh racing experience for fans of both Sonic and arcade racing games. Many believe that Sega is coming for Mario Kart’s throne, as Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds introduces several unique features that could shake up the competition.

A New Era for Sonic Racing Games

Sonic has been part of many racing games, from Sonic Riders to Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, but this new game takes things to the next level. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds aims to provide a next-generation arcade racing experience by combining fast-paced action, multi-dimensional tracks, and deep customization options.

Release Date and Platforms

Sega has confirmed that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will launch in 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The game is expected to have cross-platform multiplayer, allowing players from different systems to compete against each other.

To ensure a smooth experience at launch, Sega is also conducting a Closed Network Test in February 2025. Players who want to try the game early can sign up for the beta and provide feedback.

Gameplay and New Features

High-Speed Racing with a Twist

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is not just about driving fast—it brings transforming vehicles and dimensional travel into the mix. Here are some of the key features:

1. Transforming Vehicles

One of the most exciting new additions is the ability to switch between different vehicle types during a race. Similar to Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, but with more control, players can choose between:

• Cars: Classic racing vehicles designed for high-speed road racing.
• Boats: Ideal for water-based sections of the track.
• Planes: For flying segments and aerial stunts.
• Extreme Gear: Hoverboards from the Sonic Riders series provide a unique gameplay style.

Players can switch between these vehicles depending on the terrain or strategic needs, making each race unpredictable and exciting.

2. Dynamic Tracks and Travel Rings

The game introduces a new system called Travel Rings, which are large golden rings floating on the track. When players drive through a Travel Ring, they are teleported to a different dimension. This means that races won’t take place in a single location but will shift between multiple worlds in real time.

Some of the rumoured CrossWorlds include:

• Green Hill Zone: A bright and colourful track with loops and waterfalls.
• Chemical Plant: A high-speed industrial track filled with twists and turns.
• Sky Sanctuary: Floating islands where flying vehicles have the advantage.
• Casino Night: A neon-lit track with lots of jumps and obstacles.

Every race will feel unique because the Travel Rings add an element of surprise, requiring players to adapt quickly to changing environments.

3. Character Roster

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will feature a huge roster of playable characters from the Sonic universe. Some of the confirmed racers include:

• Sonic the Hedgehog
• Miles “Tails” Prower
• Knuckles the Echidna
• Shadow the Hedgehog
• Amy Rose
• Dr. Eggman
• Metal Sonic
• Blaze the Cat

More characters are expected to be revealed in the coming months.

4. Online Multiplayer and Cross-Platform Play

Sega has confirmed that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will have online multiplayer with cross-platform play. This means that players on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC can race against each other, ensuring a large and active player base.

The game will also feature ranked races, seasonal leaderboards, and online tournaments, adding a competitive element for those who want to test their skills.

Vehicle Customization

Personalize Your Ride

Another exciting feature is the ability to customize vehicles fully. Players can change colours, decals, wheels, and body kits, making each racer’s vehicle unique.

There will also be Gadgets that can be equipped to improve performance. Some examples include:

• Turbo Boosters: Increases speed for a short time.
• Drift Enhancers: Helps with tighter turns and better cornering.
• Jump Thrusters: Allows higher jumps in tracks with platforming sections.

These upgrades will help players tailor their racing style to their liking.

Is Sega Challenging Mario Kart?

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is being compared to Mario Kart 9, which is rumoured to be in development. Nintendo has dominated the kart racing genre for years, but Sega is pushing strongly with this new game.

With dynamic tracks, vehicle transformations, and deep customization, some believe that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds could be a serious competitor to Mario Kart.

Early Impressions and Fan Reactions

The first gameplay trailer has already generated a lot of buzz among Sonic fans and racing game lovers. Many are praising the visuals, fast-paced action, and unique mechanics.

However, some fans have concerns about:

• Balancing issues between vehicle types. Will cars, boats, and planes be equally strong?
• How well the online multiplayer will work. Previous Sonic racing games had connectivity issues, and fans hope this game will have smoother online play.

Still, the overall reaction is positive, with many people looking forward to trying the game.

Closed Beta Test – How to Join

Sega is allowing players to test the game early with a Closed Network Test in February 2025.

How to Sign Up:

1. Visit the official Sega website.
2. Create a Sega account (if you don’t have one).
3. Sign up for the Closed Beta registration.
4. Wait for an email confirming your selection.

The beta test will let players experience a few tracks, test the multiplayer mode, and provide feedback to Sega before the full launch.

Final Thoughts – Will Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Be a Hit?

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is shaping up to be one of the biggest racing games of 2025. It offers a mix of fast-paced action, innovative track design, and deep customization, making it stand out from previous Sonic racing games.

If Sega can deliver smooth online gameplay, balanced vehicle mechanics, and regular updates, this could be the best Sonic racing game yet.

With cross-platform play and online tournaments, the game has the potential to keep players engaged for years.

Will it beat Mario Kart 9? That remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Sega is making a serious comeback in the racing genre, and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds might just be the game to do it.

What do you think?

Are you excited about Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds? Will it be a real challenger to Mario Kart? Let us know in the comments!