SEGA’s latest kart racer, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, roared onto the scene at Summer Game Fest 2025 with a trailer that left fans amped up. Set to launch on September 25, 2025, across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, this game promises to be the biggest Sonic racing title yet.
Sonic racing games have always leaned on the charm of their characters, but CrossWorlds takes it to another level with a starting lineup of 23 playable racers, the largest in the series’ history. Expect familiar faces like Sonic, Tails, and Shadow, alongside surprises from the Sonic Prime Netflix series and even the Werehog from Sonic Unleashed as a pre-order bonus. What’s truly exciting, though, is the inclusion of guest stars from SEGA’s broader catalog and beyond. Persona 5’s Joker, Like a Dragon’s Ichiban Kasuga, Vocaloid icon Hatsune Miku, and Minecraft’s Steve are all hitting the track, with rumors swirling about potential additions like SpongeBob or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
- SONIC TOY FOR KIDS – Treat boys, girls and fans ages 8 and up to this speedy, fun-filled Cyclone vs. Metal Sonic set, which encourages kids to...
- METAL SONIC AND TAILS MINIFIGURES – This playset features Metal Sonic and Tails minifigures along with accessories including a mech with a cockpit,...
- CONVERTIBLE MECH ROBOT TOY – This LEGO set kick-starts action and fun with a Tails’ mech that converts from walking to flying when the legs are...
“By uniting SEGA’s rich legacy with iconic guest characters, we’re creating a racing experience that feels both nostalgic and groundbreaking,” says Takashi Iizuka, head of Sonic Team. This eclectic mix isn’t just for show—each character can pilot any vehicle, from standard karts that morph into boats or planes to the fan-favorite Extreme Gear hoverboards from Sonic Riders. With 45 vehicles and 70 gadgets to customize, players can tailor their ride to match their style, whether they’re boosting speed or stacking power-ups.
Kart racers thrive on chaos, and CrossWorlds introduces a fresh mechanic called Travel Rings to keep races unpredictable. After the first lap, the leading racer chooses between two massive ring-shaped portals that appear mid-track. These whisk everyone to one of 15 “CrossWorlds”—alternate dimensions with unique layouts and random “frenzy” modifiers, like boost gates, shifting obstacles, or sudden weather changes that alter traction. By the third lap, racers return to the original track, now reshaped with new shortcuts or hazards based on the chosen CrossWorld.
This system ensures every race feels fresh, blending strategy with spontaneity. “Travel Rings give players a chance to shape the race’s flow while keeping everyone guessing,” Iizuka explains. Paired with 24 main tracks inspired by Sonic classics like Apotos from Sonic Unleashed and a blocky Minecraft-themed course, the mechanic creates a dynamic experience that’s easy to grasp yet endlessly replayable.
Races are fast-paced, three-lap sprints where players collect power-ups to outmaneuver opponents, similar to Mario Kart. Karts seamlessly shift between land, sea, and air, with smooth transitions that keep the action flowing. Extreme Gear hoverboards offer a speed-focused alternative, rewarding precise drifts and boost timing.
Multiplayer shines, with cross-platform online races supporting up to 12 players and local modes like split-screen and co-op challenges for couch play. “We designed a game where anyone can jump in and have a blast, but there’s depth for those who want to master it,” says a SEGA spokesperson. A closed beta earlier this year won praise for its “chaotic yet polished” races, with IGN calling the gameplay “arcadey fun that’s easy to pick up.”
Mix and match vehicle parts, colors, decals, and gadgets to build anything from a sleek, speed-focused hoverboard to a tank-like kart loaded with defensive traps. With 70 gadgets, including homing missiles, speed boosts, and decoy items, there’s endless room to experiment. The Digital Deluxe edition, priced at a premium, includes early access and a Season Pass with extra characters, tracks, and a Minecraft content pack featuring Steve, Alex, a Creeper racer, and a pixelated minecart vehicle.
SEGA’s post-launch plans are ambitious, with free updates adding more Sega characters and paid DLC introducing external franchises. “We want CrossWorlds to evolve with its players,” Iizuka says. “Expect new racers, tracks, and surprises long after launch.”
Mark September 25, 2025, on your calendar. Whether you’re speeding as Hatsune Miku through a Minecraft track or battling as Shadow with a tricked-out kart, CrossWorlds delivers high-octane thrills that pull you in and keep you racing. As Sega puts it, “Ready, Set, Warp!”—this is one race you won’t want to miss.
