While 2025 has already delivered a major kart-racing milestone with Mario Kart World’s long-awaited debut, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds emerges as a compelling counterpart for enthusiasts craving refined mechanics and fresh innovations. Beneath its familiar surface lies a meticulously crafted experience blending high-octane action with strategic depth—a combination that caters to both newcomers and seasoned players.

At Gamescom 2025, I sampled CrossWorlds for roughly half an hour—a session that barely scratched the surface of its layered systems. The game boasts an eclectic roster spanning franchises beyond Sonic, including Minecraft’s Steve and Alex, SpongeBob SquarePants’ titular hero and Patrick, Pac-Man alongside his ghostly rivals, and even Persona 5’s Joker and Like a Dragon’s Ichiban Kasuga. Vehicle customization spans aesthetics and performance tweaks, while a perk system (like retaining extra items) adds tactical nuance. Opting for Sonic, a middle-ground kart, and basic perks, I dove into a four-track cup.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds aims to redefine kart racing with strategic adaptability

Initial laps mirrored classic kart racing, but the twist arrived post-lap two. Leaders can redirect the race to alternate tracks mid-event, injecting thrilling unpredictability. Transitions between environments—each with unique hazards—occur seamlessly, ratcheting tension as players adapt on-the-fly. The final lap circles back to the starting circuit, ensuring approachability. Even without mastering drifts or item strategies, the core handling feels responsive, inviting casual enjoyment while rewarding mastery of deeper mechanics.

My demo ended too soon, yet CrossWorlds’ fusion of chaos and precision left an indelible impression. Eager racers won’t wait long: an open beta launches August 29, preceding its September 25 launch on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch (with a Switch 2 version en route). Early signs suggest Sonic Team has struck gold—a racer poised to unite competitive depth with pick-up-and-play charm.