Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is picking up serious speed as its September 25 release date approaches. In a new interview with VGC, Sonic Team’s Takashi Iizuka offered an in-depth look at the game’s vision, its ambitious crossover content, and the challenges of managing surprises in an era where leaks are common.
The upcoming title marks a return to form for Sonic’s kart racing legacy, not only reviving fan-favorite mechanics like transforming vehicles but also reintroducing cross-franchise guest characters. Alongside Sonic staples like Tails and Knuckles, players will race as Hatsune Miku, Joker from Persona 5, Ichiban Kasuga from Like a Dragon, and even Minecraft’s Steve and Alex. According to Iizuka, bringing these characters on board required early collaboration with rights holders, with plans laid long before the game’s public debut.
“When we thought about making Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, part of the whole idea was to take the best parts from all the Sonic Racing games,” Iizuka explained. That meant embracing the airborne and underwater sections from Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed, while also addressing feedback on the limited scope of Team Sonic Racing.
Players wanted more variety, more cameos, and more fan service. CrossWorlds delivers all of that, positioning itself as a celebration of Sonic’s legacy and SEGA’s broader universe.
When asked about inevitable comparisons to Nintendo’s Mario Kart World, Iizuka acknowledged the influence of the genre leader but made it clear that Sonic’s latest outing is headed in a different direction. While Mario Kart World focuses on open-world exploration, CrossWorlds remains rooted in arcade racing. Its high-speed tracks, transforming mechanics, and cross-platform competition define a more classic, action-driven experience.
The game’s launch is just the beginning. Post-release content will include both free and paid expansions. Characters like Miku, Joker, and Kasuga will be added for free, while Minecraft-themed content will be part of a paid season pass. This season pass will span a full year, introducing new racers, vehicles, and stages to keep the experience fresh.
On the technical side, Iizuka confirmed that CrossWorlds is being developed with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 in mind. While the game will debut on current-generation Switch systems, a Switch 2 version is in the works. The newer hardware will allow the team to remove limitations present in the original build, including higher resolution and improved frame rates. Progress transfers between platforms are also planned.
The conversation shifted to Sonic’s growing popularity through other media, particularly the films. Iizuka explained that the movies were designed to introduce Sonic’s world slowly, giving each character room to shine. That same philosophy extends to CrossWorlds, where guest content is curated carefully to avoid overwhelming players while still offering variety.
CrossWorlds will support full cross-play on day one across PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Iizuka emphasized the importance of accessibility, stating, “We want Sonic to be everywhere. No matter what hardware you have, you should be able to enjoy our games.”
Despite the excitement, the road to launch has not been entirely smooth. Major elements of the game leaked ahead of the official reveal, including its crossover characters and themed tracks. Iizuka did not address the Sonic-specific leaks directly, but expressed concern about the long-term damage such incidents can cause. Leaks can undermine months of coordination and in some cases derail licensing deals entirely. “Sometimes that leak will destroy a deal and now you can’t do some stuff because someone leaked something,” he said, urging fans to think about the broader impact of early reveals.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds launches September 25 for PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. With its deep roster, transformative tracks, and packed roadmap of post-launch support, the game is shaping up to be Sonic’s boldest racer yet.
Stay tuned to Sonic City for more Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds News and Updates.
