Summary
As expected, and confirmed via Wednesday’sNintendo Switch 2Direct,Mario Kart World will be a launch title for the new console, releasing on June 5. That has clearly rubbedSegathe wrong way with a new kart racer of its own potentially launching at some point in 2025. So much so that it has decided to throw some Sonic-flavored shade at its oldest rival.
Sega tweeted, “Big day for worldly racing games” shortly after this week’s Direct. Had it left the tweet at a single line, it might have felt as if Sega and Sonic were celebrating the full reveal of the next Mario Kart game. Whoever runs Sonic’s account didn’t leave it at that, though.
“Anyway, get ready for the ONLY upcoming kart racer you’re able to play with your friends around the world across all your favorite platforms:Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds,” the tweet goes on to read, a screenshot of Sonic characters racing through CrossWorlds' portals attached.Mario Kart Worldwill be a Switch 2 exclusive, of course, whereas CrossWorlds will be available on all major platforms.
Sega Would Like To Remind You There’s A Sonic Racing Game Coming This Year
And It Can Be Played On All Platforms, Unlike Mario Kart World
Sega andNintendoplay well together now and have done for a while. Sonic is inSuper Smash Bros, Sega games are on Nintendo platforms, and Sonic and Mario even have their own series together, having competed with their friends at various virtual Olympic Games. However, gamers of a certain age will have fond memories of Nintendo and Sega being the two major players in the eternal console war, long beforePlayStationandXboxassumed the lead roles.
Sega taking a jab at Mario Kart is all in good fun, of course, but behind the scenes, it can’t feel good to know there’s going to be a new Mario Kart game out there for CrossWorlds to compete with. On the bright side, Sega hasn’t revealed when CrossWorlds will be released yet. That may well be because the studio was waiting to find out when Mario Kart World will launch. It arriving in June could mean a holiday launch for CrossWorlds.
That would be the smart play, at least, and hopefully, Sega has learned from the mistake it made withSonic Superstars. The latest 2D Sonic game released during the same week asSuper Mario Bros. Wonder. Sega had the opportunity to move Superstars but stuck to its guns and paid the price.There is Kirby Air Riders to consider toowhich feels like a game CrossWorlds might be able to compete with sales-wise.
Mario Kart World
WHERE TO PLAY
Hit the open road with Mario and friends! Zip around courses in a vast world where everything is connected. Race along grassy plains, bustling cities, wide-open waters, big ol' volcanos, and more—plus everything in between.Override
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
Race across land, sea, air, space, and time in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds! Warp through Travel Rings into new dimensions where something new awaits around every twist and turn. Speed to victory solo or as a team in a variety of offline and online modes and compete against players from around the world. Build the ultimate machine to match your racing style, unlock gadgets to gain the upper hand, and unleash power-up items for the win!
