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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallTechRadar reviewer Rhys Wood argues that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is the more enjoyable racer for him, praising its speed, drifting, customization and breadth of launch content. That is a strong personal verdict—not proof that Sega’s game is better for every Nintendo fan. Wood’s September 18, 2025 review was based on the PS5 version and around 15 hours of play, so platform and personal preference matter.
What did TechRadar think of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds?
Hardware Editor Rhys Wood gave the game an enthusiastic review after around 15 hours with the PS5 version, playing with a DualSense Wireless Controller and an LG CX OLED TV. He says he completed every Grand Prix cup on Sonic Speed, tried some on Super Sonic Speed, and spent time in mirror mode and vehicle customization. His verdict reflects that disclosed play experience; it is not a platform-neutral comparison or an objective ranking.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition - Nintendo Switch | $36.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Standard Edition - Nintendo Switch | $34.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds (Playstation 5) | $34.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds - P4 | $59.95 | Buy on Amazon |
Wood describes the racing as exceptionally fun, polished and fast-feeling. The strongest case for the game in his review is its satisfying arcade racing combined with several layers of choice: character stats, vehicle setups, gadgets and tracks that can change through Travel Rings. He also praises the volume of modes and unlockables available at review time.
That explains the provocative “just better” claim in the headline: it is the reviewer’s preference, particularly for the feel and variety of racing. It does not establish a universal winner over Mario Kart World. Players who value different handling, tracks, modes or platform performance may reach a different conclusion.
#1 Best Overall
- READY, SET, WARP! Race across 24 tracks and warp to 15 CrossWorlds with Travel Rings, a unique gameplay mechanic that transports the iconic characters from the Sonic and SEGA universes into new dimensions. Use unpredictability to your advantage as you change the landscape of each race!
- RACE WITH THE BEST! Choose from 23 iconic Sonic characters, the largest roster of any Sonic racing game!
- MAKE IT YOURS: Mix and match between 45 unique original vehicles and 70 different gadgets to trick out your ride, level up your kart, and create the ultimate machine to match your racing style.
- GAIN THE ADVANTAGE WITH POWERFUL ITEMS! Dominate your opponents with 23 different items including returning favorites and all-new items like the Monster Truck!
- MULTIPLE WAYS TO PLAY: Gather with friends and play local split-screen in Grand Prix and the new party mode Race Park, compete against a community of players from around the world with up to 12 players online in World Match, or test your driving skills in Time Trials.
How does CrossWorlds compare with Mario Kart World?
The useful comparison is not a single overall score but what you want from a kart racer. Wood’s review makes a case for CrossWorlds on drifting, vehicle and play-style customization, and race-to-race variety. It does not provide a controlled, like-for-like test against Mario Kart World, so it cannot settle which game is better for every player.
| What to compare | What the CrossWorlds review establishes | What to consider for your own choice |
|---|---|---|
| Steering and drifting | Wood praises the speed and feel of racing. Stronger drifts reward speed, and chaining drifts—often called snaking—can help maintain it. | Choose the handling style you enjoy most; the review does not establish a universal preference. |
| Track variety | Travel Rings can take racers to different courses during a race, adding a change in scenery and route. | Consider whether you prefer these course changes or a different approach to track structure. |
| Customization | Characters affect five vehicle stats, while gadgets add further choices about vehicle setups and play style. | Decide whether you want those extra tuning options or prefer a simpler setup. |
| Modes and content | TechRadar counted 24 main courses and 15 Travel Ring courses—39 total—and eight Grand Prix cups in its September 2025 review. | Those are review-time figures, not a current count after updates or DLC. Compare the modes you will actually play. |
| Platform and performance | Wood’s detailed impressions are from PS5. A separate review of the original Switch version reports a blurrier handheld presentation and 30 fps. | Check the edition you intend to play; the original Switch caveat does not describe PS5 or Switch 2. |
| Multiplayer | SEGA lists local play for one to four players and online play for up to 12. | Check the exact edition and platform for your intended setup before buying. |
What makes the racing feel different?
Drifting rewards sustained speed
Wood highlights drifting as a central pleasure of the game. Stronger drifts reward speed, and chaining drifts can help preserve momentum. That gives players who enjoy actively managing corners a distinct skill to build, rather than treating turns as simple steering inputs.
Rank #2
- READY, SET, WARP! Race across 24 tracks and warp to 15 CrossWorlds with Travel Rings, a unique gameplay mechanic that transports the iconic characters from the Sonic and SEGA universes into new dimensions. Use unpredictability to your advantage as you change the landscape of each race!
- RACE WITH THE BEST! Choose from 23 iconic Sonic characters, the largest roster of any Sonic racing game!
- MAKE IT YOURS: Mix and match between 45 unique original vehicles and 70 different gadgets to trick out your ride, level up your kart, and create the ultimate machine to match your racing style.
- GAIN THE ADVANTAGE WITH POWERFUL ITEMS! Dominate your opponents with 23 different items including returning favorites and all-new items like the Monster Truck!
- MULTIPLE WAYS TO PLAY: Gather with friends and play local split-screen in Grand Prix and the new party mode Race Park, compete against a community of players from around the world with up to 12 players online in World Match, or test your driving skills in Time Trials.
Travel Rings change the course
Travel Rings add a structural twist: racers can be sent to other courses during a race. The result is variety within a single event, rather than only between races. TechRadar’s September 2025 review counted 24 main courses and 15 courses accessed through Travel Rings; those figures describe the game at review time, not a guaranteed current total.
Characters, vehicles and gadgets offer setup choices
The review identifies five vehicle stats: speed, acceleration, handling, power and boost. Character choice affects those stats, while gadgets add another layer of customization that can shape a vehicle or play style. This is a meaningful part of the appeal for players who like experimenting with setups, though it adds choices beyond simply picking a character.
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- Pre-order Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and receive the playable character Werehog, the Werehog vehicle "Beast Spike", and the Werehog Decal!
- 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 vehicle to match your racing style, unlock gadgets to gain the upper hand, and unleash power-up items to bring home the win!
- Gain the Advantage with Powerful Items! Dominate your opponents with 23 different items including returning favorites and all-new items like the Monster Truck!
- Make It Yours Mix and match between 45 unique original vehicles and 70 different gadgets to trick out your ride, level up your kart, and create the ultimate machine to match your racing style.
What are the drawbacks?
Wood calls the friendship system and Jukebox Mode weaker features, and notes that some DLC characters were unvoiced at the time of his review. He also points out that the game has no dedicated story mode. These are specific criticisms from the PS5 review, not claims about how every player will respond to those features.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which version should Nintendo fans consider?
SEGA lists physical and digital editions for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Its official product page says physical copies of the Switch 2 edition became available on March 26, 2026, and describes that edition as offering enhanced graphics and higher frame rates than the original Switch version. SEGA also lists PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Steam and Epic Games editions; the listed PS4, Xbox and PC versions are digital-only.
Rank #4
- UK PSN account may be required for any online features
For the original Switch, keep the performance caveat specific: Nintendo Everything’s separate review describes handheld presentation as blurry and performance at 30 fps. That is one review of the original Switch version, not a finding about Switch 2 or the PS5 edition. If you own a Switch 2, compare the distinct edition rather than assuming the original Switch review describes it.
SEGA lists the Season Pass and collaboration DLC as separate purchase options. The available information does not establish that add-ons are required to enjoy the base game, so treat them as optional rather than part of the basic purchase decision.
Is Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds worth buying?
It looks like a strong choice if you want fast arcade racing, enjoy drift-based momentum, and like experimenting with vehicle stats and gadgets. Its Travel Ring course changes and broad set of modes also support the case for variety. If you are choosing between it and Mario Kart World, focus on the handling and track structure you prefer rather than treating Wood’s headline as a settled verdict.
Make the decision with your platform in mind: the detailed TechRadar praise comes from PS5, while the original Switch performance concern comes from a separate review. SEGA lists a distinct Switch 2 edition with enhanced graphics and higher frame rates than the original Switch version. Confirm the exact edition and multiplayer setup you need before purchase.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
