The free single-player demo for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds launched globally on September 17, 2025. Players in the US Pacific time zone could start it at 9 p.m. on September 16. It is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Steam and Epic Games, with no multiplayer in the demo.
When did the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds demo come out?
The demo became available globally on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. SEGA’s regional schedule placed its US release at 9 p.m. Pacific on September 16 and midnight Eastern on September 17; it arrived at 5 a.m. BST in the UK and 1 p.m. JST in Japan on September 17. Steam lists September 16 as the release date, reflecting the earlier Pacific-time launch. SEGA’s launch announcement and the Steam demo listing confirm the timing.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition - Nintendo Switch | $36.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Standard Edition - Nintendo Switch | $34.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds (Playstation 5) | $34.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds - P4 | $59.95 | Buy on Amazon |
Is the demo free, and where can you play it?
Yes. SEGA described it as a free demo, and Steam labels its PC version “Free Demo.” The demo is listed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Steam and Epic Games. SEGA’s launch announcement explicitly excluded PlayStation 4 and Xbox One; do not assume the full game’s platform list also applies to the demo. SEGA’s launch announcement and SEGA’s March 19, 2026 update provide the platform details.
What does the demo include?
SEGA’s March 19, 2026 update lists two modes, four characters, eight courses, 20 gadgets and a platform-dependent number of machines. The eight courses comprise three main courses and five CrossWorlds. The Steam listing also notes that players can customize their vehicle in the Garage. SEGA’s update and Steam’s listing describe the demo content.
#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.
| Feature | Demo details |
|---|---|
| Modes | Grand Prix and Time Trial |
| Characters | 4 |
| Courses | 8: 3 main courses and 5 CrossWorlds |
| Gadgets | 20 |
| Machines | 15 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam and Epic Games; 12 on Nintendo Switch |
Extreme Gear Machines
SEGA added Extreme Gear Machines to the demo in its March 19, 2026 update. They are not included in the Nintendo Switch demo. SEGA’s update states that the machines became available from that date.
Can you play multiplayer in the demo?
No. The demo is single-player only: it has neither online multiplayer nor local multiplayer. Steam specifically says local split-screen is not playable. These restrictions apply to the demo, not necessarily to the full game. SEGA’s demo update and Steam’s listing specify the limitation.
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.
Does demo progress carry over to the full game?
Demo save data can carry over to the full game, but Time Trial results do not transfer to the full version’s leaderboard. Steam similarly distinguishes save data from Time Trial data, which it says does not carry over to launch leaderboards. SEGA’s update and Steam’s listing explain the transfer caveat.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is the full game’s release and platform context?
SEGA announced the full game for September 25, 2025, on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Steam and Epic Games. The announcement said the Nintendo Switch 2 version would arrive later. It also described physical and digital standard editions and a Digital Deluxe Edition with the Season Pass. Those are full-game details, separate from the demo’s availability and restrictions. SEGA’s full-game announcement has the release and edition information.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- UK PSN account may be required for any online features
Rank #3
- 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.
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.
