Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsSonic Racing: CrossWorlds’ free Open Network Test ran from August 29 to September 2, 2025, Japan time. It has ended. Players could try limited offline Grand Prix and Time Trial modes, plus scheduled online World Match and Joker Festival events, on PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Steam and Epic Games.
When did the Open Network Test run?
SEGA announced the Open Network Test on August 20, 2025. Its Japanese schedule ran from August 29 at 13:00 through September 2 at 13:00 Japan time. Nintendo’s US listing gave the corresponding Pacific-time window as August 28 at 9:00 p.m. through September 1 at 9:00 p.m. The event was a temporary, free test—not a demo that can still be downloaded or joined.
| # | 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 |
SEGA’s official Open Network Test FAQ and Japanese announcement provide the event details; Nintendo’s listing confirms the Switch schedule and its platform-specific limitation.
What could players do in the test?
Offline modes
Grand Prix and Time Trial were available offline. The Nintendo Switch test did not support local split-screen multiplayer.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#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.
Online events
World Match and Joker Festival were the online modes. World Match was available only during specified portions of the test window, rather than continuously; Joker Festival was limited to its scheduled day. The event therefore offered a mix of offline play and scheduled online sessions, not uninterrupted access to every mode.
Which platforms were supported?
SEGA listed PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Steam and Epic Games. The Nintendo Switch version could also run on Nintendo Switch 2 through backward compatibility, according to SEGA’s Japanese announcement; it was not a Switch 2-specific version of the test.
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.
Did test progress carry into the full game?
No. Save data and progress from the test did not transfer to the full game. Participants could receive an in-game title and decals after launch by starting the full game on the same platform and with the same account used for the test. An internet connection was required to receive the reward.
Did players need an online subscription?
SEGA’s FAQ said an online subscription was not required simply to participate in the test. Nintendo Switch players did, however, need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to use the test’s online modes. That distinction applied to the Switch version; the FAQ’s statement about participation did not make online play subscription-free on every platform.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →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.
What was the test meant to evaluate?
SEGA said the Open Network Test was intended to check online match operation and identify issues. The company also warned that the build was still in development and could contain bugs, so the test should not be treated as a definitive evaluation of the final game’s network performance.
The game’s announced central mechanic was the Travel Ring: racers pass through it into a CrossWorld, changing the course. SEGA described three-lap races in which layouts, shortcuts, obstacles, rings and items can change, alongside machine and gadget customization. These were announced features of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, not evidence that every aspect was available or representative in the test. SEGA’s feature announcement explains the game concept.
Rank #4
- UK PSN account may be required for any online features
How did the test differ from the full game?
| Aspect | Open Network Test | Full game |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Temporary event, held August 29–September 2, 2025 in Japan time; now over. | Released commercial game; availability depends on platform and current store listings. |
| Access | Free during the test window. | Requires purchasing the game. |
| Progress | Test save data and progress did not carry over. | Progress belongs to the full game. |
| Purpose | Check online match operation and identify issues, with limited offline modes also available. | Continue playing the released game. |
SEGA’s product information lists package and digital editions for Nintendo Switch. Buying the full game is a way to continue playing, but does not restore the expired test or transfer its progress.
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.
