Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will buck third-party Switch 2 trend with full game on card

Sega has announced its forthcoming Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds release will have the full game on the Switch 2 card, unlike many other third-party titles on Nintendo’s new console.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is set for release across other consoles and PC in September, including the original Switch. The Switch 2 version will arrive digitally during this year’s holiday season, with the physical version launching “early 2026”.

Many third-party publishers have drawn ire from players for using Nintendo’s game-key cards for Switch 2 games – essentially containing a download key instead of the full game. That includes Sega’s already-released Sonic x Shadow Generations.

With Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, though, the company has u-turned. “The physical version will feature the full base game on the cartridge,” it said in a press release.

The game will cost £64.99 on Switch 2 for the standard edition, and £79.99 for the digital deluxe edition. That compares to £54.99 on the original Switch.

There will also be an upgrade pack for original Switch users, which will carry over progression to the Switch 2 version. An FAQ on the game’s website states this will be $10 (Eurogamer has asked for clarification on UK pricing), matching the difference between the consoles.