SEGA has officially launched the open beta for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, giving Nintendo Switch players a first taste of the high-speed chaos ahead of the game’s full release on September 25, 2025. The beta, dubbed the Open Network Test, runs from August 28 at 9:01 PM PT / August 29 at 12:01 AM ET, lasting until September 1 at 8:59 PM PT / 11:59 PM ET, and is available as a free download via the Nintendo eShop. No pre-order or subscription is required, making it accessible to anyone with a stable internet connection and a thirst for speed.
This test version includes a generous slice of content, featuring seven Grand Prix cups, time trial challenges, and online multiplayer races with up to 12 players. The highlight for many is the debut of the “CrossWorlds” mechanic, which transforms tracks mid-race by warping players into alternate dimensions. These shifts not only change the visual style and layout of the course but also introduce new hazards and shortcuts, keeping each lap unpredictable and dynamic.
Players can also experiment with the new gadget system, which allows racers to equip passive upgrades before each race. These gadgets range from speed boosts to item enhancements and can be combined into custom loadouts. The beta includes 42 gadgets to test, offering a glimpse into the strategic depth of the final game. Character selection is equally robust, with Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy joined by crossover guests like Joker from Persona 5, Ichiban from Like a Dragon, and even Steve and Alex from Minecraft.
While the beta is technically designed for the original Nintendo Switch, it should run smoothly on the Switch 2 as well, though there is no dedicated build for the newer console. Players using Switch 2 will experience improved load times and slightly enhanced performance, for sure, but the core gameplay remains consistent across both platforms. SEGA has confirmed that save data from the beta will not carry over to the full game, but participants will receive exclusive cosmetic rewards, including two Sonic decals and a special player title, once the full version launches.
Thanks to the mix of classic arcade racing and inventive new mechanics, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is shaping up to be a bold evolution of the franchise. The open beta not only showcases the game’s potential but also invites players to help stress-test its online infrastructure ahead of launch. For fans of Sonic and competitive racing alike, this week’s beta offers a thrilling preview of what’s to come.
