Rumor: Leaked Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Box Art Reveals NiGHTS’ As Playable Character

It seems unsurprising that NiGHTS, the SEGA Saturn mascot from Sonic Team, will likely be a new racer in Sonic Racing CrossWorlds. This is based on a leaked physical box art image, assuming the image isn’t a clever hoax.

I believe the leak is legitimate for a few reasons:

  • Sonic Team has a history of including NiGHTS in their games.
  • A NiGHTS-themed vehicle was previously spotted in an official SEGA trailer.
  • The leaked art reuses the cover art from NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams, which, while good, has been in use since 2007. Just seems like Sonic Team would continue to re-use this art, since they love it so much (get married you two).

It’s exciting to see NiGHTS appear alongside two of SEGA’s modern-day icons: Joker from Persona 5 and Ichiban Kasuga from the Like a Dragon series. Considering that the last NiGHTS game was 20 years ago, its crazy that he’s on a box with two characters have had more recent, high selling games.

SEGA Releases New Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Competition-Themed Trailer

Today, SEGA released a new action-packed trailer, giving players a deeper look into what competition feels and plays like in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, as well as another sneak peek into the latest addition to the ever-growing Season Pass roster, Pac-Man. The trailer is filled with unpredictable rivalries amongst fan-favorite Sonic characters and highlights unrevealed game modes including Time Trials and Race Park.

In addition, it was announced yesterday that an Open Network Test will be live starting Friday, August 29, 2025, until Monday, September 1, 2025. Players around the world can race as Sonic and friends for free on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch. The Open Network Test is not available for PS4 or Xbox One users. For more details about the Open Network Test, please visit HERE.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Reveals New PAC-MAN Trailer and Upcoming Open Network Test

The Blur Blur is drifting into gamescom 2025! Today, SEGA released a new high-speed trailer revealing that PAC-MAN and his iconic rival ghosts will be joining the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Season Pass roster. Players will not only be able to play as PAC-MAN, but they can also race on a track inspired by the video game icon’s modern and classic arcade-era games.

In addition, SEGA announced that they are hosting an Open Network Test for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds from Friday, August 29 to Monday, September 1, giving players around the world an opportunity to race as Sonic and friends. Learn more about the Open Network Test HERE.

For more details on Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds’ presence at gamescom 2025, check out the full press release below.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Comes to K1 Speed San Diego!

Are you a Sonic fan and live near San Diego? You’re in luck as SEGA is continuing its Racing Around the World fan celebration by bringing fans a unique, fully immersive karting experience at K1 Speed San Diego from Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, July 27.

Conveniently located near the Gaslamp Quarter, East Village, and Petco Park, K1 Speed San Diego will transform into a Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds-themed experience packed with fun activities and exclusive surprises for attendees to enjoy.

What to Expect:

  • Immersive Sonic Racing Experience: Race at K1 Speed’s premier indoor track designed to feel like you’re racing in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.
  • Podium Photo Opportunities: Capture the moment at the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Podium for photos.
  • Exclusive Giveaways: Attend for the chance to receive exclusive branded merchandise.
  • Collaborative Merchandise: Shop for branded items celebrating the K1 x Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds collaboration.
  • Arcade Pop-Ups: Play classic SEGA arcade machines available at the activation.

Event Details:

What: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds x K1 Karting Experience

When: Thursday, July 24 – Sunday, July 27, during business hours

Where: K1 Speed San Diego, 1709 Main St, San Diego, CA 92113

Sonic Racing: Crossworlds physical copies for Nintendo Switch 2 confirmed not to be Game Key-Cards; two new trailers uploaded

In a recent FAQ regarding, specifically, the Nintendo Switch 2 version of the upcoming Sonic Racing: Crossworlds, Sega confirmed the physical versions of the game will not be on a Game Key-Card. The entire base game will instead be built into a standard game card with no downloads required besides free patches as they come. This also makes it Sega’s first Nintendo Switch 2 game to not be sold in retail stores as a Game Key-Card. You can check here to see the other games they launched as Game Key-Cards and learn how those are different, and less desirable, from regular physical releases.

In addition, the physical Switch 2 version will not be available until early 2026, while the digital release will come on Holiday 2025. All other versions of the game will launch on September 25th, 2025 as planned.

In the very same FAQ, Sega also confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 1 version of the game, whether physical or digital, will include the option of a $10 USD purchase to upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 version later on. Using this upgrade option will also allow you to carry over any save data and paid DLC, including pre-order bonuses, from Switch to Switch 2 with ease. This should all serve as excellent news to anyone considering either the Switch or Switch 2 versions of the game.

At the same time, Sega have aired two new trailers, as well as shown some of their special pre-order DLC bonuses. Check in after the break to see those.

SEGA Announces Nickelodeon Collaboration for Upcoming Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

SEGA surprised everyone at the 2025 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards with a reveal: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is crossing over with Nickelodeon. And yes—SpongeBob is in.

During the show, SEGA dropped a new trailer showing SpongeBob and friends hitting the track alongside Sonic and his crew. It also showed off a SpongeBob-themed vehicle and track, plus a quick tease of more Nick content on the way—including stuff from Avatar: The Last Airbender and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

If you grab the Digital Deluxe Edition of the game, you’ll get all the Nickelodeon content through the Season Pass, along with the recently announced Minecraft crossover, Sonic Prime characters, and a couple of mystery collabs still to come.

More details are on the way, but one thing’s clear: CrossWorlds is shaping up to be the wildest Sonic racer yet.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds – Release Date Revealed, SEGA & Atlus All-Stars Join the Race!

Today, during the Summer Game Fest 2025 livestream, SEGA unveiled a brand-new gameplay trailer for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, highlighting new racers from across SEGA and Atlus franchises. Familiar faces such as Joker (Persona 5) and Kasuga Ichiban (Like a Dragon) join the race, alongside exciting guest characters like Hatsune Miku and Steve from Minecraft. The trailer also revealed a new Minecraft-inspired track and confirmed that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will launch both digitally and physically on September 25, 2025.

Pre-orders for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds are now available for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, starting at $69.99 USD. Physical pre-orders for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, and Nintendo Switch Lite are also live, priced at $59.99 USD, with digital pre-orders coming soon. The Nintendo Switch 2 version will arrive at a later date for $69.99 USD and will include a paid upgrade option for existing Switch players.

For more information on the game’s editions, including the Limited Run Collector’s Edition and key features, check out the full details here!

SEGA Unveils Brand New Sonic the Hedgehog Fan Celebration with “Racing Around the World”

Today, SEGA announced its latest brand campaign for Sonic the Hedgehog, Racing Around the World, which pays homage to Sonic the Hedgehog’s trademark characteristics of speed and attitude and supports the upcoming video game, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. To kick off the campaign, SEGA has partnered with Red Bull to create a thrilling stunt racing film, which features globally renowned high-speed stunt driver Brandon Semenuk, along with fun easter eggs from Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. You can check out the film here.

The Racing Around the World campaign celebrates decades of Sonic’s iconic racing speed and is set to electrify fans with new levels of acceleration. Fans can also expect new racing-inspired brand partnerships, upcoming mobile game events, merchandise, and much more to come. Check out the full press release about the new Sonic campaign for more details!

SEGA and Sam Procrastinates Share the History of Sonic Racing with New Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Footage!

SEGA has teamed up with Sonic Content Creator, Sam Procrastinates, to share the history of Sonic Racing video games in preparation of Sonic Racing CrossWorlds including new gameplay footage from the upcoming game revealing new courses and gear!

What is your favorite Sonic Racing game and what do you think of Sonic Racing CrossWorlds so far? Let us know in the comments! Sonic Racing CrossWorlds will be available on all major platforms soon. Wishlist the game today!

Wishlist Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Today!

Playstation | Xbox | Nintendo Switch | PC

SONIC WEEKLY: TailsTube, ChaoTales, and Nintendo Switch 2

This week, Sonic Weekly is catching up on the ‘net! Since our last episode, Sonic has posted two animated shorts, and oh yeah, there was a big Nintendo presentation too. All that, plus Rings of Saturn is back!

For more episodes, search SONIC WEEKLY on your podcast service of choice!

SONIC WEEKLY: Hopes and Dreams for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

Recorded just prior to the closed beta test for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds on PS5, this week Team Sonic Weekly ideate around dream features, characters, and courses that could be included in the final game. Next week: our first impressions, so stay tuned!

Listen to SONIC WEEKLY on YouTube above or on your podcast service of choice by searching SONIC WEEKLY

SEGA News Bits Live: Sonic CrossWorlds REVEALED + Shinobi RETURNS

Sony’s State of Play brought us tons of new information on Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds as well as a full reveal of the new Shinobi game, subtitled Art of Vengeance! Let’s take a look at both trailers and discuss additional details on this SEGA News Bits Live!

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Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Announce Trailer Revealed With Gameplay!

Sonic and friends are back for another amazing racing event across land, sea, air, space, and time in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds! As seen in the announced gameplay trailer, 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 machine to match your racing style, unlock gadgets to gain the upper hand, and unleash power-up items for the win! Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds also offers the largest roster of characters in any Sonic racing game, as well as a wide variety of customizable vehicles. Sonic Racing CrossWorlds will be soon available for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.