Get ready, racing fans! SEGA is firing up the engines for a special Open Network Test for their upcoming game, Sonic Racing: Cross Worlds. This is your chance to hit the track early and help iron out any kinks before the full game speeds onto consoles and PCs. The test runs from Friday, August 29, 2025, starting at 11:00 AM UTC+7. It wraps up on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the same time.
You can jump into the action on a bunch of different platforms. This includes PlayStation®5, Nintendo Switchâ„¢, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and Epic Games. Just remember, if you’re playing on Nintendo Switch, you’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online membership. SEGA is using this test to make sure online races run smoothly. They also want to catch any bugs lurking in the game.
There’s even a cool bonus for those who join the test. Participants will receive special in-game items for the full release. These include exclusive stickers and titles. Think of it as a small thank you for your help in making the game better. You won’t be able to transfer your progress or items from the test version to the final game, though. Also, keep in mind that dates and times might shift. Nintendo Switchâ„¢ 2 users can play, too, thanks to compatibility features. But remember, this game is built for the original Switch.
One of the most exciting parts of this test is a limited-time event called "Joker Festa P5R." It runs from Sunday, August 31, 2025, at 11:00 AM UTC+7. It ends on Monday, September 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM UTC+7. During this special window, you can play as the fan-favorite character "Joker" from Persona 5 Royal. You’ll also get to drive his unique "Arsène Wing" car. These two will be added to the full game as free updates later on.
Here’s a quick look at what you can play during the test:
Playable Modes
Offline Modes
Grand Prix
This mode features four continuous races. Your total score from all races decides the final winner.
Time Trial
It’s just you against the clock. Race to get the fastest finish time on the track.
Online Modes
World Match
This mode lets you race against friends or other players from around the world online. *Sonic Racing: Cross Worlds* supports cross-platform play. This means players on different devices can race together.
The World Match is open during these times: Friday, August 29, 11:00 AM to Sunday, August 31, 2025, 11:00 AM (UTC+7). It then reopens on Monday, September 1, 11:00 AM to Tuesday, September 2, 2025, 11:00 AM (UTC+7).
Joker Festa P5R
This special event is available from Sunday, August 31, 11:00 AM to Monday, September 1, 2025, 11:00 AM (UTC+7). It’s an online competition with three teams. Your team’s total rank score determines the winner. There are also special rules, such as bonus points for the team that collects the most rings. You can earn Festa points during this event to get stickers, horns, and other fun items for the network test. Remember, items and points earned here won’t carry over to the full game.
Teams
You can create a team with up to four friends. Then, race together in online modes. Invites and joining teams are handled through your friend list. Note that you can’t play an online match with only your four team members; other players will join the lobby.
Those stickers are for decorating your car, by the way.
Sonic Racing: Cross Worlds promises to be a wild ride. It’s an all-star racing game crafted by SEGA’s top racing experts. What makes it stand out? The tracks themselves change every single lap. You might be racing on land, then suddenly switch to water or even the air. This promises a racing experience full of unexpected twists.
The roster is huge, with 23 racers available at launch. That’s the biggest in the series’ history. Plus, more characters are coming as downloadable content. Imagine racing as Hatsune Miku, Joker from Persona 5 Royal, Ichiban Kasuga from Like a Dragon, or even characters from Minecraft and SpongeBob! You can also customize your car with "gadgets." These items give you special abilities during races. With over 70 gadget types, you can really change how you play, find new routes, and create unique winning plans. The game is set to launch on Thursday, September 25, 2025.