Sonic the Hedgehog Lead Criticizes Mario Kart

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds has this thing where you can play with folks on different consoles, which Mario Kart World doesn’t do, weirdly. I mean, so many people love Mario, but Sonic’s like, “Hey, let’s invite everyone to the party.” And it’s not just Sonic peeps—characters from other games join in, making the roster super colorful if you ask me. I guess it really shakes things up.

Takashi Iizuka, that dude who’s been all over Sonic stuff since forever (like, since Sonic 3), had some thoughts at Summer Game Fest. It was pretty spicy. While everyone’s still figuring out their Nintendo Switch 2, Iizuka’s comparing it to Mario Kart World, pointing out, “Hey, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds isn’t just a one-console deal.” He seems pretty fired up about making sure everyone can play together—kind of like that friend who insists everyone gets cake even if you’re on a diet.

Mario Kart World, by the way, added this free roam thing, letting you just chill and drive around. Honestly, it’s a bit of a head-scratcher why they didn’t do that sooner. And sure, more players can jump in now—24, I think? But really, why only keep it on Switch 2? Feels a bit exclusive, doesn’t it?

Now, back to Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. Iizuka was pretty clear it’s all about mingling across platforms—your Switch, my Xbox, whatever, doesn’t matter. Which is neat because apparently even Minecraft’s Steve is getting in on the action. Like, imagine racing as Steve—would he even fit in a car? Whatever works because it’s all about variety or something.

Going back to Mario Kart World, although it wowed everyone with characters like Link or the Inklings before, it’s back to being all about Mario again. Essentially, Sonic Racing is like, “Hold my chili dog,” rolling out the red carpet for everyone—like Persona’s Joker or Hatsune Miku. I mean, Miku in a racing game? That’s just wild.

But, you know, gotta wonder if people are in it for the gameplay. The real test comes when Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds drops on September 25. Will it steal Mario Kart lovers, or just be a funky alternative? Either way, it’s setting the bar high, so Mario better watch out.

Okay, so maybe I’m rambling. But sometimes, it’s about the journey, not the destination—just like kart racing, right?