Fans hoping to snag a physical copy of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 might be in for a letdown.
According to a leak from well-known insider Wario64, Sega’s new kart racer may not include a physical cartridge at all—instead, it could be distributed via Nintendo’s controversial Game Key-Card system.
Initially announced at The Game Awards 2024, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds had fans hyped as the first new Sonic racing game since 2019’s Team Sonic Racing.
The game is set to launch on September 25 for a wide range of platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch.Â
While Switch 2 owners will be able to play the original Switch version through backwards compatibility, a proper upgraded version for Switch 2 is also on the way.
But here’s the twist: Wario64 shared a supposed image from a Sega customer support chat suggesting that the Switch 2 version of CrossWorlds won’t include the game on a physical cartridge.
Instead, players might get one of Nintendo’s bright red Game Key-Cards—which looks like a game box but only includes a download code.
What Are Game Key-Cards?
Nintendo introduced these Key-Cards to let collectors and physical media fans still own a boxed product, even when storage or distribution limitations mean a game is download-only.
While Nintendo has promised that its first-party games won’t use the system, it has left third-party publishers like Sega to make their own decisions—causing some backlash over the inconsistency.
So far, Sega hasn’t officially confirmed whether Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will actually launch this way on Switch 2.
Even alleged box art leaks haven’t clarified the situation, with no indication of a download-only label or cartridge details. That ambiguity has left some fans concerned and others frustrated.
Community Reactions
Unsurprisingly, the response has been mixed. Some fans are fine with the hybrid approach if it means getting a physical case, while others feel that anything without a cartridge shouldn’t count as a real physical release.
With Mario Kart World launching alongside the Switch 2 with full cartridge support, some feel this move could hurt Sonic’s chances in the kart-racing arena.
Still, Sega seems confident that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will stand on its own. Developer Takashi Iizuka recently stated that the game will focus more on pure, competitive racing, whereas Mario Kart World leans into chaotic, item-based action.
For now, we’re still waiting on official word from Sega or Nintendo. But with the release date not too far off, expect more info soon—hopefully clearing up whether Switch 2 owners will be racing with a cartridge or just a code in a box.
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