Gotta Go Fast… to the Top of the Charts
It turns out a blue hedgehog can still keep pace in a world full of plumbers and bandicoots. SEGA has just announced that its fantastic new kart racer, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, has blasted past a major milestone, selling over one million copies worldwide in less than a month since its launch [294][295]. The game, which released on September 25, has been a massive hit with both critics and players, earning an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam and proving that there’s plenty of room on the track for another top-tier racer [295].
To celebrate this incredible achievement, SEGA is giving players a gift that’s stolen their hearts: a brand-new free character. It’s time to get stylish, because Joker, the leader of the Phantom Thieves from Atlus’s mega-hit Persona 5, is now available to race [296][301].
A Million Racers and Counting
The success of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is more than just a number. SEGA shared some staggering statistics that show just how much players are loving the game [298][300]:
- Over 74.5 million races have been completed.
- Players have competed in over 31.5 million Grands Prix.
- More than 13 million ranked matches have been played online.
These are massive numbers for a game that’s only been out for a month, especially considering it hasn’t even launched on the Nintendo Switch 2 yet (that version is slated for later this year) [295][301]. It shows a massive improvement in sales velocity compared to its predecessor, Team Sonic Racing, and signals that Sonic’s racing career is back on the right track [301].
Steal a Victory with Joker!
The biggest news alongside the sales milestone is the arrival of Joker. This isn’t a paid DLC; the Phantom Thief is a free update for all players [298]. The crossover includes:
- Joker as a new playable racer.
- His signature vehicle, the Arsène Wing.
- Three iconic music tracks from Persona 5 added to the in-game jukebox: “Take Over,” “Wake Up, Get Up, Get Out There,” and “Victory” [300].
This is just the second free character to join the roster, and it perfectly encapsulates the “CrossWorlds” theme of the game. SEGA is delivering on its promise of a true crossover experience, and it’s doing it in style.
A Roadmap Full of Stars
Joker is just the beginning. SEGA has already laid out an ambitious roadmap for both free and paid content. The next free character, scheduled for November, is none other than Ichiban Kasuga from the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series [295].
On the premium DLC front, the game has already introduced a Minecraft crossover, and things are about to get even wilder. SEGA has confirmed that characters like SpongeBob SquarePants, Pac-Man, and Mega Man are all slated to join the race in the coming months [295]. This ambitious plan for ongoing support is a huge part of the game’s appeal and ensures that players will have a reason to keep coming back to the track.
FAQs
What is Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds?
It’s the latest kart racing game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. Its main feature is the “CrossWorlds” mechanic, which has racers jumping between different tracks mid-race, and a heavy focus on crossover characters from other SEGA and third-party franchises.
How many copies has it sold?
SEGA has announced that the game has sold over one million copies worldwide in less than a month.
How do I get Joker from Persona 5?
He is available as part of a free update for all players on all platforms.
What platforms is the game available on?
It is currently available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. A version for the Nintendo Switch 2 is also planned for release later this year.
Are more characters coming to the game?
Yes. Ichiban Kasuga from Yakuza is the next confirmed free character. Paid DLC characters like SpongeBob, Pac-Man, and Mega Man are also on the way.
How is the game different from Team Sonic Racing?
While Team Sonic Racing focused on cooperative team mechanics, CrossWorlds is a more traditional solo racer that brings back mechanics from past games, like vehicle transformations and Extreme Gear, while adding a huge focus on crossover content that was absent in the previous title [306].
Conclusion
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a massive win for SEGA. By combining tight, satisfying racing mechanics with a brilliant and fan-pleasing crossover strategy, they’ve created a kart racer that can stand proudly on the podium next to the genre’s best. The impressive one-million sales milestone is a testament to the game’s quality and the smart decision to load it with ongoing content. With a steady stream of new racers on the horizon, the future of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds looks faster and brighter than ever.