Mario Kart World vs Sonic Racing CrossWorlds vs Kirby Air Riders — here's the Switch 2 racing game you need to play first

Are you one of the lucky ones who found a Nintendo Switch 2 under the Christmas tree? Or perhaps you already owned one and you got a few Switch 2 games instead. Or maybe you treated yourself to the console and its games. Which games did you get? There are quite a few to choose from, and the Switch 2 is a fantastic console for racing games. We're spoiled for choice, really, with Mario Kart World, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, and Kirby Air Riders.

So which game should you play first? You've come to the right place, because I've played Mario Kart World, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds and Kirby Air Riders, so I can help make that decision easier for you.

Each game has its own perks, and each has its own flaws, too. They might all be racing games, but the art style varies from title to title as does the gameplay. All three games are worth playing, but this is the game you should play first — and it might not be what you think.

Mario Kart World vs Sonic Racing CrossWorlds vs Kirby Air Riders: Gameplay

Mario Kart World, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds and Kirby Air Riders are racing games, so you'll be spending a fair amount of time battling it out with NPCs (or online players) in races and grands prix.

Mario Kart World borrows the traditional four-race format from its predecessor, and it introduces a new Knockout Tour mode. It's a 24-player battle royale where each track is interconnected. Four players get knocked out over the course of six laps, and the last one standing wins. I prefer it much more than the four-race format, as the stakes are higher. I've played it countless times with friends and it's very hard to put down.

Sonic Racing CrossWorlds employs a different mechanic, inspired by the game's title. The CrossWorlds mechanic teleports you from one world to another in the middle of a race, drastically changing where you're racing. You go from racing on land to gliding through the sky. But one area where CrossWorlds one-ups Mario Kart World is with its extensive Gadget Plate customization and aerial tricks, all of which give you different boosts, helping you strategize better, giving you a competitive edge.

You'll need it too, because NPCs in CrossWorlds are much more brutal than in both Mario Kart World and Kirby Air Riders. They'll bombard you with items that will knock you right back into last place, and it's difficult to make up the positions you've lost — like a Formula One race. Honestly, it makes Mario Kart World look like child's play!

Then you've got Kirby Air Riders. I'll be honest, I wasn't a big fan in the first couple of times I played... and I only really got into it three hours in. There are two race modes: Air Ride which are Mario Kart-style races, and Top Ride where you view the map from a bird's eye view. These are fun, and a good way to pass the time, but they bear too much resemblance to Mario Kart World, which leaves a lot to be desired. Kirby Air Riders also presents a steep learning curve, and unlike Sonic and Mario, it's not something you can pick up instantly.

There aren't many courses in Kirby Air Riders either — just 18 courses and around 20 playable characters. Sonic Racing CrossWorlds features 24 characters and 39 courses, while Mario Kart World features 24 main characters and 32 tracks.

My top winner in terms of overall gameplay and satisfaction is Sonic Racing CrossWorlds. I just adore the Gadget Plate customization, as well as the voice acting which is missing from the other titles. I'm still yet to be bored of the game's chaos, even though I've sunk multiple hours into it on my PS5 and the Switch 2!

Winner: Sonic Racing CrossWorlds

Mario Kart World vs Sonic Racing CrossWorlds vs Kirby Air Riders: Graphics

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a very capable and competent hybrid console featuring a 7.9-inch LCD screen with a 1080p resolution as well as a 120Hz refresh rate. Games designed specifically for the Switch 2 run beautifully on it, and this goes for all three games.

Though Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is a multi-platform title, it runs smoothly when handheld, and even hits 1440p at 60fps when docked. The game features detailed, complex environments which change quickly thanks to the CrossWorlds mechanic. The Switch 2 doesn't struggle to keep up with this, and it runs nearly as well as it does on the PS5.

Similarly, Mario Kart World runs at a native 1440p (docked) and 1080p (handheld) at a rock-solid 60fps. Because this was a launch title for the Switch 2, I'd say it's the current benchmark for graphical performance on the console — as far as racing games are concerned, at least. Colors appear vibrant and vivid with reflections in the water adding a touch of realism to the game.

Kirby Air Riders uses Bandai Namco's new SOL-AVES engine, which delivers soft-glow lighting, high-quality character models and clean lines. Even though it is a fast-paced game, I've never noticed any ghosting or jagged edges around the Switch 2's screen.

Characters far off in the distance appear detailed too, and I love the galactic look of some of the levels. I also love the Star Slide mechanic. Tailing other players allows you to Star Slide and gain speed boosts, which is great, but it looks gorgeous too. It's not just a simple wind-like visual: it's colorful and bright. Pops of rainbows everywhere make Kirby Air Riders a treat for the eyes too.

Winner: Kirby Air Riders

Mario Kart World vs Sonic Racing CrossWorlds vs Kirby Air Riders: Soundtrack

Music and backing tracks are a big part of Mario Kart World, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds and Kirby Air Riders. Races and challenges in each game are soundtracked by head-bobbing electropop tracks, and they're inspired by previous entries in their respective franchises. I love Sonic Racing CrossWorlds' high-energy soundtrack but the one thing missing from it is Crush 40's heavy rock touch, which would have worked really well.

Kirby Air Riders' music feels inspired by Super Mario Smash Bros. and it's jazzy, catchy and there's plenty of variety. From dramatic orchestral arrangements to funky, quirky music, there's something for everyone.

The music I like best is in Mario Kart World, and the game's soundtrack feels like a homage to all things Mario. It's fast paced and it combines many genres to deliver the Switch 2's best-sounding game yet. It borrows the upbeat jazz fusion from Mario Kart 8 and blends it with blues rock, bluegrass and, sometimes, even Celtic music. The only reason I enjoy free roaming the very little that I do is because of the music.

Winner: Mario Kart World

Mario Kart World vs Sonic Racing CrossWorlds vs Kirby Air Riders: Variation

Of course, it isn't all about racing around a track or in a grand prix in Mario Kart World, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, and Kirby Air Riders. Each game has its own unique challenges and optional trials, so there's plenty of variation to be enjoyed.

In Mario Kart World, you get access to a new Free Roam mode. You pick your kart and character, and drop into the vast open world where you can, well, roam freely. Free Roam mode is not only great for exploration and taking in the sights, but there are plenty of challenges to participate in too. P-Switches around the world activate mini challenges that usually take seconds to under a minute to complete. Many hidden question mark panels are ready to be discovered too, and these award you with coins.

Time Trials make a return in a Mario Kart World too, but you know which game takes it up a notch? Kirby Air Riders, with its City Trial mode. Similar to a classic Time Trial but arguably much more chaotic, players spend 3-7 minutes riding around on their machine, gathering various power-ups (Patches) and swapping their lackluster default machine for a better one scattered around the map. When time's up, a Stadium Match begins where you compete against other players. It's extremely fun.

So, what about Sonic Racing CrossWorlds? It's got Time Trials and Race Park which features six unique race formats. It's not the best, especially compared to Kirby Air Riders, but CrossWorlds' variation comes in the form of a Rival System (which neither of the other two have). You're randomly assigned a rival racer for the duration of four grands prix, and this rival will taunt and target you, which adds a fun element and makes it feel like there's a lot at stake.

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the Free Roam mode in Mario Kart World because it feels like an afterthought. There isn't much variation in the open world, and it can get boring quickly. I like the Rival System in Sonic Racing CrossWorlds but I wish there were more, better challenge modes. The winner, then, is Kirby Air Riders with its chaotic City Trial mode, and one I'm yet to get bored of.

Winner: Kirby Air Riders

Mario Kart World vs Sonic Racing CrossWorlds vs Kirby Air Riders: Verdict

So, which game should you play first? Kirby Air Riders wins two out of four categories (graphics and variation) while both Sonic Racing CrossWorlds (gameplay) and Mario Kart World (soundtrack) win in one each. The winner, then, is Kirby Air Riders, and it's the racing game you should play first on the Switch 2!

However, I will say that Kirby Air Riders requires some learning, and you can't necessarily get a hang of it right off the bat. If that's a concern, and you're itching to race as soon as possible, I'd recommend Mario Kart World instead. The soundtrack is great and it runs smoothly on the Switch 2, and of course, it's a classic.

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