When it comes to the Switch library, the racing genre doesn’t tend to come to mind, at least outside of the classic Mario Kart 8: Deluxe. Yet, those that do some digging will find that there are quite a few in the genre that can hang with Nintendo’s kart racer.
In just under 3 years of the Switch’s life, there already exists a slew of exhilarating racers for the console, many of which offer a unique, colorful take on the genre. The majority of these have flown under the radar and have gone relatively unnoticed - but they’re no less fun.
So let’s put the pedal to the medal as we take a look at 10 of the greatest overlooked racers for Switch.
10 Nickelodeon Kart Racers
Much like Nintendo themselves, Nickelodeon is rife with memorable properties, and they put them to use in this racing celebration of Nicktoons.
Though we’re not talking Mario Kart or even Team Sonic Racing greatness, Bamtang’s 2018 kart racer certainly does the job, especially for Nick fans of the 90s-2000s. Characters range from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to SpongeBob and Rugrats, granting fun and nostalgia for older/lapsed fans as well as kids. What you see is largely what you get with this fairly typical kart racer. Yet, some colorful tracks, customizable cars, and character-specific items make this one stand out.
9 Cars 3: Driven To Win
It would seem Mario Kario isn’t the only kid-friendly racer in town, and while this colorful game doesn’t exactly ascend to those heights, it’s worth giving a look.
This racer from Avalanche Software, based on the 2017 film, actually comes with a fair bit of fun content. In addition to races, you can take part in a heated Battle Race, rock some stunts in Stunt Showcase, and wreak havoc in Takedown mode. You can even roam open areas similar to Forza Horizon 4 in the Playground, and take on bosses Diddy Kong Racing-style. Though Driven to Win won’t blow your hair back, it’s some good fun for the whole family.
8 Super Street: Racer
The racing sim isn’t too well represented on the Switch for the moment. Yet, this sleek street racer marks one of the rare standouts in the genre.
This is actually an improved follow-up to the flawed PS4 and Xbox One game, Super Street: The Game. Though it doesn’t quite match up visually, players have commented on its refined and improved gameplay. Its $40 price tag may turn off some that aren’t diehard fans of the genre. Still, it makes some sense, given the amount of detail, and the fact that it’s still a pretty new game.
7 Gotcha Racing 2nd
This indie got somewhat overlooked, being an original release for the Wii U, which itself never took off for the Big N. Its simplistic visuals with its overhead view may also be offputting to some. It’s a shame, as Arc System Works game shines as a delightful little racer that provides a charming throwback to a bygone era.
It offers a local multiplayer feature, which makes for some thrilling competitions. One of its standout traits, however, is the array of car parts you can unlock, which are put towards tons of customizable cars. Though there’s a bit of a learning curve to the unique perspective, Gotcha Racing 2nd is a distinctly fun ride.
6 The Next Penelope
With a genre that can be “straightforward” at times, innovative concepts and creative twists can benefit racers quite a bit. This is the case with this little-known gem for Switch, The Next Penelope, a romp that fuses SHMUP mechanics with racing - and even a touch of puzzle gameplay. It takes a bit of F-Zero, a pinch of Mario Kart, and injects some R-Type shoot-em-up flair.
The game keeps you on your toes with its pummeling of action as you and several opponents fly across narrow tracks rife with obstacles. There’s even a local multiplayer mode, which further adds to the insanity. It not entirely deep or lengthy, but it’s worth taking for a spin at its $13 asking price.
5 Redout
F-Zero fans on Switch may be disappointed with the lack of representation from the series, but Redout may be the closest thing to emulating the experience. This futuristic racer captures that same sense of speed and intensity zipping by at hundreds of miles per hour. That said, there’s a fairly unique control scheme, as you’ll need to steer with one thumbstick while the other adjusts pitch and positioning.
Developer 34BigThings isn’t exactly a big name in gaming, nor is its publisher Nicallis or 505 Games. Still, you wouldn’t know it by this epic experience, which is enhanced by solid mechanics, a variety of content, and sleek, gorgeous visuals.
4 Fast RMX
Another futuristic racer that’s been overlooked is this romp from Shin’en Multimedia. Fast RMX has gone relatively unnoticed over the years. This is likely because of its similarity to F-Zero and the fact that it released during the huge launch of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Regardless, it’s brimming with exciting gameplay that can be enjoyed solo, or with a friend. It even has online support with up to 7 other players.
The game offers some impressive visuals for a Switch launch title, enhanced by solid use of the HD rumble. The unique concept of having to shift between two colored lanes to go faster adds some depth and ingenuity.
3 Grip: Combat Racing
This racer began as a humble Kickstarter project, and mushroomed into a grand and thrilling romp for Xbox One, PS4, and Switch.
Your unique vehicle, laced with beefy wheels, has the ability to drive along walls and flip off of them, adding a chaotic arcade feel to the experience. Environments vary from claustrophobic tunnels to vast, icy landscapes, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Satisfying boosts keep the fast-paced gameplay going throughout, and a slew of weapons adds more action to the mix.
Caged Element’s 2018 racer is definitely one that shouldn’t pass you by.
2 Horizon Chase Turbo
Similar to The Next Penelope and Gotcha Racing 2nd, this title from Aquiris Game Studio meshes modern speed with retro sensibilities; though it does it in a different way. Rather than use an overhead perspective, Horizon Chase displays a blocky, minimal aesthetic. It also provides some NES-like stiffness to the mechanics, reminding older gamers of Rad Racer.
With the tight controls and narrow tracks full of opponents, the goal is to evade and pass more than flat out racing. While zipping through this huge selection of colorful settings, you’ll also be nabbing boosts and fuel to keep things going. Fans of late-80s racers will definitely want to try this neat retro romp.
1 Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
Once upon a time, Mario Kart reigned supreme on Nintendo machines while Crash dominated the Sony space. Now, the iconic mascot is giving the plumber a run for his money on Switch with this vastly overlooked kart racer.
The game is a slickened remaster of Crash Team Racing and helmed by Beenox along with Activision, who have refined some areas. The game offers many majestic courses, fun weapons, and recognizable characters from this established franchise. There’s also a Ring Rally mode which mixes things up by having you drive through rings to extend the time.
This is certainly one of the best kart racers that a number of Nintendo fans likely haven’t played.
NEXT: 10 Best Kart Racers Of All Time (Other Than Mario Kart)
