Sonic's Racer Throws Shots at Mario Kart World in Newest Marketing Campaign

It's 2025, and the marketing drive for Sega's CrossWorlds Racer seem determined to recall the classic Sega vs. Nintendo spirit. The latest promotional video for the hedgehog's kart racer seemingly features low-quality video of Nintendo's open-world racer, using it to argue that the rival title does not fully utilize its open-world framework.

Challenging the Rival Title

"Everyone's familiar with the famous franchise, it's enjoyable, we don't need to show it to you," the advertisement begins. "But what if you could speed past and compete on a higher tier?" The spot then goes on to emphasize several of Sonic Racing's defining elements, like full kart modification and cross-platform multiplayer.

"Or maybe you would like to drive around on the expansive world?" the voiceover poses, filled with skepticism.

Past Instances of Callouts

While this is not the opening salvo that the team behind Sega's title have targeted Mario Kart World, it is undoubtedly the most direct they have spoken regarding the head-to-head battle. The commercial also recreates a retro advertisement for the Sega Genesis that informed audiences about the system's "blast processing" power. Back then, Sega showcased its hardware advantage by featuring a race car tearing around a circuit. In the final moments, it juxtaposed the Nintendo's console to an aging Winnebago that had Super Mario Kart running on a CRT television tied to the back of the car with a rope.

Availability

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds launches next week on September 25 for Nintendo Switch, Sony's previous-gen system, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Series X. Though, players who pre-order can access it sooner... unless they are on the Nintendo platform. Well.