Switch Best Racing Games: Top 12 Picks for Thrill-Seekers
With over 1,000 racing games available on Nintendo Switch, choosing the best ones can be a daunting task. To help you navigate the vast selection, we've compiled a list of the top 12 racing games that offer an immersive and thrilling experience.
1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
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Metacritic Score: 92/100
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Sales: Over 50 million copies sold
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Gameplay: Classic kart racing with a variety of characters, tracks, and power-ups
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Pros: Fun for all ages, competitive multiplayer, stunning visuals
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Cons: Lack of new content in the Deluxe version
2. Forza Horizon 5
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Metacritic Score: 92/100
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Sales: Over 20 million copies sold
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Gameplay: Open-world racing with a vast map, diverse vehicles, and online multiplayer
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Pros: Realistic physics, beautiful graphics, endless content
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Cons: Requires a paid Xbox Game Pass subscription
3. Rocket League
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Metacritic Score: 85/100
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Sales: Over 70 million copies sold
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Gameplay: Soccer-like gameplay with rocket-powered cars
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Pros: Unique and addicting concept, cross-platform play, strong multiplayer community
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Cons: Can be difficult for beginners to master
4. Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
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Metacritic Score: 83/100
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Sales: Over 10 million copies sold
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Gameplay: Remake of the classic kart racing game with updated graphics and gameplay
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Pros: Nostalgic value, competitive multiplayer, plenty of content
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Cons: Lack of innovation compared to the original
5. Asphalt 9: Legends
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Metacritic Score: 76/100
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Sales: Over 100 million downloads
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Gameplay: Mobile racing game with stunning graphics and a variety of tracks and vehicles
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Pros: Free-to-play, impressive visuals, fast-paced gameplay
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Cons: In-app purchases can be intrusive
6. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered
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Metacritic Score: 80/100
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Sales: Over 1 million copies sold
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Gameplay: High-speed racing with police chases and a variety of vehicles
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Pros: Faithful remaster of the classic, exciting gameplay, impressive graphics
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Cons: Relatively short campaign
7. GRID Autosport
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Metacritic Score: 82/100
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Sales: Over 3 million copies sold
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Gameplay: Simulation racing with a focus on realism and handling
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Pros: Immersive driving experience, realistic physics, challenging AI
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Cons: Steep learning curve, lack of online multiplayer
8. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
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Metacritic Score: 73/100
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Sales: Over 5 million copies sold
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Gameplay: Kart racing with a unique twist: vehicles transform into planes and boats
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Pros: Creative tracks, variety of characters, fun gameplay
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Cons: Graphics can feel dated, limited online multiplayer
9. Gear.Club Unlimited 2
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Metacritic Score: 74/100
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Sales: Over 1 million copies sold
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Gameplay: Simulation racing with a focus on customization and car collecting
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Pros: Deep car customization options, realistic driving physics, beautiful graphics
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Cons: Repetitive missions, lack of online multiplayer
10. Burnout Paradise Remastered
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Metacritic Score: 82/100
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Sales: Over 10 million copies sold
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Gameplay: Open-world racing with a focus on takedowns and stunts
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Pros: Addictive gameplay, impressive crashes, stunning graphics
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Cons: Can feel repetitive after some time
11. Need for Speed Payback
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Metacritic Score: 61/100
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Sales: Over 5 million copies sold
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Gameplay: Open-world racing with a focus on heists and customization
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Pros: Variety of vehicles, exciting chases, visually appealing
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Cons: Repetitive missions, microtransactions can be a hindrance
12. Real Racing 3
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Metacritic Score: 85/100
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Sales: Over 500 million downloads
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Gameplay: Mobile racing game with realistic physics and a variety of tracks and vehicles
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Pros: Stunning graphics, immersive driving experience, deep customization options
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Cons: In-app purchases can be intrusive
How to Choose the Best Racing Game for You
With so many options available, finding the right racing game for your needs can be tricky. Here are some factors to consider:
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Gameplay: Do you prefer arcade-style racing, simulation racing, or a hybrid of both?
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Multiplayer: Do you want to race against friends or compete with online players?
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Vehicles: Are you interested in racing with a variety of vehicles, such as cars, bikes, or planes?
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Tracks: Look for games with a variety of tracks, including city streets, race tracks, and off-road environments.
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Graphics: Realistic graphics can enhance the driving experience, but they can also be demanding on your console.
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Price: Racing games can range in price from free-to-play to full-priced releases.
FAQs
1. What is the best racing game for beginners?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a great choice for beginners due to its easy-to-learn controls and fun gameplay.
2. What is the most realistic racing game on Switch?
GRID Autosport offers the most realistic driving experience on Switch, with accurate physics and handling.
3. Which racing game has the most online players?
Rocket League has a large and active online community, with over 70 million players worldwide.
4. What is the best racing game for split-screen multiplayer?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled are both excellent choices for split-screen multiplayer racing.
5. Which racing game has the most customization options?
Gear.Club Unlimited 2 allows you to customize your cars in great detail, including performance modifications and visual upgrades.
6. What is the best racing game for car enthusiasts?
Forza Horizon 5 features over 500 licensed cars, making it a great choice for car enthusiasts who want to race their favorite vehicles.
7. What is the best budget racing game on Switch?
Asphalt 9: Legends is a free-to-play racing game that offers stunning graphics and fast-paced gameplay.
8. Which racing game has the best soundtrack?
Burnout Paradise Remastered features an iconic soundtrack that includes classic rock and electronic music.
Conclusion
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer to racing games, there's something for everyone on the Nintendo Switch. From fast-paced arcade racers to realistic simulations, these top 12 picks offer an immersive and thrilling driving experience. With our detailed guide, you're sure to find the perfect racing game to suit your needs and preferences.