Even though the Switch lacks raw computing power compared to other consoles, it can still run plenty of modern titles, including many racing games.
Racing games have their own subgenres with plenty of variety. Whether this depends on core gameplay mechanics or the type of vehicles used, there’s something for all tastes. And while big names on PlayStation and Xbox focus on realism and astonishingly realistic graphics, Nintendo Switch titles mainly focus on gameplay and having fun with your friends. This is mainly because you can easily take the Switch to a party, especially when using one of these Nintendo Switch carrying cases. So let’s quickly look at some of the best Nintendo Switch racing games you can get right now.
Burnout Paradise Remastered
If you missed it back when it came out in 2008, this Remastered version is an ideal opportunity to play this classic title. The game offers an open-world map you can freely explore while trying to pull off cool stunts and not wreck your car. Alongside this freedom, you also have many fixed types of races that you can enjoy. These range from normal races all the way to special races where you also have to pull off particular stunts to come out on top. The game also offers multiplayer, which is a ton of fun when just running around and smashing other cars with your friends.
GRID Autosport
For realism fans, GRID Autosport might be one of the best racing games the Nintendo Switch offers. It features multiple classes of cars, including Endurance and Open Wheel. The game has a lot of realistically rendered cars, and you can even go under the hood to configure them to your liking. Codemasters have also updated the damage model in this version of the game, meaning you have to be calm and calculated behind the wheel. GRID Autosport also features a rewind mechanic for people who struggle with racing games, allowing you to turn back time whenever you mess up.
Wreckfest
If you want to sit on your couch and enjoy wanton destruction, then Wreckfest has you covered. Featuring various vehicles, including unconventional ones like lawnmowers and tractors, Wreckfest focuses on demolition derbies where racing is secondary to destroying your opponents. Wreckfest has excellent physics and an amazing damage model. Vehicles will crumple and lose parts as they take part in these chaotic races. Damage will also impact your vehicle’s performance, meaning head-on collisions will quickly turn your car into an undrivable mess.
Fast RMX
A spiritual successor to the F-Zero games, Fast RMX offers futuristic racing similar to the pod races from Star Wars Episode 1. As far as racing mechanics go, it’s a fairly straightforward game with a very arcadey feel. Vehicles are very responsive and race at breakneck speeds. Tracks feature plenty of power-ups that will boost your speed or allow you to jump over your opponents. Fast RMX might be the perfect title if you’re looking for a retro experience with modern graphics.
Trials Rising
The latest game in the Trials series, Rising offers more of the same motorbike fun as older titles. It features multiple types of motorbikes and a wide variety of tracks. The one caveat that is constant throughout the series is the difficulty curve. You will need some time to get used to the controls, but if you keep at it you’ll be doing backflips in no time. The tracks themselves can also spike in difficulty, sometimes unfairly so. But for fans of the series, this is definitely one of the best racing games for Nintendo Switch.
Team Sonic Racing
Sonic enthusiasts rejoice, your king is back. And even though he’s relegated to driving a kart instead of breaking the speed of sound on his own two feet, Team Sonic Racing is still a ton of fun. Featuring multiple characters from the Sonic series, the game offers the usual gameplay elements you would expect from kart racing. You pick up powerups along the way and try your hardest to wreck your opponents while raging when they do the same to you. Even though it’s not one of the best kart racers you can buy, Sega fans should keep an eye out for this title.
Horizon Chase Turbo
Gamers looking for a more retro experience should clearly check out Horizon Chase Turbo. This game is clearly a love letter to the simpler racing games of the 90s, which is clear by looking at the basic yet colourful graphics. Surprisingly, a ton of content is hiding under the hood, with a wide variety of vehicles to choose from and countless tracks. If you’re looking for a nostalgic trip to a time when racers were focused on easy mechanics and pure enjoyment, then Horizon Chase Turbo should definitely be on your list.
Mario Kart Deluxe 8
And last but not least, we have the best kart racer the Nintendo Switch offers. Get behind the wheel while controlling some of your favourite Nintendo characters, and try your hardest to come out on top. There is a massive amount of content available, ranging from customizable karts to some of the best tracks from the Mario Kart series. Where Mario Kart Deluxe 8 truly shines is how easy to get into it is. It can be enjoyed by players of all ages, with the game giving racers plenty of help in staying on track. And with a very active online community, finding people to play with is never an issue.
As you can tell, there is something for all tastes regarding racing games for Nintendo Switch. Whether you’re a fan of realism or want a simplistic racer, there are plenty of titles to try out. If you mostly game on the Switch, you should also check out our handy best indie games on the Nintendo Switch list. And if you don’t own a Switch, choosing between Nintendo Switch models has never been easier.
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