Best Racing Games for Nintendo Switch in 2025
Whether you’re into high-speed thrills, fun family races, or intense simulations, the Nintendo Switch delivers a wide variety of racing games for players of all ages. From iconic kart racers like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to futuristic adrenaline-fueled titles such as Fast RMX, there’s no shortage of excitement on offer. This guide takes you through the best racing games available on Nintendo Switch in 2025, helping you find the perfect game to match your driving style and preferences. Join games4nintendo.com to dive deep into the details.
Top 10 Racing Games on Nintendo Switch (2025 Edition)
Looking for the ultimate racing experience on your Nintendo Switch? Our 2025 edition of the top 10 racing games highlights a thrilling mix of fast-paced action, vibrant tracks, and unique gameplay styles. Whether you prefer classic kart racing, realistic simulators, or futuristic speedways, these titles deliver excitement for every type of racer. Get ready to buckle up and discover the best racing adventures available on Nintendo Switch right now!
1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Genre: Arcade / Kart Racing
The undisputed king of kart racers, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to dominate on the Switch. With colorful visuals, tight controls, a massive roster of characters, and multiple gameplay modes, it offers endless fun for solo players, families, and competitive racers alike. Frequent updates and new track packs have kept this game fresh well into 2025, making it a must-have for every Switch owner.
2. Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
Genre: Arcade / Kart Racing
A strong competitor to Mario Kart, CTR Nitro-Fueled revives the classic PlayStation kart racer with modern graphics, customization options, and challenging tracks. It offers a more technical racing experience while retaining fun, personality-filled visuals and tight racing mechanics. Perfect for those seeking a kart racer with a sharper edge.
3. Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged
Genre: Arcade / Toy Car Racing
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 builds on its predecessor with wilder tracks, more collectible cars, and expanded customization. With a physics engine that encourages wild stunts and drifting, this game is perfect for kids and nostalgic adults alike. The design-your-own-track feature adds endless replay value.
4. WRC 10 FIA World Rally Championship
Genre: Realistic / Rally Racing
Rally fans will appreciate the realism and attention to detail in WRC 10. From snowy Scandinavian stages to rocky desert tracks, the game captures the authentic feel of rally driving. A robust career mode, online leaderboards, and realistic physics make it ideal for players seeking a deep driving challenge.
5. GRID Autosport
Genre: Simulation / Realistic Racing
As one of the most graphically impressive and mechanically complex racers on the Switch, GRID Autosport brings console-quality racing to handheld mode. With a range of disciplines—touring cars, street races, endurance events—it’s a comprehensive experience for fans of serious racing.
6. Team Sonic Racing
Genre: Arcade / Kart Racing
This SEGA entry into the kart racing genre adds a cooperative twist with its team-based racing mechanics. Players work together by sharing items and using slipstreams to gain advantages. Combined with vibrant visuals and a strong Sonic universe feel, it’s a fresh take on the genre.
7. Fast RMX
Genre: Futuristic / Anti-Gravity Racing
Inspired by games like F-Zero, Fast RMX offers breakneck speed, slick sci-fi environments, and a heart-pounding soundtrack. This title is ideal for players who want a challenge and a taste of futuristic racing without the bulk of simulation mechanics.
8. Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway
Genre: Family / Kart Racing
A charming and goofy alternative to Mario Kart, this game lets you race as SpongeBob, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and other iconic characters. While aimed at younger audiences, it offers surprisingly good racing mechanics and customization.
9. Burnout Paradise Remastered
Genre: Open-World / Arcade Racing
Burnout Paradise brings chaotic fun to the streets with explosive crashes, high-speed challenges, and an open-world structure. It’s one of the best pure arcade experiences on Switch, especially for those who love crashing just as much as racing.
10. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered
Genre: Arcade / Police Chase Racing
Reviving a classic, Hot Pursuit Remastered pits racers against law enforcement in thrilling high-speed chases. The sharp graphics, satisfying controls, and online features make it a strong pick for action-oriented racing fans.
Honorable Mentions
While these games didn’t make our top 10 list, they each offer unique and enjoyable racing experiences that are definitely worth exploring on the Nintendo Switch.
Redout 2 is perfect for fans who crave the thrill of high-speed anti-gravity racing. It provides a more intense and challenging experience compared to Fast RMX, with futuristic tracks that test your reflexes and precision driving skills.
For younger players and families, Beach Buggy Racing 2 offers a lighthearted and accessible kart racing experience. Its simple controls, colorful environments, and fun power-ups make it a great choice for casual gaming sessions and multiplayer fun.
If you’re into monster trucks and love performing massive stunts, Monster Jam Steel Titans 2 delivers exactly that. The game features a variety of monster trucks, huge arenas, and plenty of thrilling challenges that highlight raw power and spectacular crashes.
RC Rush brings a unique twist by putting you in control of miniature remote-controlled cars racing through oversized, everyday environments. The imaginative tracks and creative obstacles add a fresh layer of fun and strategy to the racing genre.
Lastly, Art of Rally offers a different kind of racing experience with its top-down perspective and minimalist art style. Combining strategic decision-making with smooth rally racing mechanics, it’s a visually striking game that appeals to those who enjoy both aesthetics and precision driving.
Together, these honorable mentions enrich the Nintendo Switch’s racing library, offering something for nearly every kind of racing enthusiast.
How to Choose the Right Racing Game for You
When picking the perfect racing game on Nintendo Switch, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and play style. Here’s a helpful guide to narrow down your options:
Racing Style
- Arcade-style: Ideal for casual gamers and family-friendly fun, these games offer easy controls and exciting, fast-paced racing without the stress of realism. Popular choices include Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled.
- Simulation-style: If you’re looking for a more authentic driving experience with realistic car physics and handling, simulation racers like GRID Autosport and WRC 10 deliver deep gameplay that appeals to serious racing fans.
- Futuristic Racing: For those who want something fast, flashy, and a bit out of this world, games like Fast RMXand Redout 2 feature high-speed anti-gravity tracks and adrenaline-pumping action.
Solo vs Multiplayer Focus
- Solo Play: If you enjoy immersing yourself in single-player campaigns or time trials, titles like WRC 10 and Art of Rally offer challenging, in-depth experiences tailored for solo racers.
- Multiplayer: For social gaming, whether couch co-op or online competitions, games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Team Sonic Racing, and Burnout Paradise Remastered shine. These titles bring high-energy multiplayer fun to the forefront.
Age Appropriateness
- For Kids: Younger players will enjoy accessible, colorful games such as Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3, Beach Buggy Racing 2, and Hot Wheels Unleashed 2, which focus on simple mechanics and family-friendly content.
- For Teens and Adults: If you’re after more mature themes and complex racing dynamics, consider GRID Autosport, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered, or Burnout Paradise Remastered.
Customization and Creative Options
- If you love adding a personal touch, look for games that offer vehicle customization or even track design. Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 lets you customize cars extensively, while Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit offers a unique experience where you can create real-world tracks with physical toys (requires additional hardware).
By reflecting on these factors—racing style, multiplayer or solo preference, age suitability, and creativity—you’ll find a racing game on the Switch that perfectly matches your tastes and guarantees hours of fun.
The Future of Racing Games on Nintendo Switch
While the current lineup is impressive, the future of racing on Switch looks bright. Rumors of Mario Kart 9 swirl among fans, while indie developers continue to innovate with unique takes on the genre. Nintendo is also improving online infrastructure, which means smoother multiplayer races and more global tournaments. Look out for continued support and possible expansions for popular titles like Hot Wheels and Redout 2.
In addition, with hardware improvements like the Switch OLED and potential next-gen models on the horizon, racing games will only look and perform better in handheld mode and docked setups.
Whether you’re a kart racing enthusiast, a simulation purist, or a casual fan looking for party fun, the Nintendo Switch offers an impressive selection of racing games in 2025. From the all-time favorite Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to the intense strategy of WRC 10, there’s a game to match every pace and preference. Use this guide to explore new titles, rediscover classics, or introduce friends and family to the joy of racing on Nintendo’s versatile console.
