There’s something about racing games that just works on Nintendo Switch. Whether it’s because you can drive a car while in a car or just that you can tilt your Switch back and forth like a steering wheel, we don’t know. Regardless, the genre is a staple of Nintendo’s handheld. From obvious entries like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to hidden gems like Gotcha Racing 2nd, here are the best racing games for the Nintendo Switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all of these games multiplayer games?
Many of these games can be played by multiple players at once. However, some will only allow for one player to play at a time. Multiplayer games typically allow for up to four players to play at the same time on one console, but you can involve even more players in the game by playing online while using multiple Nintendo Switch consoles.
What makes a Nintendo Switch different from other gaming consoles?
The main thing that sets Nintendo Switches apart from the competition, in addition to being the only console to offer games from the Super Mario Brothers series, is the multiple types of gameplay. Demonstrated by the “Switch” name, Nintendo Switches can be hooked up to a television to be played with a controller on a TV screen. They can also be taken on the go and played from anywhere. This is a type of versatility that we’ve never seen before in a gaming console, and it helps you understand one key reason why this console has been so popular since it was first sold in September 2017.
Buying Guide
The main factor to consider when choosing a Nintendo Switch racing game (assuming you’re only planning to buy one game right now) is what sort of racing experience you want. Do you want a chance to drive the world’s most popular cars made by well-known brands such as BMW or Mercedes? Or would you rather have a gaming experience that features cartoon characters you’ve come to know and love through the years, whether that’s from the Mario Brother series or perhaps another popular series such as Garfield? The bottom line is that some game players want a more fun and family-friendly experience, while other gamers crave speed and want to put their racing skill to the test.
Another thing to consider is how simple you want the controls to be (or to not be). If you’re a beginning gamer, you might opt for the racing game that’s the easiest to pick up right out of the box. If you’ve been doing this for a little while, you might prefer a game that is a little more challenging, and requires more practice to master.
Lastly, you should consider whether you’ll be playing your game alone most of the time, or if you would rather have a game that easily allows for others to get in on the action. If this is going to be a solo campaign, you might opt for a game that offers a long-term solo gameplay experience such as a career mode. If this is going to be your go-to choice for parties or long gaming sessions with your friends, you might see what sort of battle modes are offered by the game, and how many different tracks or modes you and your friends can play together.
Crash Team Racing
Best Overall
Nitro-Fueled Racing
Start your engines with the original games modes, character, and tracks, along with various power-ups and controls for additional fun and speed.
Pros:
- Includes additional karts and tracks beyond what was available in the original game to allow you to power slide into glory
- Offers online capabilities to race with friends or slide up the overall leaderboards
Cons:
- Only one player can play at a time
This game offers an authentic CTR experience plus a whole lot more. It is fully remastered and revved up to the max.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Best Multiplayer Game
Supports Up to Four Players at Once
You can hit the road anywhere and anytime with this game. You’ll enjoy racing with your friends (or battling against them) on both new and returning courses.
Available in a standard edition or with optional booster course pass
Pros:
- Offers 1080p picture
- Includes new guest characters along with several returning favorites
Cons:
- Has some comic mischief according to the ERSB content description
This game features every track from the Wii U version, including DLC.
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit
Best for High-Speed Chases
Drive The World’s Most Desirable Supercars
Along with all the main DLC content, this edition also includes an extra six hours of gameplay with more than 30 challenges.
Pros:
- Deep and fully-defined single player career mode delivers the action of both cops and racers
- Enhanced visuals delivers an experience tailormade for today’s advanced gaming hardware
Cons:
- Controls can be a little awkward for some
With this game, you’ll feel the thrill of the chase and the rush of the escape. You can unleash a savage sense of speed, both as an outlaw and as a cop.
Gear Club Unlimited
Best Cars
Includes Over 200 Unique Tracks
This game features beautiful cars from some of the world’s best manufacturers, such as Mercedes, DMW, McLaren, Pagani, Bugatti, and more.
Pros:
- Created by Eden Games Studios (experts in racing games with over 20 years of experience)
- Compete on off-road tracks in Rally Mode, where drift skills will be very important
Cons:
- Load times can be longer than expected
Included in the 200 tracks are various environments such as seaside locations, mountaintop destinations, desert conditions, and more.
Garfield Kart: Furious Racing
Best for Families
Nine Attack and Defense Bonuses
This game can be played by up to four players in split-screen mode, or up to eight players when playing portably.
Pros:
- Includes three game modes (Grand prix, single race, and time trial)
- Comes preloaded with 16 circuits to allow for crazy races in stunning environments all inspired by Garfield’s world
Cons:
- Can be a little difficult to steer
You can play as one of eight different characters in this game. You’ll see favorites such as Odie, Jon, Nermal, Arlene, Liz, Harry, and Squeak along with Garfield.
Monster Jam: Steel Titans
Best for Monster Truck Fans
Break Body Panels, Deform Junker Cars, and More
You’ll enjoy performing a variety of stunts such as bicycles, stoppies, moonwalks, cyclones, and more as you explore and smash through the environment.
Pros:
- Hear the roar of the crowd inside 12 different stadiums on your way to the Monster Jam finals
- Train just like your favorite driver at the Monster Jam University
Cons:
- Must complete an academy before you can access the other game modes
This game features real trucks and real actions. It’s designed to provide the fun and enjoyment of the Monster Jam experience in a way that anyone can enjoy.
