Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is one of the biggest success stories 0f the Nintendo Switch and it set a new standard for arcade-type racing games when it was released in 2017. With many things to do in the game that most players never even discover, that alone makes the Switch an appealing platform for racing game enthusiasts.
However, though Mario Kart 8 does take the headlines, there is plenty of alternative choice for racing game content on the platform from other arcade-type racing games to more serious racing simulators. The Metacritic review aggregator sheds light on which titles are the best to try out for players.
Grid Autosport (2019) - 79
Codemasters is one of the most prestigious names in the racing game field and, with Grid Autosport, they signaled an intention to return to a more traditional, realistic racing experience. Though the game was originally released in 2014 and a sequel has since been released on other platforms, the game holds up more than well enough to justify its port to the Nintendo Switch.
The game doesn't stray too far from convention but is a racing simulator with enough variety of game modes and race types to keep the player invested. Car enthusiasts are also likely to be mostly satisfied by the roster of over 100 cars, although the absence of certain big-name manufacturers like Toyota may be a small drawback.
Mindball Play (2019) - 79
One of the rare racing games without a car or bike in sight, Mindball Play is a unique physics-based game that puts the player in control of a ball that they must roll, bounce, and push to the finish line. Surprisingly, the game is as challenging as any realistic motorsport game, requiring an incredible amount of focus. One small mistake can mean the end.
The game has local split-screen and online multiplayer modes making it a good game to play with friends and compete against each other. There is also a nice variety of tracks to take on in time trials in single-player mode. The game is simple and addictive fun, which is the reason for its high user score of 8.0 on Metacritic.
Inertial Drift (2020) - 79
It's rare that a modern racing game is able to introduce an entirely new way of controlling the car but Inertial Drift manages to achieve just that, using the right-hand control stick to give the player complete control over how the car drifts. The reason for this unique control scheme is the game's focus, as the name suggests, on the art of going sideways in retro-futuristic city streets.
The controls are surprisingly intuitive and getting better with them is a rewarding process, which is part of the reason why it is one of the best racing games that aren't Mario Kart. Although it might not match Mario Kart for thrills, there is more than enough fun in this title to warrant its high critical rating.
The Next Penelope (2017) - 79
Ancient Greek mythology and racing games may be an unlikely pair, but they are brought together in style in this action-packed racing game. The Next Penelope utilizes the elements from Greek mythology in its futuristic original story that allows the player to freely explore the galaxy in search of Ulysses.
The gameplay itself utilizes Micro Machines-style controls as the player takes part in high-stakes races and uses powerful weapons to gain an important edge. There are bonus missions outside of the main story and, of course, a local multiplayer mode that allows players to battle it out with their friends.
Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled (2019) - 80
There aren't many kart racing games that could rival Mario Kart in terms of fun, but arguably Crash Team Racing is up there. In this comprehensive remaster from 2019, everything only gets better with better graphics and more intense races than ever. Crucially, the game still keeps the light-hearted tone and upbeat style that made the original so well-liked.
Whilst the game is likely to easily win over fans of the original, newcomers to the Crash Team Racing experience should also be pleasantly surprised. The game is far from a Mario Kart clone and some players may even prefer the charm of the unique stages that Nitro-Fueled has t0o offer.
Fast RMX (2017) - 81
For fans who miss the futuristic racing gameplay of the F-Zero franchise, Fast RMX may be a great way to recapture that thrill. The player takes control of an anti-gravity vehicle that allows them to traverse the game's wide range of different environments, from futuristic cities to abandoned mines.
The game is focused on multiplayer gameplay, with a local split-screen mode as well as the chance to race other players online in high-octane and extremely high-speed competitive races. The game has a high degree of polish and holds up well, earning its high critical rating of 81 on Metacritic.
Sega Ages: Virtua Racing (2019) - 82
It may be surprising for those unfamiliar with the title to see a Formula 1 arcade game from 1992 amongst the best racing games on Nintendo Switch, but there is a lot to enjoy about this one for racing fans. The game's 3D polygon graphics are more than impressive for the time and just one example of how advanced the arcade title once was.
The racing obviously doesn't quite live up to modern racing games and Formula 1 fans hoping for realistic simulations of the tracks and cars from the motorsport will also be disappointed, but Virtua Racing is still a lot of fun. The gameplay feels fast and can be challenging for beginners, and it's one of the great retro Sega games to enjoy on the Switch.
Horizon Chase Turbo (2018) - 82
Not to be confused with the Forza Horizon racing series that has come to dominate the genre, Horizon Chase Turbo is a much simpler attempt to emulate the fun of classic arcade racing games. With gameplay full of high-speed thrills in nostalgic retro graphics, plenty of players will love Horizon Chase Turbo.
The game boasts split-screen multiplayer for enjoying the game with friends as well as a nice variety of single-player modes to try out. Fans of classic arcade racing will also appreciate that the game features Barry Leitch, the composer behind the iconic music for games like Top Gear and Lotus Turbo Challenge.
Sega Ages: OutRun (2019) - 84
A port of one of the most iconic arcade racing games of all time in the form of the 1985 title OutRun, this 3D driving title is well worth trying out for anyone with an interest in arcade games and the history of the racing genre. Rather than an all-out competition against other drivers, the main goal is to avoid traffic and reach one of five destinations.
The game holds up surprisingly well and is still an enjoyable racing experience in its own right. The player is able to select the music they want and then cruise at high speeds on busy highways in the game's iconic red Ferrari. The game isn't easy but the challenge of avoiding crashes is addictive. There is more than just nostalgia behind this being the second-highest-rated racing game for the Switch according to Metacritic.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017) - 92
Unsurprisingly still the best of the best when it comes to racing games on the Nintendo Switch, there is a reason why Mario Kart 8 Deluxe became the best-selling game in the series last year, as reported by NME at the time. The game still has a level of polish that few other titles can match, as well as iconic characters that are recognizable to players around the world.
With the recent announcement of a new DLC that includes a ton of classic tracks from the series, there is soon to be even more reason to play the best racing title on the platform. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to win over critics and fans with its incredibly fun gameplay and enjoyable soundtrack and it has one of the highest critic scores of any Switch game on Metacritic.