10. Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix
An often-overlooked entry in the kart racer genre, Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix deserves your attention. While you might not be able to play Mario Kart on the PS4, the addition of Nickelodeon’s pantheon of toon characters makes this a more than worthy alternative. With a much more expansive roster of racers compared to its predecessor, you can now play as characters from all eras of Nicktoons, including classics like Rocko’s Modern Life and Hey Arnold!, as well as the most popular shows releasing today.
9. Monster Energy Supercross 3
Motocross might be a niche sport in the grand scheme of things, but you shouldn’t overlook Monster Energy Supercross 3. It builds upon its predecessor, combining realistic racing with thrilling online multiplayer for endless replayability. Throw in an intuitive track building feature, and the long-awaited inclusion of female racers, and you’ve got the best two-wheeled racer on the Switch.
8. Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
This remaster of the cult classic kart racer has managed to retain all of the charm and fun of the original CTR, making it a great game for local co-op or tearing up the leaderboards online. But this isn’t just cheap nostalgia bait, and developers Beenox has added more than a graphical update. Brand new unlockable kart parts, character skins and customisation items mean there’s even more incentive to be the fastest on the track.
7. Grip: Combat Racing
Essentially Rollcage for the modern generation, Grip is full-throttle fun. You can drive on any surface: the ground, walls and even the ceiling, in highspeed, low-gravity races. Throw in extensive vehicle customisation options and some cool course designs, and you’ve got a larger than life racer that’s not to be missed.
6. Gear.Club Unlimited 2
Featuring over 30 iconic cars, 200 unique courses and a meaty career mode to sink your teeth into, Gear.Club Unlimited 2 is an underrated gem not to be missed. Couple this with gorgeous graphics that really pop on the Switch screen and gameplay that deftly straddles the line between arcade accessibility and realistic driving physics, and you’re on to a winner. See you on the track!
5. Moto GP 20
The latest entry in the Moto GP series remains the high benchmark for motorcycle sims. An advanced AI system means your opponents react to you and other racers in real-time, meaning no two laps will ever feel the same, making for one of the most realistic motorcycling sims ever. Couple this with a meaty career mode, as well as a chance to play using bikes from some of the most famous races in history, and you’ve got one of the best racing games ever to grace a handheld console.
4. Burnout Paradise Remastered
Burnout is a legendary racing series, and the remaster of Burnout Paradise is without a doubt one of the most satisfying racing experiences on the Switch. Set in Paradise City, races and challenges are held through an open sandbox world full of traffic-heavy roads. There’s no end to the joy of finding new alleyway shortcuts, pulling off more near misses and making the most of the living, breathing fantasy race world around you.
3. Team Sonic Racing
Often overlooked in the world of character kart racers, Team Sonic Racing is definitely worth your time. Why? Unlike many of its peers, it has a full campaign full of races and challenges, and an overall emphasis on teamwork. Whether you’re playing solo or in multiplayer co-op, you’ll have to work with a cavalcade of characters to ensure you finish at the top of the podium.
2. WRC 8
WRC 8 is the perfect game if you like to get dirty… in a muddy rally car that is! The latest entry in the storied rally championship series, WRC 8 features a comprehensive career mode, 100 unique tracks and a solid 30fps in docked mode. Like rally driving itself, it’s a difficult game to master, requiring split-second decision making. But this also makes it one of the most satisfying racing sims on this list.
1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
The king of the kart racers, nothing comes close to Mario Kart on the Switch. With the near-perfect balance between pick-up-and-playability and challenge, MK8D truly does cater for everyone. Whether entertaining your grandparents or duking it out with the best online, you’ll find a satisfying experience no matter what you’re looking for.
