25 Must-Play Racing Games for Your Nintendo Switch

Are you ready to dive into the world of high-speed thrills on your Nintendo Switch? Whether you’re a hardcore racing fanatic or just looking for some fun, adrenaline-pumping games to play on the go, the Switch has got you covered.

We’ve scoured the gaming universe to bring you the crème de la crème of racing games available on this versatile console.

From futuristic hovercrafts to classic kart racers, and even a few unexpected gems, this list is your ultimate guide to racing bliss on the Nintendo Switch.

So, buckle up, grab your Joy-Cons (or your Pro Controller if that’s how you roll), and get ready to explore our top picks for the 25 best racing games on the Nintendo Switch.

25Fast RMX (2017)

Revving up at number 25 is “Fast RMX,” a game that’s all about blistering speed and futuristic vibes. Picture this: you’re zooming through ultra-sleek tracks, with neon lights whizzing past you.

It’s not just about mashing the accelerator; you’ve got to be strategic with the phase-switching mechanic, flipping between two energy phases to match track sections for a speed boost. It’s like playing a high-speed game of red light, green light! Multiplayer is a blast, too, with both local and online options.

It’s a game that tests your reflexes and demands perfection, offering a unique racing experience on the Switch.

24Trials Rising (2019)

Next up, at 24, we have “Trials Rising,” which mixes racing with physics-based platforming to create a totally different beast.

This game isn’t about laps; it’s about conquering insane courses with your motorbike, leaping over giant gaps, and trying not to faceplant. The tracks are wild, ranging from the Eiffel Tower to the Great Wall of China, and the sense of achievement when you nail a tough section is unreal.

The customization options are a hoot, too – you can deck out your rider in the goofiest outfits. And if you’re into competition, the multiplayer will have you laughing and groaning in equal measure as you and your friends fail spectacularly together.

23SnowRunner (2021)

At 23, “SnowRunner” takes racing off the traditional track and throws it into the wilderness. This isn’t about speed; it’s about the battle against nature.

You’re navigating heavy vehicles through some of the toughest terrains imaginable – thick mud, deep snow, raging rivers. It’s a test of patience and skill, requiring you to plan your routes and manage your resources.

There’s something oddly satisfying about slowly trudging through a muddy path, knowing any wrong move could get you stuck. Plus, the open-world aspect adds a sense of adventure.

It’s the kind of game that can be surprisingly zen until you’re teetering on the edge of a cliff, that is.

22Cruis’n Blast (2021)

Kicking off our top 22 spot is “Cruis’n Blast,” a game that’s all about high-octane, over-the-top arcade fun. Imagine driving a unicorn or a dinosaur (yes, really) through outrageous tracks with neon lights and explosions all around.

This game throws realism out the window in favor of pure, exhilarating fun. It’s fast, it’s furious, and it’s filled with wild stunts and secrets.

Perfect for when you just want to let loose and enjoy some wacky racing.

21Burnout Paradise Remastered (2020)

“Burnout Paradise Remastered” brings the classic open-world racing game to the Switch with style. It’s a game where crashing is just as fun as racing, thanks to the incredibly satisfying takedown system.

The sense of speed is exhilarating, and the open-world aspect means you’re free to explore and race at your own pace.

Plus, the remastered visuals make Paradise City look better than ever.

20GRID Autosport (2019)

For those looking for a more realistic racing experience, “GRID Autosport” is a must-play. This game strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and depth, offering a driving experience that’s both challenging and rewarding.

The range of disciplines, from touring cars to street races, keeps things fresh, and the controls are finely tuned for precision driving. It’s a serious racer’s dream come true on the Switch.

19Mantis Burn Racing (2017)

“Mantis Burn Racing” takes a different approach with its top-down perspective, offering an old-school arcade feel.

The tracks are varied, the vehicles are customizable, and the physics strike a nice balance between realism and fun.

It’s easy to pick up but hard to master, making it a great choice for both quick play sessions and longer gaming marathons.

18The Next Penelope (2017)

“The Next Penelope” is an intriguing blend of racing and action, set in a colorful, futuristic world.

It’s not just about speed; you’ll also be dodging obstacles, battling enemies, and navigating through challenging environments.

The story adds an extra layer of engagement, making it a unique and compelling experience on the Switch.

17Wreckfest (2022)

“Wreckfest” brings demolition derby-style racing to the Switch with a bang. It’s all about the crashes, with a physics engine that makes every collision feel impactful.

The variety of modes, from traditional races to all-out brawls, keeps the gameplay exciting and unpredictable.

If you love the sound of metal crunching and the thrill of survival, this is your game.

16Hot Wheels Unleashed (2021)

“Hot Wheels Unleashed” is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, bringing those classic toy cars to life.

The tracks are imaginative, winding through everyday environments like living rooms and garages, but with a twist of fantasy.

It’s a game that’s both visually stunning and fun to play, appealing to both kids and adults alike.

15Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix (2020)

This game is a colorful mash-up of all your favorite Nickelodeon characters. The kart racing is fun and accessible, with wacky power-ups and familiar locations from various shows.

It’s a great pick for families or anyone looking to relive some Nickelodeon nostalgia.

14Riptide GP: Renegade (2017)

In “Riptide GP: Renegade,” you race jet skis in a futuristic world, performing insane stunts and evading the law.

The water physics are impressively realistic, adding an extra layer of strategy to the races. It’s a fresh take on racing, offering speed and spectacle in equal measure.

13Inertial Drift (2020)

“Inertial Drift” is unique for its innovative twin-stick drifting mechanics, offering a new level of control in racing.

The neon-lit, retro-futuristic environments are a visual treat, and the game’s focus on precision and timing makes it a rewarding challenge for racing enthusiasts.

12Rise: Race The Future (2019)

“Rise: Race The Future” is a futuristic racing game with a sleek aesthetic. The vehicles, equipped with advanced tech, can adapt to various terrains, adding a strategic element to the races.

It’s a visually stunning game that offers a glimpse into the future of racing.

11Descenders (2020)

“Descenders” is a wild ride, literally. It’s a downhill mountain biking game that’s all about risk, speed, and stunts. Every run is different thanks to procedurally generated tracks, which means you never quite know what’s coming up next – a steep drop, a sharp turn, maybe a giant ramp.

It’s thrilling because one wrong move can send you tumbling, yet you’re always tempted to push just a bit harder, go a bit faster.

The game’s got a cool vibe too, with different teams to join and an awesome soundtrack that gets your heart pumping. Plus, the wipeouts are spectacular, in a hold-your-breath, hope-for-the-best kind of way.

10Redout (2019)

“Redout” takes racing to the future and then injects it with a dose of hyper-speed adrenaline. It’s a tribute to the old-school anti-gravity racers, where ships zoom around at insane speeds on tracks that twist and turn in every direction.

The sense of speed is insane – it’s like being shot out of a cannon while trying to steer. There’s a decent learning curve, as mastering the controls and understanding how to use the ship’s momentum is key.

But once you get it, you feel like a futuristic speed demon. The game also boasts some seriously cool visuals and electronic tunes that make every race feel like a rave at light speed.

9Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit (2020)

“Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit” turns your living room into a Mario Kart track, and it’s as awesome as it sounds. Using real RC cars with cameras, you set up gates around your room, and the game transforms it into a virtual course on your Switch screen.

It’s a bit of Mario magic, mixing real and virtual worlds. You’ll be dodging furniture and pets, which adds a hilarious and unpredictable element to the races.

It’s a blast at parties or family gatherings, as everyone watches the real-life and in-game action unfold.

The game is a creative twist on the classic Mario Kart formula, offering a unique and interactive racing experience.

8Art of Rally (2021)

“Art of Rally” has a minimalist, almost zen-like vibe with its top-down perspective and stylized, colorful visuals. Don’t let the chill look fool you, though; the driving is deep and satisfying, demanding precision and skill.

You’ll be drifting through corners, kicking up dust, and pushing to shave seconds off your time. The game also takes you on a journey through the history of rally, with a variety of classic cars and tracks inspired by real-world locations.

It’s both a relaxing and challenging experience, perfect for when you want to unwind but still feel the thrill of racing.

7Rush Rally Origins (2021)

“Rush Rally Origins” brings classic top-down rally racing to the Switch, and it’s a little gem of a game. The handling and physics feel just right, making every turn, slide, and skid feel satisfying.

The game’s stages take you through all kinds of weather and times of day, adding variety and challenge. It’s surprisingly detailed for a game with such a simple perspective.

Are you a rally enthusiast or just looking for a fun racing game that you can play in short bursts? Well, “Rush Rally Origins” delivers. It’s proof that sometimes simplicity can be hugely effective, especially when it’s done this well.

6Hotshot Racing (2020)

“Hotshot Racing” is a throwback to the classic arcade racers, with its vibrant, low-poly graphics and fast-paced action.

It’s all about bright colors, big drifts, and over-the-top speed. Each of the characters has their own personality and style, adding a fun narrative layer to the races.

The game is easy to pick up but challenging to master, especially when you’re trying to nail the perfect drift or slipstream past an opponent at the last second. It’s a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is a big part of its charm.

Great for a quick race or a longer session with friends, “Hotshot Racing” is a blast from the past that feels just right in the present.

5Horizon Chase Turbo (2018)

“Horizon Chase Turbo” is a love letter to the 90s arcade racers, with its fast-paced gameplay and retro-inspired graphics.

The game is all about speed and grabbing collectibles, with tracks set in various beautiful locations around the world. What makes it stand out is its split-screen multiplayer mode, a rarity these days, making it perfect for couch co-op sessions.

It’s the kind of game that’s easy to jump into but hard to put down, especially when you’re trying to beat your friends.

The vibrant aesthetics, catchy soundtrack, and pure, unadulterated fun make “Horizon Chase Turbo” a standout racing game on the Switch.

4Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered (2020)

“Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered” brings back the high-stakes game of cops vs. racers. The remaster polishes up a classic, making those high-speed chases through winding roads look even more stunning.

As a racer, you’re always on the edge, dodging spike strips and trying to outrun the law. As a cop, it’s all about strategy and using your tools to outsmart the speedsters.

The game nails the adrenaline rush of a high-speed pursuit, and with the added online multiplayer, the battles with friends get even more intense. It’s a game that beautifully balances chaos and strategy, wrapped in a shiny, high-octane package.

3Team Sonic Racing (2019)

Combining traditional kart racing with team-based mechanics, “Team Sonic Racing” offers a unique twist on the genre.

Racing as a team adds a strategic element, as you share power-ups and speed boosts to help each other out.

The colorful tracks and familiar Sonic characters make it a hit for fans and newcomers alike.

2Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled (2019)

“Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled” revives the classic PS1 racer with a gorgeous modern facelift. It’s not just a simple remaster; it’s a complete overhaul with loving attention to detail.

The characters are expressive, the tracks are vibrant and full of life, and the racing is as fun and chaotic as ever. The game combines skill-based racing with zany power-ups, making each race both a test of driving prowess and a battle of wits and luck.

The addition of online multiplayer adds a whole new level of competition and replayability. It’s a game that’ll have you laughing, cheering, and sometimes yelling at the screen – often all at the same time.

A must-play for anyone who loves a good kart racer.

1Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017)

And at the top of our list, the crown jewel of racing games on the Switch: “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.” It’s the quintessential party racer, offering pure, undiluted fun.

The tracks are imaginative and colorful, filled with crazy shortcuts and wacky hazards. And the roster? It’s a who’s who of Nintendo characters.

The game shines in multiplayer, where friendships are both forged and tested as you hurl blue shells at each other. But it’s not just about the chaos; there’s a real depth to the racing mechanics, making it satisfying for both casual players and those looking to master every turn.

The addition of battle modes only adds to the fun, ensuring that “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” remains a staple for any game night.