It’s been ages since we’ve had a compelling reason to compare Mario and Sonic in a throwback to the 16-bit console rivalry of the past. However, with the 2025 launches of
After quite some time, we’re presented with an exciting opportunity to reignite the classic rivalry between Mario and Sonic, reminiscent of the legendary 16-bit console wars. As we gear up for the launches of both Mario Kart World and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds in 2025, it feels like the spirit of the ’90s is back. In fact, Sega has embraced the competitive marketing tactics from the Genesis era, releasing a new advertisement that playfully criticizes Nintendo’s kart racing title.
The commercial kicks off with a somewhat cheeky tone, stating, “We all know that kart racing game,” while showcasing a blurred screen that clearly references Mario Kart World. It continues, “It’s great! We don’t need to show it to you.” The scene swiftly shifts with energetic rock music as the camera reveals Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. “But what if you could blast through and race on a whole ‘nother level?” the voiceover teases.
We then see the Sonic racer being pulled by a drag racing car, speedily zooming down a desert road. The narration goes on to ask, “What if you could warp across different dimensions, fully customize and build out your machine, and compete head-to-head across different platforms?” Finally, the ad contrasts this with a struggling camper awkwardly carrying a Mario Kart World lookalike, adding, “Or, uh, what if you want to roam around on the open road?”
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Gains Traction
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is surprisingly filling the void that Mario Kart World has left, much to my astonishment.
Despite claims that Mario Kart World “won’t have any influence” over Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Sega had “somewhat expected” a new Mario Kart title to debut ahead of its own announcement.
In a similar vein, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds seems to mirror the evolving trends seen in Mario Kart World, moving away from the traditional three-lap structure with racetracks that transport players into entirely different universes.
Comparing the Two Racing Franchises
If the implication in the ad wasn’t clear enough, the video description on YouTube adds, “Leave the open road behind and come race on our level.” Takashi Iizuka, the producer of the Sonic series, has been open about discussing the comparisons between both games. Earlier this year, he remarked that “it looks like Nintendo did a good job” with Mario Kart World, but more recently suggested that “Mario Kart World won’t have any influence” on Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.
Even with its more pointed comparisons, the ad maintains a light-hearted vibe reminiscent of ’90s marketing, invoking the iconic format of the notorious “blast processing” commercials that showcased Sega’s Genesis advantages over the SNES, which sported Super Mario Kart.
While it might seem slightly off for Sega to reference blast processing—something that never quite existed as marketed—the confidence shown isn’t entirely unwarranted, especially after my hands-on experience with Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds earlier this year. We’ll soon discover how these racing titans compare when Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds officially launches on September 25.
These are the best racing games you can enjoy today.