CrossWorlds reveals a free Yakuza game character ahead of Nintendo Switch 2 launch

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds admittedly took me by surprise. While everyone from your grandma to the local UPS driver is getting a slice of Garfield Kart 2, Sega’s racer hits different. There’s no substitute for tearing up the tracks as an iconic Yakuza character, after all, and as the Nintendo Switch 2 launch of the game prepares to meet you at the starting line, you can expect Ichiban Kasuga to become available in the original Switch version shortly.

There actually isn’t that long to wait for Kasuga’s debut in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. If you already own the new Switch game on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, or PC, you can unlock him on Thursday, November 6, 2025. He doesn’t cost a single dime, either. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is bringing him to you as a free download, but that’s not all. If you fancy testing your skills against other players, then there’s a new event coming up.

From Friday, November 7, 2025, through to Monday, November 10, 2025, players can participate in the Yakuza Festival to celebrate Kasuga’s arrival. Like previous character drops for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, like the Minecraft event, for example, you don’t necessarily need the Ichiban Kasuga DLC to join in. However, if you do have it, you can expect limited-time rewards and more goodies themed around the Yakuza series.

Kasuga joins a growing roster of amusing racers. Burning rubber alongside SpongeBob SquarePants isn’t anything to scoff at, as Sega seems to be after Fortnite’s crown when it comes to its efforts to deliver strong Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds crossovers. The game isn’t afraid to throw any punches at rivals like Mario Kart World, either.

As you know, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is yet to be properly released on the Nintendo Switch 2. The worst part is that Sega isn’t making it clear when that launch is happening. What we do know is that Sega plans to release it during the Holiday period as a digital-only download on the Nintendo eShop. A physical version is poised to drop in early 2026. Sega isn’t detailing what upgrades are coming, but we reckon 4K resolution while docked and 60fps in either mode are nailed on.

While our Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds review awards the game a respectable 7/10 rating, I personally reckon it’s more than worth your time. Alternatively, our Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut review gets into the Nintendo Switch 2 port of the perfect starting point for new players.