Sega has reignited the nostalgic flames of the 90s console wars with its latest ad for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, taking playful jabs at Nintendo’s Mario Kart World. The ad cleverly references the iconic ‘blast processing’ campaign, showcasing a race car zooming past a sluggish Mario Kart, all while teasing the superior speed and gameplay of Sonic’s new racing title. This bold move not only taps into the rich history of Sega’s rivalry with Nintendo but also positions Sonic Racing as a viable alternative to the current kart racing landscape.

In a recent interview, Kosuke Yabuki, the producer of Mario Kart World, revealed a fascinating insight into the game’s design philosophy: the decision to exclude crossover characters from other Nintendo franchises was intentional. Yabuki explained that the development team felt that introducing characters from outside the Mario universe would disrupt the game’s core identity, which is deeply rooted in the beloved Super Mario world. This focus allows players to fully immerse themselves in the familiar and vibrant universe that has captivated audiences for decades.