A Blast from the Past: Sonic Racing Crossworlds Ad Goes After Mario Kart World with 90s Flair

The console wars of the 1990s were defined by a fierce rivalry between Sega and Nintendo, with each company taking bold and often-amusing jabs at the other’s mascots and hardware. The iconic “Genesis Does What Nintendon’t” campaign is a legendary piece of gaming history. In a brilliant move of retro-marketing, Sega has resurrected this old-school antagonism with a new ad for its upcoming kart racer, Sonic Racing: Crossworlds, and it is going directly after Nintendo’s recent hit, Mario Kart World. This is more than just a simple jab; it’s a direct, hilarious, and incredibly nostalgic piece of marketing that has reignited a classic rivalry for a new generation.

“Come Race on Our Level”

The new ad, titled “Come Race on Our Level,” is a spiritual successor to Sega’s infamous “Blast Processing” commercial from 1993, which compared the speed and power of the Sega Genesis to the sputtering, slow-moving graphics of the Super Nintendo. The new ad replaces the old hardware with a sleek and speedy racecar representing Sonic Racing: Crossworlds and a dusty, old-fashioned RV representing Mario Kart World. The ad starts by showing a blurry, pixelated screen of what is clearly meant to be Nintendo’s game, with a voiceover stating, “We all know that kart racing game… It’s great, we don’t need to show it to you.” This is a clever and subtle way to both acknowledge the quality of Nintendo’s game while also positioning itself as a fresh, exciting alternative.

The ad then highlights the key differences between the two games. As the racecar zooms forward, the voiceover touts Sonic Racing: Crossworlds’ multiverse-spanning racetracks, cross-platform gameplay, and deep customization. The camera then cuts back to the RV, which is stalled and smoking, next to a cow and a tortoise. The voiceover, now sounding bored and dismissive, says, “Or, er, what if you want to roam around on the open road…” This is a direct and pointed critique of Mario Kart World’s new open-world gameplay, which has received a mixed response from fans who prefer a more traditional, circuit-based racing experience. The ad ends with the slogan “Leave the open road behind and come race on our level,” a clear call to action for players who are looking for a different kind of kart racing fun.

The Power of Nostalgia and Modern Marketing

What makes this ad so effective is its ability to blend nostalgic callbacks with modern-day critiques. It’s a genius piece of marketing that is designed to appeal to both old-school gamers who remember the 90s console wars and a new generation of players who are looking for a genuine alternative to the reigning king of kart racing. The ad has already gone viral, with fans of both franchises getting in on the fun, and it has successfully started a debate online about the merits of each game. This type of viral marketing is a testament to Sega’s understanding of its core audience and its willingness to take a risk and be a bit cheeky.

The ad also highlights a major advantage that Sonic Racing: Crossworlds has over its competitor: it’s a multiplatform release with cross-platform play. While Mario Kart World is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, Sonic Racing: Crossworlds will be available on all major consoles and PC, allowing players to compete with their friends no matter what system they own. This is a crucial point that Sega is wisely using to its advantage, positioning its game as a more accessible and open experience.

Conclusion: The Rivalry is Alive

The “rivalry” between Sega and Nintendo has long been over, but with the release of this new ad, it’s clear that the playful animosity is still very much alive. The “Come Race on Our Level” commercial is a powerful and entertaining piece of marketing that not only sells Sonic Racing: Crossworlds but also celebrates a golden age of gaming. It’s a reminder that a little friendly competition can go a long way in creating buzz and excitement. For players who are ready to “blast through” a new, action-packed kart racer, Sonic Racing: Crossworlds is here to prove that the best way to get ahead is to leave the old, open road behind and come race on a whole new level.