Top 10 Nintendo Switch 2-Player Racing Games

Ready to burn some rubber and leave your friends in the dust? The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic console for multiplayer fun, and that includes some seriously awesome racing games! If you're looking for the best Nintendo Switch 2-player racing games to play with your buddies, family, or rivals, you've come to the right place. Buckle up, because we're diving into a list of the top contenders that will have you battling for the lead and bragging rights!

1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

No list of Nintendo Switch racing games would be complete without Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Seriously, guys, this is the king! It's the ultimate party game, easy to pick up and play, but with enough depth to keep you hooked for hours. The vibrant tracks, iconic characters, and crazy items make every race a hilarious and unpredictable experience. Whether you're drifting around corners on Rainbow Road or dodging blue shells in Moo Moo Meadows, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe delivers endless fun. What makes it so good for 2-player (or even up to 4-player on a single Switch) is the intuitive controls and the sheer chaos of the races. Even if you're not a hardcore gamer, you can still jump in and have a blast. Plus, the item system ensures that even the least skilled player has a chance to pull off a victory. The game boasts a huge roster of characters from the Mario universe, each with their own unique kart and stats. Experimenting with different combinations to find the perfect ride is part of the fun. And with a massive selection of tracks, including remastered classics from previous Mario Kart games and brand new additions, you'll never get bored. The Deluxe version includes all the DLC from the original Mario Kart 8 on Wii U, so you're getting a ton of content right out of the box. The addition of features like Smart Steering, which helps prevent you from falling off the track, makes it even more accessible for new players. But don't worry, veterans can turn it off for a more challenging experience. Whether you're playing with friends on the couch or online against opponents from around the world, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. It's the perfect game to bring out at parties, family gatherings, or just a casual night in with your favorite racing buddy. So grab your Joy-Cons, fire up your engines, and get ready for some kart-racing mayhem!

2. Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled

For those who crave a bit more challenge and a whole lot of nostalgia, Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled is an absolute gem. This is a fantastic remake of the original PlayStation classic, Crash Team Racing, with updated graphics, new characters, karts, and tracks. It maintains the same tight controls and challenging gameplay that made the original so beloved, while also adding a modern touch. Unlike Mario Kart, Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled requires a bit more skill and precision. Mastering the power-sliding mechanic is essential for maintaining speed and staying ahead of the competition. The tracks are also more complex and demanding, with plenty of twists, turns, and obstacles to navigate. But don't let that intimidate you! Once you get the hang of it, the feeling of nailing a perfect drift and boosting past your opponents is incredibly satisfying. The game features a robust single-player adventure mode, as well as a variety of multiplayer modes for both local and online play. You can compete in Grand Prix tournaments, time trials, or battle modes. The character roster is also impressive, with a wide range of characters from the Crash Bandicoot universe to choose from. Each character has their own unique stats, so you can find the perfect fit for your racing style. One of the best things about Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled is the sheer amount of content. The developers have added tons of new tracks, characters, and karts since the game's initial release, and they're all available for free. This ensures that there's always something new to discover and keep you coming back for more. If you're a fan of the original Crash Team Racing or just looking for a challenging and rewarding kart racer, Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled is a must-have for your Nintendo Switch. It's a fantastic game to play with friends, and it's sure to provide hours of entertainment. So get ready to rev your engines and experience the thrill of Crash Team Racing all over again!

3. Team Sonic Racing

Speed demons, assemble! Team Sonic Racing puts a unique spin on the kart racing formula by emphasizing teamwork. Instead of just focusing on your own performance, you'll need to work together with your teammates to achieve victory. This adds a whole new layer of strategy and cooperation to the game, making it a great choice for friends who enjoy playing together. The core gameplay of Team Sonic Racing is similar to other kart racers, with drifting, boosting, and item usage all playing a crucial role. However, the team mechanics are what set this game apart. You can share items with your teammates, slipstream behind them to give them a speed boost, and even perform team ultimate moves to gain a significant advantage. Choosing the right team composition is also important. Each character in the game is classified as either a Speed, Technique, or Power type, each having their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Balancing your team with a mix of different types will help you to overcome any challenge. The game features a variety of tracks inspired by the Sonic the Hedgehog universe, each with its own distinct visual style and layout. From the lush Green Hill Zone to the futuristic Casino Park, there's plenty of variety to keep you engaged. Team Sonic Racing may not be as polished as Mario Kart or Crash Team Racing, but its unique team-based gameplay and charming presentation make it a worthwhile addition to any Switch owner's library. If you're looking for a racing game that encourages cooperation and communication, this is the perfect choice for you and your friends. So grab your teammates, rev your engines, and get ready to experience the thrill of Team Sonic Racing!

4. Horizon Chase Turbo

Retro racing fans, rejoice! Horizon Chase Turbo is a love letter to the classic arcade racers of the 80s and 90s. With its vibrant pixel art graphics, catchy chiptune soundtrack, and fast-paced gameplay, this game will transport you back to the golden age of arcade racing. But don't let the retro aesthetic fool you. Horizon Chase Turbo is a modern game with plenty of features and content to keep you entertained. The game features a World Tour mode with dozens of tracks set in various locations around the globe. You'll race through bustling city streets, scenic coastal highways, and treacherous mountain passes, each with its own unique challenges and obstacles. The gameplay is simple but addictive. You'll need to master the art of drifting to maintain speed and avoid collisions. The game also features a fuel management system, so you'll need to be mindful of your fuel consumption and pick up fuel canisters along the way. Horizon Chase Turbo supports up to 4-player local multiplayer, making it a great choice for parties and gatherings. The split-screen racing is smooth and responsive, and the game is easy to pick up and play, even for non-gamers. If you're looking for a retro-inspired racing game that's both fun and challenging, Horizon Chase Turbo is a must-have for your Nintendo Switch. It's a perfect way to relive the glory days of arcade racing with your friends and family. So grab your Joy-Cons, fire up your engines, and get ready to experience the thrill of Horizon Chase Turbo!

5. Gear.Club Unlimited 2

For a more realistic racing experience on the Nintendo Switch, Gear.Club Unlimited 2 delivers a solid simulation. While the Switch might not be the most powerful console, this game manages to offer a decent level of detail and a wide variety of licensed cars to race. It might not compete with the visuals of games on other platforms, but it's a great option for racing fans on the go. This game features a wide variety of race tracks, from winding mountain roads to fast-paced city circuits. The game also includes a robust career mode, where you can build your own racing team and compete in various championships. Gear.Club Unlimited 2 offers a more serious and simulation-style approach to racing, focusing on realistic car handling and track design. This can be a great experience for players who enjoy fine-tuning their driving skills and mastering different racing techniques. For racing enthusiasts who want a more realistic and immersive experience on their Nintendo Switch, Gear.Club Unlimited 2 is a great option. With its wide variety of cars, tracks, and game modes, this game offers hours of racing fun.

6. Asphalt 9: Legends

Asphalt 9: Legends brings high-octane arcade racing to the Nintendo Switch, and the best part? It's free-to-play! This game boasts stunning graphics, a wide selection of licensed cars, and a variety of game modes to keep you entertained. While it's free-to-play, be aware of the in-app purchases. However, you can still enjoy the game without spending any money. The game offers a variety of control options, including touch controls, tilt controls, and traditional gamepad controls. This allows you to customize the game to your preferred play style. Asphalt 9: Legends is a great choice for anyone looking for a fast-paced and visually stunning racing game on the Nintendo Switch. The free-to-play model makes it easy to jump in and start playing, and the variety of game modes and cars will keep you coming back for more. Be mindful of the in-app purchases, but don't let that deter you from experiencing the thrill of Asphalt 9: Legends!

7. Hot Wheels Unleashed

Hot Wheels Unleashed is a pure shot of adrenaline-fueled fun. It perfectly captures the spirit of the beloved toy cars, with crazy track designs, loop-de-loops, and gravity-defying stunts. If you grew up playing with Hot Wheels, this game will bring back a flood of nostalgic memories. The game features a wide variety of Hot Wheels cars to collect and customize, each with its own unique stats and abilities. You can also design your own tracks using the built-in track editor, allowing you to create your own challenges and share them with the community. Hot Wheels Unleashed is a great choice for anyone who loves arcade racing and Hot Wheels. The game is easy to pick up and play, but it also offers a surprising amount of depth and customization. So grab your favorite Hot Wheels car, fire up your engine, and get ready to experience the thrill of Hot Wheels Unleashed!

8. Art of Balance

Okay, Art of Balance is not a racing game in the traditional sense, but it's a fantastic puzzle game that can be enjoyed by two players. You'll need to work together to stack blocks and create stable structures. It may not be a racing game, but it requires precision, coordination, and communication, all of which are essential for success. Art of Balance is a great choice for couples or friends who enjoy puzzle games. The game is challenging but rewarding, and it's a great way to test your problem-solving skills. So if you're looking for something different to play with your friends, give Art of Balance a try!

9. Mantis Burn Racing

Mantis Burn Racing is a top-down racer that offers a unique perspective on the genre. With its intuitive controls, challenging tracks, and customizable vehicles, this game provides hours of fun for racing fans. The top-down perspective allows you to see the entire track, making it easier to plan your moves and avoid obstacles. The game also features a variety of power-ups that can be used to gain an advantage over your opponents. Mantis Burn Racing is a great choice for anyone looking for a challenging and addictive racing game on the Nintendo Switch. The top-down perspective and customizable vehicles make it a unique and rewarding experience. So grab your Joy-Cons, fire up your engine, and get ready to experience the thrill of Mantis Burn Racing!

10. Table Top Racing: World Tour - Nitro Edition

Get ready for some miniature mayhem with Table Top Racing: World Tour - Nitro Edition! This game features fast-paced arcade racing with a unique twist: you're racing miniature cars on tabletop tracks. The game features a variety of cars to choose from, each with its own unique stats and abilities. You can also customize your cars with a variety of upgrades and paint jobs. Table Top Racing: World Tour - Nitro Edition is a great choice for anyone looking for a fun and quirky racing game on the Nintendo Switch. The miniature cars and tabletop tracks make it a unique and charming experience. So grab your Joy-Cons, fire up your engine, and get ready to experience the thrill of Table Top Racing: World Tour - Nitro Edition!

So there you have it, guys! Our top 10 picks for the best Nintendo Switch 2-player racing games. Whether you're a fan of kart racers, simulation racers, or retro racers, there's something on this list for everyone. So grab your friends, fire up your Switch, and get ready to race!