Mario Kart World and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Clash as Golden Joystick Nominees

The Golden Joystick Awards are heating up as the racing genre is about to witness an extreme rivalry. Both Mario Kart World and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds are nominated for the Best Console Game Of The Year. Two karting games being nominated for Game Of The  Year is surprising on its own, but for them to be the games of two of the biggest franchises is even more unbelievable.

Nintendo’s Mario Kart World is nominated for Console Game Of The Year as well as Best Multiplayer Game. It continues its long-standing legacy as the benchmark of arcade-style kart racing. 

On the other hand, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds also joins Mario Kart World in the Best Console Game Of The Year, marking the comeback of the franchise. The rivalry is intense as fans debate which racing game comes out on top.

A Clash Of Styles And Strategy

Image: SEGA

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds stands out for its bold creative direction. The game isn’t limited to Sonic’s world but also brings in characters and tracks from other universes like Minecraft, Yakuza, and even Hatsune Miku. The gameplay is a bit mechanical, focused on momentum, chaining boosts, and tactical gadget use. The game inclines towards a more strategic style of kart racing, instead of the usual drift to gain speed as seen in other games. Critics have praised the game for its innovation 

On the other hand, Mario Kart World continues to perfect its long-running formula of fun, fast, and casual competitive racing with friends. Nintendo does get a lot more points for having that nostalgic element. Overall, the Mario Kart franchise has remained at the top of kart racing for years. But things are starting to shift with this new nomination.

We don’t know if either of the games wins Console Game Of The Year. The other nominees are worthy contenders. But this battle between two iconic and long-running franchises has started an online debate. 

Voting for the Golden Joystick Awards remains open through October 31, with winners to be revealed on November 20, 2025. Make sure to vote for the game you think was The Best Console Game Of The Year.