Sega is adding an unexpected but instantly recognizable face to its racing lineup. Pac-Man Joins Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Roster Later This Week, marking one of the most playful crossover additions the game has seen so far.
The announcement continues Sega’s trend of expanding CrossWorlds beyond the Sonic universe, leaning into fan-service crossovers that celebrate gaming history while keeping the racing experience fresh and unpredictable.
A Crossover That Feels Surprisingly Natural
While Pac-Man may not be the first character people associate with high-speed racing, his inclusion feels oddly fitting. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds already thrives on colorful characters, exaggerated tracks, and arcade-style chaos—elements that align perfectly with Pac-Man’s iconic legacy.
Crossovers like this are part of what gives CrossWorlds its identity. Rather than being a pure Sonic-only experience, the game embraces a broader celebration of gaming culture, making room for legendary characters who transcend their original genres.
What Pac-Man Brings to the Track
Pac-Man joins the roster as a fully playable racer, complete with his own themed vehicle and visual flair inspired by his classic arcade roots. While Sega hasn’t revealed every detail about his abilities, players can expect:
- A unique kart design themed around Pac-Man’s arcade aesthetic
- Custom animations reflecting his signature personality
- Sound effects and visual touches referencing the original games
As with other racers in CrossWorlds, Pac-Man is expected to be competitively viable rather than a novelty pick, ensuring he fits naturally into online and local races.
Strengthening Sega and Bandai Namco’s Longstanding Relationship
Pac-Man’s arrival also highlights the long-standing collaboration between Sega and Bandai Namco. The two companies have frequently crossed paths through arcade history, publishing partnerships, and crossover content in modern games.
Adding Pac-Man to Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds feels like a celebration of that shared legacy—bringing together two of gaming’s most iconic mascots in a format that’s accessible, competitive, and fun.
A Roster Built Around Variety
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds has positioned itself as more than just another kart racer. By building a roster that blends Sonic characters with guest racers, Sega keeps the game feeling dynamic and unpredictable.
Pac-Man’s inclusion:
- Expands appeal beyond Sonic fans
- Adds nostalgia for retro gaming enthusiasts
- Keeps the roster feeling fresh with each update
- Encourages players to jump back in to try new racers
This strategy mirrors what’s worked well in other long-running racing franchises, where guest characters become highlights rather than distractions.
When Pac-Man Becomes Available
Pac-Man is set to join the roster later this week, meaning players won’t have to wait long to take him for a spin. Once live, the update will be available via a standard game patch, with the character unlocked automatically or through the game’s existing progression systems, depending on player progress.
Exact timing may vary by region, but Sega has confirmed the rollout is imminent.
What This Means for Future Updates
Pac-Man’s arrival raises an exciting question: who’s next? Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds has already shown it’s willing to go beyond predictable choices, opening the door to even more guest characters from across gaming history.
For players, this means:
- Continued post-launch support
- More reasons to revisit the game regularly
- A roster that evolves over time rather than staying static
If Pac-Man is any indication, future additions could be just as surprising.
Community Reaction So Far
Early fan reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Many players have praised the crossover as fun, unexpected, and perfectly in line with CrossWorlds’ tone. Social media discussions are already filled with speculation about Pac-Man-themed tracks, items, or future Bandai Namco characters.
The crossover taps directly into nostalgia while still feeling modern—an ideal balance for a game built on speed and spectacle.
Final Thoughts
Pac-Man joining Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds later this week is the kind of crossover that reminds players why arcade-style racing games are still so enjoyable. It’s playful, unexpected, and rooted in gaming history.
By welcoming one of the industry’s most iconic characters onto the track, Sega continues to push CrossWorlds as a celebration of speed, competition, and crossover fun. Whether you’re a longtime Pac-Man fan or just curious to see how he handles at full throttle, this update is shaping up to be one worth racing into.