Team Sonic Racing#Reception

File:TeamSonicRacingGameplay.jpg in Planet Wisp, a Sonic Colors-themed stage]]

Team Sonic Racing is a Sonic the Hedgehog-themed kart racing game featuring single-player and multiplayer modes.{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/walmart-leak-reveals-team-sonic-racing-1826416362|title=Walmart Leak Reveals Team Sonic Racing [UPDATE: Confirmed]|last=Gach|first=Ethan|work=Kotaku|date=May 30, 2018|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140402/https://kotaku.com/walmart-leak-reveals-team-sonic-racing-1826416362|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}} After selecting one of 15 characters from the series' cast,{{efn|The playable characters include Sonic the Hedgehog, Miles "Tails" Prower, Knuckles the Echidna, Shadow the Hedgehog, Rouge the Bat, E-123 Omega, Big the Cat, Chao, Amy Rose, Blaze the Cat, Silver the Hedgehog, Vector the Crocodile, Metal Sonic, Zavok, and Doctor Eggman.{{cite web |last1=Doolan |first1=Liam |title=Big The Cat, Chao And Amy Will All Be Playable In Team Sonic Racing |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/06/big_the_cat_chao_and_amy_will_all_be_playable_in_team_sonic_racing |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=June 25, 2018 |date=June 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161325/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/06/big_the_cat_chao_and_amy_will_all_be_playable_in_team_sonic_racing |archive-date=June 25, 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author1=Jenni |title=Blaze, Silver, And Vector Join Team Sonic Racing |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2018/08/16/blaze-silver-and-vector-join-team-sonic-racing/ |website=Siliconera |access-date=August 17, 2018 |date=August 16, 2018 |archive-date=April 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401062636/https://www.siliconera.com/2018/08/16/blaze-silver-and-vector-join-team-sonic-racing/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Romano |first1=Sal |title=Team Sonic Racing adds Eggman, Metal Sonic, and Zavok |url=https://gematsu.com/2019/01/team-sonic-racing-adds-eggman-metal-sonic-and-zavok |website=Gematsu |access-date=January 15, 2019 |date=January 15, 2019 |archive-date=April 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401064132/https://gematsu.com/2019/01/team-sonic-racing-adds-eggman-metal-sonic-and-zavok |url-status=live }}}} players participate in races using sports cars on courses thematically based on locations from the franchise. There are three types of racing classes: speed, technique, and power. Each type has its own unique abilities; for example, technique racers like Tails can drive over rough surfaces like grass without slowing down. The player views gameplay from a third-person perspective and runs over panels to get speed boosts, performs tricks in midair, and drifts to make sharp turns. Power-ups called Wisps can be collected from canisters with "?" marks and grant players temporary offensive and defensive advantages.{{cite web |last1=Gach |first1=Ethan |title=Team Sonic Racing Could Be A Lot Weirder |url=https://kotaku.com/team-sonic-racing-could-have-been-a-lot-weirder-1826847234 |website=Kotaku |access-date=June 16, 2018 |date=June 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615073120/https://kotaku.com/team-sonic-racing-could-have-been-a-lot-weirder-1826847234 |archive-date=June 15, 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Graebar |first1=Brendan |title=E3 2018: You Can't Win With Speed Alone in Team Sonic Racing |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/15/e3-2018-you-cant-win-with-speed-alone-in-team-sonic-racing |website=IGN |access-date=June 16, 2018 |date=June 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615173256/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/15/e3-2018-you-cant-win-with-speed-alone-in-team-sonic-racing |archive-date=June 15, 2018 |url-status=live }}

The gameplay differs from traditional racing games because of its focus on cooperative gameplay: the player is part of a team of racers and they must work together. While each player in a team still takes control of a single racer, they must also pay attention to how teammates are performing and share power-ups. Instead of winning races by simply finishing first, teams get points based on how they worked together. Thus, the most efficient team wins. Four teams of three compete, for a total of twelve racers at a time. Any character can be in a team; the player also has the option for each teammate to be the same character. Working together causes an "Ultimate" meter to be filled. When full, it can be activated to gain a temporary burst of speed. The meter's duration can be extended by hitting competing racers.

There are 21 tracks in total, including some returning from Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing (2010) and Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed (2012),{{cite AV media |people=Sega |medium=Music |date=January 10, 2019 |title=Team Sonic Racing OST - Ocean View |language=en |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sT_l6LmnBA |access-date=January 10, 2019 |quote=Ocean View returns to Team Sonic Racing with a special instrumental remix of "Sonic—You Can Do Anything" by Richard Jacques and Jun Senoue!}} each split across seven zones and based on locations from main Sonic games. Team Sonic Racing features a variety of game modes, including Grand Prix, in which players compete to earn points; Time Trial, in which players race for the fastest time possible; and Exhibition, in which players can customize the racing rules. One mode, "Team Adventure", is a story-driven campaign that also includes a tutorial, as well as an original story explaining why the characters are racing. It is divided into chapters and players must complete missions like collecting as many rings as possible.{{cite web |last1=Wong |first1=Alistar |title=Team Sonic Racing Highlights Team Vector And Adventure Mode |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2018/09/16/team-sonic-racing-highlights-team-vector-and-adventure-mode/ |website=Siliconera |date=September 16, 2018 |access-date=September 27, 2018 |archive-date=September 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928044313/http://www.siliconera.com/2018/09/16/team-sonic-racing-highlights-team-vector-and-adventure-mode/ |url-status=live }} Unlike the main game, the teams in Team Adventure are predetermined. Progressing through Team Adventure will unlock extras that can be used in the other modes.

Players can customize their vehicles,{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/5/30/17406216/team-sonic-racing-release-date-ps4-nintendo-switch-xbox-one-pc|title=Sonic's next game is Team Sonic Racing|work=Polygon|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|date=May 30, 2018|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530184341/https://www.polygon.com/2018/5/30/17406216/team-sonic-racing-release-date-ps4-nintendo-switch-xbox-one-pc|archive-date=May 30, 2018|url-status=live}} with new parts unlocked as they progress through the game. Customization options can be purchased using in-game currency called Mod Pods, which are earned by competing in races. Parts modify cars' handling, boost, acceleration, defense, and top speed, and players can also make aesthetic changes such as paint jobs and horn sounds.{{cite web |last1=Wald |first1=Heather |title=Team Sonic Racing trailer reveals customization options, new Sonic game teased during SXSW panel |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/team-sonic-racing-trailer-reveals-customization-options-new-sonic-game-teased-during-sxsw-panel/ |website=GamesRadar+ |access-date=March 20, 2019 |date=March 17, 2019 |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518202901/https://www.gamesradar.com/team-sonic-racing-trailer-reveals-customization-options-new-sonic-game-teased-during-sxsw-panel/ |url-status=live }} The game supports four-player local multiplayer, up to twelve online, and up to three in Team Adventure.

An alien tanuki named Dodon Pa sends invitations to Sonic the Hedgehog and several of his friends, inviting them to compete in a series of team-based races. He builds cars outfitted with advanced technology for each of the racers, offering them as a prize for the winning team. Though they are skeptical of Dodon Pa's motivations, Sonic and the others agree. The competition takes them across the world, with Dodon Pa pitting them against increasingly difficult challenges.

The racers remain suspicious of Dodon Pa, believing he may be working with Sonic's longtime nemesis Doctor Eggman. Investigating further, they discover he is king of the planet Donpa Kingdom and the president of the Donpa Motors automotive corporation. The company is constructing an Ultimate Energy Engine, which gains power from teamwork. Intending it for philanthropic use, Dodon Pa has been using the races to gather research data for the engine and generate energy to power it.

After unsuccessfully attempting to steal the engine, Eggman and his henchmen kidnap Dodon Pa and hold him hostage on their battleship. Eggman deceives Dodon Pa into finishing the engine for him, forcing Sonic and the others to continue racing to power it. Eggman installs the engine into a doomsday robot, but it goes haywire and destroys the battleship. Sonic and his friends manage to rescue Dodon Pa as the ship explodes, though the cars are destroyed in the process. A grateful Dodon Pa builds everyone new cars, and they prepare to race again.

The British video game developer Sumo Digital developed Team Sonic Racing for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/05/30/team-sonic-racing-announced|title=Team Sonic Racing Announced|last=Osborn|first=Alex|work=IGN|date=May 30, 2018|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162223/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/05/30/team-sonic-racing-announced|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}} It was Sumo Digital's third racing game featuring the Sonic intellectual property (IP), following Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing and Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. Sega chose Sumo Digital to develop the game because of its experience with the Sonic IP. Development began before the completion of Sonic Mania and Sonic Forces in 2017. Unlike those games, which featured action-oriented gameplay, Team Sonic Racing was aimed at casual gamers.{{cite web |last1=Tetsuya |first1=Inamoto |title=みんなで勝利を分かち合えるチームプレイを目指した「チームソニックレーシング」。飯塚 隆プロデューサーにそのこだわりを聞いた |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/421/G042175/20190415016/ |website=4gamer |access-date=May 18, 2019 |date=May 17, 2019 |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523115148/https://www.4gamer.net/games/421/G042175/20190415016/ |url-status=live }} The majority of the staff did not work on the previous games, although some who did were contacted for advice. The lead designer of the game was Richard Acherki, while Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka served as producer.{{cite web |last1=Bishop |first1=Sam |title=New character Dodonpa joins Team Sonic Racing |url=https://www.gamereactor.eu/news/689553/New+character+Dodonpa+joins+Team+Sonic+Racing/ |website=Gamereactor |access-date=October 8, 2018 |date=August 24, 2018 |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009013250/https://www.gamereactor.eu/news/689553/New+character+Dodonpa+joins+Team+Sonic+Racing/ |url-status=live }} Team Sonic Racing was Acherki's first game at Sumo Digital. According to Acherki, the proprietary game engine Team Sonic Racing runs on is a modified version of the one used to develop the Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing games, and allowed them to easily port the game across platforms.

Unlike the Sonic & Sega All-Stars games, which featured various Sega franchises, Team Sonic Racing solely focuses on Sonic. Sega's community manager Aaron Webber said that Team Sonic Racing is not a sequel to Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed and is "very, very different" from previous Sonic racers.{{cite web |author1=Sato |title=Sega Explains Why Sonic Rides A Car In Team Sonic Racing, Shares More On Its Characters |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2018/06/04/sega-explains-sonic-car-team-sonic-racing-shares-characters/ |website=Siliconera |date=June 4, 2018 |access-date=June 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625213502/http://www.siliconera.com/2018/06/04/sega-explains-sonic-car-team-sonic-racing-shares-characters/ |archive-date=June 25, 2018 |url-status=live }} Iizuka explained that the team wanted to make a game that took place solely in the Sonic universe, which is why it does not bear the All-Stars name.{{cite AV media|people=Shacknews|title=Team Sonic Racing - Developer Interview|date=June 5, 2018|medium=Interview with Takashi Iizuka|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtwYEGZt3lQ|access-date=June 26, 2018|publisher=GameHubTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717204401/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtwYEGZt3lQ|archive-date=July 17, 2018|url-status=live}} He noted Sega used to release a variety of racing games such as Out Run (1986) and Daytona USA (1992), and said Team Sonic Racing continues this tradition.{{cite web |author1=Official PlayStation Magazine staff |title=Team Sonic Racing aims to nudge Crash Team Racing off the track… by focusing on friendly play |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/team-sonic-racing-preview-takashi-iizuka-interview/ |website=GamesRadar+ |access-date=March 22, 2019 |date=March 22, 2019 |archive-date=February 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205205510/https://www.gamesradar.com/team-sonic-racing-preview-takashi-iizuka-interview/ |url-status=live }} Webber added that the team wanted to expand the world and character roster of Sonic,{{cite AV media|people=Sonic Stadium|title=Sonic Stadium @ E3 2018 Interview with Aaron Webber|date=June 24, 2018|medium=Interview with Aaron Webber|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=53&v=ifY8x6QNhRk|access-date=June 26, 2018}} and designer Derek Littlewood said setting the game in the Sonic universe allowed them use to the series' "full suite" of characters and elements. One of Sumo Digital's goals was to "provide plenty of fan service and also [give] people something new to look at and experience." Designer Ben Wilson called working on a Sonic game "surreal" and said the team enjoyed working with Sega. The game does not support cross-platform multiplayer, which Iizuka stated is because of technical constraints.

Sumo Digital wanted to make Team Sonic Racing stand out compared to other racing games, and with the engine of previous games they had a solid foundation to build a new experience. Iizuka suggested that they design it so it was easy for beginners.{{cite AV media|people=IGN|title=Team Sonic Racing Gameplay Showcase - Gamescom 2018|date=August 22, 2018|medium=Interview with Derek Littlewood|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4SZz5C9Mqw|access-date=August 23, 2018}} Sumo Digital also wanted to build on the gameplay of Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing Transformed, which many players enjoyed.{{cite AV media|people=Sega of Europe|title=Team Sonic Racing Gamescom 2018 Developer Interview|date=August 22, 2018|medium=Interview with Sumo Digital|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIodE5cYDKA|access-date=September 8, 2018}} Iizuka conceived the team-based gameplay after watching his son play a kart racing game with his friends. He observed that they were not all happy and pondered how they could all enjoy the game.{{cite AV media|medium=Interview with Takashi Iizuka|people=Sega of Europe|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=VN-d71JU8uI|title=Team Sonic Racing Tokyo Game Show Interview|date=November 6, 2018|access-date=November 8, 2018}} Observing other games, Sumo Digital found that team gameplay was popular; noting that racing games were largely single-player experiences, they decided combining the concepts would create a unique and exciting experience.{{cite web |last1=Rosenberg |first1=Jared |title=Team Sonic Racing Interview with Richard Acherki |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/interview/47566/team-sonic-racing-interview-with-richard-acherki |website=Nintendo World Report |access-date=June 25, 2018 |date=June 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161218/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/interview/47566/team-sonic-racing-interview-with-richard-acherki |archive-date=June 25, 2018 |url-status=live }} Iizuka said Sumo Digital was not inspired by other kart racing games like Mario Kart 8 (2014) because the team wanted to make a game that emphasized teamwork instead of "a network game", citing Splatoon (2015) and Overwatch (2016) as examples of the cooperative gameplay Team Sonic Racing was designed to resemble.{{cite web |last1=Garst |first1=Aron |title='Team Sonic Racing' Dev on How Game Is Like 'Overwatch,' 'Splatoon' |url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/features/team-sonic-racing-interview-1202847942/ |website=Variety |access-date=June 16, 2018 |date=June 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616154235/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/features/team-sonic-racing-interview-1202847942/ |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |url-status=live }} He also found it surprising there were few team-based racing games available.

Designing the game was challenging because the teamwork aspect was an unusual concept for a racing game. Iizuka and the team found that, if the cooperative gameplay was too prominent, it would hamper with the fluidity of the gameplay. Sumo Digital used Sonic Heroes (2003), which features team-based gameplay, as a point of reference.{{cite web |last1=Knezevic |first1=Kevin |title=Sonic's New Game Makes Racing Much More Cooperative |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonics-new-game-makes-racing-much-more-cooperative/1100-6460103/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=July 11, 2018 |date=July 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710185136/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonics-new-game-makes-racing-much-more-cooperative/1100-6460103/ |archive-date=July 10, 2018 |url-status=live }} Other difficulties arose from choosing characters for the roster. For instance, Vector the Crocodile, traditionally seen as a member of the Chaotix in Sonic games, is paired with Blaze the Cat and Silver the Hedgehog in Team Sonic Racing, which led to considerable debate among the team. They also had a hard time choosing courses with a variety of atmospheres. Each character received a unique car designed to reflect their individuality, while custom parts were made separately. Team Sonic Racing features several new versions of the Wisp power-ups from previous Sonic games. The Sega All-Stars games included general power-ups since they featured multiple franchises, but since Team Sonic Racing features simply Sonic, Sumo Digital unified the power-ups with Wisps. The team worked with the Japanese Sonic Team staff to get approval for their concepts.

Jun Senoue composed the soundtrack in his first major work in the Sonic series since Sonic Generations (2011),{{cite web |last1=Gallagher |first1=Mathew |title=Jun Senoue lead composer on Sonic Team Racing |url=http://www.vgmonline.net/jun-senoue-lead-composer-on-sonic-team-racing/ |work=Video Game Music Online |date=June 7, 2018 |access-date=June 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142216/http://www.vgmonline.net/jun-senoue-lead-composer-on-sonic-team-racing/ |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |url-status=live }} while Richard Jacques, Tee Lopes, Tyler Smyth of DangerKids, Tomoya Ohtani, chip-tune artist TORIENA and the EDM group Hyper Potions also contributed.{{cite web |last1=Craddock |first1=Ryan |title=Soften The Blow Of The Team Sonic Racing Delay With This Early Soundtrack Sample From Sega |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/11/soften_the_blow_of_the_team_sonic_racing_delay_with_this_early_soundtrack_sample_from_sega |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=November 16, 2018 |date=November 16, 2018 |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116150554/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/11/soften_the_blow_of_the_team_sonic_racing_delay_with_this_early_soundtrack_sample_from_sega |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Moyse |first1=Chris |title=Rip through fire & ice on Team Sonic Racing's new tracks |url=https://www.destructoid.com/rip-through-fire-ice-on-team-sonic-racing-s-new-tracks-543773.phtml |website=Destructoid |access-date=February 24, 2019 |date=February 22, 2019}} The game's theme song, "Green Light Ride", was performed by Senoue's band Crush 40.{{cite tweet |author=Crush 40 |author-link=Crush 40 |user=crush40 |number=1006192131256434690 |date=June 11, 2018 |title=TEAM SONIC RACINGの新しいトレイラーが公開されました！よろしくどうぞ！A new "Team Sonic Racing" trailer featuring a new Crush 40 song "Green Light Ride" had been published! Enjoy! }} Iizuka said the team needed "cool" music that would "influence the player's excitement", which led him to ask Senoue to compose the score. He composed each track individually, collaborating with a different musician for each one.

Rumors of a new Sonic racing game arose in January 2018, when an internal Sumo Digital memo mentioning an "unannounced karting game" based on an "established global IP" leaked.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-02-05-evidence-of-new-sonic-racing-game-mounts|title=Evidence of new Sonic Racing game mounts|last=Wales|first=Matt|work=Eurogamer|date=February 5, 2018|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612230645/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-02-05-evidence-of-new-sonic-racing-game-mounts|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}} Sumo Digital's history with Sonic caused speculation that it was developing a new Sega All-Stars title, which Webber denied.{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/02/sounds_like_we_might_be_getting_a_new_sonic_and_all-stars_racing_game_soon|title=Sounds Like We Might Be Getting A New Sonic & All-Stars Racing Game Soon|work=Nintendo Life|last=Reseigh-Lincoln|first=Dom|date=February 6, 2018|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142913/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/02/sounds_like_we_might_be_getting_a_new_sonic_and_all-stars_racing_game_soon|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}} Despite his response, several toy companies alluded to a future Sonic kart racing game in February 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/news/370041-new-sonic-racing-game-way-according-toymaker|title=A New Sonic Racing Game is On its Way, According to Toymaker|last=Tamburro|first=Paul|work=GameRevolution|date=February 20, 2018|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220143215/http://www.gamerevolution.com/news/370041-new-sonic-racing-game-way-according-toymaker|archive-date=February 20, 2018|url-status=live}} For example, a representative for the company Zappies reported at the Spielwarenmesse toy fair in Nuremberg that a third Sonic kart racing game was in development and that it planned to produce promotional toy figures. Sonic fans noted Webber's comments just alluded to the Sega All-Stars name and did not discount the premise of a new Sonic racing game, and further rumors of a game without any other Sega IPs involved arose later in February.{{cite web|url=http://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/02/17/sonic-kart-racing-rumor/|title=British Toy Company Claims a New Sonic Racing Game Is Coming This Year|website=ComicBook.com|last=Hayes|first=Matthew|date=February 5, 2018|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143156/http://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/02/17/sonic-kart-racing-rumor/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}} Sega scheduled a Sonic-related announcement for its March 16, 2018 show at the SXSW convention.{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/toy-makers-add-fuel-to-sonic-all-star-racing-speculation-486473.phtml|title=Toy-makers add fuel to Sonic All-Star Racing speculation|work=Destructoid|last=Moyse|first=Chris|date=February 6, 2018|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218174317/https://www.destructoid.com/toy-makers-add-fuel-to-sonic-all-star-racing-speculation-486473.phtml|archive-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2018/03/16/sxsw-sonic-hedgehog-panel-will-announce-upcoming-projects/|title=SXSW Sonic The Hedgehog Panel Will Announce Upcoming Projects|work=Siliconera|author=Jenni|date=March 16, 2018|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612183213/http://www.siliconera.com/2018/03/16/sxsw-sonic-hedgehog-panel-will-announce-upcoming-projects/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}} While Sega did not reveal the racing game there, the official series Twitter account teased it.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/sega-unleashes-mysterious-new-sonic-racing-teaser|title=Sega unleashes new Sonic Racing teaser|last=Wales|first=Matt|date=March 16, 2018|work=Eurogamer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613023712/https://www.eurogamer.net/amp/2018-03-16-sega-unleashes-mysterious-new-sonic-racing-teaser|archive-date=June 13, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=May 30, 2018}}

In May 2018, after the game leaked in a Walmart retail listing, Sega confirmed Team Sonic Racing was in development. Eurogamer expressed disappointment that it did not include any non-Sonic characters as playable racers, which its writer believed was one of the best things about Sonic & Sega All Stars Racing and its sequel. However, he remained optimistic, believing Sumo Digital's experience with Sonic would ensure the game would be a similar, "fundamentally brilliant arcade racer".{{cite web |last1=Robinson |first1=Martin |title=Team Sonic Racing is another arcade racer that wants to reinvent the genre |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-06-05-team-sonic-racing-is-another-arcade-racer-that-wants-to-reinvent-the-genre |website=Eurogamer |access-date=June 7, 2018 |date=June 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608081330/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-06-05-team-sonic-racing-is-another-arcade-racer-that-wants-to-reinvent-the-genre |archive-date=June 8, 2018 |url-status=live }} Sega initially slated Team Sonic Racing for release in late 2018, but delayed it to May 21, 2019, that October to give Sumo Digital more development time.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-10-25-team-sonic-racing-has-been-delayed-to-may-next-year|title=Team Sonic Racing has been delayed to May next year|last=Wales|first=Matt|website=Eurogamer|date=October 25, 2018|access-date=October 25, 2018|archive-date=October 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026064447/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-10-25-team-sonic-racing-has-been-delayed-to-may-next-year|url-status=live}} Iizuka later clarified that there were problems with the online mode that took more time than anticipated to fix.{{cite web |last1=Wong |first1=Alistar |title=Sonic Series Producer Takashi Iizuka On Inspirations And Character Roster Choices |url=https://www.siliconera.com/2019/05/17/sonic-series-producer-takashi-iizuka-on-inspirations-and-character-roster-choices/ |website=Siliconera |access-date=May 18, 2019 |date=May 17, 2019 |archive-date=May 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518052056/https://www.siliconera.com/2019/05/17/sonic-series-producer-takashi-iizuka-on-inspirations-and-character-roster-choices/ |url-status=live }} The game was released for Amazon Luna on March 11, 2021.{{cite web |title=Team Sonic Racing drives to Amazon Luna |url=https://twitter.com/SEGA/status/1370419396334780417 |accessdate=March 12, 2021 |archive-date=March 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312170043/https://twitter.com/SEGA/status/1370419396334780417 |url-status=live }}{{Citation |title=New on Luna+: Team Sonic Racing | date=March 11, 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRV9VSSg9TE |language=en |access-date=2022-12-18 |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218194123/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRV9VSSg9TE |url-status=live }}

A demo version was playable at E3 2018 in June.{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2018/05/30/team-sonic-racing-for-nintendo-switch-leaked/|title=Team Sonic Racing is official, coming to PC, PS4, Xbox One and Switch this year|work=VG247|last=Saed|first=Sherif|date=May 30, 2018|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612144842/https://www.vg247.com/2018/05/30/team-sonic-racing-for-nintendo-switch-leaked/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}} The demo, which featured one track and six playable characters, was described by Kotaku as underwhelming, unfavorably comparing it to Mario Kart. Kotaku argued the demo lacked ambition and called its character lineup shallow, especially when compared to that of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. A more optimistic opinion came from IGN: although he considered the power-ups generic, the writer felt the game still had a good foundation and that the team gameplay was satisfying. Hardcore Gamer nominated it as E3's best racing game, but it lost to Forza Horizon 4.{{cite web |author1=HG Staff |title=Best of E3 2018 – Day Two: Indie, VR, Racing, Sports |url=https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2018/06/20/best-of-e3-2018-day-two-indie-vr-racing-sports/303585/ |website=Hardcore Gamer |access-date=June 26, 2018 |date=June 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626135506/https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2018/06/20/best-of-e3-2018-day-two-indie-vr-racing-sports/303585/ |archive-date=June 26, 2018 |url-status=live }} Sega released a trailer to promote the game at E3, featuring the theme song and an in-depth look at the gameplay.{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/2018/6/11/17449008/team-sonic-racing-new-e3-2018-trailer|title=Team Sonic Racing's new E3 2018 trailer promises high-octane action|last=Haash|first=Palmer|date=June 11, 2018|website=Polygon|access-date=August 14, 2018|archive-date=April 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401191123/https://www.polygon.com/e3/2018/6/11/17449008/team-sonic-racing-new-e3-2018-trailer|url-status=live}} Another demo was playable at Gamescom in August 2018. More details were revealed, including the new character Dodon Pa, aspects of the story, and racetracks based on levels in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994) and Sonic Unleashed (2008).{{cite web |last1=Moyse |first1=Chris |title=Team Sonic Racing Gamescom details include new tracks, character and story mode |url=https://www.destructoid.com/team-sonic-racing-details-include-new-tracks-character-and-story-mode-519620.phtml |website=Destructoid |access-date=August 23, 2018 |date=August 23, 2018}} The game won the "Best Casual Game" award at the 2018 Gamescom Awards.{{cite tweet |author=Sumo Digital |author-link=Sumo Digital |user=SumoDigitalLtd |number=1031893795271368706 |date=August 21, 2018 |title=Some superb news fresh from #Gamescom! We're delighted to announce that Team Sonic Racing has won the award for 'Best Casual Game' at the 2018 Gamescom Awards! Here it is proudly modelled by our own Ben Wilson! #TSR #TeamSonicRacing #Gamescom2018 pic.twitter.com/ii77D6ptym |access-date=August 24, 2018 }} Team Sonic Racing was also present at PAX West in August, where attendees were given an exclusive poster,Sega [@sonicthehedgehog] (August 31, 2018). [https://www.instagram.com/p/BnJo5s8FVLI/ "We're here at PAX! Come play Team Sonic Racing, score an exclusive poster, and more at the SEGA booth!"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128095833/https://www.instagram.com/p/BnJo5s8FVLI/ |date=January 28, 2023 }}. Retrieved September 6, 2018 – via Instagram. and the Tokyo Game Show in November.

IDW Publishing released a promotional one-shot comic book, written by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles scribe Caleb Goellner and illustrated by Sonic comic artist Adam Bryce Thomas, in December 2018.{{cite book |last1=Goellner |first1=Caleb |last2=Thomas |first2=Adam Bryce |title=Team Sonic Racing One-shot |url=https://www.idwpublishing.com/product/team-sonic-racing-one-shot/ |publisher=IDW Publishing |access-date=January 11, 2019 |date=December 2018 |archive-date=January 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112044255/https://www.idwpublishing.com/product/team-sonic-racing-one-shot/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |title=Team Sonic Racing is officially speeding into comic book stores |url=https://www.polygon.com/comics/2018/7/19/17593138/team-sonic-racing-comic-release-date-san-diego-comic-con-2018 |website=Polygon |access-date=July 19, 2018 |date=July 19, 2018 |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407171145/https://www.polygon.com/comics/2018/7/19/17593138/team-sonic-racing-comic-release-date-san-diego-comic-con-2018 |url-status=live }} The story is set before the game's events{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/07/20/team-sonic-racing-big-the-cat-prequel-comic-announced/|title=Team Sonic Racing Gets Big the Cat, New Prequel Comic|last=Workman|first=Robert|date=July 19, 2018|website=ComicBook.com|access-date=August 14, 2018|archive-date=August 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815024213/https://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/07/20/team-sonic-racing-big-the-cat-prequel-comic-announced/|url-status=live}} and features Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and their friends traveling to a mysterious planet and preventing "an old foe" from obtaining new technology.{{cite web |title=TEAM SONIC RACING Comic Book Drifts Into Your Local Comic Shop in October |url=https://www.idwpublishing.com/team-sonic-racing-comic-book-drifts-into-your-local-comic-shop-in-october/ |publisher=IDW Publishing |access-date=September 6, 2018 |location=San Diego, California |date=July 19, 2018 |archive-date=December 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203083515/http://www.idwpublishing.com/team-sonic-racing-comic-book-drifts-into-your-local-comic-shop-in-october/ |url-status=live }} At SXSW in March 2019, the first episode of a two-part tie-in animated series, Team Sonic Racing Overdrive, was released, followed by the second episode in April.{{cite web |last1=Zwiezen |first1=Zack |title=Sega Reveals New Sonic Show And Shares More Details About Team Sonic Racing |url=https://kotaku.com/sega-reveals-new-sonic-show-and-shares-more-details-abo-1833347938 |website=Kotaku |access-date=March 17, 2019 |date=March 16, 2019 |archive-date=March 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190317060508/https://kotaku.com/sega-reveals-new-sonic-show-and-shares-more-details-abo-1833347938 |url-status=live }} The series' animation was handled by Tyson Hesse and Neko Production,{{cite web |last1=Wong |first1=Alistar |title=Next Sonic The Hedgehog Game In Production; Team Sonic Racing Customization Detailed |url=https://www.siliconera.com/2019/03/16/next-sonic-the-hedgehog-game-in-production-team-sonic-racing-customization-detailed/ |website=Siliconera |access-date=March 17, 2019 |date=March 16, 2019 |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322141058/https://www.siliconera.com/2019/03/16/next-sonic-the-hedgehog-game-in-production-team-sonic-racing-customization-detailed/ |url-status=live }} who previously produced the Sonic Mania (2017) tie-in Sonic Mania Adventures.{{cite web|last1=Romano|first1=Sal|title=Sonic Mania Adventures animated shorts series announced|url=https://gematsu.com/2018/03/sonic-mania-adventures-animated-shorts-series-announced|website=Gematsu|access-date=March 16, 2018|date=March 16, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316214045/https://gematsu.com/2018/03/sonic-mania-adventures-animated-shorts-series-announced|archive-date=March 16, 2018}} On launch day, Sega released a live-action trailer set in a supermarket, featuring a cameo from Iizuka.{{cite web |last1=Craddock |first1=Ryan |title=Video: Sega Releases Ridiculous Live Action Trailer To Promote Team Sonic Racing |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/05/video_sega_releases_ridiculous_live_action_trailer_to_promote_team_sonic_racing |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=May 21, 2019 |date=May 21, 2019 |archive-date=May 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525184120/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/05/video_sega_releases_ridiculous_live_action_trailer_to_promote_team_sonic_racing |url-status=live }} Sumo Digital chose to offer all content at launch instead of selling some as downloadable content, and not to include microtransactions.{{cite web |last1=Doolan |first1=Liam |title=There's No Need To Worry About Paid DLC Or Microtransactions In Team Sonic Racing |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/05/theres_no_need_to_worry_about_paid_dlc_or_microtransactions_in_team_sonic_racing |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=May 19, 2019 |date=May 19, 2019 |archive-date=May 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190519101526/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/05/theres_no_need_to_worry_about_paid_dlc_or_microtransactions_in_team_sonic_racing |url-status=live }}

Sonic Racing, a simplified version developed by Hardlight, was released for iOS on September 19, 2019, as a launch title for Apple's Apple Arcade subscription service.{{cite web |author1=Sega |author-link=Sega |author2=Hardlight |author2-link=Hardlight |title=Sonic Racing on the App Store |url=https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sonic-racing/id1358659909#?platform=appleTV |publisher=App Store |access-date=February 5, 2019 |date=September 19, 2019}}{{cite web |author1=Macworld staff |title=Apple Arcade: 'Secret Oops!' out now |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/3385024/apple-arcade-faq-games-price-compatibility.html |website=Macworld |access-date=February 5, 2020 |date=January 31, 2020 |archive-date=March 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303045425/https://www.macworld.com/article/3385024/apple-arcade-faq-games-price-compatibility.html |url-status=live }} The game was released as part of a deal between Apple and Sega, and Sega does not plan to release it on other platforms.{{cite web |title=Why is Sonic Racing exclusive to Apple Arcade? Will you release it on Android? |url=https://help.sega.net/hc/en-us/articles/360036099153-Why-is-Sonic-Racing-exclusive-to-Apple-Arcade-Will-you-release-it-on-Android- |author=Alex |publisher=Sega Mobile Games Customer Service |access-date=February 5, 2020 |date=September 25, 2019 |archive-date=February 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205232547/https://help.sega.net/hc/en-us/articles/360036099153-Why-is-Sonic-Racing-exclusive-to-Apple-Arcade-Will-you-release-it-on-Android- |url-status=live }}

{{video game reviews

| MC = NS: 71/100{{efn|Score based on 17 reviews}}{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/team-sonic-racing/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Team Sonic Racing for Switch Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=July 20, 2019 |archive-date=April 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402203242/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/team-sonic-racing |url-status=live }}
PS4: 72/100{{efn|Score based on 76 reviews}}{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/team-sonic-racing/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Team Sonic Racing for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=July 20, 2019 |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426201851/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/team-sonic-racing |url-status=live }}
XONE: 73/100{{efn|Score based on 12 reviews}}{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/team-sonic-racing/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Team Sonic Racing for Xbox One Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=June 7, 2019 |archive-date=April 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412010838/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/team-sonic-racing |url-status=live }}

| Destruct = 7/10{{cite web |last1=Carter |first1=Chris |title=Review: Team Sonic Racing |url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-team-sonic-racing-552870.phtml |website=Destructoid |access-date=May 17, 2019 |date=May 17, 2019 |archive-date=May 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520134836/https://www.destructoid.com/review-team-sonic-racing-552870.phtml |url-status=live }}

| EuroG = Recommended{{cite web |last1=Robinson |first1=Martin |title=Team Sonic Racing review - a smart spin on the character kart formula |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-05-17-team-sonic-racing-review-smart-spin-on-the-character-kart-formula |website=Eurogamer |access-date=May 18, 2019 |date=May 17, 2019 |archive-date=May 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521231913/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-05-17-team-sonic-racing-review-smart-spin-on-the-character-kart-formula |url-status=live }}

| GI = 7.25/10{{cite magazine |last1=Shea |first1=Brian |title=Team Sonic Racing Review - Falling Short Of The Podium |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/team-sonic-racing/falling-short-of-the-podium |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711063831/https://www.gameinformer.com/index.php/review/team-sonic-racing/falling-short-of-the-podium |url-status=live |archive-date=July 11, 2019 |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=May 21, 2019 |date=May 17, 2019}}

| GSpot = 7/10{{cite web |last1=Swinbanks |first1=James |title=Team Sonic Racing Review - Gotta Go-Kart Fast |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/team-sonic-racing-review-gotta-go-kart-fast/1900-6417143/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=May 17, 2019 |date=May 17, 2019 |archive-date=April 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413231900/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/team-sonic-racing-review-gotta-go-kart-fast/1900-6417143/ |url-status=live }}

| GRadar = {{Rating|2.5|5}}{{cite web |last1=Garst |first1=Aaron |title=Team Sonic Racing Review: "Miles Behind Other Racers" |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/team-sonic-racing-review/ |website=GamesRadar+ |access-date=May 17, 2019 |date=May 17, 2019 |archive-date=February 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225012142/https://www.gamesradar.com/team-sonic-racing-review/ |url-status=live }}

| IGN = 8.5/10{{cite web |last1=Jagneaux |first1=David |title=Team Sonic Racing Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/05/17/team-sonic-racing-review |website=IGN |access-date=May 17, 2019 |date=May 17, 2019 |archive-date=April 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413180443/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/05/17/team-sonic-racing-review |url-status=live }}

| JXV = 14/20{{cite web |last1=de Epyon |first1=L'avis |title=Test : Team Sonic Racing : de la coopération, du fun, mais des circuits pas toujours très inspirés |url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/1046675/team-sonic-racing-de-la-cooperation-du-fun-mais-des-circuits-pas-toujours-tres-inspires.htm |website=Jeuxvideo.com |access-date=May 21, 2019 |language=fr |date=May 17, 2019 |archive-date=May 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520154411/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/1046675/team-sonic-racing-de-la-cooperation-du-fun-mais-des-circuits-pas-toujours-tres-inspires.htm |url-status=live }}

| NLife = {{Rating|7|10}}{{cite web |last1=Scullion |first1=Chris |title=Team Sonic Racing Review (Switch) |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/team_sonic_racing |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=May 22, 2019 |date=May 22, 2019 |archive-date=May 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522201833/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/team_sonic_racing |url-status=live }}

| SN = 9/10{{cite web |last1=Erskine |first1=Donovan |title=Team Sonic Racing review: Central City drift |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/111758/team-sonic-racing-review-central-city-drift |website=Shacknews |access-date=May 17, 2019 |date=May 17, 2019 |archive-date=May 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517211506/https://www.shacknews.com/article/111758/team-sonic-racing-review-central-city-drift |url-status=live }}

| TG = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite web |last1=Stuart |first1=Keith |title=Team Sonic Racing review – well-tuned fan service for Sega's iconic hedgehog |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2019/may/22/team-sonic-racing-review-well-tuned-fan-service-for-segas-iconic-hedgehog |website=The Guardian |access-date=May 22, 2019 |date=May 22, 2019 |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329131730/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2019/may/22/team-sonic-racing-review-well-tuned-fan-service-for-segas-iconic-hedgehog |url-status=live }}

| USG = 3.5/5{{cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Mike |title=Team Sonic Racing Review |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/team-sonic-racing-review |website=USgamer |access-date=May 21, 2019 |date=May 17, 2019 |archive-date=May 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520134839/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/team-sonic-racing-review |url-status=live }}

}}

According to review aggregator Metacritic, Team Sonic Racing received "mixed or average reviews". Screen Rant observed that critics generally deemed it fun but inferior to the Sega All-Stars titles and Mario Kart 8, which they felt were presented better.{{cite web |last1=Alvarez |first1=Daniel |title=Team Sonic Racing Review Roundup: Not As Good As Mario Kart, But Still Fun |url=https://screenrant.com/team-sonic-racing-game-reviews-roundup/ |website=Screen Rant |access-date=May 19, 2019 |date=May 17, 2019 |archive-date=May 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521231913/https://screenrant.com/team-sonic-racing-game-reviews-roundup/ |url-status=live }}

Many critics of the game praised the team-based game play and the track designs as well. IGN stated, "Team Sonic Racing nails what matters most: speed and finesse on the racetrack. The new team system is a fantastic evolution of the arcade racing formula that gives you a real reason to work together, and there’s a litany of customization options to keep you coming back to these excellent tracks to earn more." Brian Shia of Game Informer stated, "Team Sonic Racing delivers a fun, easy-to-play experience that bolsters its adequate gameplay with distinct flavors to help it stand out from the rest of the genre." Nintendo Life gave the game a positive review, stating, "It’s strangely satisfying when you send some rockets to your 7th place chum and see their ranking climb a few moments later. Even though you’re just watching a number change, there’s an odd feeling of teamwork done well."

Many were critical of the game's story mode. Game Informer also stated, "The Team Adventure story mode is an inconsequential narrative told through still character images over background environments, making the uninteresting plot even less engaging." GamesRadar+ was also critical of the game's story mode stating, "Team Sonic Racing's campaign includes seven chapters of races, as well as other types of modes like ring collection, target smashes, and elimination rounds, tied together by horribly boring cutscenes made up of static character art. If you're looking to handle the majority of this one alone then the campaign will be your only option. Outside time trials, local play, and online multiplayer, there isn't much else you can play through when you first start out." Many publications criticized its voice acting as well.{{cite web | url=https://www.gamesradar.com/team-sonic-racing-tips/ | title=8 essential Team Sonic Racing tips to get you up to speed | date=February 25, 2022 | access-date=December 31, 2022 | archive-date=December 31, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231153721/https://www.gamesradar.com/team-sonic-racing-tips/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-team-sonic-racing/ | title=Review: Team Sonic Racing | access-date=December 31, 2022 | archive-date=March 19, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319022520/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-team-sonic-racing/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/05/17/team-sonic-racing-review | title=Team Sonic Racing Review | date=May 17, 2019 | access-date=May 17, 2019 | archive-date=April 13, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413180443/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/05/17/team-sonic-racing-review | url-status=live }} IGN described it as "[falling] somewhere between laughable and painful to listen to as most voices sound more like parodies than actual characters", only appreciating the ability to skip the voice altogether.

The Nintendo Switch version of Team Sonic Racing sold 3,339 copies during its first week on sale in Japan, making it the thirteenth bestselling retail game of the week. The PlayStation 4 version sold 2,432 copies during the same week, placing it at number sixteen on the retail chart.{{cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=May 29, 2019 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2019/05/famitsu-sales-5-20-19-5-26-19 |title=Famitsu Sales: 5/20/19 – 5/26/19 [Update] |publisher=Gematsu |access-date=February 16, 2020 |archive-date=February 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216213700/https://www.gematsu.com/2019/05/famitsu-sales-5-20-19-5-26-19 |url-status=live }} It debuted at the top of the UK all-format sales charts—the first Sonic game to do so since Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games in 2008—with the PlayStation 4 version selling the most copies.{{cite web |last1=Sinclair |first1=Brendan |title=UK charts: Team Sonic Racing laps the competition |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-05-27-uk-charts-team-sonic-racing-laps-the-competition |website=Gamesindustry.biz |access-date=May 28, 2019 |date=May 27, 2019 |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523113045/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-05-27-uk-charts-team-sonic-racing-laps-the-competition |url-status=live }} Its launch sales doubled that of Sonic & All Stars Racing: Transformed.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-05-27-uk-charts-team-sonic-racing-laps-the-competition|title=UK charts: Team Sonic Racing laps the competition|first=Brendan|last=Sinclair|work=Gameindustry.biz|date=May 27, 2019|accessdate=September 24, 2021|archive-date=May 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523113045/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-05-27-uk-charts-team-sonic-racing-laps-the-competition|url-status=live}} In 2021, the game was listed among one of Sega's best selling titles of that year.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamereactor.eu/sonic-the-hedgehog-still-shifted-44-million-units-in-the-last-fiscal-year-despite-a-lack-of-new-releases/|title=Sega Sonic Fiscal Year|website=GameReactor|access-date=February 8, 2021|archive-date=May 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519164616/https://www.gamereactor.eu/sonic-the-hedgehog-still-shifted-44-million-units-in-the-last-fiscal-year-despite-a-lack-of-new-releases/|url-status=live}}

The game was nominated for best racing game at the 2018 Game Critics Awards and 2019 Independent Game Developers' Association Awards.{{cite web |last1=Watts |first1=Steve |title=Resident Evil 2 Wins Top Honor In E3 Game Critics Awards |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/resident-evil-2-wins-top-honor-in-e3-game-critics-/1100-6460135/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=January 23, 2020 |date=July 5, 2018 |archive-date=January 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200109022807/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/resident-evil-2-wins-top-honor-in-e3-game-critics-/1100-6460135/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=2019 Winners |url=https://tiga.org/awards/2019-winners |website=The Independent Game Developers' Association |access-date=January 23, 2020 |date=November 7, 2019 |archive-date=November 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108025736/https://tiga.org/awards/2019-winners |url-status=live }}

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Wikiquote}}

• {{Official website}}
• [https://www.mobygames.com/game/team-sonic-racing Team Sonic Racing] at MobyGames
• [https://www.mobygames.com/game/iphone/sonic-racing Sonic Racing] at MobyGames

{{Sonic the Hedgehog}}

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