Those of you who grew up in the '90s will appreciate just how amazing it is to have Virtua Racing on Switch; back in 1992, this was a cutting-edge arcade release which seemed almost impossible to convert to a home console without major sacrifices. In 2019, however, it has been transferred to the Switch in a form that is actually superior to the original – which still feels like witchcraft to us.
Thanks to the fact that there have been several attempts to port Virtua Racing to domestic hardware in the past, we've got plenty of existing conversions to compare it to – and that's exactly what the folks over at Digital Foundry have done in their latest video.
The Sega Ages port – handled by the conversion masters at M2 – is put up against the arcade, Mega Drive, 32X, Saturn, PS2 and even the obscure smartphone version created for Sharp's Aquos line of handsets. The video also goes into some of the title's history and makes for fascinating viewing.
Virtua Racing is only available on the Japanese eShop at present, but the moment a western release is confirmed, we'll let you know. If you can't wait until then, why not check out our guide on how to purchase games from the Japanese digital store?
Comments 24
Want this and nice conversion...
I love this game. I hope that playing competitive online races lose the input lag when it releases in North America. I don't know if the input lag is crappy net code or the Japan only release(so far). Anyways, it's really fun in single player and split screen. The digital Foundry video reminded me of the PS2 version that I played years ago. I forgot it ran at 60 fps. Anyways, it looks great and has interesting looking tracks. I'd totally buy DLC if it included some of the tracks, cars, and music from the older home conversions. I'd be even happier if they'd release Sega Rally, Daytona, SCUD, and Outrun 2 for Switch!
They need to hurry up with the localization of these games. My goodness, we’ll die of old age waiting on these guys.
Has to be the best version of VR
Only downside is the lack of extra tracks compare to the extra ones the 32x,Saturn and PS2 had.
I hope M2 do more 3D Sega arcade games like this
Got this off the JP eShop, easy enough thanks to play asia. Really nice version of the game and it plays better than I remember due to the improved handling options.
2019 a remaster of Virtua Racing can happen on a console but Sonic 1&2 remaster are forever trapped to mobiles and now tainted with ads and new bugs from that awful Sega Forever thing. Bless M2 for their work here especially for maxing out the draw distance.
Awesome work!
The Sega ages lineup must continue growing (and coming to the west too)
I like when DF covers retro stuff. More than when they cover current gen games
Watching Mega Drive footage of VR makes me remember why I hated this game on MD back in the time.
Now I want it so bad on Switch!
John Linneman for planetary president 😁
M2 are god's of ports/emulation. Now I'm just waiting on that 'western release'.
So wait, a conversion of an early 90s arcade game is superior on switch compared to much older consoles?
Wow I'm shocked!
Been on my radar since they announced it. I only wish Nintendo had a team to do the same for Star Fox and Stunt Race FX.
@60frames-please There will be no lag within your own territory or there shouldnt be. i've already played friends online withing a 30 mile radius and had no issue whatsoever. When i played a friend in America though the lag was terrible. Give me Enduro racer online, Scud Racer, indy 500 and Le man 24hr
@USWITCH64 It isn't just a port, the entire game has been cleaned up. if it were a direct port it would look like all the others obviously.
it has increased framerate, draw distance and fidelity.
@SalvorHardin that's fine cuz sonic games are all hot trash
People talk about ports etc, irony is, this could be one of the better non cart switch racers and it's an antique port!
Because I wanted this game so bad, I made a new user, so I could download the game from the Japanese store. Boy, I regret that move....
Now my News on the Switch is in Japanese, very anoying. I deleted the user, and made a new user with my own country as region, but still. Almost all the news on my switch is Japanese. And I still can't play this game.
Awesome news, I had the Saturn version when it came out whilst at Uni and always felt the controls were a little off. Now if they could carry on this good work and remaster Daytona, Sega Rally, Touring Cars AND Manx TT that would be fantastic!
@60frames-please AMEN!!! I second your motion to remaster and port Daytona, SCUD Race, and Sega Rally.
Digital Foundry's videos are the best
@YANDMAN Cool, good to know. Yeah, those 4 racing games would be sweet on Switch!
@Racthet916 Yeah, right?! Imagine having online multiplayer for those games!
I don't have a Switch, but I would buy this if was on a platform I own. Not sure why SEGA went exclusive with these, PS3 / 360 got great M2 ports and had a great version of Daytona and VF2. I have the Saturn version still, not played it in an age though! SEGA have so many great games that had no proper home conversions at all...
I do have a 3DS, shame they never released the M2 version of Turbo OutRun outside Japan.
like people above already said, I Hope M2 team will continue to produce so many more conversions, like Sega Rally, Daytona, and Outrunner etc.. cause this VR version is such an amazing outcome!
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