Mobile racing franchise Asphalt is speeding onto a Nintendo Switch near you this summer, with a new port of Asphalt 9: Legends.
The series has appeared exclusively on smartphones and PC for the last few years, with earlier editions making it to the Nintendo DS around a decade ago. Its return to a Nintendo platform comes thanks to the series' developer and publisher Gameloft, the studio which also recently brought Modern Combat Blackout over to Switch.
The Switch version of Asphalt 9: Legends will introduce local split-screen multiplayer (up to four players) and a brand new Quick Race mode which is playable offline and online (up to eight players). You can make use of either your Joy-Con, Pro Controller, gyro controls, touchscreen controls, or what Gameloft describes as the 'innovative Touchdrive', a "fresh approach to driving controls that adds a layer of strategic decision".
This is a free-to-download title, and as such, a Nintendo Switch Online account won't be needed to play online. Gameloft promises that while microtransactions exist within the game, players will "be able to enjoy the game and unlock all content without making an in-game purchase". An 'Asphalt 9: Legends Starting Racer Pack' will be available at launch which offers supercars and resources to boost your progress right from the off.
Will you be giving this one a go this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Comments 49
Better be free, it was free on mobile.
Still, I may try it since it's free.
Looks fun to me, I'll try it for free.
I have been waiting for this! Since EA continues to ignore the possibilities of Burnout on the Switch, I will be snapping this up day 1.
Yeah sure why not!
I got half way through the title of the article and was like “Man, the only way I’d dare even to try this game is if it were.... oh, it’s free. Well, ok then. Might give it a go.”
Day one download no question! Though I'm sure progression will be a pain at times I'm sure it'll be a good palette cleanser for 5 or 10 minutes in between playing bigger games. Looking forward to it,
Yes it's a mobile game but it's one Digital Foundry already cover and put their stamp of approval on it in regards to visuals and performance so I hope the Switch version runs just as good. Definitely picking this one up no doubt.
Sure why not I'll be downloading it.
Day 1 if i can remember to
Long live Asphalt 4 on DSi!
It's as "free" as mobile games tend to be but it'll keep us busy until a proper racer makes it's way to the Switch
Oh wow!!, Really it's a great news, I've waited for "this type" racing game in Switch, and even that I played a bit this game on Smartphones, from what I see, the Switch will have some new things (of course, in addition to the local multiplayer); I hope that Gameloft has learned the lesson, the last Alphalts in console were not 100% great, many bugs ...
A free local splitscreen racer? Yes please! Even if there's only 2 cars to choose from.
I remember looking at Xbox360 racers and there not being splitscreen. And it seems to be a common trend.
I was speechless.
This looks like fun, I'm getting "Rush" vibes from that trailer- sign me up
Hey! I like free! Tis a download for me
Has it got any solo player content?
I’ll give it a go... car racers is an area the switch is lacking
If I'm not mistaken you don't even accelerate or steer in this game, it's an auto runner. So don't get your hopes up, great graphics, burnout feel, but such a waste of a game....
Great game, especially for free. Plays great on iPhone. This will be an automatic download.
If I could I would rather pay €10 for a full game.
But it is fun anyhow, but heavy my phone can't handle it but it runs flawlessly on my 6 year old notebook.
My only experience with the series is Asphalt 3D for the 3DS, and lemme tell ya... I got it for five bucks, and still felt like I paid too much. I'll try this one, though
Frak YES!!! So happy this game is coming over to Switch!
Nice, we`ll see whats in free package
@nmanifold
In the options of this game, you have driving options, which includes using a button to accelerate instead of auto-acceleration; however, in this game it includes a "very rare" option, auto acceleration + auto direction (called TouchDrive), that is, you choose the direction to turn in a deviation; but of course this is an "option", I repeat, you can choose the classic way to use buttons for everything.
Good to see the franchise return to Nintendo hardware.
Game looks quite nice and is free, so I'll try it out.
I have heard that the mobile version of the game is aggressive when it comes to paywall timers, so if there is anything that will halt my enjoyment, it's that.
Rather use my phone's battery life for my HULU subscription than play this.
Same goes on Switch.
Thank god for offline mode being added. The mobile version requires internet to play.
For free I'm game to try.
I'll get it lol
Sounds good, too bad its mtx based.
I enjoyed the one on DS, flying off ramps! Even if it was a bit rubbish lol
@SakuraHaruka Ah ok that's good news! It went straight to 'autodrive' controls when I played it on my android phone and I haven't played it since.
Freaking finally! I have been waiting for something like this to come to the Switch. I was hoping for Asphalt airborne, but this is even better! Now I can drop my Tablet for gaming for good.
Nice I get a free good quality car racing game. Now where’s my PUBG/Free Fire? I want them so bad on my switch
I'll try anything for free! Doubt it will be good but we shall see.
If it's free, I may try it and keep it for a casual race here and there. I have Asphalt 3D on 3DS, so hopefully it should be fun as that game was for me.
Asphalt 4 is one of my favorite DS games, played it a ton back in summer 2009, I believe it was. I'll be downloading this for sure. Good to see Gameloft bringing more to the Switch.
Good on you gameloft! good on you!.
This is probably 1 of the best business decisions @gameloft has ever made. This may be the most downloaded racing game on switch, especially with it being Free-to-play & no NSO account needed for Online Multiplayer. Niceeeeee
will it be offline?
This looks real cool! I've bene looking for a race game after mario karr 8 and this looks like it will scratch the itch 😊
I've enjoyed a few of the older games I'll give it a chance.
I get it yeah free.
Yay, another shovelware mobile phone port. Well, at least it's free and actually seems of good quality.
Doesn't look bad. Will give it a go
I've played it on mobile for quite a while. It's pretty fun, but it gets to the point where there's no way to complete some of the challenges fast enough unless you dump alot of money. It is free, but it gets pretty grindy unless you're willing to spend. Just like most mobile games I guess.
Well it sure looks better than Xenon Racer.
@EpicGamenator yes it will be
I got really into Asphalt 8 when I first got a smartphone, so it's cool this is coming over. Might have to try the series again.
@nmanifold no. U can steer manually if u turn off touchdrive. Then its normal racing game. I like automatic acceleration coz I dont like to hold one button for such a long time as races takes time.
Yes!! This is my jam!!
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