NASCAR games have been notably absent on Nintendo consoles for almost a decade. We last saw it with Activision's NASCAR Unleashed on the Wii and 3DS. Publishing rights have changed hands multiple times but Motorsport Games' recent series, NASCAR Heat, has been excluded from Nintendo platforms.
That's about to change, however, as its has now confirmed NASCAR will arrive on Switch later this year. Speaking about this with Motorsport.com, Motorsport Games CEO Dmitry Kozko teased the news within a brief statement:
In 2021, we plan to release a couple of more games and expand our platforms. One thing that we’re actively working on is bringing NASCAR to the Nintendo Switch platform. That’s going to be the first time on Nintendo Switch. We’re excited about that, especially the fact that that tends to reach a younger demographic. So both us and NASCAR are excited about that move.
Just what form this will take is currently unknown, but we can likely rule out this project being NASCAR Heat 6. Dimitry Kozko has previously confirmed NASCAR Heat will be rebranded as part of Motorsport Games' restructuring plans.
That statement ties into comments made by Motorsport Games' creative director, Paul Coleman. Speaking last year before Heat 5's release, he advised that "legacy aspects" of the game's engine stopped them adding big features for their latest entry. As such, NASCAR games are now looking at a full overhaul.
How Nintendo factor into their plans remains to be seen, but we'll keep you updated as we find out more.
Are you a NASCAR fan? Prefer to watch Formula 1? Let us know below.
[source gamerant.com, via motorsport.com]
Comments 35
looks o.k, this is giving me Daytona USA vibes.
Nyooooooom. I wish we got an F1 game instead.
never played one of them (And I don't think I do) but cheers for the people who wanted this on the switch (If there even were any)
They sure are funny looking F1 cars.
I have to pretend to like NASCAR for my job. **** if I have anything to do with it in my spare time.
Oddly enough I was just discussing with someone else a Nascar PC port we both played in the 90's. I am not really a Nascar fan and spent a lot of time at the races for a contract position I had and it really did not change my perspective. I would have really preferred an F1 game
The more games, the merrier.
The more, the merrier.
Lovely!!!! NASCAR on PSP is one of my fave portable driving titles. Just found the two dirt/sprint racing games on switch and they have filled a little void but a proper NASCAR game - yes please. Hopefully will not be a stripped back one series deal on switch. Gimme trucks and also the dirt series too please. Now give me a decent American football game. Slowly filling the voids in the basic games I like to have on any console to dip in and out of.
aaaaaaaaaand another left turn
This is good news for the NASCAR lovers but I'd definitely like to see some F-1 love on the Switch.
Can't wait to play Turn Left Simulator.
The only Nascar game I want is a new Daytona USA where you play as Ricky Bobby
Definitely give me that arcade Daytona USA vide, may check it out if it ever gets decent reviews.
Wasn’t really a fan of NASCAR till I saw a bunch of rednecks stand up for a black friend. I’ve been looking for a racy car vroom game for my switch anyway...
Oh yeah, the courses are just circles huh...aaand meh
Down for everything AA and AAA racing related.
Nascar games can be fun. Tracks may not have much in the way of corners, but there are so many cars that it's usually them that you're steering around. F1 games are usually too technical for me. I like racing where you can bump the other cars here and there. In F1 you bump a car and need to pit for new suspension and a new wing!
A complete turn around from the Wii U. Nintendo has bounced back flawlessly this generation in regards to 3rd party support.
Yes mate can't wait for this I'm a rare British fan of NASCAR. Just hope it gets a nice physical copy.
I don't really fit the profile, but I have been a NASCAR fan at different points(I stopped watching for a bit mostly due to lack of time) including recent years. And I have an appreciation for oval racing in general. On the surface, it appears that it's just turning left, but there's a lot of nuance to it and there's a lot more focus on racing among other cars than in a lot of road racing which has its own character and nuance. Good to see people who like this style of racing have the option to do so and I hope it runs well.
So I may play this because I want more Simulation Racing games on the Switch. Not a big NASCAR fan though. I would really appreciate a Forza or Gran Turismo caliber racing sim on the Switch.
@Brummieendo90 ditto mate. Uk based fan. Not always been easy for us to enjoy these games.
If only we still had Papyrus, and hey maybe someday some Publisher will rein a F1 game on us, but just don't hold your breath since Codesh*tters is no more..https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/14/22173732/ea-codemasters-buyout-agreed-price-need-for-speed-dirt, and they are the ONLY ones that have the rights to the F1 games and any other "decent" driving/racing games for consoles atm...Oh and just who do WE have to thank for all of this yeah, that'd be the above "entitled" company...so the more you buy the more they buy.. I've NOT and will NOT EVER buy any EA games, for the past 15 or so years, and that's how you fix that problem.. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papyrus_Design_Group
The NASCAR game by Papyrus was one of my favorite games as a kid. It was My FIRST online game. It only allowed me and one friend to play online. It was so fun. Now it seems so common, but back in the 90's, this was the FUTURE!
I'm not into NASCAR however I'm all for the Switch getting as much deserved (and very often overlooked) attention. But I do sure hope its proper attention and NOT a complete mess of a port.
As a massive nascar fan, this will be a bit rubbish. I have it for the ps4 and it not great in terms of performance so the switch will struggle unless there is a pro model out by then. Get project cars 2, gran turismo 5 or iRacing for a decent nascar experience. Also this game needs a wheel and I don't think that budget mario one will do it.
Looks kinda good, but I hope it works with the Labo wheel and pedal.
Big fan of NASCAR! I really hope it's 60FPS! Compromise the visuals I don't care.
Doesn't look very realistic. None of the cars have faces. In this day and age you'd expect more.
Ive massively fallen back in love with racing games since getting on PS5, have played a bit of Heat 5, and wanted to manage expectations for those getting Daytona Vibes (Its ok, I know; I miss Daytona too...). Unfortunately this is definitely not that. This is more sim than arcade (you can set downforce on a per corner basis ffs lol). Nascar Setting aside it has more in common with Assetto Corsa than it does Daytona and drives as such. Try lock to lock drifting round corners in this game and your just going to the back of the pack.
@apoqalypse
You beat me to it!
@KoRn1619 I want both... although you say you like F1 games well there would actually be a bunch of road courses in this game.
Don’t like NASCAR but strangely enough I find myself wanting to play it in the Switch...
It won’t be called “nascar heat 6”. They’ve already said that Heat 5 will be the last for the name of that franchise. It will be a new name altogether!
I’m excited to play NASCAR on a NINTENDO Console again! Although I do have an Xbox Series S, I’m more excited to play NASCAR on my Nintendo Switch!
@Stocksy I agree! EA are a huge joke for not putting Madden on Nintendo Switch!
Tap here to load 35 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...