Switch 2's 2025 saw three exclusive arcade racing games; Mario Kart World, Kirby Air Riders, and Fast Fusion.

For those who played them, which do you consider to be the best, and why?

As much as I love Air Riders, this easily goes to MKWorld. The depth in this game’s technique and course design places it firmly as one of the best MarioKart entries. In addition to the music, unique spin on Mario aesthetics, and how there are almost no courses that are short of unreasonably polished, MarioKart World is one of the greatest multiplayer games I’ve ever experienced.

Forza Horizon

I thought Mario Kart World was great fun while I was playing it. The people who didn't like it, it felt like they were either wanting Mario Kart to stay the same and never change, or they were taking it too seriously. Mario Kart was never a serious franchise. It's not freakin' Gran Turismo. It's not suppose to matter if you win or lose (how could it with something as cheap as blue shells?). It's suppose to be mindless fun, and that's what MKW is... to a T.

I haven't played the other two, but Fast Fusion is a no-go, anyway. No physical option, you might as well not be a game.

Having said all that, my favorite arcade racer this year is the same arcade racer that was my favorite in 1992: SMK. Just played it last night with a friend and we had a blast. Game never gets old for me.

I honestly haven't had enough time with both MKW and Kirby Air Riders to determine ultimately my favorite.
But I'd say my first impression of Air Riders is even more positive than I expected it to be(despite not being good lol).
So maybe it is a bit of a recency bias but I see myself returning to Air Riders definitely more often for now.

Have you played Fast Fusion?

I actually lean towards that one myself, as while I do love Mario Kart World, Fast really scratches that F-Zero itch in a way that nothing really has since that series went dormant.

I tried Fast Fusion… I did not like that game. Like at all. IDK it felt really unpolished. :/ Maybe I’ll have to give it another shot one day.

I do know what Fast Fusion and the series is considering it's notoriety during the WiiU era and the likeness in gameplay to F-Zero.
Sadly, I haven't had the time to try many new things but I'm sure I'd at least appreciate what that game is going for. Can't say if I'd be much into a speedier racer ...

While I don't think MKW is as good as MK8. I'd still put it above fast fusion. Their both fine games though. Not played Kirby.