Launch on Nintendo Switch 2

The Crew Motorfest has finally arrived on the Nintendo Switch 2, three years after its initial release on other platforms. The game is available since October 7, 2026, with several editions and an annual pass included.

Game Setting and Objective

Players assume the role of a driver arriving on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, to take part in an automobile festival called Motorfest. The goal is not only to win races but also to explore the island, collect vehicles, and progress through thematic playlists.

Vehicles and Diversity

The game includes over 700 vehicles divided into categories such as sports cars, muscle cars, rally, motorcycles, planes, and boats. This variety ensures a range of driving experiences and helps avoid monotony.

Game Structure and Play Style

The Crew Motorfest is built around a playlist structure, which functions like thematic campaigns. Each playlist includes races, timed challenges, and free activities, and players can explore the map and take on secondary challenges between playlists.

Driving Style and Controls

The game features an arcade-style driving system, far removed from the realism of Gran Turismo. Cars are forgiving, and collisions are rarely punishing, but higher difficulty levels introduce more challenges. Controls on the Joy-Con 2 are limited, but the game’s arcade nature makes them manageable.

Performance on Nintendo Switch 2

The game runs at 30 frames per second on both docked and portable modes, with a resolution of 1080p. Ubisoft prioritized stability over fluidity, which is necessary for an open world with fast vehicles.

Visual Quality and Technical Limitations

In TV mode, the visuals are generally convincing, with good lighting effects and short loading times. However, technical flaws like pop-in and less detailed textures are noticeable, especially when exploring the landscape.

Portable Mode Experience

In portable mode, the frame rate is less stable, and the image loses sharpness. While the game is still playable, the experience is significantly better on a larger screen.

Content and Replay Value

With three years of updates included, The Crew Motorfest offers a substantial amount of content. Players can spend dozens of hours completing playlists, challenges, and collecting vehicles, with additional islands included for free.

Online Multiplayer and Crossplay

Online multiplayer works well when playing with friends on the same platform, but crossplay is limited. Players cannot freely invite friends from other platforms, and a Friend Pass is not available on Switch 2.

Permanent Internet Connection

The game requires a permanent internet connection, even for single-player mode. This can be inconvenient for portable play, as any connection drop sends the player back to the main menu.

Cross-Platform Progress and Content

Cross-platform progress is functional, allowing players to retrieve their garage and progress from other platforms. However, premium content purchased elsewhere is not transferable, requiring re-purchase on Switch 2.

User Interface and Navigation

The game’s interface is cluttered and sometimes confusing, with chaotic menus and forced dialogues. Quick travel is not available everywhere from the start, requiring players to visit locations before accessing them instantly.

Soundtrack and Audio

The soundtrack is adequate, with music that fits the festival atmosphere and engine sounds that are convincing, especially for high-performance vehicles. However, some environmental sounds are generic.

Overall Evaluation

The Crew Motorfest on Nintendo Switch 2 is an ambitious and mostly successful adaptation. While it includes technical compromises and online constraints, it remains a solid choice for open-world racing enthusiasts with a Switch 2.