SEGA announces the latest free update for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, by presenting AiAi from the Super Monkey Ball as a playable character. This update is available starting February 12, 2026, and will be followed by a limited collaboration event titled Super Monkey Ball Festival starting February 13.
For those of you who are considering buying the game, SEGA is also running a limited-time 40% discount promo via PlayStation™Store as part of the SEGA Year of the Horse sale.
Free update: AiAi arrives as a new racer in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
In this free update, AiAi officially joins the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds with his signature vehicle, the Banana Cruiser. She doesn't come alone, as SEGA has also included additional content from the Super Monkey Ball series, including four Super Monkey Ball-themed tracks that enrich the variety of race courses.
In terms of audio, this update also brings new music packs that you can utilize through the Jukebox feature to set songs as background music during races. The songs mentioned by SEGA are also quite interesting, including: “Race”, then “Menu Theme” and “Jingle from Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble” which are exclusively available for the Jukebox, as well as “Banana Farm”.
Super Monkey Ball Festival starts February 13
After the AiAi update is released, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will hold the Super Monkey Ball Festival collaboration event starting February 13. In this event, you'll be asked to choose one of three teams and compete for the highest points.
Interestingly, each race brings different challenges, such as pursuing the highest number of Touch Boosts or completing other special objectives. Event points are collected in the form of Festival Points and can be exchanged for exclusive cosmetic items.
For those interested in joining this event, save the date! February 13, 2026, 08:00 - February 16, 2026, 07:59 (UTC+8)
Those who participate in the event will also have the opportunity to get exclusive prizes, such as new decals, horns, and other in-game items that are no less interesting. However, you need to note that when you delete the save data, the festival rewards that you have collected will automatically be deleted and cannot be claimed again.
40% and Digital Deluxe Edition Discount and Login Bonus
Alongside the update and collaboration series, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is currently 40% discounted on PlayStation™Store through SEGA's promo event. For those interested, you can check the link: SEGA Year of the Horse sale
In addition to the discount, SEGA also announced a bonus item in the form of a free Shadow (Sakura) decal for players who run the game during a certain period. This promo is said to be valid on all platforms, provided you need an internet connection to claim it from the main menu.
If you don't want to miss out on the bonus, save the date for anyone who plays between February 13 and February 27 will receive a free decal. How exciting right?
Free demo available on many platforms (support transfer save)
But, if you don't have the game yet and are still hesitant to buy the game, rest assured that there are free demos on several platforms: PlayStation®5, Nintendo Switch™, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and Epic Games. In this demo, you can try it out:
- Machine Customization
- Installing various Gadgets
- Test it in Grand Prix or Time Trial mode
Interestingly, SEGA allows players to transfer save data from the demo to the full game after purchasing the game. So, don't worry about losing progress!
Overall, AiAi's free update is a pretty solid addition to Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, as it not only adds new characters, but also expands the variety of tracks and music options that you can customize.
Meanwhile, for those of you who still don't have the game, feel free to take advantage of the 40% discount and free demo with the transfer save feature, just adjust it to the platform you use and your playing time. Interested?
