The Crew Motorfest Is Coming to Nintendo Switch 2 — Here's Everything We Know

Digital and Physical Release Formats

Players will have two options at launch:

• Digital: A full digital download will be available via the Nintendo eShop .
• Physical (Game-Key Card): A physical edition will be sold, but it uses a Game-Key Card — a cheaper cartridge that contains a license key rather than the full game data. After inserting the card, players must download the game over the internet . This helps keep the physical price lower but means the card is effectively non-functional if Ubisoft's servers are ever shut down.

Who Leaked the Information and How Credible Is the Source?

The Switch 2 port was first reported by billbil_kun of Dealabs . Billbil_kun has a well-established track record of accurately leaking store listings, game prices, and release dates before official announcements. IGN described the leaker as "ever-reliable" , and Nintendo Life also flagged the report as credible . The leak was subsequently confirmed by Ubisoft through an official announcement .

Original Release History and Setting

The Crew Motorfest originally launched on September 14, 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S . Developed by Ivory Tower (a Ubisoft studio) , the game is set on the Hawaiian island of Oʻahu . It is an open-world arcade racing game often compared to the Forza Horizon series , and it launched to mostly positive reviews — IGN gave it a 7/10 and PushSquare an 8/10 .

What This Port Means for Ubisoft and Switch 2

This port carries several strategic signals:

• Major AAA third-party commitment: Ubisoft is treating Switch 2 as a viable platform for its bigger IPs, a step beyond the cloud-streaming or lower-effort ports often seen on the original Switch.
• Performance threshold confirmed: The game was absent from the original Switch, widely believed to be due to hardware limitations. Its arrival confirms Switch 2 has the horsepower to run a modern, large-scale open-world racer .
• Low-risk, high-volume strategy: Releasing a nearly-three-year-old game at a budget price ($49.99) on a Game-Key Card fills a gap for Nintendo fans who want a contemporary open-world racing alternative after Mario Kart World .
• Long-standing partnership extended: Ubisoft was one of the earliest and most consistent third-party supporters of the original Switch. This port extends that relationship into the next generation, making Ubisoft a key launch-window partner for Switch 2's broader library .

Important Caveat: Always-Online Requirement

As with the PC, PlayStation, and Xbox editions, The Crew Motorfest on Switch 2 requires a persistent internet connection to play . This is a critical consideration for a portable console, as the game cannot be played offline on the go.

Bottom Line

The Crew Motorfest arriving on Switch 2 is more than just a late port — it is a proof point for the console's capabilities and a sign that Ubisoft is betting on the platform. For Nintendo fans craving a modern open-world racer beyond Mario Kart, this October release offers the most complete alternative available, albeit with the caveat of a required online connection and a physical card that is, functionally, a download voucher.