Fast Fusion Switch 2 Review

Fast Fusion Switch 2 Review
Version Reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2

When the original Switch launched back in 2017, Fast RMX was one of its first hidden gems… a futuristic racer that filled the F-Zero-shaped hole in the launch lineup. Developed by Shin’en, it was sleek, fast, and interesting thanks to its colour-phase boost system. It wasn’t a huge AAA title, but it earned its spot in the starting grid with its excellent production value. Now, history is repeating itself as its spiritual successor, Fast Fusion, is here for the Switch 2 launch, and once again, Shin’en aims to deliver a racing game that deserves to be on the podium with the platform’s biggest titles. What’s it Like? Strap in, start your engines, and prepare to jump as we review Fast Fusion for Nintendo Switch 2.

Evolved at Full Throttle

While Fast RMX laid the groundwork, Fast Fusion feels like the next-level version Shin’en always wanted to make. It’s faster, more aggressive, and much more dynamic, and what starts as a familiar high-speed affair quickly grows into a layered racer where precision and risk-taking go hand in hand. The core phase-shifting mechanic is still the heart of the game, matching your ship’s colour to boost pads on the track, but Fusion adds two major features that shake things up. First is the jump button, which opens up all kinds of possibilities like dodging hazards, leaping to shortcuts, or even attempting to crush an opponent, and, tracks are designed around it too, with branching paths and hidden routes that reward daring players. One lava level caught me off guard when the AI outpaced me with a clever shortcut, so on the next lap, I found it, and there was a genuine thrill in that small discovery. The AI doesn’t pull its punches, as opponents boost aggressively, and even wipe out on occasion, adding a bit of chaos to each race. It always feels fair, though, with just the right level of challenge to keep you locked in.

The second addition is the fusion system, which lets you merge two of your unlocked craft to create something new. Each racer has stats for speed, boost, and weight, and blending two together lets you balance or amplify specific traits. It’s simple to understand but offers a fun bit of experimentation, especially as each fusion creates a unique visual design. It’s a feature that feels like it’s got room to grow in future entries, and I really enjoyed making all sorts of racers.

There’s also a challenging new Super Hero mode, where your boost meter acts as your shield, and jumping drains that same resource. Combined with permadeath and no room for error, it creates a completely different racing rhythm, more about survival than speed. It’s going to test your mettle, and a great twist for veterans. If there’s one misstep in the design, it’s the currency system. Credits are used to buy new vehicles and unlock new cups, which sometimes forces you to grind the same championship just to progress. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does undercut the pacing a little, especially when the rest of the game feels built for forward momentum.

Fast, Flexible, and Flawless

Fast Fusion isn’t just fast, it’s polished to near perfection. Shin’en has pushed the Switch 2 hard here, offering a rare level of visual flexibility at launch. In docked mode, players can choose from four different graphics options:

Performance Mode: 1080p at a flawless 60fps
Balanced Mode: 1440p with extra effects
Quality Mode: 4K resolution with advanced shadows, still running at 60fps
Ultra Mode: 4K with all visual bells and whistles, locked at 30fps

For a game that thrives on speed and reflexes, Quality Mode hits the perfect balance, delivering visual fidelity without sacrificing performance. Dropping below 60 frames feels like a crime in a racer this intense, and thankfully, you don’t have to. In handheld, the game scales back slightly but still offers two visual options, keeping things sharp and fluid even on the go. Across all modes, Fast Fusion impresses with sharp detail, crisp effects, and vibrant, varied track environments that pop with colour and motion from neon cities to molten caverns, the track design looks incredible. Everything is detailed and stylised to feel futuristic without becoming visually noisy. Tying it all together is a pounding electronica score that keeps the adrenaline flowing. It’s futuristic, fast-paced, and perfectly tuned to the feel of each race. Boosts, crashes, and near misses all land with impact thanks to punchy audio design that keeps you in the zone from start to finish.

While Fast Fusion doesn’t offer online matchmaking, it more than makes up for it with robust local multiplayer options. You can race with up to four players in split-screen mode, which runs smoothly without any noticeable drops in frame rate. The new GameShare feature also lets you share the experience with friends in person, making it a great pick for gatherings or family game nights. For my racers looking into accessibility options, there are none to speak of, so I recommend further research to find out if Fast Fusion is for you. At $20 AUD, Fast Fusion offers excellent value. It’s a polished, fast-paced racer packed with enough content and features, especially the fusion mechanic, to keep things fresh and engaging. Racing friends add an extra layer of replayability, and I fully expect this to be a title I’ll return to throughout the Switch 2’s lifespan.

Final Lap

Fast Fusion deserves its place on the podium for the Switch 2’s launch lineup. With blistering speed, smart new mechanics, and a level of polish that showcases the hardware’s capabilities, it’s well deserving of any racing fans attention. It may lack online multiplayer, but the local multiplayer and fusion system add plenty of depth and replay value for solo players and groups alike. If you loved Fast RMX or you’re just hungry for a futuristic racer that demands skill and rewards it, Fast Fusion is a must-have, as Shin’en has delivered a game that’s fast, fierce, and fun.

So, What’s it Like? Fast Fusion is like Wipeout crossed with F-Zero

Fast Fusion is a What’s it Like certified exceptional game. In the interest of full disclosure, a review copy was provided by the publisher, but this doesn’t influence my score.

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