REVIEW: Assoluto Racing (2026 Video Game) - on Nintendo Switch

Review by Jon Donnis

The famous mobile racing simulator finally arrives on Nintendo Switch, bringing with it over nine years of development, more than 35 million downloads, a huge selection of licensed cars and the ability to continue your progress across platforms. Assoluto Racing has built a strong reputation on mobile as a more serious driving experience compared to many arcade-style racers, and the Switch release gives players a new way to experience the game with proper physical controls.

The biggest improvement is immediately obvious. Playing Assoluto Racing with a controller feels significantly better than using the touchscreen controls on mobile. Racing games rely heavily on precision, and having analogue sticks and physical buttons makes controlling cars much more natural. Steering feels more responsive, braking is easier to manage and the overall experience feels closer to what players expect from a console racing game.

The Switch version also benefits from being portable. On the standard Nintendo Switch it provides a more traditional console experience, while the game also works well on the Switch Lite. Being able to take a racing simulator like this on the go is a major advantage, especially for players who enjoy shorter races without needing to sit at a television.

Performance is generally stable during races, with the game handling the action well. Online multiplayer also works effectively, allowing players to compete against others across platforms. The inclusion of cross-play and cross-save is one of the strongest features of the release. Being able to connect your mobile account and continue your garage progression on Switch is a welcome addition, especially for long-term players who have already invested time into building up their collection.

The Switch version also attempts to justify its price with additional value. While the original mobile version is free, the Nintendo Switch release includes extra cars and in-game currency. When comparing the included resources to what the same amount would cost through mobile purchases, the Switch version actually provides a sizeable starter package. A reasonable estimate is that buying roughly equivalent resources on mobile could cost somewhere around £30 to £50, potentially more depending on how lucky you are with certain car draws. This means the Switch version is not simply charging players for a basic port, it does provide a substantial amount of content from the start.

However, this is where some of the biggest problems with Assoluto Racing appear. Despite being released as a paid Nintendo Switch game, it still feels very much like a mobile title that has been moved onto another platform rather than a game specifically designed for Switch.

The user interface is the clearest example. The menus are obviously built around touchscreen controls, yet the Switch version does not support touchscreen input. Instead, players have to navigate with a cursor, which feels slow and awkward. There is an option to quickly move the cursor to the next selectable area, but it is not always accurate, meaning players will often find themselves manually moving around menus in a much slower way than should be necessary.

The presentation also feels behind the times. For a Nintendo Switch release arriving in 2026, the graphics are underwhelming. The cars themselves are recognisable and the tracks are functional, but the overall visual quality does not feel like a modern console racing game. The engine sounds are another weak point, with many vehicles producing fairly generic audio that lacks the character and realism expected from a serious racing simulator.

Another issue is that outside of the additional cars and currency, there is very little that separates the Switch release from the mobile version. There are no major upgrades or features that make it feel like a completely new experience. This is still the same Assoluto Racing players have known for years, simply adapted for a new platform.

The biggest concern for some console players will be the monetisation. Assoluto Racing uses gacha mechanics, where certain rewards and vehicles can be obtained through random paid draws. This system is common in mobile games, but it feels less comfortable in a paid console release. Players have already paid £16.99 for the game, so being faced with heavy monetisation systems afterwards may leave some feeling that the experience is still designed around mobile spending habits.

Ultimately, Assoluto Racing on Nintendo Switch is a difficult game to judge. As a racing game, it is genuinely enjoyable. The driving feels good, the car selection is impressive, the online features work well and the ability to carry progress between mobile and Switch is excellent.

However, the question is whether it offers enough to justify buying it if you already own the mobile version. For existing players who have spent years building their garage, there is little reason to purchase the Switch version unless they specifically want a bigger screen and controller support. Even then, the older visuals may make the upgrade feel less impressive than expected.

For newcomers, however, Assoluto Racing is one of the better driving games available on Nintendo Switch. It offers a more serious racing experience than many arcade racers and provides plenty of content straight away. The gacha mechanics and mobile-style monetisation may put some console players off, especially after paying an upfront price, but if you can accept those systems, there is a lot to enjoy.

Assoluto Racing is a great racing game that has finally found its way onto Nintendo Switch. It is not a perfect port, and it sometimes feels like a mobile game wearing a console jacket, but the strong driving model, large car collection and excellent cross-platform features make it a worthwhile addition for the right audience.

Looking at Assoluto Racing purely as a standalone Nintendo Switch game, it earns a fair score of 8 out of 10

Available at https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/Assoluto-Racing-3131589.html

Currently on offer, £13.99(-17%) until 13/08/2026

REVIEW: Monopoly: Star Wars™ Heroes vs. Villains (2026 Video Game) on PlayStation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs Villains is one of those games that is likely to divide opinion before players even reach the first match. The reason is simple. Despite carrying the Monopoly name, this is not a traditional digital version of the famous board game. Anyone expecting classic Monopoly with a Star Wars coat of paint is likely to be surprised by just how different this experience actually is.

Instead of focusing on buying properties, collecting rent and driving opponents into bankruptcy, Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs Villains takes a team-based approach. Players join forces in competitive 2v2 and 3v3 matches, selecting characters from across the Star Wars universe and using their unique abilities to gain the upper hand. Battles, changing property ownership and dynamic events all play a major role, creating a game that feels very different from what the Monopoly name would normally suggest.

For Star Wars fans, there is plenty to enjoy. The presentation is excellent throughout. The graphics are fantastic, with characters and locations looking great, while the sound effects and voice overs feel accurate to the licence. The game does a good job of capturing the atmosphere of Star Wars, helping to make the matches feel more engaging.

The large number of unlockables also adds some extra motivation to keep playing. There is always something new to work towards, which helps give the game a sense of progression beyond simply winning matches. Another welcome feature is the ability to choose the length of games. This allows players to tailor the experience to the amount of time they have available, making it possible to enjoy shorter sessions rather than being locked into a lengthy gaming marathon.

Where Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs Villains performs best is when it is played with other people in the same room. Local multiplayer is clearly where the game shines. Having friends or family gathered around creates a far more entertaining experience than playing alone, and the team-based gameplay feels designed with this sort of setting in mind.

Unfortunately, the game becomes less impressive when there are no human players involved. Single-player matches against AI opponents are simply not much fun. A lot of time is spent waiting for computer-controlled players to take their turns, and while there are some options to skip parts of their actions, they only go so far. The result is a mode that often feels slow and lacks the energy that makes multiplayer enjoyable.

There are also some limitations that may disappoint certain players. The absence of a 1 vs 1 mode feels like a missed opportunity, especially for those who prefer direct competition. Online multiplayer is available, but PlayStation users will need an active PlayStation Plus subscription to access it, creating an additional barrier for anyone planning to play primarily online.

The menus are another weak point. Setting up games and selecting players can be more confusing than it should be. The layout is not always clear, and navigating through the options can feel unnecessarily awkward.

The biggest issue facing Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs Villains is expectation. Many players will approach the game expecting Monopoly with Star Wars characters and locations. That is not what they are getting here. This is a reimagined version of Monopoly that takes the basic idea and builds something very different around it. Players who specifically want a faithful Monopoly experience may well come away disappointed.

On the other hand, players looking for a fresh take on the formula, particularly those who enjoy Star Wars and regularly play with friends, may find a lot to like. The strong presentation, unlockable content and flexible game lengths all work in its favour, while the multiplayer-focused design delivers its best moments when real people are involved.

This is ultimately a difficult game to score because so much depends on what the player wants going in. Fans of classic Monopoly may struggle with the changes, while Star Wars fans looking for a social multiplayer experience are likely to have a better time. It is certainly not a game built around single-player content, and the requirement for PlayStation Plus for online play will not appeal to everyone.

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs Villains succeeds more as a Star Wars party game than as a Monopoly game. If you understand that before you start, there is fun to be found. If you are hoping for traditional Monopoly, you may want to look elsewhere.

Score: 7 out of 10.

Out Now on PlayStation 5

https://amzn.to/3QT7Mzg