Key Highlights:
- Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed launched for Nintendo 3DS in Europe on 7 February digitally and 8 February physically.
- The North American release followed on 12 February 2013.
- The handheld version retained transforming vehicles, more than 20 tracks and multiplayer for up to eight players.
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed expanded onto Nintendo 3DS in February 2013, bringing Sumo Digital’s land, sea and air racing to Nintendo’s handheld after earlier releases on home consoles and PlayStation Vita.
European players received the downloadable 3DS version on 7 February 2013, with the physical Game Card following on 8 February. The North American version launched several days later on 12 February. Nintendo listed both the European physical and digital releases separately, while contemporary US coverage confirms the 12 February launch there.
The 3DS edition retained the central transforming mechanic, with vehicles switching between cars, boats and aircraft as courses moved across land, water and air. It also featured 22 playable Sega characters, more than 20 tracks and arenas, StreetPass functionality and multiplayer supporting up to eight players through multi-card or single-card play.
A limited Bonus Edition was also released with additional content including Metal Sonic and his transforming vehicle, the OutRun Bay course, extra challenges and a Mod Pack. The bonus content was supplied through codes included with the first run of physical copies.
Despite the hardware difference, the 3DS version retained the racers, tracks and track layouts found in the console editions. The final port was less successful technically, however, with contemporary reviews highlighting reduced visual quality and frame-rate problems compared with the home-console versions.
