It’s back. One of the fastest, most punishing, and most legendary racing games ever made has returned—and it’s better than ever. I’m talking about F-Zero GX. First released on the Nintendo GameCube in 2003, it has just launched on the Nintendo Switch 2 via Nintendo Switch Online. In this video, we’re diving into why it was such a big deal back then — and why, in 2025, it still might be the best sci-fi racer you can play today.

Let’s rewind to 2003. Nintendo, known for its colorful kart racers, decided to go all-in on speed, difficulty, and edge-of-your-seat racing. But they didn’t do it alone. F-Zero GX was co-developed with Sega’s Amusement Vision—the same team behind Super Monkey Ball. What came out of that collaboration was a game that pushed the GameCube to its absolute limits.

At the time, reviewers raved. GameSpot called it “an incredibly fast, highly challenging, and technically impressive racing game,” awarding it an 8.6 out of 10. IGN praised its “stunning visuals and silky-smooth 60 frames per second,” giving it a 9.2. Eurogamer highlighted its “blistering speed and razor-sharp controls,” noting that it was “a game that demands perfection.” Game Informer echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the game’s “intense challenge and rewarding gameplay.”

And it wasn’t just fast—it was brutal. Tracks like Phantom Road and Fire Field tested your reflexes to the extreme. There was no rubber banding. No easy mode. You either kept up… or you were gone.

What made GX special wasn’t just the speed—it was the soul. You could customize ships, dive deep into character lore, and unlock a ridiculous amount of content—including a full story mode. That’s right, a racing game with boss fights and cinematic cutscenes. It felt like F-Zero’s answer to Wipeout and Star Wars: Podracer, but cranked up with Nintendo polish and arcade-style aggression. Yet despite all this, the series went quiet for over 15 years. Fans begged for a revival. Rumors came and went. And now, in 2025, it’s finally back.

Thanks to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, F-Zero GX is now playable on modern hardware. It runs flawlessly at 60 FPS, just like it did in 2003 — but now in HD resolution and widescreen. No emulation hiccups. No lag. Just pure speed.

For newcomers, it’s an incredible introduction to what a ‘hardcore arcade racer’ can be. And for returning fans, it’s a love letter. The muscle memory comes back. The track layouts, the boost management, the brutal AI—it’s all still there. What’s changed is how accessible it is. No need to track down a GameCube or an expensive disc. It’s right there in your Switch Online library.

Playing F-Zero GX in 2025 feels like uncovering a lost relic of gaming excellence. In an age of open-world bloat and auto-drive racers, GX is a slap in the face—in the best way. This game is the Elden Ring of racers. You will crash. You will get frustrated. And when you finally win a Master Cup without falling off the track, it’s pure catharsis.

And it’s not just about nostalgia. The game still looks fantastic. The style holds up. The track design is imaginative, the physics still feel tight, and the sense of speed? Nothing else compares.

F-Zero GX is more than just a GameCube classic. It’s a challenge. A statement. Proof that great game design doesn’t age—it only gets more impressive with time. If you’ve never played it, there’s no better time. And if you have? Get ready to feel the rush all over again.

Thanks for watching. If you enjoyed this review, subscribe, and let me know in the comments — who’s your main racer?