On Nintendo Switch, is WRC Generations worth it? Our test

You still don't have a gift idea for your nephew or niece who is a fan of rally ? WRC Generations could well save the day when it comes time to place a little gift under the tree on Sunday, December 25!

Our visit to the KT Racing premises in Paris last September gave us a glimpse of a beautiful final bouquet for the French development studio and the publisher Nacon. Indeed, the license centered on the world rally championship (WRC) was stolen for 2023 by the English from Codemasters, themselves bought by the giant Electronic Arts. But before seeing what our best enemies are capable of, let's see if the French have done honor to the sport dominated by Sébastien (Loeb et Ogier) for two decades.

ALSO READ > Our visit to the KT Racing studio

To vary from other tests focused on simracers' favorite platforms (PC), a copy of WRC Generations reached us on Nintendo Switch. Often considered the poor relation of the license, the portable console has benefited from specific work on the part of the developers. At least that's what we were promised during our visit. And it had better be true, since the previous game, WRC 10, was trashed for its outdated graphics and unintuitive button control.

In recent years, the Switch version has suffered from comparison with more powerful home consoles (PS5, Xbox Series). Nintendo owners can rest assured, WRC Generations on Switch does not give as much of a 'cheap' feeling compared to its counterparts. The graphics are more flattering to the eye, the cars are modeled extremely faithfully and the engine sounds have been reworked.

The physics of each vehicle is stunning. Extreme car enthusiasts will flock to Group Bs like the Peugeot 205 T16 or the Audi Quattro. Those nostalgic for the WRC will delight in the Subaru Impreza, Mitsubishi Lancer and other Peugeot 206. Every winning model of the Manufacturers' championship since the origin of the World Cup in 1973 is available, up to the Toyota Yaris 2021 and the Yaris hybrid 2022.

The hybrid Rally1s constitute one of the major new features of WRC Generations. Before each special start, a refined menu offers you the choice of three electric boost modes: at low and high revs or in a middle range. The Rally2 and Ford Fiesta Rally3 are also a joy to handle.

In terms of physics, the game is quite a success, it is flawless which will make you jubilant to complete a special without any damage. The console's sticks lack a little precision, but with a little practice, you'll benefit from every rally-typical counter-call. The quarry represents no surprises compared to previous versions. It is complete and long, although a little impersonal and repetitive due to the series of competitions.

Among the other modes available, split screen allows two people to play on the same stage. However, at the time of this test, no online multiplayer mode was offered, nor leagues or team creation. Is the postponement of the game on the virtual Nintendo eShop to December 23 a reason for this absence?

The ultimate WRC experience developed by @kylotonn_games you have arrived!

⚡️ Hybrid Cars
🌍 165 Special Stages
🏆 Leagues Fashion
🎨 Livery Catalog
🫂 Cross-platform
and more!#WRCGenerations is now available on PC & Consoles. pic.twitter.com/7XQZxIaRYz

— WRC The Official Games (@WRCTheGame) November 3, 2022

Another absence compared to other consoles, no livery proposed by gamers seems available for download on the livery editor, which is also very detailed and conducive to spending hours if you are creative.

A special feature of the Nintendo Switch, WRC Generations can be played in 'docked' mode, connected to a television in your living room, or in 'nomadic' mode, wherever you want. The interest of this version lies there.

The author of these lines discovered video games via the game Colin McRae Rally on Game Boy Color at the end of the 1990s. If simracing has grown and the "simulation" side of racing games has become popular lately, it is happy to see that casual or younger players are not forgotten by KT Racing.

The pleasure of playing WRC Generations in your room or on public transport is delicious, since you can clearly see the passion that drove the French developers on this video game production. A satisfaction that fully justifies the purchase for Christmas! In addition, the price remains reasonable (from 35 euros at certain Internet resellers).