Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown gets fresh delay, Switch version possibly cancelled

Nacon revealed a host of new Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown details during a live stream on Wednesday.

First, the publisher confirmed recent reports that the game has suffered another delay.

Announced in 2020, the third game in Test Drive’s open world Unlimited sub-series was originally due to be released in September 2022 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.

However, Nacon announced last May that the game had been delayed to 2023 and that the PS4 and Xbox One versions had been cancelled.

The game will now be released in early 2024 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. While the Switch logo is still present on the game’s website, mention of Nintendo‘s console was conspicuously absent from a press release distributed to accompany today’s live stream.

“Prepare to live the Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown experience on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC,” it said.

VGC contacted Nacon last week about a potential delay and to confirm the game’s target platforms but didn’t receive a response. We’ve also asked Nacon today about the status of the Switch version.

In more positive news, it has been announced that the game’s first closed beta will take place on July 24 and last for three days. Players hoping to participate can sign up to the Test Drive newsletter for a chance to do so.

Today’s presentation, which is viewable above, also revealed the first Solar Crown gameplay.

Alain Jarniou, creative director of development studio KT Racing, started the demo by showing how players begin new games in the Solar Hotel, where they have their own rooms, can view their progression, and can meet up with and group with other players.

He was then joined by fellow developers including associate producer Camille Courtier and lead game designer Guillaume Guinet, as well as several content creators, to demonstrate some racing and social features.

According to Nacon, Solar Crown is “an open world driving and lifestyle experience taking place in Hong Kong Island, built at 1:1 scale.”

It adds: “The brand new Test Drive Unlimited keeps the DNA from the first games, and revamps it for the modern era. You have the freedom to progress however you like, the classic open championship concept returns too. Live your best life. Race, cruise, and hang out with your friends until the sun goes down and even after!”

The game includes over 100 licensed prestige car brands, according to Nacon.