[Interview] Shin’en on the making its Nintendo Switch 2 launch exclusive Fast Fusion

History seems to be repeating itself as Shin’en is returning for the launch of a Nintendo console with a new racing game. Back in 2017, Fast RMX came to Nintendo Switch. The studio is now preparing for the imminent debut of Fast Fusion on Nintendo Switch 2.

To learn more about the game – including the new fusion mechanic – and the project’s development, we spoke with Shin’en CEO Manfred Linzner. You can read our full discussion below.

How long has this game been in development? At what point did Shin’en decide to launch it as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive?

The game itself is in development since 2024, but the tech for it is in development since 2020. Before The Touryst we only had Nintendo exclusive games. It is the exception rather than the rule to release on other platforms.

Just like with the current Nintendo Switch, you’re back for the launch of the console’s successor with a new Fast game. What made Shin’en want to revisit the series for a new entry?

We always play around with new ideas for upcoming games. When we feel we found something really exciting then we go for it. One day we had the idea of the ‘fusion’ mechanic. This means smashing two vehicles together to create a hybrid of both. That idea felt quite strong. We created a prototype and played around with. We were amazed how cool the new vehicles looked and felt. So we decided for a new Fast game, because wanted to play that by ourselves.

Since the launch of Fast RMX, this style of racing experience has received new titles from indie developers such as Ballistic NG. What do you think makes Fast Fusion unique in this growing genre?

Our world building, gameplay and tech makes Fast unique. Now with the added Fusion and Hyperjump mechanics the game feels even more like no other.

Can you share more about how the vehicle fusion mechanic works and how it impacts the handling and abilities of vehicles?

Imagine you have a heavy vehicle that is very nice to steer, but has a bit slow acceleration. Just fuse this with a lighter vehicle that accelerates faster! The new fused vehicle will combine the best of both worlds. And even the looks of both vehicles will get fused!

Fast Fusion uses a number of different Nintendo Switch 2 features, including GameShare. Would you say it’s easy or difficult to implement GameShare? Is there any concern about latency?

Until recently Fast Fusion was the only Nintendo Switch 2 game we have ever seen. So everything we’ve done was a first, which is always a bit difficult. Implementing GameShare can be done in a variety of ways. We decided to render the game two times for the two screens. This means this is very demanding for the game engine and needed a lot of optimization. So this was actually difficult.

We’ve started to hear about certain Nintendo Switch 2 games using DLSS. Does Fast Fusion use this in any way? Even if it doesn’t, what are your personal thoughts on DLSS as it relates to Nintendo Switch 2?

We can’t share hardware details but we think DLSS itself is a very good solution by Nvidia.

Did Shin’en ever consider including a performance mode that features 120FPS?

We first concentrated on making a great game at 60fps, even when playing 4 player splitscreen. Of course 120FPS would be nice to have, so we will look if this will be possible for a later patch.

The game is launching at a competitively priced $15, which is lower than the price Fast RMX launched at. How was that price determined? How does the amount of content in this game (track list, vehicles, modes) compare to Fast RMX?

Fast Fusion does look and play so good on the Nintendo Switch 2. We simply want that as many people as possible
can have a truly next gen title on their new consoles on day one. So we decided for this affordable price.

Given that Shin’en had a lot of experience on Nintendo Switch with multiple games released, how do you feel Switch 2 compares from a power standpoint? Are there certain things that you’re now able to do that you weren’t able to previously?

It’s amazing how much power you can get out of a device that also works as a handheld. This made it possible to have Fast Fusion using a complete new rendering tech compared to Fast RMX, that makes the world so much more alive and beautiful. We are also excited to use all that new power for our upcoming titles.

In 2013, Shin’en said that it probably wouldn’t want to develop a new F-Zero game if approached by Nintendo. Twelve years later, is that still the company’s stance, or have things changed where you’d be more open to the possibility?

We get that question quite often, but Nintendo is the best game developer in the world, there is nothing we can bring on the table they don’t already have.

Shin’en is now releasing games for the launch of multiple Nintendo consoles. How do you feel knowing that the company has placed such faith and trust in your studio?

We feel very honored and hope that we can contribute to the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2.

The Touryst was received very well, and since we’ve sometimes seen Shin’en revisit certain franchises, does the company have any interest in working on a sequel?

We know that The Touryst is one of our most loved games. It would be a lot of fun to work on a sequel.

Fast Fusion will be available for Nintendo Switch 2 alongside the new console on June 5, 2025. Watch a trailer for the game here.