Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown Xbox Series X|S: Features, gameplay, release date, Game Pass & more

For those excited to get hands on with the next instalment in the Test Drive Unlimited series, there are a couple of questions still to ask.

Will we be able to play the game on the next-gen Xbox Series X and S? And if so, when can we play it?

So, we’re here to give you the lowdown on what we know so far about TDU Solar Crown on the next-gen Xbox consoles and its release date!

Latest news - First Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown gameplay revealed

At long last, Nacon has finally shown the first Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown gameplay. No Xbox Series X|S gameplay was shown, but we did get 30 minutes of PC gameplay in an extended TDU Connect presentation, where YouTubers and TDU fans got to play an early alpha build of TDUSC.

In the footage, we get a tour of the Solar Hotel, the Sharps and Streets clan headquarters, and some racing action on the streets of Hong Kong Island. We also get a first look at TDUSC's social features, with footage showing players visiting each other's clan headquarters.

Overall, TDUSC looks very promising and we can't wait to explore Hong Kong Island and live a luxurious lifestyle.

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown delayed to 2024

It's the news we were all dreading: Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown has been delayed again. This was previously a rumour but is now confirmed by Nacon.

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Previously set to release later this year, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is set to release in early 2024. An exact release date is yet to be confirmed. However, a Nacon financial document lists TDUSC as releasing in Q1 2024 with a February/March release window.

This is frustrating for fans, but a 2024 release will give TDUSC a better chance of succeeding with The Crew Motorfest arriving in September as a direct competitor.

To help ease the wait, Nacon will host a closed Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown beta in late July.

Hong Kong Island deep dive

From narrow town streets to wide open highways where you can maximise speed to winding off-road mountain trails, Hong Kong is set to be a brilliant location to explore.

In a recent newsletter update, KT Racing shared visual updates on the map we will all be racing around soon. Hong Kong Island's 370 square-mile landscape is being recreated at 1:1 scale, but it won't be an exact replica.

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“To emphasise the fast and smooth driving, for example, the very dense urban network of HKI needed some small adjustments because of certain little streets that were very (too?) narrow,” creative director Alain Jarniou explained.

“Conversely, some light redesign was done to the major thoroughfares to make them more fun and adapted to very fast cars, while respecting the identity of Hong Kong Island.”

Test Drive Unlimited Xbox Series X|S

With the power of Xbox Series X, TDUSC's open-world set in Hong Kong Island and exotic cars will look glorious in 4K.

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On Xbox Series S, the frame rate will likely be reduced to 1080p and 30fps like Forza Horizon 5. There could, however, be graphics and performance modes allowing you to prioritise resolution or frame rate.

For example, a performance mode could enable TDUSC to run at 60fps with a reduced 1080p resolution. A graphics mode, on the other hand, would increase the resolution to 4K but lower the frame rate to 30fps.

The last TDU Xbox game was Test Drive Unlimited 2 in 2012, so there will be a noticeable leap in visual quality. Load times will also be significantly faster than last-gen hardware. This is essential as long load times would break the illusion of a seamless open world where you enter garages and dealerships.

What about Xbox One?

TDUSC was originally planned for release on both current and last-gen consoles. But as development time extended, KT Racing cancelled the PS4 and Xbox One releases to prioritise the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions.

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It's a shame for Xbox One owners, but this means TDUSC won't be held back on Xbox Series X|S with compromised visuals and gameplay.

Will Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown be on Game Pass?

KT Racing and Nacon haven't confirmed if TDUSC will be on Xbox Game Pass.

It seems unlikely though, as games like WRC Generations and TT Isle of Man - Ride on the Edge 2 published by Nacon aren't on Game Pass.

Location

In terms of location, TDUSC is set in a 1:1 recreation of Hong Kong Island. While it's smaller than Hawaii at 30 square miles, the map will be noticeably more diverse with cities, beaches and countryside to explore.

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Trailer

Since it was announced in 2020, TDUSC has only been shown in cinematic trailers apart from a few seconds of gameplay in 2021's Together We Drive trailer.

The trailers confirm TDUSC will retain the spirit of older TDU games with a focus on living the fantasy of driving exotic cars, exploring the open road, and a lavish lifestyle.

Gameplay

While KT Racing hasn't shown any extensive gameplay footage yet, we know a few key gameplay details.

A full dealership experience will set TDUSC apart from Forza Horizon. In TDUSC, you can visit 14 dealerships from classic cars to luxury models. Ferrari and Lamborghini will have their own dedicated dealerships.

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Each dealership will also act as a social hub where you can interact with other players online and meet like-minded car enthusiasts.

Saving up money and buying your car will feel like a special occasion. Official manufacturer options will let you change the paint colour and select interior trim.

Workshops will allow you to customise your car further, with six categories and 13 customisable performance parts for combustion cars. Electric cars will also have six categories but 12 customisable performance parts.

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown Xbox Series X|S release date

As for the release date, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown was expected to release sometime in 2023 following a delay. However, it's now been delayed for a second time.

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is set to release in early 2024. We don't have a specific release date yet.

However, a Nacon financial document lists TDUSC as releasing in Q1 2024 with a February/March 2024 release window. The extra development time will enable Kylotonn to make TDUSC the “most polished gaming experience in the franchise,” so it should be worth the wait.

Dealerships and car customisation revealed

KT Racing has finally broken the extended silence, revealing new details about Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown's dealership experience and car customisation.

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This should assure fans that Solar Crown will recapture TDU's unique experience.