Hype is ramping up around the Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown release date. The franchise returns after more than a decade away, and one of the original open-world racers could once again define the genre.
After multiple delays and pushes, Nacon has finally released the first-ever gameplay footage of TDUSC. With it came confirmation of a new release window.
We've got the lowdown on everything we know so far about the Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown release date.
Latest news - Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown delayed to 2024
After three years, Nacon finally showcased the first actual gameplay footage of TDUSC during a special 30-minute TDU Connect presentation. In the presentation, we get a first look at the Solar Hotel, some racing action on the streets of Hong Kong Island, and social features showing how players can interact with each other.
Unfortunately, the presentation also confirmed our worse fears: TDUSC is delayed.
Just as rumours suggested, TDUSC is now set to release in early 2024, so we won't be exploring Hong Kong Island this year. Or will we?
Closed beta coming soon
Nacon has announced a closed beta, allowing selected fans to play the game early.
The first TDUSC closed beta will start on 24 July 2023 and last for three days, but platforms are yet to be confirmed. For a chance to enter the beta, subscribe to the official Test Drive Unlimited newsletter here.
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.
click to enlarge
+ 3“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.”
Dealerships and car customisation detailed
We still don't know the release date, but TDUSC finally feels like it's getting closer.
click to enlarge + 3In the first in a series of monthly newsletters, KT Racing has lifted the bonnet on TDUSC, revealing new screenshots and info about dealerships and car customisation.
Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown release date
The release date for TDUSC is still unknown. It was originally slated for release on 22 September 2022, but was then delayed until 2023 at an unspecified date. Sadly, TDCU has suffered yet another delay.
click to enlarge + 3As rumours have suggested, TDUSC is now 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 2024 release window. This suggests TDUSC is targeting a 2023 financial year release, which ends in March 2024.
As a result, players can look forward to cruising around Hong Kong Island in early 2024.
As for platforms, KT Racing has confirmed TDUSC is coming to PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. With the PS4 and Xbox One versions cancelled, TDUSC is a current-gen-only title.
Curiously, Switch is no longer listed as a platform, so it appears TDUSC is no longer arriving on Nintendo's hybrid console.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Other page.