The gaming community has long awaited a new installment in the Ridge Racer series, but recent revelations may dash these hopes. Leaked footage of an abandoned project within the franchise suggests that fans might be further from experiencing a fresh entry than anticipated. A post on Reddit's r/gamingleaksandrumours revealed several game builds discovered on a Nintendo Switch development kit, including an unreleased Ridge Racer title developed by Bandai Namco Studios Singapore using Unreal Engine 4. The brief clip offers a glimpse into what could have been, showcasing a primitive track design and basic gameplay mechanics.

Details surrounding this mysterious Ridge Racer prototype are scarce, but the leaked video provides some insight. It features a racecourse named 'Eastside Prix,' adorned with lush greenery and Aztec-style ruins, along with four competing vehicles representing two distinct models. The user interface resembles those seen in newer entries of the series, while incorporating a familiar three-bar nitrous system reminiscent of PSP versions. Accompanying the visuals is dance music, likely intended for inclusion in themed Ridge Racer events in Japan.

Given its rudimentary textures and frequent glitches, experts speculate that this build represents an early stage of development. Despite the lack of clarity regarding cancellation reasons or progress beyond this prototype phase, one thing remains certain: without official statements from Bandai Namco, enthusiasts must continue relying on existing titles for their Ridge Racer cravings.

In light of current circumstances, anticipation turns toward another opportunity to engage with the classic racing experience when the second game in the series launches alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 in June. However, even then, distractions like Mario Kart World may challenge players' attention spans. Thus, until definitive news emerges about future developments, Ridge Racer aficionados remain hopeful yet cautiously patient.