Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer Switch 2 Cheats and Walkthrough
Published June 8, 2025 at 3:14 pm

What Are the Cheat Codes and Hidden Tricks in Ridge Racer Switch 2?
If you are looking for cheat codes in Ridge Racer Switch 2, you might have noticed that these types of secrets are not as common as they used to be in older arcade games.
However, there are still a handful of hidden tricks and unlockables tucked away in the game that can change up your experience in a fun way.
For starters, you can unlock bonus tracks by finishing first place in each Grand Prix cup on every difficulty level, which adds replay value and a few new surprises to uncover.
Some folks talk about a ‘mirror mode’ option that becomes available once you finish all tracks at maximum difficulty, essentially letting you race each circuit in reverse and adding a layer of challenge for seasoned fans.
There are also secret cars and liveries unlocked by meeting specific milestones—such as winning 10 consecutive races without using continues, which might take a bit of practice but really spices up your garage selection.
One fun easter egg reported by players is the appearance of classic Ridge Racer music tracks if you enter your racer initials as ‘RRR’ or ‘ACE’ at certain menus, which is a nostalgic bonus for fans of the original series.
Besides, while there is no universal ‘God Mode’ or instant win cheat for Ridge Racer Switch 2, focusing on timing your boost perfectly at the start of each race can often put you way ahead of the AI right from the first lap.
How to Make Progress in Ridge Racer Switch 2 If You Are Stuck
It is frustrating to hit a skill plateau, but you might find breakthroughs by tweaking your approach just a little bit.
First, try experimenting with different cars and setups, as some vehicles handle corners better while others have higher top speed, giving you options for each track style.
Changing your driving style from aggressive to smoother cornering usually helps lower lap times, especially on more technical circuits.
Keeping an eye on the slipstream effect can be a game changer, since following close behind another racer fills your boost meter quicker than racing alone.
For people struggling with time trials, it is helpful to watch replays of high-ranking players in the leaderboard to study their racing lines and braking points—there are a lot of quick tips people have picked up just from copying a single turn.
Switching the controller setup to something more comfortable for your hands could also make longer play sessions less tiring, letting you keep practicing without feeling fatigued.
Sometimes all it takes is a small tweak in your gameplay, like lowering the sensitivity on your Joy-Con or using a Pro Controller for better precision, which is something many have said made a noticeable difference for them.
If you are searching for new ways to have fun beyond Ridge Racer Switch 2, you might like trying some party games to play with a group which can bring that same competitive vibe to your living room.
Should You Buy a Racing Wheel or New Controller for Ridge Racer Switch 2?
Playing Ridge Racer Switch 2 handheld can be fun, but using a dedicated racing wheel or a more ergonomic controller might transform the whole experience for you, especially if you find yourself getting hand cramps or missing precision turns often.
One of the most popular products people mention is the HORI Nintendo Switch Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe, which is designed with a rubber grip and features responsive pedals for a more immersive feeling.
It is said that this wheel is easy to set up and provides good value for its price point, offering a useful ‘dead zone’ adjustment that keeps accidental movements from affecting your race too much.
Pros
- Comfortable and sturdy build that holds up during intense sessions
- Steering response feels smooth and closely matches real driving
- Pedal sensitivity is adjustable, so you can fine-tune your acceleration
- Compatible with several other racing games, not just Ridge Racer Switch 2
Cons
- Larger size may take up more space on your desk or living room
- Lack of force feedback, which some people miss for realism
- Certain advanced controls need to be adjusted in the software, not physically on the wheel
For those not ready to invest in a full racing wheel, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is another solid choice, offering improved grip and button layout, which many racers feel makes fast inputs and cornering more accurate compared to Joy-Cons.
It also has a much longer battery life, making it easy to race for hours without breaks for recharging, a real perk for people who like marathon gaming sessions with friends.
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Tips for Unlocking All Tracks and Customization Options
If you want to see every track and every livery Ridge Racer Switch 2 has to offer, it is a good idea to target one clear goal at a time rather than trying to unlock everything at once.
Clearing the main campaign in each difficulty is the most reliable way to open up extra circuits and unique challenges.
You might be surprised by how fast things unlock if you consistently place in the top three during Grand Prix events, since the game often rewards consistency over sheer speed for hidden content.
Alternative paint jobs and special sponsor decals unlock when you finish secret challenges shown in the in-game achievement menu—so it is worth scrolling through and choosing a challenge that sounds fun to you, like winning on all city tracks or drifting a certain total distance.
Spending race points wisely is also key; instead of using them all on early upgrades, try holding on to some for the higher-end vehicles that unlock later in your career.
If you need ideas for good games to play with friends when everyone gets stuck, you could try checking out games that are fun and educational as a break from the competitive racing grind.
Are There Any Official Cheat Devices or Downloadable Content for Ridge Racer Switch 2?
You might be curious if things like cheat devices or DLC packs exist for Ridge Racer Switch 2, especially since these can add more ways to customize or speed up your progress.
Currently, there are no official cheat devices made specifically for Ridge Racer Switch 2, and most of the typical third-party hardware like Action Replay or similar products haven’t released Switch 2-compatible versions yet.
What you do get, though, are occasional updates from Bandai Namco adding small features or bonus cars through free and paid downloadable content.
Sometimes these include special livery packs or retro cars inspired by older Ridge Racer games, and grabbing them is usually just a matter of checking the eShop for the latest packs.
It can be helpful to wishlist the game in your account or follow the publisher online so you do not miss any surprise content drops, which has caught a lot of people off-guard with sudden cool bonuses.
For anyone thinking about unofficial workaround devices or mods, keep in mind these could risk your Switch 2 warranty or even cause crashes, and the feedback is mixed from people who have tried them.
If you really want a leg up, focusing on mastering in-game time trials and racing skills brings longer-lasting results, and you avoid those risks completely.
Best Accessories and Add-Ons for an Arcade Racing Setup at Home
If you are hoping for an arcade-like Ridge Racer Switch 2 experience in your living room, a few smart accessory choices can make the setup much more fun and comfortable.
The Playseat Evolution Gaming Chair is something people often bring up when talking about immersive sim racing, and it is praised for providing sturdy support and adjustable positions for long sessions.
This seat works with most popular racing wheels and pedals, and folks often mention that it folds down when not in use, saving space for smaller rooms.
Pros
- Comfortable to sit in for hours, even for taller users
- Wide compatibility with wheels and pedal sets
- Looks slick and feels like a real arcade setup
- Easy to assemble and store
Cons
- Takes up floor space when set up, so not ideal for tiny apartments
- More expensive than just playing from the couch or a desk chair
- Some adjustments need more muscle to get perfectly locked in place
If you do not have space for a full racing seat, there are cushioned lap desks like the LapGear XL Gamer Lap Desk, which can make gaming on the couch with a controller or wheel more comfortable without the price or bulk of a full racing rig.
This is a favorite for people who like versatility, since you can use it for gaming and then just switch to working on a laptop or drawing.
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Are There Game Enhancers or Multi-Game Adapters That Work with Ridge Racer Switch 2?
You might have heard about game enhancers or adapters that can swap between multiple racing games, making setup quicker and keeping your space less cluttered.
The 8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller is one option compatible with Switch 2, known for providing responsive controls and customizable inputs, so you can make one button setup work for Ridge Racer and another for your favorite kart racer.
People like that this controller allows programmable back buttons, letting you map boost or drift to easier-to-reach spots instead of always using the shoulder buttons, which can help if you have wrist pain or want quicker reactions.
Pros
- Very flexible button mapping with an included software app
- Comfortable grip size for both smaller and larger hands
- USB-C connection makes lag almost nonexistent
- Works across many genres, not just racing
Cons
- Not wireless, so there is a cable to manage during play
- Some people find the d-pad stiffer than they prefer
- Advanced setup might take a little tech know-how upfront
A multi-game cartridge or classic arcade controller adapter is not really needed for Ridge Racer Switch 2 since everything is officially digital, but using a versatile controller like this can help if you play lots of racing or even retro-inspired games.
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How to Practice Skills for Beating Friends and Climbing Online Leaderboards
If you are hoping to crush your friends or break into the top online times in Ridge Racer Switch 2, focusing on practice routines might be one of the best ways to improve.
Setting up short daily sessions where you target specific corners or tracks helps you master tricky parts without burning out.
It is said that some of the best players use Ghost Mode replays to learn how their rivals approach tough stretches, which is a trick you might recognize from strategy games that emphasize learning from top performers, as you can see with how certain strategy-focused game sessions work for improvement.
You can also mix things up with challenge runs like no-collisions or limiting upgrades, which can keep training fresh when grinding out the same few circuits feels repetitive.
Joining online communities or Discord groups for Ridge Racer Switch 2 is a popular way to trade advice and share custom controllers setups, and you might find that just chatting with other fans uncovers secret tips you might not see posted anywhere else.
For people who enjoy switching up the competition, trying a few relaxing or easygoing games in between can keep the racing passion alive without getting burned out—this is something you might enjoy checking out with calm titles for quiet game nights.
Is It Worth Upgrading Your Display or Sound Setup for Ridge Racer Switch 2?
If you are serious about playing Ridge Racer Switch 2 at its best, upgrading your TV, monitor, or even sound setup could make your next race a lot more immersive.
Pacing and reaction times improve if your display has a low input lag, so people often recommend the LG OLED C2 TV for gaming, as it is known for its snappy response and bright, colorful picture quality.
This model supports 120 Hz refresh rates and has gaming features built in, so quick turns and high speeds look sharp and feel responsive, which can help shave seconds off your lap times.
Feedback is positive from people who game on this set for both daytime and night races, noting that the visuals pop, and it is easy on the eyes even during long play sessions.
If sound matters to you, a simple soundbar like the Sonos Beam Gen 2 gives you much clearer engine noises and music compared to basic TV speakers, making it easier to hear tire squeals or boost cues without blasting the volume.
Audio is consistently praised on this soundbar for clarity in both games and TV, plus it is easy to set up and works wirelessly, so you do not get lost in cables.
How You Can Maximize Fun Without Spending a Fortune on Add-Ons
It is easy to get swept up in the excitement of buying every racing accessory, but there are lots of ways to boost your Ridge Racer Switch 2 fun without emptying your wallet.
Try starting with small tweaks, like adjusting the in-game camera view or sound mix, which can really help personalize your experience and make each session feel fresh again.
Free game updates and community-shared tuning setups are a gold mine for improving your driving skills and finding new ways to enjoy the same content, so make sure to check in regularly for anything new released by Bandai Namco or shared by fellow players.
If you are looking to save, using what you already have—like a basic Bluetooth speaker for sound or your current favorite chair with a pillow for support—can deliver a surprisingly solid arcade feel if you just rearrange things a bit.
Trading controllers or accessories with friends is another way to try out new gear before committing to a purchase, and sometimes you find a setup that suits you better than expected.
It is all about making the most of what you have and picking upgrades or add-ons only when you are sure they will really make your time with Ridge Racer Switch 2 even better.
Common Mistakes to Avoid If You Are New to Racing Games
Getting more out of Ridge Racer Switch 2 sometimes means avoiding some habits that can keep you from performing your best or having a good time.
One thing that often sneaks up on new players is overusing the boost right at the start of the race, which can waste it and leave you lagging behind later when you really need the speed for overtakes.
Pumping the brakes too hard into every corner is a common trap, especially on tighter tracks, but focusing on lighter taps and earlier turn-ins can seriously cut down lap times.
Some folks forget to check for controller updates or adjust their settings, ending up with awkward button placements or laggy inputs that make it hard to be accurate in tense moments.
Getting stuck on one difficulty and refusing to drop back for a race or two can lead to frustration and burnout, so remember it is totally fine to mix up your settings and find a pace that is fun for you.
The key is to experiment and not be afraid to try new things, whether it is a different camera angle, a unique tuning setup, or how often you play in a week.
Easy Ways to Share Your Ridge Racer Highlights and Achievements
Sharing your favorite Ridge Racer Switch 2 moments and big wins is an easy way to keep your friends invested and add an extra layer of motivation every time you play.
The built-in Switch 2 capture tools let you snap screenshots or record short video clips of your best lap, photo finish, or funniest crash, which are simple to send directly to social media or your group chats.
If you want to go a step further, using apps like Discord or even a basic video editor can turn those clips into themed highlight reels, which is a great way to celebrate your progress and even teach friends some of your racing tricks.
Leaderboards and in-game stats make for fun screenshots, too, especially if you hit a new rank or unlock a hard-to-get car—nothing wrong with a little bragging among buddies or in online communities for some friendly competition.
Alternatives to Ridge Racer Switch 2 for Variety Seekers
If you are looking for something fresh when you want a break from arcade racing, you might enjoy some other types of games that capture that pick-up-and-play appeal or keep everyone involved.
People often like racing games such as Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 or Team Sonic Racing, both of which have their own flavor of arcade action and are beginner-friendly enough for anyone in the house to join in.
Beyond racing, you can also turn game night into a group event with fun classics—something you might see people suggest if you browse ideas for family game night hits for everybody from kids to adults.
Switching genres now and then can help avoid burnout and give you new ideas for tactics or controller setups you want to bring back to Ridge Racer once you are ready to hit the tracks again.
What to Do If Your Accessories or Game Updates Are Not Working
Tech hiccups happen, so if your controller is not connecting or the game update fails, there are a few simple checks you can do before worrying too much.
First, restart your Switch 2 and unplug any wired accessories for a full reset—sometimes this is all it takes to get things working again.
For wireless controllers or wheels, turning Bluetooth on and off or removing and re-pairing the device is often the easiest fix.
Checking the system settings for update notifications or downloading the latest patch from the eShop can also solve a lot of minor glitches, especially after new DLC drops.
If you are using third-party hardware and nothing else works, searching support forums or even reaching out to the manufacturer can save loads of troubleshooting time, since it is said there is usually a quick answer from someone who has run into the same issue before.
Why Practicing Mindful Gaming Matters for Ridge Racer Fans
With all the ways Ridge Racer Switch 2 can pull you in for just one more race, it is easy to lose track of time and play far longer than you meant to.
Many people find that using small breaks for stretching or a snack helps them stay sharp and avoid hand cramps or fatigue from long sessions.
Switching to something low-key every once in a while, like a puzzle or relaxing game, is a good way to recharge, especially if you start to notice your times getting worse instead of better—kind of like the transition between action and relaxation in gaming collections like gentle game night picks.
This balanced approach keeps gaming fun and helps you keep that competitive spark alive without ending up exhausted or frustrated.
Final Thoughts on Getting the Most Out of Ridge Racer Switch 2
No matter your skill level or how long you have been playing, Ridge Racer Switch 2 is built to keep things exciting, and there are always little tweaks, accessories, and tricks that can make racing even more fun for you.
Trying out some new strategies, accessories, or gameplay tweaks can help shake off any slump and might even help you find a new favorite way to play—without having to spend big or become a tech expert in the process.
Above all, making gaming feel personal, comfortable, and social is what keeps things fun, no matter if you are grinding for unlocks, laughing at wild replays, or inviting friends to join in on or off the track.