Forza Horizon 6 is the current open-world, arcade-leaning pick for Xbox Series X|S and PC. If you want one game confirmed across Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, choose Forza Horizon 5: Forza says its PS5 version has the same content as the Xbox and PC editions and supports cross-play across those platforms. The Crew Motorfest and Need for Speed Unbound offer alternatives for players looking for a broader activity mix or street-racing focus.
Best arcade racing games at a glance
| Game | Platforms established by the cited sources | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Forza Horizon 6 | Xbox Series X|S and PC, according to the 2026 Windows Central review | Open-world festival driving with accessible, arcade-leaning handling |
| Forza Horizon 5 | Xbox, PC, and PlayStation 5; Forza confirms cross-play among Xbox consoles, PC, and PS5 | A shared option if your group spans the three ecosystems |
| The Crew Motorfest | Xbox Store listing confirmed; verify the platform and edition you want | A broad mix of racing activities and terrain |
| Need for Speed Unbound | Xbox Store listing confirmed; verify the platform and edition you want | Street-racing-oriented play |
These are play-style recommendations, not results from a direct, comparative test. Check the current regional store listing for each game before buying, particularly for platform, edition, and included content.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Need for Speed - Xbox One | $22.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Nickelodeon Kart Racers (xbox_one) | $26.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
My Arcade Pole Position Racing Player: Handheld Game for Kids and Adults, 2 Games, Real Racing... | $36.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Need for Speed Rivals - Xbox One | $22.29 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Team Sonic Racing - Xbox One | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Which game should you choose?
Forza Horizon 6: open-world driving on Xbox Series X|S and PC
Start here if you want an open-world racer with approachable handling and a varied festival-driving structure. Windows Central’s 2026 review lists Xbox Series X|S and PC and characterizes the game as an arcade-leaning racer. Those handling judgments are review opinion rather than a universal measure of difficulty. Read Windows Central’s Forza Horizon 6 review.
PC Gamer’s 2026 review describes the driving as “an arcade sensibility given just enough realism to trick you into thinking you are good at handling these vehicles.” That is the reviewer’s opinion, not a measured comparison with the other games here. PC Gamer also reports more than 600 vehicles at release; that is a launch-roster figure, not a verified live garage count. Read PC Gamer’s Forza Horizon 6 review.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#1 Best Overall
- Internet Connection Required: You will need a persistent internet connection. Need for Speed is committed to being a live service so they can deliver an ongoing experience that is constantly changing and evolving. Need for Speed will include free content updates and challenges as an ever-present ways for you to earn rewards and continually explore the game.
- Five Ways to Play: Need for Speed returns with Five Ways to Play - Speed, Style, Build, Crew and Outlaw, enabling you to earn reputation and ultimately win your way. Combine all five to create that perfect Need for Speed moment; driving insanely fast, sliding through a corner in your customized ride alongside your friends, whilst being chased by the cops.
- Rich Authentic Customization: Build a car that reflects your character through extensive visual and performance customization. With hand-picked iconic cars, the hottest authentic after-market brands, performance tuning, and personalized handling. Set up your ride and hit the streets.
- Narrative: Five distinctive overlapping stories each inspired by a real world icon. Every choice, every second, every minute propels your playing experience on your journey to become the ultimate icon.
- West Coast Urban Setting: From dusk till dawn, discover an open world of urban car culture you never knew existed. Our stunning new world that combines the power of the new consoles and a supercharged game engine in Frostbite to deliver a rich open world environment with roughly twice the drivable roads of Need for Speed Rivals.
Forza Horizon 5: the clearest choice across Xbox, PlayStation, and PC
Choose Horizon 5 when platform coverage matters more than having the newest entry. Forza’s announcement confirms a PS5 release with the same content as the Xbox and PC versions, and cross-play among Xbox consoles, PC, and PS5. Confirm the specific edition and regional store page before purchase. Forza’s PS5 release and cross-play announcement and the PlayStation 5 product page provide platform details.
The Crew Motorfest: a varied-activity alternative
Consider Motorfest if you would rather have a broad mix of activities and terrain than focus on one street-racing campaign. The available coverage supports that as a general recommendation, not a complete feature inventory for every platform. Xbox availability is visible in Microsoft’s Xbox racing-game listings; check your own store for other platforms and editions.
Rank #2
- Hit the Slime-filled race tracks with Nickelodeon Kart Racers
- Choose a racer from 12 of the most iconic Nickelodeon series: SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Hey Arnold!, Rugrats and MORE!!!
- Race on 24 different Slime-filled tracks, including Bikini Bottom, NYC sewers, Tommy Pickle's house, Arnold's school and more!
- Customisable Karts with multiple power-ups and special attacks
- Awesome Co-Op and Local Multi-Player for non-stop action the entire family will love!
Need for Speed Unbound: a street-racing-oriented option
Unbound is the alternative to consider if street racing is the draw. This recommendation is about its broad play-style fit, not a claim that every edition has identical features. Microsoft’s Xbox racing-game listings establish an Xbox-store listing; verify the current platform and edition in the store where you plan to buy.
How to pick for your platform and play style
- Xbox Series X|S or PC, newest open-world option: Forza Horizon 6.
- PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC in the same group: Forza Horizon 5, whose cross-play support is confirmed by Forza.
- Varied activities and terrain: The Crew Motorfest.
- Street-racing emphasis: Need for Speed Unbound.
Platform evidence is strongest for the two Forza games. The cited sources establish an Xbox Store listing for Motorfest and Unbound but do not fully establish detailed availability across every platform. Use the relevant console or PC store to confirm compatibility and edition.
Rank #3
- 🕹️ Officially licensed titles: Includes POLE POSITION and POLE POSITION II. A classic 1982 arcade racing game by Namco
- High resolution 3.5" full color display. Features artwork inspired by the original POLE POSITION arcade cabinet. Dimensions: 4" L x 4.25" W x 7.5" H
- 🎮Realistic racing controls, High score saving,
- Built-in speaker with volume control. 3.5 mm headphone port. Adjustable screen brightness.
- Powered by either 4 AA batteries (not included) or a USB-C cable (not included).
Do you need a racing wheel?
No racing wheel is required for these recommendations; a controller is sufficient context for choosing a mainstream racing game. A wheel is an optional peripheral, and compatibility varies by game, hardware, and platform. Check the game’s and wheel maker’s compatibility information for your setup before buying one.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Online Multiplayer & Local Co-Op Modes - 12 players per race, 4 player split screen, & various offline/online race modes including Grand Prix Mode, Exhibition Mode, Time-Trial, & Team Adventure Mode.
- Team Racing – Race as a team, win as a team. Use various team moves to assist your teammates, knock out opponents and unleash your Team Ultimate.
- Wisps - 14 spectacular offensive and defensive items to help overcome rival teams and get ahead!
- Adventure Mode - unique story experience where players are introduced to basic game features and characters.
- Various Characters and Classes – 15 playable characters from across the Sonic Universe and 3 distinct character types including Speed, Technique, and Power classes.
Rank #4
- High-Stakes Rivalry - Racers are lone wolves out for their own glory; driving agile cars built for high speed racing and epic chases. Cops work in teams to hunt down and bust racers using the full power of the police force. Switch roles at any time and watch the stakes grow in an all-new scoring system that lets you put your speed points on the line to earn even greater rewards
- AllDrive - New in Need for Speed Rivals, AllDrive destroys the line between single player and multiplayer gameplay. Seamlessly join a world where your friends are already racing and chasing. No lobbies. No waiting. Paths will cross as races and pursuits collide, creating a world where no two moments or events will ever be the same
- Your Car, Your Identity - Power up your car with the latest performance upgrades and technology, and personalize your car with fresh paintjobs, liveries, custom license plates, rims, and decals to show off your style to your friends and rivals. Save different configurations and keep a variety of car packages available to leave your mark no matter the situation
- Pursuit and Evasion Tech - Intense racing moments are made even more thrilling with access to technology and upgrades customized to each side of the law. Racers can choose evasion technology from jammers to electromagnetic pulses. Cops are outfitted for aggressive busts with shockwaves, roadblocks, helicopter support and more. No matter the side you choose, use technology to keep you one step ahead of your rivals
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
