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Star Wars: Galactic Racer is scheduled to launch worldwide on October 6, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC—so the wait is nearly over. For the closest match, play STAR WARS Episode I Racer, which brings the podracing from The Phantom Menace to a game. If high-speed arcade action matters more than the Star Wars theme, Burnout Paradise Remastered offers a different route, built around stunts and crashes.
Which game is the closest match for Galactic Racer?
STAR WARS Episode I Racer is the pick for fans who want to race through the Star Wars universe before Galactic Racer arrives. StarWars.com describes it as based on the podracing sequence in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Nintendo’s Switch listing highlights 25 racers, courses across eight worlds, podracer upgrades with Pit Droids, and shortcuts to learn.
It is a particularly direct bridge because official Galactic Racer materials describe campaign, scenario, and arcade modes, and say players can jump into podracing through Arcade mode. The new game is its own runs-based racing adventure, though; Episode I Racer is a classic podracing game, not a preview or equivalent of the upcoming release.
Platforms and release details
Nintendo lists a digital Switch edition released June 23, 2020. Steam lists a PC edition and gives the original release date as May 17, 1999. Store listings and regional availability can change, so check your platform’s storefront for the edition available where you live.
#1 Best Overall
- Authentic Racing Experience: Features rumble steering wheel, gas and brake pedals, and 4-position gear shift for immersive, high-speed arcade-style gameplay
- Two Classic Games Included: Race in The Fast & The Furious and The Fast & The Furious: Drift with built-in games that bring the film franchise to life
- Link Up To 4 cabinets: Connect up to four machines on the same local network for intense head-to-head multiplayer racing action at home
- Wi-Fi Leaderboards: Compete for the top spot against players across the country with built-in Wi-Fi leaderboards that track your best scores
- Deluxe Design & Features: Over 5 feet tall with 17" LCD, light-up marquee, faux coin door, dual speakers, and a sleek cabinet for a true arcade feel
Want crashes and stunts instead of podracing?
Choose Burnout Paradise Remastered if your priority is aggressive arcade driving rather than Star Wars scenery or a close podracing match. EA describes the Burnout series in terms of arcade-fueled stunts, crashes, and high-speed action, and lists Burnout Paradise Remastered with storefront links for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
That makes it a different flavor of arcade racer: a fit for players drawn to driving spectacle, not a substitute for Galactic Racer’s Star Wars setting. Check EA’s destination storefront and your regional store for current availability.
Rank #2
- Authentic Arcade Experience: Play the original Terminator 2 game with real-feel arcade guns and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage for a deeper look at this iconic classic
- Full-Size Presence: Stands over 5 feet tall with a sleek cabinet design and light-up marquee, creating a striking centerpiece for any home arcade or game room setup
- Immersive Visuals: Features a 17” BOE color monitor delivering sharp detail, vibrant colors, and smooth gameplay that brings every scene and action moment to life
- Dynamic Sound Quality: Dual speakers provide crisp, powerful audio with clear sound effects, music, and voice cues for a fully immersive arcade-style experience
- Online Competitive Play: Built-in Wi-Fi enables real-time leaderboards, letting you compete globally, track scores, and challenge friends for endless replay value
At a glance: which one should you pick?
| Game | Theme and similarity to podracing | Arcade appeal | Platforms listed by the cited stores |
|---|---|---|---|
| STAR WARS Episode I Racer | Direct Star Wars podracing connection: based on the The Phantom Menace sequence. | Racer-versus-racer competition, with courses, hazards, upgrades, and shortcuts described in the store listings. | Switch (Nintendo digital listing) and PC (Steam listing). |
| Burnout Paradise Remastered | No established Star Wars or podracing connection. | Arcade driving framed around stunts, crashes, and speed. | PC, Xbox, and PlayStation (EA storefront links). |
These are the two recommendations best supported by the available official game and storefront information; this is not a complete ranking of every arcade racer. Availability and editions can differ by region and may change.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to know about the game you’re waiting for
Star Wars: Galactic Racer is scheduled for worldwide release on October 6, 2026, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Its official materials describe campaign, scenario, and arcade modes, including podracing in Arcade mode. Lucasfilm Games executive producer Craig Derrick described the aim as a racing experience that is “cinematic, skill-driven, and unmistakably Star Wars.”
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Rank #3
- 14 Classic Games Included: Play PAC-MAN, Galaga, Dig Dug, Pac-Land, Mappy, and more—14 built-in titles deliver hours of iconic retro arcade fun at home
- Authentic Arcade Experience: Real-feel joystick and buttons let you dodge ghosts, eat pellets, and chase high scores just like you did in the arcade
- Crisp 17-Inch Display: BOE color monitor brings every glowing maze and character to life with sharp visuals that stay true to the original arcade look
- Wi-Fi Leaderboards: Compete with players across the country by posting high scores online using built-in Wi-Fi—no quarters required
- Deluxe Cabinet Design: Over 5 feet tall with a light-up marquee, molded faux coin door, and sleek cabinet that adds retro style to any game room or space
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.
