Star Wars Episode I: Racer is still an appealing arcade racer if you want fast, hazardous podracing and the tracks inspired by The Phantom Menace. Reviews of the 2020 Switch release are generally favorable but mixed: critics liked the underlying racing, while some found the port conservative and pointed to difficulty, AI, or polish issues. Whether it suits you depends largely on how much you value that racing loop over modern features.
What kind of game is Star Wars Episode I: Racer?
Released in 1999, Star Wars Episode I: Racer turns the film’s podracing sequence into an arcade racing game. Steam lists its release date as May 17, 1999, while GameSpot records May 18, 1999; the sources differ by one day. Steam describes more than 21 tracks across eight worlds, races against 21 or more opponents, hazards, and music and sound effects from the film. Steam’s store listing gives the current PC description.
![STAR WARS Episode I Racer - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/4108mMgm+9L._SL160_.jpg)
In 2020, StarWars.com announced re-releases for Switch and PS4. Its announcement lists 25 playable racers, tracks on eight worlds, pit-droid-assisted upgrades for speed and acceleration, and shortcuts and secrets. These are features described for the re-release announcement, not a guarantee that every platform edition has identical features. StarWars.com’s announcement also specifies multiplayer options.
What do the reviews say?
The 2020 Switch release has a positive but not unanimous critical reception. At the time its page was checked in 2026, Metacritic showed a 70 Metascore from 17 critic reviews and a 7.6 user score from 60 ratings. These are snapshots, not fixed ratings; the totals can change.
#1 Best Overall
The review excerpts help explain the mixed-to-positive picture. Switch Player praised the breakneck racing but noted difficulty issues. NintendoWorldReport called the release a straightforward port and was unimpressed by motion controls, while saying the gameplay had stood the test of time. Other excerpts praised the racing or port performance but wanted better AI or online multiplayer; a negative review cited bugs, visual effects, and soundtrack compression. Taken together, the praise is for the core racing, not for extensive modernization.
Do not confuse those judgments with the original game’s historical reviews. GameSpot’s catalog lists scores of 6.9, 7.5, 8.2, and 8.4 across different reviews. Those scores concern individual historical reviews, not the 2020 release aggregate.
Rank #2
- Join Jedi-to-be Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars race of your life! Relive all the thrills and excitement of the Podracer sequence from Star Wars: Episode I. Hang on tight - with afterburners on, Podracers max out at a simulated 600 mph! Race in furious competition against more than 21 opponents! Take on over 21 tracks in 8 unique worlds. Avoid hazards such as methane lakes, meteor showers and Tusken Raiders! Featuring spectacular 3D environments!
Is it still good to play?
For players who want high-speed, arcade-style racing in the Star Wars setting, the answer is yes—with the qualification that this is a relatively conservative re-release. The appeal is the combination of quick races, hazards, varied tracks, and upgrades; the main reservations in the cited reviews concern execution around that foundation, including AI, difficulty, and technical polish.
It is a less compelling fit if you expect a substantially modernized remake, online multiplayer, or consistently smooth difficulty. The review excerpts do not establish that every player will encounter the same problems, so treat those points as criticisms reported by reviewers rather than guaranteed issues in every session.
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Nintendo UK lists the Switch release date as June 23, 2020, with handheld, tabletop, and TV play modes. Its listing gives one-to-two players on one system and identifies the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller as compatible. Nintendo UK’s product page says multiplayer needs one compatible controller per player; additional controllers may be required. A Pro Controller is therefore an optional consideration for local multiplayer, not a single-player requirement.
StarWars.com announced split-screen play for Switch and PS4, plus LAN multiplayer on Switch. That announcement does not establish online multiplayer for these versions. If playing with someone locally, check the controller setup against Nintendo’s requirements before starting.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which version or review should you use to decide?
Separate the question “Is the original game good?” from “Is this particular re-release a good way to play it?” The 1999 game’s historical reviews and the 2020 Switch reviews evaluate different releases and contexts. For a platform decision, focus on the features that affect your own use:
Quick Recap
- Local multiplayer: Switch and PS4 were announced with split-screen; Switch was also announced with LAN multiplayer. The cited announcement does not confirm online play.
- Portability: Nintendo lists handheld, tabletop, and TV modes for Switch.
- Controllers: Nintendo says local multiplayer requires one compatible controller for each player.
- Modernization: The Switch review excerpts characterize the release as a straightforward port, so do not assume major changes to the original experience.
- PC availability: Steam lists the PC game. Store availability, regional pricing, and its live review figures can change; check the storefront for current details. Steam store page
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