Choose Star Wars: Galactic Racer if you want a newer, runs-based racer with several kinds of craft, route and upgrade choices, and online competition. Choose Star Wars Episode I: Racer if you want to relive the podracing from The Phantom Menace and race locally with a friend. The better fit depends on the kind of racing you want, not a matched quality comparison: the available review evidence does not establish that one game is objectively better.
At a glance: which game fits your priorities?
| If you want… | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Different kinds of Star Wars racing craft | Galactic Racer | Its official PlayStation listing describes landspeeders, speeder bikes, skim speeders, and podracers, each with distinct handling and playstyles. PlayStation |
| Runs with route decisions and upgrade planning | Galactic Racer | The official descriptions emphasize a runs-based structure, campaign choices, and craft customization. PlayStation Amazon Game Studios |
| Online competition | Galactic Racer | Steam lists Online PvP and Cross-Platform Multiplayer. Check the current store listing for details relevant to your platform. Steam |
| The film’s podracing fantasy | Episode I: Racer | StarWars.com describes the game as based on the podracing sequence from The Phantom Menace. StarWars.com |
| Split-screen racing on the same console | Episode I: Racer | The 2020 announcement for the Switch and PS4 releases lists split-screen multiplayer for both; it also lists LAN multiplayer for Switch. StarWars.com |
What kind of racing does each game offer?
Galactic Racer: a broader, runs-based format
Set in the New Republic era, Galactic Racer follows Shade in an unsanctioned racing league. Its official descriptions frame the campaign around individual runs, with choices involving routes and events, along with craft progression and customization. Rather than focusing on podracers alone, it features multiple vehicle classes—including landspeeders, speeder bikes, skim speeders, and podracers—with different handling and playstyles. StarWars.com PlayStation Amazon Game Studios
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Star Wars Battlefront - Xbox | $41.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Star Wars: Heritage Pack - Nintendo Switch | $35.48 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Star Wars: Super Bombad Racing - PlayStation 2 | $29.43 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Star Wars Episode I: Racer for PlayStation 4 (PS4) - (Limited Run Games #350) | $44.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Star Wars Episode 1: Racer - PC | $10.69 | Buy on Amazon |
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Steam lists single-player, Online PvP, and Cross-Platform Multiplayer. Those are Steam’s listed modes; do not assume that every mode or service applies identically on every platform. Steam
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Episode I: Racer: focused podracing from the film
Episode I: Racer centers on podracing inspired by The Phantom Menace. StarWars.com’s 2020 announcement for the Switch and PS4 editions lists 25 playable racers, tracks across eight worlds, shortcuts, and pit-droid upgrades for top speed and acceleration. It also lists split-screen on both consoles and LAN multiplayer on Switch. These details describe the editions covered by that announcement; they do not establish current stock or guarantee identical features across every version or region. StarWars.com
#1 Best Overall
- Choose which faction you'd like to join - The Rebel Alliance, Imperial Army, Clone Troopers or the Separatists
- Drive AT-ST's, speeder bikes and tanks to outmaneuver your opponents
- Jump into the cockpit of X-Wings and TIE Fighters and fight for control of space
- Explore actual locations from the Star Wars films, like the wooded moon of Endor and the ice planet Hoth -- and new locations like Kamino, the ocean planet
- The ringed world of Geonosis, the jungle moon of Yavin IV, the canals and bridges of Naboo are all created in amazing, fully-realized 3D
How the two games differ in replay and multiplayer
Galactic Racer is the stronger documented choice if you want to build replay sessions around runs, route decisions, and vehicle customization. TechRadar reviewer Demi Williams praised the PS5 version’s run-based replayability and customization, while noting that some Field Test races could feel repetitive and Shade had limited character depth. Those are Williams’s impressions of one version, not a consensus assessment or a head-to-head review. TechRadar
For local multiplayer, the cited official feature list points to Episode I: Racer on Switch and PS4: it specifies split-screen for both and Switch LAN multiplayer. For online multiplayer, Steam’s listing identifies Online PvP and Cross-Platform Multiplayer for Galactic Racer. Verify the relevant store page for the platform and version you plan to use.
Rank #2
- The following games are included in the cartridge: STAR WARS Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy (3.6 GB)
- STAR WARS Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (1.1 GB)
- STAR WARS Episode I Racer (254 MB)
- STAR WARS Republic Commando (2.5 GB)
- STAR WARS: The Force Unleashed (3.4 GB)
Platforms and release dates
Galactic Racer launched on October 6, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, according to StarWars.com. Steam gives the same release date and identifies Fuse Games as developer and Secret Mode as publisher. Amazon Game Studios separately announced launch-day availability on Luna for Prime members with access to Luna. Availability and supported features can vary by service and platform, so consult the current listing for your region. StarWars.com Steam Amazon Game Studios
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The cited StarWars.com announcement covers the 2020 Switch and PS4 releases of Episode I: Racer. It does not establish current availability, physical stock, or that every region and edition has the same features. Check the store for your platform before buying. StarWars.com
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which one should you play?
- Pick Galactic Racer for varied racing craft, a runs-based campaign with choices and customization, or online competition.
- Pick Episode I: Racer for a focused take on the film’s podracing, its named roster and worlds, and the documented local multiplayer options on Switch and PS4.
There is no matched review comparison here that can support an overall quality verdict. The choice is best made by whether you want a broader racing format or the specific podracing experience.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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.
