What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The best racing game depends on what you want from the drive: open-world exploration, track-focused competition, Formula One career play or a quick multiplayer kart race. This guide groups ten picks by that fit rather than treating them as a universal ranking. Platform support and availability vary, especially for older games, so check the current store listing for your system before buying.
Best for open-world driving
1. Forza Horizon 6 — best current open-world pick
Set in Japan, Forza Horizon 6 is the strongest choice here if you want to roam between events rather than stay on a circuit. TechRadar highlights its event variety, multiplayer options and aftermarket cars; those are editorial assessments, not measured comparisons. PC Gamer lists a May 19, 2026 release date and identifies Playground Games as developer and Xbox Game Studios as publisher. The cited current guide lists PC and Xbox Series X; verify supported systems and editions in the live store listing. PC Gamer; TechRadar.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Gran Turismo 7 Standard Edition - PlayStation 5 | $42.65 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition - Nintendo Switch | $36.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Nascar Heat 5 (PS4) | $20.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Wreckfest - PlayStation 4 | $19.93 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Lexibook, Cyber Arcade Racing Console, JL3150 | $44.99 | Buy on Amazon |
2. Forza Horizon 5 — best alternative for Mexico’s open world
If you want an established open-world entry rather than the newest release, Forza Horizon 5 offers a Mexico setting and a large catalogue of activities. Its official page says the game has received over 40 content updates, adding hundreds of cars, races, features and gameplay experiences. The page links to Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store and Steam purchase routes; check the relevant store for current platform and edition details. Forza Horizon 5 official page; TechRadar.
3. Burnout Paradise Remastered — best older arcade city racer
Choose this if jumps, collisions and fast driving through a city sound more appealing than realistic track work. Burnout Paradise Remastered is an older game, not a new-season release. GamesRadar lists PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One and Xbox Series X, and describes its Paradise City setting and crash-heavy arcade action. Confirm present-day purchase availability for your platform before treating it as a new buy. GamesRadar+.
#1 Best Overall
- With the return of classic cars, iconic tracks, and fan-favourite modes like GT Simulation and Sport Mode - Gran Turismo 7 is the complete Real Driving Simulator, 25 years in the making.
- Find your line. Whether you're a racer, collector, tuner, designer, photographer or arcade fan - immerse yourself in the facets of automotive culture that matter most to you.
- Connect and compete. Join an international community of drivers to share race strategies, tuning tips, livery designs and photos, before taking to the track to go head-to-head.
4. Need for Speed Heat — best for street-racing pursuits
Need for Speed Heat suits players looking for street races, police pursuits and reputation progression. It is an editorially selected alternative from a broader ranking, not a current-season game. The cited source does not establish current store availability or a full platform list, so check your system’s store before buying. GamesRadar+.
Best for circuit racing and car collecting
5. Gran Turismo 7 — best for PlayStation track racing
Gran Turismo 7 combines structured races and missions with a License Centre, online play, car collecting and tuning. Polyphony Digital’s product page says its Spec III update arrived on December 4, 2025. The same page lists over 550 cars from more than 70 automotive manufacturers, plus tracks at 41 locations in 121 layouts; these are product-page figures accessed in 2026 and may change as the game is updated. PS5 features include GT Sophy and PS VR2 support. The official page lists a Standard Edition PS4/PS5 disc with a March 4, 2022 release date. Its key practical limitation: only Arcade Mode is available offline. Gran Turismo 7 official product page.
Rank #2
- READY, SET, WARP! Race across 24 tracks and warp to 15 CrossWorlds with Travel Rings, a unique gameplay mechanic that transports the iconic characters from the Sonic and SEGA universes into new dimensions. Use unpredictability to your advantage as you change the landscape of each race!
- RACE WITH THE BEST! Choose from 23 iconic Sonic characters, the largest roster of any Sonic racing game!
- MAKE IT YOURS: Mix and match between 45 unique original vehicles and 70 different gadgets to trick out your ride, level up your kart, and create the ultimate machine to match your racing style.
- GAIN THE ADVANTAGE WITH POWERFUL ITEMS! Dominate your opponents with 23 different items including returning favorites and all-new items like the Monster Truck!
- MULTIPLE WAYS TO PLAY: Gather with friends and play local split-screen in Grand Prix and the new party mode Race Park, compete against a community of players from around the world with up to 12 players online in World Match, or test your driving skills in Time Trials.
6. Forza Motorsport 7 — an older circuit-racing option
GamesRadar lists Forza Motorsport 7 as a simulation-focused pick and identifies Xbox One and Xbox Series X. It is an older alternative, and the cited ranking does not establish whether it is currently available to purchase from a storefront. Check availability before planning a new purchase. GamesRadar+.
Best for Formula One career and story play
7. F1 25 — best for the 2025 championship game
F1 25 is EA’s official game of the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship. EA highlights a revamped My Team mode and the third chapter of Braking Point, making it the pick for players who want licensed F1 career and story modes. EA lists PC, PlayStation and Xbox platforms; consult its purchase page for exact current platform and edition details. EA F1 25 purchase page.
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 →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Career mode progress through the Feeder series (xtreme dirt, gander trucks and xfinity series) to reach the NASCAR Cup series or jump right in and start at the top
- Improved stats track your progress through the career with more detailed and improved statistics offering far more insight
- Gameplay enhancements improved AI, more player camera options and dnfs
- Brand new testing mode perfect your racing lines and experiment to find the best car setup for each track
- Challenge mode brand new online challenge mode gives you unique race scenarios to complete with a variety of gameplay. Official tracks 34 Officially licensed tracks for you to race on across the various series, including Daytona international Speedway, Indianapolis motor Speedway and talladega Super speed way, plus five fictional dirt tracks.Multiplayer Race online with up to 40 players or enjoy local split screen multiplayer with a friend.eSports support Take part in the EN as car Heat Pro League qualifiers for a chance to race for a real life NASCAR team.Paint booth even more enhancements, including new number fonts and schemes
Be careful not to confuse the base game with the separately described 2026 Season Pack. EA’s F1 page describes that pack as adding updated teams, rosters, cars and MADRING content, while TechRadar notes the base game does not include the real-world 2026 season’s updated cars, rules and regulations. Check the edition or add-on contents before buying if the newer season is what you want. EA F1 page; TechRadar.
Best for multiplayer kart racing
8. Mario Kart World — best for Switch 2 kart play
Mario Kart World is the pick for a newer kart-racing option on Switch 2. TechRadar describes multiplayer, a Free Roam option, and wall-riding and rail-grinding mechanics. Check the current Nintendo store listing for platform and edition details. TechRadar.
Rank #4
- Awesome cars - old, banged-up, patched-together cars that simply ooze style! From old American heavy-hitters to agile Europeans and fun Asians, you won't find anything like this in other games
- Meaningful customization - change not only the look of your cars but also upgrade their body armor!
- Multiplayer - wreck your friends online and take racing to the limit while chasing for Demolition dominance!
- Challenge modes - have hilarious fun with crop harvesters, lawns mowers, school buses, three-wheelers and more!
- 1 player game; Network Players 2-16 - Full game requires PlayStation Plus membership to access online multiplayer
9. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — best established Switch kart option
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a strong fit for accessible multiplayer and local split-screen. GamesRadar includes it among its racing recommendations; confirm the current Nintendo platform and edition in the store listing for your region. GamesRadar+.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which racing game should you choose?
| What you want | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Open-world exploration and varied events | Forza Horizon 6 | Japan setting, events and multiplayer options; the cited guide lists PC and Xbox Series X. |
| A large open-world activity catalogue | Forza Horizon 5 | Mexico setting and extensive post-launch additions; official page links to Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store and Steam. |
| Track races, car collection and tuning | Gran Turismo 7 | Structured modes and a large car and track catalogue; only Arcade Mode is available offline. |
| Official Formula One career or story | F1 25 | 2025 championship game with My Team and Braking Point; 2026 season content is separately described. |
| Local or social kart racing | Mario Kart World or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Choose based on your Switch generation and the modes you want. |
| Older arcade city driving | Burnout Paradise Remastered | Paradise City, jumps and crashes; verify purchase availability for your system. |
Compatibility and storefront status are not equally established for every title. In particular, check the listing for older games before buying and confirm the season or add-on contents for F1 25. For a physical PlayStation copy of Gran Turismo 7, the official product page lists a PS4/PS5 Standard Edition disc; current price and retailer stock depend on your region and date.
Best Value
- INTUITIVE TILT CONTROL - Pilot your console with motion sensor control! Tilt your console to turn the steering wheel and virtually drive the vehicles in the games for even more thrills.
- 30 CLASSIC GAMES INCLUDED - Choose from a selection of 30 extraordinary games, ranging from thrilling races to thought-provoking action challenges.
- PRACTICAL ERGONOMICS - With its integrated handles, easily accessible buttons and 2.8’’ color screen, your games come to life in your hands!
- CUSTOMIZABLE SETTINGS - Adjust the sound volume and screen brightness to suit your environment.
- BATTERY POWERED - Take your console with you wherever you go, with no need for cables. Simply insert 2 AA batteries and you're ready for hours of gaming!
These picks serve different tastes rather than forming a measured, cross-publication ranking. TechRadar places Forza Horizon 6 first in its 2026 guide, while GamesRadar’s broader list includes a mix of current and older favorites. TechRadar; GamesRadar+.
Quick Recap
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.
