Recommended Free Tools
There is no single best racing game for every player. For open-world driving, start with Forza Horizon 6; for PlayStation circuit racing, consider Gran Turismo 7; for Formula racing, choose F1 25 or its separately described 2026 Season Edition; and for an evolving PC sim, look at Assetto Corsa EVO. The right pick depends on your platform, preferred style and tolerance for games that are still being updated or developed.
Best racing games for 2026 at a glance
| Game | Best for | Platform and state | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forza Horizon 6 | Open-world exploration | Xbox Series X|S and PC; PS5 planned later in 2026 | Set in Japan. Xbox/PC Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members can play at no additional cost from its May 19, 2026 launch date. |
| Gran Turismo 7 | PlayStation circuit racing | PlayStation; check the current store listing for availability | TechRadar’s 2026 guide names it its best console-centric racing sim, citing solo content, cars and tracks. That is the guide’s editorial assessment, not a controlled comparison. |
| F1 25 / 2026 Season Edition | Official Formula racing | Check the store listing for platform and edition | The base game is tied to the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship. EA also advertises a 2026 Season Edition with refreshed grid details and Madrid’s MADRING circuit. |
| Assetto Corsa EVO | PC simulation still in development | PC Early Access | Version 0.9 was listed on August 26, 2026; the developer says further phases will come before full release 1.0. |
These picks address different kinds of racing rather than competing on one universal scale. Check each game’s current platform store for edition, price, online requirements and any subscription costs before buying.
| # | 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 |
Choose by the kind of racing you want
Open-world driving: Forza Horizon 6
Forza Horizon 6 is the pick for players who want to explore a large driving world rather than focus only on fixed circuits. Playground Games’ FAQ says the game is set in Japan and launched on Xbox Series X|S and PC on May 19, 2026. It lists PlayStation 5 as planned for later in 2026, so check the PS5 store for a live listing before assuming it is available there.
At launch, Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members could play on Xbox and PC at no additional cost through their membership. That is an access benefit, not a statement that the game is permanently included in every plan or available on every platform through a subscription.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall#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.
PlayStation circuit racing: Gran Turismo 7
If your priority is a console-focused circuit racer, Gran Turismo 7 is the most directly supported choice in this selection. TechRadar’s 2026 guide calls it the best console-centric racing sim on its list and points to its solo content, car selection and tracks. Treat that as one publication’s judgment, not an objective ranking or a claim based on testing described here.
Gran Turismo announced that the series had passed 100 million worldwide sales as of June 25, 2025. That is a milestone for the Gran Turismo series as a whole, not sales of Gran Turismo 7 alone. The official announcement quotes series producer Kazunori Yamauchi: “To think that this has happened over 100 million times around the world really blows my mind.”
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.
Formula racing: F1 25 and the 2026 Season Edition
Choose F1 25 if you want a game whose base identity is the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship: EA describes it as the official video game of that season. EA also advertises a 2026 Season Edition with refreshed grid details and the Madrid MADRING circuit. Those details belong to the edition EA promotes; do not assume they are included with every copy of the base game. Compare the store listing’s edition name and included content before purchase.
EA says F1 25 requires an internet connection and an EA account. Playing online on a console may also require a separately sold subscription from that platform. Check the requirements for your platform and edition rather than treating the game purchase as the only possible cost.
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
PC simulation in progress: Assetto Corsa EVO
Assetto Corsa EVO is the PC pick for players willing to follow a sim as it develops. Its official site lists version 0.9 on August 26, 2026, and says more development phases will precede full release 1.0. That makes it an Early Access option, not a finished game: content and features remain subject to change as development continues.
What to check before you buy
- Platform: Confirm the game is currently available on your console or PC storefront. In particular, Forza Horizon 6’s PS5 release was described as planned for later in 2026, not confirmed as already available.
- Edition and season: For F1 25, verify whether the listing is for the 2025 base game or the 2026 Season Edition and read what that edition includes.
- Access and ongoing cost: Compare the purchase price with any eligible subscription access, and check online account or console-subscription requirements.
- Development status: If you want a complete, settled release, account for Assetto Corsa EVO still being in Early Access.
- Current listing: Prices, editions, availability and retailer stock can change. Check the live platform store or retailer listing at the point of purchase.
Which one should you get?
Pick Forza Horizon 6 for open-world exploration on Xbox or PC, Gran Turismo 7 for PlayStation circuit racing, an appropriate F1 25 edition for Formula content, or Assetto Corsa EVO if you want to experience a PC sim while it is still being developed. If you are choosing between unlike styles, start with the kind of driving you want; a universal ranking would obscure the most important difference.
Quick Recap
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!
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
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.
