Racing Games to Play

Best Racing Games to Play

Thankfully, there are racing games -- which can be different than driving games -- on just about every video game platform. Clutch that controller, throw the pedal to the metal, and take that turn just a little too fast for comfort! Just don't try to do these same stunts in real life!

Microsoft Xbox 360

Easily the best racing simulation title on the Xbox 360 is Forza Motorsport 2. In this hugely anticipated sequel to the original Forza, you get to get behind the wheel of real cars, driving them in real locations while enjoying the physics of ultra realistic racing. The graphics are absolutely stunning and you'll be blown away by the incredible three-dimensional renders. If you buy just one racing game for the Xbox 360, it should be Forza 2.

Sony PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3

Following in the theme of supreme realism, it doesn't get much better than Gran Turismo 4 for the Sony PlayStation 2. The assortment of real life vehicles is absolutely astounding, from the legendary Subaru WRX STi to lesser known cars like the Lotus Elise. In Gran Turismo 4, you can even drive "normal" cars like the Honda Civic and the Ford Focus if you prefer. The rally mode in the game is particularly enjoyable, albeit quite frustrating for beginners. Upgrade your car, win more cars, and race your way to glory.

If you prefer a more arcade-style racer, then you may want to check out Motorstorm for the PS3. Here, you ride dune buggies and dirt bikes across some very dusty paths. The high flying nature of the tracks adds to this game's gorgeous appeal.

Nintendo Wii and Virtual Console

Because of the unique motion sensitive controls on the Nintendo Wii, you can get a pretty realistic driving experience by holding the Wii Remote sideways in racing games like Excite Truck, GT Pro Series, and Need for Speed Carbon. You steer by tilting the controller to the left or the right.

On the Virtual Console, you'll also find classics like Wave Race 64 from the Nintendo 64 (N64), in case you're in the mood for a little nostalgia.

Portable Racing Games

You don't have to restrict yourself to racing at home. Go portable and take a test drive on the PSP or Nintendo DS!

Sony PSP

In many ways, the PSP is like having a smaller version of the PlayStation 2. As such, the games are absolutely top notch and boast some of the most beautiful visuals in the portable world. Some of the more popular racing titles for the PSP are Ridge Racer, Need for Speed: Underground Rivals, and Burnout Legends, the last of which is probably the best of the bunch. The styles of racing offered vary considerably from the family-friendly arcade to the technical challenge of utter realism.

Nintendo DS

While the Nintendo DS has some traditional racing games like Asphalt: Urban GT 2 and Need for Speed Underground 2, by far the best title available for Nintendo's dual-screened wonder is Mario Kart DS. Choose from 13 different characters and drive around on 32 varied tracks as you drop bananas, throw turtle shells, and power boost your way around corners. Challenge racers from around the world via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. For all these reasons, it should come as little surprise that Mario Kart DS has consistently been considered one of the best Nintendo DS games ever available.