The 10 best Switch racing games August 2023

The art of racing is really something to behold, so if you're looking to test your might on the track, here are the best Switch racing games right now.

Best Switch racing games: Mario and Peach from Mario Kart 8

You’re truly spoilt for choice when it comes to the best Switch racing games. The Nintendo Switch has a huge variety of racing games for players to dive into from fun kart racers to realistic sims.

Whether you want to compete with your friends or you’re in the mood for some realistic driving, the best racing games on Switch will have you covered. So, without further ado, here are the best Switch games to get you into pole position.

The best Switch racing games are:

  • Burnout Paradise Remastered
  • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
  • GRID Autosport
  • Crash Team Racing- Nitro Fueled
  • Wreckfest
  • Fast RMX
  • Horizon Chase Turbo
  • Hot Wheels Unleashed
  • Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered
  • Trials Rising

Best Switch racing games: Two racing cars with liveries crash into one another in Burnout Paradise remastered

1. Burnout Paradise Remastered

No racing game captures the feeling of the 2000s more than Burnout Paradise. Driving around Paradise City with Killswitch Engage on the radio can spark a wave of nostalgia. The game is perfects for both newcomers and veterans, with plenty of point to point action and other activities to complete.

The best bit of Burnout Paradise though is the crashing. Picking up a sweet ride is great, sure, but part of the fun of this game is putting your car through its paces, and smashing things in the process. It’s a lot of fun and performs very well on the Switch.

Best Switch racing games: Mario punches the air as he drives his kart in Mario Kart 8

2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Who doesn’t love some good old Mario Kart? Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a port of the Wii U classic and like the original, the fun is prevalent throughout. Accessibility features have also been added to make sure everyone is able to properly enjoy driving the best Mario Kart 8 karts in this Nintendo classic.

Whether you wanna chill out with your friends, relax on the weekends or just relive the Mario Kart nostalgia, Mario Kart 8 has a lot of activities for you to get dive into especially the super-fun and exciting Battle Modes. You can even challenge your friends in the co-op mode to see who’s the better kart aficionado.

Best Switch racing games: a rally car creates a plume of smoke with a handbreak turn in GRID autosports

3. GRID Autosport

If you’re looking for a realistic racing experience on the Switch, then GRID Autosport has got you covered. Featuring multiple car classes including Endurance and Open Wheel, this game is Codemasters returning to its roots.

The game has realistic camera modes including the much-loved cockpit view so that you can experience the thrill of nailing that apex or corner. Adding to that, the updated damage model also ensures that you’ll have to be focused and careful throughout the races.

Best Switch racing games: Several racers from Crash Team Racing line up

4. Crash Team Racing- Nitro Fueled

Another remaster of a classic kart racer for the Switch is Crash Team Racing- Nitro Fueled. With modern graphics and controls, this game properly captures the fun feeling of what made the original so great.

Moreover, new features such as online multiplayer and kart customization makes Crash Team Racing- Nitro Fueled much more lucrative.

With over 50 characters and 40 karts to choose from, you’ll never get bored.

Best Switch racing games: crash test dummies go flying as a man drives a tractor in Wreckfest

5. Wreckfest

Now onto some hardcore rampage and destruction. And, what game could offer that better than Wreckfest? This demolition derby by Bugbear Entertainment is perfect for blowing off some steam after a long day.

Its emphasis on vehicular combat combined with superb physics makes it one of the very best racing games out there. With dozens of tracks and even more vehicles, Wreckfest gives you the keys to a racing playground where anything is possible.

Best Switch racing games: Three spacecraft race in FAST RMX

6. Fast RMX

For a more futuristic approach, Fast RMX is a great game you definitely should try out. While it’s no Wipeout, it does have some unique features that make it a standout on the Switch, particularly the incorporation of motion controls.

Its utilization of colour pads also adds an extra layer of competitiveness to the races as you’ll be looking to get that extra boost or jump to outrace your opponents. All in all, Fast RMX is a game that will test your might and will prepare you for what the future will bring.

Best Switch racing games: A red sports car tries to catch up with other racers in Horizon Chase Turbo

7. Horizon Chase Turbo

Horizon Chase Turbo might not have the most realistic or innovative graphics like the others on this list, but the enjoyment it gives is nothing short of amazing. This retro-inspired racer feels like a love letter to the 16-bit racing games of the 90s with its noticeable colour palette and art.

The amount of content it has is astounding, to say the least with a lot of cars and tracks each distinctive from the other. If you love retro racers of the 90s, then this will surely suit you.

Best Switch racing games: a blue Hot Wheels car descends a red track

8. Hot Wheels Unleashed

Hot Wheels never gets old, does it? Hot Wheels Unleashed properly captures everything that makes the toy brand so popular and iconic with its arcade gameplay. Having fun is a priority here and it shows.

With the sheer amount of tracks and cars from the franchise’s history, as well as a lucrative track editor, you’ll be feeling like a kid again in no time. It’s one of the best arcade racers to release on the console in years, so if you’re looking for more reasons to pick it up, read our Hot Wheels Unleashed review here.

Best Switch racing games: An orange race car tries to escape police in Need for Speed Hot Pursuit

9. Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered

Need for Speed games on the Switch were non-existent until the arrival of Hot Pursuit Remastered. The original was highly praised and the Remastered Switch port has kept its appraisal a decade later. In fact, it’s hands down one of the best racing games on the Switch.

With its cop-robber dynamic, beautiful collection of modern cars, and updated visuals, Hot Pursuit Remastered will keep you on the edge of your seat every time you play it.

Best Switch racing games: A biker pulls a stunt as they jump a canyon in Trials Rising

10. Trials Rising

Sometimes you just want to witness a sunset mid-air while doing some crazy stunts with your bikes before inevitably crashing with dozens of broken bones. Trials Rising is here to fulfil that dream with its over-the-top bike action in a variety of tracks.

Nailing that perfect jump is a temptation one can’t resist when you play this game. It’s fun, and gorgeous and definitely will keep you trying again and again.

And with that, our best Switch racing games list ends. These games are unique in their own way and will keep you invested for hours if you give them a proper chance.

If you’re looking for more racing game options, make sure to read our recommendations for the best PS5 racing games and best Xbox racing games – you can’t have too many, right?