Racing games have come a long way since Gran Trak 10 debuted on the Atari in 1974. What began as a simple top-down track racer has evolved into sprawling, hyper-realistic experiences where players can manage teams, race endurance events, or simply embrace chaotic fun.
Looking ahead to 2025 and 2026, the racing and driving genre is set for a packed release schedule. Whether you’re a fan of simulation, arcade-style drifting, or over-the-top adventures, there’s something on the way for every gamer.
Among the highlights:
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Endurance Motorsport Series (2026, PC/PS5/Xbox Series X/S) – A deep simulator letting players manage racing teams or take the wheel in grueling endurance events.
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Forza Horizon 6 (2026, rumored Japan setting) – Still unconfirmed, but likely to push the boundaries of open-world racing.
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Garfield Kart 2: All You Can Drift (Sept 10, 2025) – A wacky, family-friendly racer priced from $29.99.
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Grand Theft Auto VI (May 26, 2026) – Rockstar’s blockbuster promises chaos, gators, and fast cars.
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Kirby Air Riders (Oct 11, 2025, Switch 2) – A spiritual successor to the GameCube’s Air Ride with fresh tracks and characters.
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Project Motor Racing (Nov 25, 2025) – An ambitious racing sim boasting 70 tracks, 10 racing classes, and possible VR support.
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Road Kings (2026, PC) – A trucking simulator putting players behind the wheel of a semi for long-haul realism.
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NASCAR 25 (Oct 14, 2025) – A return to high-speed oval racing with expanded rosters and series.
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Sonic Racing: Crossworlds (Sept 25, 2025) – Multiverse racing with Sonic characters across imaginative dimensions.
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Wreckfest 2 (TBA, early access available) – A destructive racer with upgraded physics and chaotic events.
From family fun with Garfield and Kirby to hardcore simulations like Project Motor Racing and Endurance Motorsport Series, the upcoming lineup highlights just how diverse the racing genre has become.
Gamers on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2 will all have plenty to look forward to over the next 18 months, whether they crave realism, speed, or sheer entertainment.
