Fans of racing games are in for a treat as 2026 promises plenty. Whether arcade or simulation, there appears to be something waiting for every gamer. It has not been since the 2000s that hardcore racing gamers have been excited about the year’s rollout. The following are four race games that are already the toast of several gaming forums, and why people are excited about them.
1. GTA VI Launches With Various Racing Events
Lucia and Jason wander the underworld of Leonidas in GTA 6 using supercars and speedboats on wetlands and highways. Over 200 cars, including bikes, helicopters, and boats, have been confirmed, along with detailed first- and third-person views.
One of the more exciting rumors surrounding the game is that casinos are returning. These casinos will feature popular casino games, all part of story-based missions and online gaming. There are speculations that the game will feature in-game currency that allows users to convert to real money with the same speed and convenience that has become synonymous with online pokies australia payid options, where earnings are linked directly to the player’s bank details. PayID allows players to transfer winnings quickly and easily using either their mobile number or email address.
While many people are doubtful that incorporating real-money gambling elements might be difficult to regulate worldwide, many fans of the franchise and online gambling remain hopeful, with fingers crossed.
Grand Theft Auto VI will be released on 19 November 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a PC release expected later.
2. The Festival Finally Heads to Japan in Forza Horizon 6
After what feels like an eternity, the Horizon Festival series finally debuts in Japan. This Forza features the largest map ever released in the series and beautifully showcases Tokyo’s overpasses, mountains, and coastal routes.
The automobile lineup features exclusive JDM cars that would rarely appear in any other games. The game's initial release will be on Xbox Series X|S and PC. Later in the year, it will be released for the PS5. Cultural advisor Kyoko Yamashita collaborated with the development team to ensure accurate representation of Japanese automotive culture.
3. Le Mans Ultimate Brings Endurance Racing to Life
Le Mans Ultimate launches with the full 2025 WEC season and historic race tracks like Sebring, Monza, and Portimao. This is the official World Endurance Championship game, which provides a more authentic experience. With the FIA, the world's governing body for motorsport, endorsing this game and the Real Road 2.0 physics model, it underscores the game's and its developers' commitment to simulating real racing.
The console version will be released later in 2026 or early 2027, giving PC gamers a significant head start.
4. Tokyo Xtreme Racer Brings Back Nostalgic Memories
If you’ve ever wished to re-experience the 2000s springs of racing games, then Tokyo Xtreme is for you. This game arrives on the PS5 on February 25th, 2026, and is a nostalgic re-creation of the golden age of street racing on Tokyo's highways.
Its setting is a sealed-off future where racers battle opponents by draining their rivals’ spirit points. It has a strong focus on customizing Japanese cars, including individual body and engine components.
It is a nostalgic tribute to the Need for Speed Underground era, with no controversial modern in-game features like online requirements or a battle pass.
5. Burnout Meets the Galaxy in Star Wars Galactic Racer
Burnout is crossing over with the Star Wars franchise to deliver this quick-paced space racing experience from Fuse Games, established by senior members of the Burnout team. This is the first time the Star Wars franchise has tested the racing genre since Racer Revenge in 2002.
The gameplay has players take on the role of Shade, an isolated racer operating in the period after the fall of the Empire. At launch, this game will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Conclusion
If your New Year's resolution was more race games, you’ve got it. There’s a whole new selection for you to choose from. You can drag race, go pink-slipping, or take on some of the most famous tracks in the world. Whatever it is, be patient and be ready to channel your inner Max Verstappen or Carlos Sainz Sr., whichever appeals more to you when these games are released on your chosen platform.