The Best Super Nintendo Racing Games Of All Time
No Super Nintendo collection is complete without some of the best SNES racing games being a part of it. After all, the SNES featured some of the best racing games of the 16-bit era. It’s surprising what developers were able to do with only sprites and 2D effects. But ironically, racing games such as F-Zero were considered to be 3D games at the time. So what were the top SNES racing games? See how fans ranked their favorite ones below.
Compared to today’s standards, 16-bit era racers featured much more arcade-like physics and were simpler to learn and play. Rarely did gamers get the opportunity to mod and save vehicle configurations like they are today. In addition, gamers for the most part didn’t have to worry about the ideal racing line. Despite that lack of depth, however, the SNES racing games below are just as fun to play as many racing games today.
One aspect of SNES car and racing games that you rarely see today is split-screen battling. In today’s world of multiplayer gaming, no one considers how fun it can be to play a game with a friend next to you. Yes, your display area shrunk to half a screen, but you could learn to live with it. Plus, it added an ever-present sense of tension.
So if you loved racing games on the SNES, then vote up all your favorite old-school titles below.
- 1
Super Mario Kart is an innovative spin-off of the Super Mario series where your favorite Nintendo characters face off in thrilling go-kart competitions. Gameplay revolved around sleek controls, strategic item use, and clever manipulation of the game's colorful 2D courses, setting this game as a trailblazer in the kart-racing subgenre. Considered a timeless classic, this game has spawned a whole franchise of follow-ups and has influenced many racing games that came after it.
- Developer: Nintendo EAD
Dig Deeper What Your Favorite 'Mario Kart' Character Says About You
Also ranks #2 on The 50+ Best Co-Op SNES Games, Ranked- Also ranks #2 on The Best Free SNES Games To Play On The Switch Online
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- 2
F-Zero burst onto the scene with a revolutionary blend of high-speed futuristic racing and strategic piloting. The gameplay consolidated speedy reflexes and precise navigation, raising the bar for what was expected from a racing game. F-Zero has left a significant impact in the gaming world, inspiring numerous sequels and spin-offs, and being oft-credited for pioneering the subgenre of futuristic racing games.
- Developer: Nintendo EAD
- Also ranks #5 on Video Game Series That Deserve A Comeback
- Also ranks #6 on The Best Free SNES Games To Play On The Switch Online
- Also ranks #25 on The Best-Rated Super Nintendo Games
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- 3
In Rock n' Roll Racing, you’re plunged into intergalactic circuits jamming to familiar head-banging tunes. The gameplay is defined by rapid responses and smart upgrade choices—to keep your war buggy in tip-top shape. A cult classic, the game has left its mark with its unique blend of frantic racing and hard rock soundtrack - a tune that continues to resonate with fans.
- Developer: Silicon & Synapse
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- 4
Top Gear takes you on an adrenaline-charged global circuit, racing against proficient rivals and battling diverse weather conditions. The game won hearts with its split-screen multiplayer feature and dynamic gameplay, moving it to the top gear of early '90s racing games. Top Gear's impact on co-op racing games was significant, with its legacy being its enduring popularity and a series of successful sequels.
- Developer: Gremlin Graphics
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- 5
Sequel to the legendary Top Gear, this sophomore effort ramped up the thrill, introducing a bunch of sleeker cars and more challenging tracks. Top Gear 2 offered more strategic and immersive gameplay with the introduction of car upgrades and repair systems. Despite being a two-decade-old game, this sequel is remembered for shaping the future of the racing genre with its refined gameplay mechanics.
- Developer: Gremlin Graphics
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- 6
Super Off Road turns you into a tough off-road trucker, racing not just your competitors, but also time itself. The game combines responsive arcade-style controls with strategic decisions to upgrade your vehicle, providing a gameplay experience as rough as an off-road race. With its innovative gameplay, Super Off Road has influenced many off-road racing games that came after it.
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