Racing games were invented a long time ago, long before the advent of modern consoles.
For me, the world of racing games goes back to the Need For Speed saga on the Playstation, and more specifically to Porsche Unleashed. This game let you drive the Porsches of the time on urban circuits. Today, more than 30 years after the first NFS, the saga lives on, which isn’t very common in the world of video games unless you have a banger title, and here we are in Unbond, which is the latest to date for EA’s license.
But since we’re mainly talking about sim-racing, what we’re interested in are the games available right now, and for this article, we’re going to cover titles on the Xbox Series X and S. I’ve put together a list of 6 racing games for Microsoft’s consoles, divided into three categories: simulation, sim-arcade and arcade. My aim is to reach as many virtual racers as possible, whether they’re looking for a bit of fun after a day’s work, or want to improve their skills on the digital track.
The best simulation racing games on Xbox Series X/S
Assetto Corsa Competizione
The first on the list is none other than Assetto Corsa Competizione, the ultimate simulation game for racers who want to smash lap times in GT3 cars on tracks the world over.
ACC is a spin-off title from Assetto Corsa, which takes a more generalized approach to sim-racing. Released in 2019, ACC is based on a revised graphics engine, offering improved visuals, dynamic weather management, GT3 competition and magnificent cars, all with a very racing atmosphere.
The physics engine allows very advanced simulation management, with feedback from more or less every source on the car. If you have a good Direct Drive base, capable of taking into account the vehicle’s telemetry data, you’ll get the most out of ACC on Xbox Series X and S.
Assetto Corsa Competizione remains the ultimate simulation game on consoles, notably the Xbox Series X and S. However, you need the right sim-racing equipment to enjoy it to the full. And speaking of which, you’ve got the basics from Moza Racing and Fanatec to satisfy you, such as Moza’s R3, which is natively supported by the Xboxes, but is low-powered, which wouldn’t really suit ACC. Fanatec’s offer is better, with the CSL DD, Podium DD1 and DD2, which are technically supported by Microsoft’s console, but only if you have an Xbox-compatible steering wheel. Logitech’s Pro Racing Wheel is also compatible with Xbox and PC.
F1 25
The F1 saga from EA Sports and Codemasters has been officially licensed by Formula 1 for quite some time now. The latest opus is now F1 25, which covers the 2025 season and naturally establishes itself as the new reference on Xbox Series X/S.
F1 25 continues to offer an accessible simulation of motorsport’s premier discipline, with the option of adapting the driving experience to suit your level: more permissive for beginners, or more demanding for those seeking a more advanced sim-arcade approach. Of course, the entire 2025 season is included, with official drivers, cars, circuits and teams.
In terms of content, F1 25 remains very comprehensive, whether in single-player or multiplayer mode. Qualifying, testing, Grand Prix weekends, online modes… it’s all there. The license is as solid and coherent as ever, even if, as is often the case with annual releases, the evolutions focus more on on-track feel, gameplay tweaks and technical optimization, rather than on a total revolution.
As with previous releases, the right sim racing setup makes all the difference to the F1 25 driving experience. A Direct Drive base, a Load Cell pedalboard and an Xbox-compatible steering wheel allow you to exploit the sensations to the full. Fanatec, Moza and Logitech now offer serious, proven solutions for this type of game.
The best sim-arcade racing games on Xbox Series X/S
Forza Motorsport
Forza Motorsport is Xbox’s answer to the success of Gran Turismo. The saga published by Xbox is now in its 8th opus, with a 20-year career. That’s no mean feat, and it’s a must-have for those who play on Microsoft’s console, as well as PC.
Like F1 25, Forza Motorsport is part sim-arcade, part simulation, depending on your preference. This means you can play it with a controller, although the experience will be very diluted if you ask me.
For the latest edition, Forza Motorsport did a sort of reboot of the saga with a title released in 2023. It was eagerly awaited, especially as Gran Turismo 7 was already 2 years ahead of its time. Developed by Turn 10 Studio, the emphasis was on realism and immersion, and I have to say that racers were not disappointed.
Forza Motorsport represents the very best in sim-arcade/simulation on the Xbox. It’s not on the same level as Assetto Corsa Competizione, of course, but it’s not far off either. If you’re a racer with a passion for cars and would like to improve your sim-racing skills slowly, Forza Motorsport remains a must-have on Xbox.
EA Sports WRC
In the category of rally games, EA Sports WRC is now the official reference on Xbox Series X/S. Developed by Codemasters, the studio behind the Dirt saga and previous WRC titles, the game marks a turning point with a more modern engine and a more coherent approach to rallying.
EA Sports WRC covers the most recent seasons of the World Rally Championship, with official cars, drivers and teams, as well as a large number of special stages inspired by real-life locations. The game’s sim-arcade-oriented driving style is demanding enough to provide a good thrill, while remaining accessible to players who don’t want an overly rigid simulation.
As rallying is a particularly demanding discipline in terms of driving, the feel of the track is emphasized here. Steering wheel, pedals and force feedback take on their full meaning, especially on long special stages where managing grip, rhythm and trajectories is of prime importance.
As always with Xbox, you’ll simply have to make sure that the steering wheel you’re using is compatible with the console. EA Sports WRC is aimed at both rally fans and players looking for a racing game that’s different from traditional circuits, with a real sense of challenge and progression.
The best arcade racing games on Xbox Series X/S
Forza Horizon 5
The Forza saga covers 2 categories of sim-racing: sim-arcade with Forza Motorsport, and arcade with Forza Horizon. For open-world fans, with hundreds of cars available to drive, from simple 80s GTIs to modern-day hypercars, Forza Horizon 5 is the perfect title.
Despite the fact that FH5 is technically a fun racing game, you can spice things up a bit by configuring the title to take tire wear and damage into account, for example. I imagine that fans of this kind of game won’t necessarily go so far as to activate tire management, but I’ve already seen people who enjoy driving with this kind of challenge.
FH5 is set in Mexico, with its magnificent landscapes. You’ve got urban centers, coastline, mountains, desert and forests, Forza Horizon 5 offers sublime graphics and, above all, very open gameplay. Cars are customizable and available in abundance, too. It’s complete, as well as being very popular in the gaming community. And the soundtrack is superb too. What more could you ask for?
Dirt 5
Let’s end with an arcade-style rally game: Dirt 5. This title is developed by Codemasters, and published by the same studio as EA, you know, the same ones who bring us F1 every year.
Dirt 5 is a rally game where the emphasis is on fun. You have numerous cars to drive on rally stages. This title is just perfect for racers who want to have some eye-popping fun with magnificent graphics. I admit it’s weird to see Aston Martins on rally stages, but it’s still fun to drive.
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