In this article, we’ll revisit the best SNES racing games that had us skidding, flipping, and even occasionally rage-quitting our way to victory.
From karting capers with our favorite mustachioed plumbers to pedal-to-the-metal pursuits and the high-stakes world of Formula 1 (with another mustachioed drive!), these classic titles showcase the sheer range of experiences the SNES had under its hood. So, strap in, grab your controllers, and prepare for a wild ride through the fast and furiously fun world of SNES racing games!
Super Mario Kart
Super Mario Kart is undoubtedly one of the best SNES racing games that captured the hearts of gamers worldwide.
In the first game of one of the most famous game series ever created, you race against opponents across four different cups, each comprising four themed tracks.
Along the way, you’ll pick up power-ups, such as banana peels, shells, and lightning bolts to use against your rivals, adding a layer of strategy to each race. Battle mode is another exciting aspect of the game, where you can challenge your friends in various arenas.
Super Mario Kart’s popularity has led to numerous sequels and spin-offs, proving that the fun and excitement of this classic never fade. The combination of memorable characters, inventive power-ups, and nail-biting races makes Super Mario Kart a must-play for fans of the best SNES games.
So, start your engines and get ready to experience the thrill that started it all!
F-Zero
F-Zero is here to blast you into the future of racing games. Pretty much renowned at launch as one of the best SNES racing games, this fast-paced gem leaves a trail of neon lights and high-octane excitement in its wake.
Debuting in 1990, F-Zero transports you to a high-tech world where racing is king. As a daring pilot, you’ll steer your way through various courses, deftly navigating treacherous turns and gravity-defying jumps.
With a total of 15 challenging tracks spread across three leagues, F-Zero tests your mettle and demands precise control. Be prepared to dodge hazards, manage your energy wisely, and keep your wits about you to avoid crashing out of the competition.
One of F-Zero’s most impressive features is its innovative use of Mode 7 graphics. This visual effect creates a sense of depth and perspective that was groundbreaking for its time.
F-Zero remains a standout title, so, get ready to ignite your engines and embark on a racing adventure like no other!
Top Gear 2
Top Gear 2, released in 1993, sends you on an international racing journey across 16 countries and 64 diverse tracks.
You’ll tackle various weather conditions, terrains, and obstacles, making each race a unique challenge. From the bustling streets of London to the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand, Top Gear 2 delivers a thrilling racing experience with a global flair.
In this game, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade and customize your vehicle, tweaking aspects such as the engine, tires, and suspension. As you progress and earn prize money from winning races, you can invest in these improvements to gain a competitive edge against your opponents.
Top Gear 2’s split-screen multiplayer mode adds an extra layer of excitement to the game, as you can face off against a friend in heated head-to-head battles.
The SNES never received a Lotus game, but Top Gear 2 is certainly a great substitute!
Super Off Road
Get ready to kick up some dust, because Super Off Road is here to take you on a wild ride through rugged terrain! As one of the best SNES racing games, this off-roading classic brings the excitement of off-road racing right into your living room.
Super Off Road, released in 1991, is an arcade-style racing game that lets you test your driving skills across a variety of challenging off-road courses.
The game includes eight unique tracks that grow more difficult as you progress, pushing your driving skills to the limit.
Super Off Road also offers an upgrade system that lets you enhance your truck’s performance. As you earn cash prizes from successful races, you can invest in upgrades like better tires, increased acceleration, and improved handling.
Super Off Road is a classic on many systems and is notably one of the best Sega Genesis racing games too, but the SNES version is one of the most refined of them all.
Uniracers
This quirky and inventive title stands out with its unique premise and fast-paced gameplay that’s bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Uniracers, released in 1994, takes a fresh approach to racing by putting you in control of a one-wheeled wonder. You’ll speed along rollercoaster-like tracks, performing gravity-defying stunts and acrobatics to gain an edge over your competition.
Compete across 45 tracks, each offering its own set of challenges and opportunities for daring stunts. Uniracers emphasizes both speed and style, as you’ll need to execute flips, spins, and rolls to build up speed and overtake your opponents.
Uniracers also boasts a fun multiplayer mode, allowing you to challenge friends and family in head-to-head races or stunt competitions.
Uniracers offers hours of entertainment that’s sure to keep you coming back for more. So, hop on your unicycle and get ready to race like never before!
Rock n’ Roll Racing
Crank up the volume and start your engines, because Rock n’ Roll Racing is about to take you on a wild ride!
This high-octane title earns its place as one the best SNES racing games with its adrenaline-pumping soundtrack, intense combat, and exhilarating races that’ll have you rocking out from start to finish.
Rock n’ Roll Racing, released in 1993, combines fast-paced racing with vehicular combat in an intergalactic championship. You’ll find yourself speeding across alien planets, collecting power-ups, and using an arsenal of weapons to blast your opponents out of your way.
One of the standout features of Rock n’ Roll Racing is its iconic soundtrack, which includes classic rock hits from bands like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Steppenwolf. These tunes provide the perfect backdrop for intense races and epic battles.
So, strap in, turn up the volume, and get ready to rock your way to victory!
Stunt Race FX
Stunt Race FX looked to redefine the racing genre with its unique polygonal graphics, physics-based gameplay, and heart-stopping stunts that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Released in 1994, Stunt Race FX stands out with its distinctive 3D graphics powered by the Super FX chip, which was a groundbreaking technological achievement for the SNES at the time. The game features four anthropomorphic vehicles, each with its own personality and driving characteristics.
The game includes 5 games modes: Speed Trax, which is the primary racing mode; Stunt Trax, where you’ll navigate obstacle courses to reach the finish line; and Battle Trax, a multiplayer mode where you can go head-to-head against a friend, as well as Free Trax and Test Run which allow your to practice honing your skills.
A great demonstration of the capabilities of the Super FX chip, Stunt Race FX is one of the more unique racers on the SNES.
Micro Machines
Tiny cars, big fun! Micro Machines takes the world of racing games and shrinks it down, delivering an exhilarating experience that’s anything but small.
Also featuring on our best Amiga racing games list, Micro Machines also speeds on to our list of best SNES racing games, Micro Machines captivates players with its fast-paced action, creative tracks, and addictive gameplay that proves that size really doesn’t matter.
Race across kitchen tables, dart through gardens, and speed along pool tables, all while avoiding obstacles like breakfast cereal, garden tools, and billiard balls. The game’s top-down perspective and vibrant graphics bring these pint-sized racing adventures to life.
Whether you’re racing solo or facing off against friends, Micro Machines delivers hours of entertainment that’ll keep you on the edge of your (tiny) seat.
Nigel Mansell’s World Championship Racing
Fasten your seatbelts and groom your moustaches, because Nigel Mansell’s World Championship Racing is here to deliver the ultimate Formula 1 experience!
This authentic and challenging title takes its place among the best SNES racing games, offering players the chance to channel the spirit of the famously mustachioed racer himself as they speed through a thrilling racing season.
Nigel Mansell’s World Championship Racing puts you behind the wheel of a high-performance Formula 1 car, competing in a full racing season inspired by the real-life 1992 F1 World Championship.
If you’re a fan of racing games and have always admired the aerodynamic advantage of a well-groomed moustache, Nigel Mansell’s World Championship Racing is a must-play title.
Super Chase H.Q.
This thrilling title stands out among the best SNES racing games with its intense chases, crime-fighting gameplay, and cinematic feel that’ll have you hooked from start to finish.
Super Chase H.Q. is a fast-paced racing game that puts you in the role of an elite police officer tasked with apprehending dangerous criminals on the run. You’ll speed through city streets, highways, and off-road environments, dodging traffic and obstacles as you chase down and capture your targets.
Your primary goal is to close the distance between your police car and the criminals’ vehicle. Once you’re close enough, you’ll need to ram their car repeatedly until it’s disabled, all while keeping an eye on your own vehicle’s health and the time limit.
The game’s pseudo-3D graphics and scaling effects create an immersive, cinematic experience, making you feel like you’re part of a high-stakes action movie.
Final Thoughts on the Best SNES Racing Games
The SNES era was a golden age for racing games, delivering a diverse array of titles that catered to fans of all types of racing. From the charm of Super Mario Kart to the high-speed pursuits of Super Chase H.Q., these classic games continue to hold a special place in the hearts of gamers worldwide.
Whether you’re a fan of off-road mayhem, micro-sized thrills, or the aerodynamic prowess of a well-groomed moustache, there’s a game on this list that’s sure to get your engine revving.
A lifelong avid gamer and computing enthusiast, Matt has decades of Retro Gaming experience. Now over 40 years old, Matt now even considers himself retro, but fortunately, nobody has developed a Matt emulator (not yet at least!).