STAR WARS: Galactic Racer is scheduled to launch worldwide on October 6, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Until then, the closest match is STAR WARS Episode I Racer, which brings back the podracing from The Phantom Menace. If what you want is arcade driving built around stunts and spectacular crashes instead, try Burnout Paradise Remastered.
What to expect from Galactic Racer
Official materials describe STAR WARS: Galactic Racer as a runs-based racing adventure with campaign, scenario, and arcade modes. They also say players can jump into podracing through Arcade mode, making the older Episode I Racer a particularly direct way to get that Star Wars racing feel while you wait. See the official announcement for the game’s modes and story details.
Lucasfilm Games executive producer Craig Derrick described the goal as a racing experience that is “cinematic, skill-driven, and unmistakably Star Wars.” That points to the new game’s distinct identity; neither recommendation below should be mistaken for a substitute that reproduces its campaign or full feature set.
Best direct match: STAR WARS Episode I Racer
If you want podracing specifically, start here. StarWars.com describes Episode I Racer as based on the podracing sequence in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Nintendo’s Switch listing says you can choose from 25 racers, compete across eight worlds, upgrade your podracer with Pit Droids, and learn shortcuts.
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- Authentic Racing Experience: Features rumble steering wheel, gas and brake pedals, and 4-position gear shift for immersive, high-speed arcade-style gameplay
- Two Classic Games Included: Race in The Fast & The Furious and The Fast & The Furious: Drift with built-in games that bring the film franchise to life
- Link Up To 4 cabinets: Connect up to four machines on the same local network for intense head-to-head multiplayer racing action at home
- Wi-Fi Leaderboards: Compete for the top spot against players across the country with built-in Wi-Fi leaderboards that track your best scores
- Deluxe Design & Features: Over 5 feet tall with 17" LCD, light-up marquee, faux coin door, dual speakers, and a sleek cabinet for a true arcade feel
The game is available in listings for Nintendo Switch and PC: Nintendo lists the Switch digital edition as released June 23, 2020, while Steam lists the PC version as an arcade racing game and gives its original release date as May 17, 1999. Steam highlights courses, hazards, and competition. Check the storefront for your region before buying, since current availability and editions can vary.
Nintendo Switch listing · Steam listing
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Best for stunts and crashes: Burnout Paradise Remastered
Choose Burnout Paradise Remastered if you want a different kind of arcade racing: fast driving, stunts, and crashes rather than Star Wars podracing. EA describes the Burnout series in terms of arcade-fueled stunts, crashes, and high-speed action, and lists the remaster as a racing game.
Rank #2
- Authentic Arcade Experience: Play the original Terminator 2 game with real-feel arcade guns and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage for a deeper look at this iconic classic
- Full-Size Presence: Stands over 5 feet tall with a sleek cabinet design and light-up marquee, creating a striking centerpiece for any home arcade or game room setup
- Immersive Visuals: Features a 17” BOE color monitor delivering sharp detail, vibrant colors, and smooth gameplay that brings every scene and action moment to life
- Dynamic Sound Quality: Dual speakers provide crisp, powerful audio with clear sound effects, music, and voice cues for a fully immersive arcade-style experience
- Online Competitive Play: Built-in Wi-Fi enables real-time leaderboards, letting you compete globally, track scores, and challenge friends for endless replay value
EA links to storefronts for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. Check the store for your platform and region to confirm current availability and edition details.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- 14 Classic Games Included: Play PAC-MAN, Galaga, Dig Dug, Pac-Land, Mappy, and more—14 built-in titles deliver hours of iconic retro arcade fun at home
- Authentic Arcade Experience: Real-feel joystick and buttons let you dodge ghosts, eat pellets, and chase high scores just like you did in the arcade
- Crisp 17-Inch Display: BOE color monitor brings every glowing maze and character to life with sharp visuals that stay true to the original arcade look
- Wi-Fi Leaderboards: Compete with players across the country by posting high scores online using built-in Wi-Fi—no quarters required
- Deluxe Cabinet Design: Over 5 feet tall with a light-up marquee, molded faux coin door, and sleek cabinet that adds retro style to any game room or space
EA’s Burnout Paradise Remastered page
Which game should you choose?
| Game | Theme and similarity to podracing | Core arcade appeal | Platforms listed in official sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| STAR WARS Episode I Racer | Direct Star Wars podracing connection; based on the race in The Phantom Menace. | Racer-versus-racer competition, courses, hazards, shortcuts, and podracer upgrades. | Nintendo Switch and PC. Regional storefront availability may change. |
| Burnout Paradise Remastered | Not a Star Wars or podracing game. | Arcade driving focused on stunts, crashes, and high speed. | PC, Xbox, and PlayStation storefronts are linked by EA. Regional availability may change. |
- Pick Episode I Racer for the closest theme and the experience of competing in podraces.
- Pick Burnout Paradise Remastered for aggressive arcade driving and crash-focused spectacle.
- Before purchasing either game, check the relevant platform store for your region; editions and availability can change.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
