It’s time for the digital rubber to hit the road with Best Buy’s look at the best racing video game sims. In the pursuit of the checkered flag, the racing genre has hit new heights, offering hyper-realistic graphics, detailed physics and lifelike driving experiences that blur the line between the real and virtual racetrack. This year continues to build on the titles available for racing enthusiasts. Below, I’ve curated games and accessories catering to casual gamers and hardcore racing enthusiasts.
Here is a list of the best racing simulator games for 2025, some past favourites and exciting games coming down the track. Start your engines; here are my top racing picks.
Best racing sims out now
F1 24
Developer: Codemasters
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
With the latest Formula 1 season around the corner, F1 24 lets you hop into the driver’s seat now. Featuring all the teams, drivers, and circuits from the 2024 season, the game delivers an authentic experience with realistic car handling and strategic depth. The “My Team” mode lets you create and manage your own F1 team. This adds a layer of management simulation to the racing action.
Forza Motorsport
Developer: Turn 10 Studios
Platform(s): Xbox Series X|S, PC
Forza Motorsport offers a true-to-life racing experience complete with weather and track effects. The game boasts an impressive lineup of cars and tracks rendered with stunning detail. Enhanced physics and tire modelling contribute to authentic driving mechanics, and the integration of real-world motor sport events will keep you connected to the racing community.
Gran Turismo 7
Developer: Polyphony Digital
Platform(s): PlayStation 5 and PlayStation VR2
Gran Turismo 7 continues its legendary racing legacy by offering an unparalleled driving simulation experience. With a large selection of meticulously recreated vehicles and tracks, GT7 emphasizes realism in both physics and visuals. The dynamic weather system and day-night cycles add depth to each race, while the career mode and online multiplayer provide plenty of replayability. Developer Polyphony Digital has also added support for the PlayStation VR2 post-launch, adding even more immersion to the experience. The PS VR2 significantly enhances the experience by offering full VR immersion during races, allowing you to look around the environment, check mirrors, and observe cockpit details.
Upcoming sim racing games
Here are a few exciting racing titles coming to home console and PC soon.
MotoGP 25
Developer: Milestone
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
MotoGP 25 is set to release on April 30th, 2025, bringing the latest season of motorcycle racing to life. The game includes all the riders and circuits from the 2025 MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 seasons, with new tracks like Brno and Balaton Park. The new “Arcade Experience” mode offers a more accessible simulation for casual players, while Unreal Engine 5 looks to offer stunning visuals and performance.
Wreckfest 2
Developer: Bugbear Entertainment
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC
Wreckfest 2 builds upon its predecessor’s success by delivering even more chaos and destruction. The game features an expanded vehicle roster and new tracks designed for maximum carnage. Enhanced physics and improved graphics make each crash and collision more impactful, ensuring that no two races are the same.
Open world racing
Forza Horizon 5
Developer: Playground Games
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
For the first time ever, Forza Horizon 5 is racing onto PlayStation 5, launching on April 29th, 2025. The PS5 edition will feature cross-platform play and new updates along with the Xbox and PC versions. Set in Mexico’s vibrant and diverse open world, the game offers many cars and events, allowing you to explore and race in a richly detailed environment. The integration of online features ensures a dynamic and social racing experience.
The Crew Motorfest
Developer: Ubisoft Ivory Tower
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
The Crew Motorfest introduces a festival atmosphere to its open-world racing experience. You can participate in a variety of events, challenges, and activities across a sprawling map inspired by real-world locations. Motorfest emphasizes online social experiences, allowing players to team up and compete in a constantly evolving world.
Arcade racing
Arcade racing games are an excellent entry point if you are new to the genre. They offer a blend of speed and more accessible gameplay while dialling up the fun. One of my earliest racing memories is with Mario Kart, and along with many other sims, it remains one of my all-time favourites today. If you are looking to begin your racing journey and challenge yourself, these are some great games:
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Developer: Nintendo
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Mario Kart remains a staple in the arcade racing genre and in my household. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe delivers that signature Nintendo fun with competitive showdowns. It offers all of this with a roster of beloved Nintendo characters and creatively designed tracks. I highly recommend Mario Kart 8 to racers old and new.
Monster Jam Showdown
Developer: Milestone
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
If you are looking for an off-road arcade experience, Monster Jam Showdown features monster trucks competing in various racing modes. You can perform stunts and maneuvers across multiple environments, from official Monster Jam stadiums to tracks that push the boundaries of reality. The game offers both single-player, multiplayer and couch co-op modes.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
Developer: SEGA
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC
The Sonic universe hits the racetrack in a fast-paced, arcade-style racing game. Featuring vibrant visuals and dynamic tracks, players can utilize unique gadgets to gain an edge over opponents. The game offers single-player and multiplayer modes, offering plenty of replayability.
Accessories to enhance your racing simulator experience
To get the most out of your racing games, adding high-quality accessories to your setup can enhance your gaming experience. From racing wheels, pedals, cockpit setups and more, you can add to the immersion of your virtual motorsport experience. Let’s take a look at some of the options to help get you in the fast lane:
Racing wheels
Controllers are great, but a high-quality racing wheel and pedal set is a key piece of hardware to help add greater precision and immersion to your time on the track. There are great options available; one of my favourites is the Logitech G920 Driving Force racing wheel with its dual-motor force feedback technology that delivers detailed feedback and robust torque levels. If you are looking for an Xbox/PC-specific wheel, the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Racing Wheel & Pedal System is another excellent choice. I often use it for my racing with Forza Horizon 5 and Forza Motorsport and enjoy the feel of the wheel on pavement and offroading.
Seat and cockpit setup
A comfortable, adjustable racing seat or cockpit provides better ergonomics and a more realistic driving feel. Investing in a sturdy sim racing rig can enhance your setup, offering stability and customization options. Some of these models even come with different mounting options for wheels, pedals and a stick shift to create a very authentic set-up.
VR Headsets
Virtual reality headsets elevate immersion by offering a 360-degree view and heightened realism. The PlayStation VR2 (paired with a PS5 console) integrates seamlessly with games like Gran Turismo 7. From my personal experience with racing in virtual reality, PS VR2 and GT7 are an incredible combo, and they are some of the best out there.
A satisfying racing sim experience awaits
The world of racing games has plenty of exciting experiences in store. From hyper-realistic simulators to exhilarating arcade-style racers, there is something for everyone. Elevate your time on the track with accessories like racing wheels, seats, and VR headsets. Explore the wide range of racing sim games and accessories to create your racing setup on .ca today!
