Since Nintendo released the Gamecube in 2001, players have loved the system’s racing games! These games are highly popular and entertaining because their solo campaigns have high-replay value and their multi-player modes amplify the Gamecube’s 4-player capabilities.
From Mario Kart Double Dash to the Need For Speed series, this article will cover the best Gamecube racing games (and the worst). The complete list of games below include prices, ratings, and descriptions.
Auto Modellista
Release Date: September 2003
Review: 3/5
CIB Price: $85-$100
Description: Auto Modellista is a classic racing game for the GameCube made by Capcom. This classic game is known for its cel-shaded graphics, giving it a two-dimensional, cartoonish appearance. There are six tracks total, including two real-life tracks. Players can fully modify their cars in Auto Moedllista.
Disney Pixar Cars
Release Date: June 2006
Review: 2/5
CIB Price: $7-$10
Description: The Cars video game was developed by Rainbow Studios and modeled after the 2006 Cars Pixar film. The main objective of the Cars game is to work with Lightning McQueen to complete thirteen main races and five boss races to win Lightening’s first Piston Cup. In addition, the game consists of nineteen road races, eight mini-games, and five cup races. Players can collect items in the mini-games, which can help them upgrade their car for the race.
Cel Damage
Release Date: January 2002
Review: 4/5
CIB Price: $20-$25
Description: Cel Damage is a unique competitive racer and shooter. Compete against other players by racing and combatting their competitors using a variety of weapons, including boxing gloves, freeze rays, grenades, guns, and more. There are three game modes available, including rally modes and time attacks.
City Racer
Release Date: April 2003
Review: 3/5
CIB Price: $55-$65
Description: City Racer is a moderately realistic racing game that allows players to race various cars like Volkswagens and Beemers and compete against other players in various game modes. There are several tracks that players race on, competing against close friends or alone in a time attack for a chance to win. Players may also collect power-ups to boost their speed or slow their opponents.
Crash Nitro Kart
Release Date: November 2003
Review: 3/5
CIB Price: $10-$15
Description: Crash Nitro Kart is a Crash Bandicoot racing series based after the 1999 PlayStation game Crash Team Racing. Crash Nitro Kart is a highly popular and well-liked game that sells for a surprisingly low price of only $13. This video game is story-rich, centering around an evil dictator who abducts various Crash Bandicoot characters, including the protagonist.
Crazy Taxi
Release Date: November 2005
Review: 4/5
CIB Price: $15-$20
Description: Crazy Taxi is a GameCube remake of the original 1999 Dreamcast indie game. In this exciting strategy game, you deliver patrons to their desired destinations in a race against time. Several factors can influence your success, such as driving speed, obstacles, and much more. There are also a series of minigames that you may play in addition to the main game.
F-Zero GX
Release Date: July 2003
Review: 5/5
CIB Price: $80-$100
Description: F-Zero GX is a classic competitive racing game revolving around the pilot protagonist, Captain Falcon, and is the sequel to F-Zero X (Nintendo 64). In addition to being a competitive game you may play with friends, this game is also fantastic for playing alone. The high-speed racing style and control systems are very similar to it’s N64 predecessor, so make sure to memorize those tracks!
Kirby Air Ride
Release Date: July 2003
Review: 4/5
CIB Price: $75-$85
Description: Kirby Air Ride is a racing game by Nintendo and HAL Laboratory where players enjoy the thrill of racing as Kirby and friends. Players race upon a star through several Kirby-themed levels with a one-of-a-kind control system; your racer moves forward without any input. At the start of the game, Kirby is the only playable character, but you can unlock Meta Knight and King DeDeDe as you progress. This game has both single-player and multi-player, and is the very first Gamecube game to support LAN play with broadband adapters.
Mario Kart Double Dash
Release Date: November 2003
Review: 5/5
CIB Price: $75-$90
Description: Mario racing games are the heart of Nintendo-and that is something that will never change! In the most popular Gamecube racing game, players choose a classic Nintendo character like Mario, Luigi, or Donkey Kong, then race them on a themed course. This is the 2nd Gamecube racing game to support LAN play with broadband adapters. A special edition variant of this game was released that included a bonus disc, but expect to pay $100+ for this version.
Need For Speed: Underground
Release Date: November 2003
Review: 5/5
CIB Price: $10-$15
Description: Need For Speed: Underground is a realistic racing game where players compete in various competitive or mission-based races. This game is a classic among the racing community; however, it only has 2 player functionality on the Gamecube. There are over 100 unique racing events and several mission-based events, and players can build their own cars with 100’s of parts and licensed cars. The game also features an awesome soundtrack featuring artists such as Mystikal, Rob Zombie, and the Crystal Method.
Need For Speed: Underground 2
Release Date: November 2004
Review: 5/5
CIB Price: $20-$25
Description: Need for Speed: Underground 2 is the sequel of the 2003 GameCube game Need For Speed: Underground. It is a realistic racing game known for being a plot-rich game. Players must gain fame and sponsorship deals through competitive racing by gaining more money with each racing victory. Similar to its predecessor, cars can be customized, including visual and functional modifications.
Need For Speed: Most Wanted
Release Date: October 2012
Review: 4/5
CIB Price: $25-$30
Description: Need For Speed: Most Wanted is an open-world racing game with a career mode where players race against time and bots to complete missions. Unique features of this game include customizing and upgrading your car to make it faster and look better. The multiplayer racing modes in Need For Speed: Most Wanted are an exciting way to play with friends, compete, and prove your racing capabilities.
The Simpsons Road Rage
Release Date: December 2001
Review: 5/5
CIB Price: $40-$50
Description: The Simpsons Road Rage is a 2001 video game similar to SEGA’s 1999 Crazy Taxi, and is based on the animated TV series, The Simpsons. In Springfield, Mr. Burns has purchased all transit systems and is using radioactive buses that threaten the public health. In protest, residents put together their own taxi service to take business away for Mr. Burns. Therefore, the game’s main objective is to transport different town members to their desired locations within an allotted time. Bringing people to their locations earns money to pay back Mr. Burns and return your town to normal.
Sonic Riders
Release Date: February 2006
Review: 3/5
CIB Price: $30-$40
Description: Sonic Riders is a multiplayer game created by SEGA where players race on hoverboards as Sonic the Hedgehog characters. This game was the first attempt by SEGA at creating a Sonic racing game since producing Sonic R. for SEGA Saturn in 1997. There are sixteen race tracks in Sonic Riders, which time your speed against other players and bots. In addition to multiplayer racing, there is also a story mode where you may choose between two plots.
Tube Slider
Release Date: April 2003
Review: 4/5
CIB Price: $70-$80
Description: Tube Slider is a racing game by NEC Interchannel. Players race through several levels of transparent tubes inside futuristic vehicles, reaching over 1000 miles per hour. There are single-player, multiplayer, and time trial mode functions. Initially, stages are locked, and players must unlock a certain number of points to unlock the next stage in their race.
Wave Race Blue Storm
Release Date: November 2001
Review: 4/5
CIB Price: $15-$20
Description: Wave Race Blue Storm is Nintendo’s jet ski racing game. This game was a sequel to the 1996 game Wave Race 64 for the Nintendo 64, the third game in the Wave Race series. There are several game modes in Wave Race Blue Storm. However, the most common game mode is championship mode, where players compete on a water course against seven racers. Like in real life, the weather can impact your jet skiing experience.
