The Need for Speed
The Need for Speed is a 1994 racing game developed by EA Canada, originally for the 3DO before reaching other platforms. It let players race a lineup of exotic licensed sports cars across point-to-point and circuit routes, complete with police pursuits and detailed video and information about each real-world vehicle.
The game emphasized a more realistic driving feel than many arcade racers of the day, modeling handling differences between cars, along with a strong sense of speed and the thrill of evading pursuing police who could pull racers over. Its licensed cars, varied open-road courses and one-on-one race structure gave it broad appeal among driving enthusiasts.
The game launched one of gaming's most enduring and best-selling racing franchises. The original stands as the starting point for a long-running series that continues to evolve on modern platforms today.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to The Need for Speed, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
| Alternative | Price | Steam Deck | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Legends Unite | Free + in-app purchases | Steam Deck Verified | PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Switch |
| art of rally Indie | € 24,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered | € 29,99 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| Forza Horizon 5 | € 59,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, Xbox |
| Need for Speed Unbound | € 29,99 | Not on Steam | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
Asphalt Legends Unite
Free + in-app purchasesThe big free-to-play arcade racer with licensed supercars, and the best option on phones and tablets.
Asphalt Legends Unite runs on PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Switch. Not available on Linux, PlayStation, Xbox.
art of rally Indie
€ 24,99A stylish, minimalist indie rally racer with a stunning look.
art of rally runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered
€ 29,99Cops versus racers on open roads, the purest expression of what the first Need for Speed was chasing.
Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
Forza Horizon 5
€ 59,99A gorgeous open-world racer widely seen as the genre's best.
Forza Horizon 5 runs on PC, Xbox. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Switch.
Need for Speed Unbound
€ 29,99The stylish current entry with street racing and open-world police chases.
Need for Speed Unbound runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Switch.
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