The Need for Speed
Also known as Need for Speed 1, Road & Track Presents: 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.
Where can you play The Need for Speed today?
Device by device, which of the 5 alternatives below you can play on it.
- PC
- Asphalt Legends Unite (Free + in-app purchases), art of rally (€ 24,99), Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered (€ 29,99) and 2 more.
- Mac
- Asphalt Legends Unite (Free + in-app purchases) and art of rally (€ 24,99).
- Linux
- art of rally (€ 24,99).
- iPhone
- Asphalt Legends Unite (Free + in-app purchases).
- iPad
- Asphalt Legends Unite (Free + in-app purchases).
- Android phone
- Asphalt Legends Unite (Free + in-app purchases).
- Android tablet
- Asphalt Legends Unite (Free + in-app purchases).
- PlayStation
- art of rally (€ 24,99), Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered (€ 29,99) and Need for Speed Unbound (€ 29,99). All 3 on PlayStation
- Xbox
- art of rally (€ 24,99), Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered (€ 29,99), Forza Horizon 5 (€ 59,99) and 1 more. All 4 on Xbox
- Switch
- Asphalt Legends Unite (Free + in-app purchases), art of rally (€ 24,99) and Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered (€ 29,99). All 3 on Switch
- Steam Deck
- Asphalt Legends Unite (Free + in-app purchases), art of rally (€ 24,99), Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered (€ 29,99) and 1 more. All 4 on Steam Deck
Games like The Need for Speed
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.
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. It is Steam Deck Verified.
art of rally Indie
€ 24,99A stylish, minimalist indie rally racer with a stunning look.
art of rally is also an alternative to 2 other classics
art of rally runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
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. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Forza Horizon 5
€ 59,99A gorgeous open-world racer widely seen as the genre's best.
Forza Horizon 5 is also an alternative to 1 other classic
Forza Horizon 5 runs on PC, Xbox. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Switch. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Need for Speed Unbound
€ 29,99The stylish current entry with street racing and open-world police chases.
Need for Speed Unbound is also an alternative to 1 other classic
Need for Speed Unbound runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Switch, Steam Deck.
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More racing & driving classics
Other classic games in the same category as The Need for Speed.
