The 5 Best Racing Games for the Nintendo 3DS

The racing genre has always walked hand in hand with portable game consoles. Like the Gameboy Advance and Nintendo DS, the Nintendo 3DS is no slouch when it comes to fast cars, exciting tracks, and intuitive controls. This is thanks in no small part to the dual screen nature and 3D display. If you’ve been wondering what 3DS racing games deserve your money- look no further than what’s below.

Driver: Renegade

At the start of our list is a bit of controversy. “Driver: Renegade” has had a divisive effect on 3DS gamers. Those that have long been fans of the “Driver” series have found themselves thoroughly enjoying this portable iteration. Those unfamiliar with the series have been far less positive. Fans call it addictive, newcomers deem it repetitive. Driver: Renegade” is a street racing game that happens to be on the growing list of M-Rated 3DS games. If you’re interested in zooming through the streets of New York City in a mature setting- this just might be up your ally. The main reason for its low placing on this list is the fact that it is a single player only affair. The lack of any multiplayer options seriously limits replay value.

Need For Speed: The Run

The “Need For Speed” franchise is well known for its yearly ups and downs. Fortunately for 3DS owners, this particular iteration was excellent. “Need For Speed: The Run” looks and plays great. The game’s story mode is a fun ride, but disappointing in length. If you’re a competent “Need For Speed” player, the game can be beaten somewhere between 3-4 hours. Then again, the multiplayer can easily double that time! It might not compare to some of the “Need For Speed” experiences on the Nintendo Wii, but it certainly tops its predecessors on the original DS.

Asphalt 3D

When the Nintendo 3DS first launched, two excellent racing games released alongside it. “Asphalt 3D” is the weaker of the pair, but still a fantastic portable racer. The 3D effect is much more pronounced here than in “Driver: Renegade” or “Need For Speed: The Run,” which helps to elevate it over its competitors. The gameplay is frenzied and fun- as well as inviting to new players. Fans of realistic racers tend to dislike “Asphalt 3D,” but arcade fans adore it.

Ridge Racer 3D

Here you have the other half of the 3DS racing launch games. “Ridge Racer 3D” The environments are beautiful and memorable- though you won’t really get the chance to slow down and appreciate them. Visually the game is much sleeker than its rival, “Asphalt 3D.” The gameplay is more realistic and praised as such by fans of said style. While some found it to be repetitive at times, the first “Ridge Racer” for the 3DS is still a fan favorite.

Mario Kart 7

If you can only get on racing game for your 3DS, make it this one. In fact, if you’re given a choice between all four of the other mentioned games or this one- take “Mario Kart 7.” It’s almost impossible to do this amazing game justice in just a few sentences. This latest race through the Mushroom Kingdom is overflowing with charm, fun, and visual beauty. The familiar locales of the Mario universe look absolutely gorgeous on the Nintendo 3DS. The game is just as addictive as ever and the online play is a blast. While it would have been nice to see more single player options, this is a small fault in an otherwise fantastic game. If you’re a 3DS owner, you owe it to yourself to own this gem. Put simply, “Mario Kart 7” is one of the best reasons to own a 3DS. From the kart customization to the addiction of aerial and underwater segments- Nintendo pulled out all the stops to make this package a dream come true for fans.