We already published the list of best GameCube games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best GameCube sim racing games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the GameCube definitely has a great library of sim racing games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the GameCube and sim racing games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#10. F1 2002
- Release Data: EA Sports/Electronic Arts, 2002
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Ultimately, F1 2002 is another great installment in EA Sports’ long-running F1 franchise and a welcome addition to the GameCube’s relatively small library of driving games.
Fans of the sport who haven’t had the chance to play this game or previous iterations of it on the other consoles would do well to pick it up.
#9. R: Racing Evolution
- Release Data: Namco, 2003
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
R: Racing Evolution doesn’t live up to Namco’s other work in the genre, be it from the motorcycle side or from the arcade-style racing side.
It attempts to deliver some simulation-styled thrills, but the driving physics and options simply aren’t up to standard.
But honestly, R: Racing Evolution is a good thing, just how good depends on what you like.
#8. ATV Quad Power Racing 2
- Release Data: Climax Studios/Acclaim, 2003
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
The core mechanics and the main race modes are enjoyable enough that someone looking specifically for an ATV racing game will have some fun, regardless of its occasional technical inconsistencies.
Though, players without such a specific type of race in mind could probably pass on ATV Quad Power Racing 2 without missing out on much.
#7. Dakar 2: The World’s Ultimate Rally
- Release Data: Acclaim Studios Cheltenham/Acclaim, 2003
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
It’s just a solid rally racing game that happens to carry the license of a grueling 6,500-mile road race.
Some people may take that to mean that the game should have more courses and vehicles visible during each race.
For those of you who aren’t as picky about the details, there’s a passable amount of fun to be had right here.
#6. Need for Speed Carbon
- Release Data: EA Canada/EA Games, 2006
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Ultimately, Need for Speed Carbon doesn’t make the best use of some of the strengths from Need for Speed Most Wanted.
Many of the changes made to the Most Wanted formula seem to be for the sake of change, but it all still just comes back to the solid driving action, which Need for Speed Carbon puts to good use.
#5. Need for Speed: Most Wanted
- Release Data: EA Canada/Electronic Arts, 2005
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
While the actual racing in Need for Speed Most Wanted is probably the weak link in the chain, it’s still solid enough to keep you interested as you move from racer to racer, working your way up the Blacklist as you go.
If outrunning the law sounds like your idea of a good time, you’ll have a great time here.
#4. Need for Speed Underground 2
- Release Data: EA Canada/Electronic Arts, 2004
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Need for Speed Underground 2 starts with the previous game as a template and builds from there.
Unfortunately, almost everything that has been added to this game detracts from the overall experience.
Once you’re in and racing and customizing your cars, it’s a lot of fun, but there are obstacles standing between you and the best parts of the game.
#3. Need for Speed Underground
- Release Data: Electronic Arts, 2003
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Need for Speed Underground is very good.
With just a bit more variety to its tracks and a slightly better career mode, it definitely could have been much better, but it has great graphics, solid sound, and the sort of easy learning curve that makes it a driving game that anyone can excel at.
#2. NASCAR Thunder 2003
- Release Data: EA Sports/Electronic Arts, 2002
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Since EA has brought its Thunder series to the GameCube, Nintendo-bound NASCAR fans will have more than enough on their plates to keep them racing.
Overall, NASCAR Thunder 2003 is a well-made, polished, and thoroughly playable game, and stock car racing fans should be quite pleased with it.
#1. NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup
- Release Data: EA Tiburon/EA Games, 2004
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Ultimately, no matter which console you own, if you’re a NASCAR fan you simply must go out and pick up NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup.
It re-creates the NASCAR experience in spectacular fashion, and all of the included modes, series options, and extras provide an excellent amount of value for the cost.
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See also: Best GBA Games & Best DS Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which GameCube sim racing game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!