5 Best Racing Games With Split Screen Support

Remember the good old days of everyone crowding around the TV, fighting for the best spot on the couch, and the thrill of competing with your friends and family on your favorite racing game? That was an era of gaming that most of us will never forget. Online multiplayer has replaced split-screen gaming almost entirely, making split-screen a lost art. 

Thankfully, if you’re still itching for that old-school feel, there are a couple of racing games that still feature split-screen support. Most of these racing games are better with friends already, but local multiplayer takes them to another level. From extreme competitiveness to friendly rivalries, here are the 5 best racing games with split-screen support.

Mario Kart World

We’re starting strong with a game that needs no introduction: Mario Kart World. The Mario Kart franchise has been around for 3 whole decades, and it still is the best kart racer in the industry. From children to adults, even people who aren’t necessarily “gamers” will have a fond memory of playing Mario Kart.

Mario Kart World features a lot of new stuff that makes it stand out: an open world you can use to free roam, the excellent knockout mode, where you race across a series of connected courses, and new mechanics like rail grinding and wall riding. Add some excellent new maps into the mix, and you have the perfect game for party play. 

It supports split-screen for up to 4 players, so you’re good to go as long as you have enough controllers. Whether you’re diving into the Grand Prix Circuit, setting up a custom VS race, or causing absolute mayhem in the battle mode, it is seamless and incredibly fun. Additionally, the screen splits and merges automatically depending on the situation of the game, making sure your complete focus is on the action.

Dirt 5

Dirt 5 is an underrated gem when it comes to a fun split-screen game. It perfectly captures the absolute chaos of off-road racing, and a lot of the races in this game give you a huge dose of adrenaline. Released in November 2020, it is a cross-generation title available on almost every platform, meaning all your friends can get in on the fun. 

However, the magic lies in its 4-player split-screen support. My friends and I tried this game randomly last year when we were hanging out at my house, and the experience was incredible. There are plenty of different tracks, drift competitions, dynamic weather, and all the chaos you can expect when you play a rally game with a couple of friends.

It can be challenging, but also very rewarding. This is especially true if most of your friends are new to the game. The friend out in front could suddenly crash into a rock because they’re not familiar with the map, and suddenly, you have a chance to win. It may not be as good as Dirt 3, but it still stands tall as a great couch game. 

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged is a great fit for their list, especially since it brings a lot of childhood memories to life. You and your friends get to race official Hot Wheels cars on tracks that feel like they were built in a real-world setting. The game is a high-octane arcade racer with fluid driving mechanics, and it’s perfect for both nostalgic gamers and families.

The gameplay combines some of the over-the-top fun of Mario Kart and the track-based racing of something like Forza. It goes without saying that racing on different loop-de-loops and gravity-defying tracks is extremely fun, and Hot Wheels Unleashed excels at it. The only slight downside with this one is that it features only 2-player split-screen support. So, if you’re looking for a game you can play with 3 or 4 players, maybe try something else from our selection.

Crash Team Racing Nitro Fueled

The ultimate love letter to kart racing, remastered to perfection. Crash Team Racing Nitro Fueled is a remake of the classic 1999 PlayStation game Crash Team Racing. It has all the original contents, plus a few fantastic new additions like tracks, characters, and cosmetics.

The game combines the chaos of a fun party game with mechanics for players who are serious about racing. Its competitiveness comes from its unique power sliding mechanics and boost chaining techniques, making the game easy to learn yet hard to master. It supports up to four-player split-screen across a huge variety of modes, including Grand Prix cups and arena battles, perfect for creating rivalries with your friends.

If you can’t play Mario Kart because you don’t own a Switch, this game is the perfect alternative. Well, until we get Sonic Racing Crossworlds. 

Horizon Chase 2

Horizon Chase 2 is a racing game that masterfully captures the retro feel of the ’90s. It uses low-polygon 3D models with vibrant, flat colors, creating a unique aesthetic that is both pleasing to the eye and nostalgic.

Inspired by arcade classics like Top Gear and Out Run, this game is all about speed and simplicity. It’s a fantastic alternative to modern racing games that prioritize realism and complex mechanics, offering a refreshing and accessible experience.

The split-screen features of Horizon Chase 2 are a highlight. The game supports up to four-player local multiplayer, which provides a smooth and seamless experience that feels just like playing at a local arcade with friends. The screen splits as each player joins, making it easy to jump into the action. This simple, pick-up-and-play approach, combined with its high-speed racing, makes it a perfect choice for those who just want to have a good time with friends.