Star Wars: Episode I: Racer is a podracing game rooted in the events of The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Galactic Racer is a new Outer Rim racing-league story with several kinds of speeders as well as podracers. The older game has documented racer, track, upgrade, and multiplayer details. The newer game’s announced features establish a different premise and broader vehicle mix, but not yet how it handles or compares in play.
Are the games connected, or is Galactic Racer a sequel?
Episode I: Racer adapts and expands the film’s podracing sequence. Galactic Racer is presented as a new story in an unsanctioned Outer Rim league, involving Shade, Darius Pax, and Kestar Bool. Official descriptions frame it as another expression of Star Wars racing, not as a direct sequel to Episode I: Racer. The new game’s reveal places it in the Star Wars racing legacy and on Jakku, but the announced premise is distinct from the film-based setup of the classic. StarWars.com’s reveal and interview explain its setting and announced release; the gameplay announcement describes the league and characters.
![STAR WARS Episode I Racer - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/4108mMgm+9L._SL160_.jpg)
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What vehicles can you race?
Episode I: Racer focuses on podracers: twin engines connected to a pilot’s cockpit, built for the dangerous tracks associated with the film. Galactic Racer retains podracing but adds landspeeders, skim speeders, and speeder bikes, so its announced vehicle roster spans more than one racing style. The official material does not give a final vehicle count for Galactic Racer; it would be premature to infer one from the types shown or named.
How do tracks and progression differ?
Episode I: Racer
Lucasfilm’s 2020 rerelease announcement lists 25 playable racers and tracks across eight worlds. The progression loop includes pit-droid upgrades to speed and acceleration, while shortcuts and environmental hazards reward learning each course. Aspyr’s rerelease feature description also calls out hazards and says the game simulates speeds over 600 mph; that figure describes in-game speed, not a real vehicle measurement. The official rerelease feature list gives the racer, world, upgrade, shortcut, and multiplayer details, and Aspyr’s PlayStation Blog feature notes cover the rerelease details and simulated speed.
#1 Best Overall
Galactic Racer
The official gameplay description says racers earn parts, tools, and upgrades. That confirms a customization and progression element, but the publicly described material cited here does not establish the final number of tracks, worlds, racers, or upgrade categories. Craig Derrick, executive producer with Lucasfilm Games, described the aim as “a racing experience that’s cinematic, skill-driven, and unmistakably Star Wars”; that is the team’s stated goal, not an independent assessment of the finished game.
What multiplayer is confirmed?
The modern Episode I: Racer rerelease supports split-screen; its Switch announcement also lists LAN multiplayer. For Galactic Racer, an editions page references online multiplayer cosmetics, but that wording alone does not confirm full online modes, player counts, cross-play, or local multiplayer. Those details should not be treated as established unless the publisher specifies them. Lucasfilm’s rerelease announcement lists split-screen and Switch LAN, while the Galactic Racer editions page describes the announced editions and cosmetics.
Rank #2
- Join Jedi-to-be Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars race of your life! Relive all the thrills and excitement of the Podracer sequence from Star Wars: Episode I. Hang on tight - with afterburners on, Podracers max out at a simulated 600 mph! Race in furious competition against more than 21 opponents! Take on over 21 tracks in 8 unique worlds. Avoid hazards such as methane lakes, meteor showers and Tusken Raiders! Featuring spectacular 3D environments!
Platforms, release timing, and editions
As of October 3, 2026, Galactic Racer is scheduled for October 6, 2026, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The official editions page says physical Standard and Deluxe editions are available only for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Its announced Collector’s Edition includes a metal Kor Sarun: Darc X landspeeder model, Kestar’s banner, racing pilot patches, a printed 80-page art book, and a steel case; contents and availability may vary by region and retailer.
Episode I: Racer has modern rereleases on Nintendo Switch and PS4, later Xbox availability, and a digital PC listing on Steam. Platform availability and storefront listings can change, so check the relevant regional store before buying. Sources: 2020 Switch and PS4 announcement, StarWars.com’s legacy article, and the Steam listing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which one should you choose?
- Choose Episode I: Racer if you want the established, film-linked podracing game, with documented course scope, upgrade systems, hazards, shortcuts, and split-screen play.
- Consider Galactic Racer if its Outer Rim league story and mix of speeders and podracers appeal to you, and you are looking for the new game on its announced platforms.
These are differences in premise and announced features, not a reliable quality ranking. With the scheduled launch still ahead as of October 3, 2026, official descriptions cannot settle which game has better handling, performance, or overall value. Those comparisons require the released game and evidence from actual play.
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