By Torque & Tech | Gaming
If you love cars and bikes in real life, chances are you love them in games too. 2026 is shaping up to be one of the best years ever for console racing games — with stunning graphics, realistic physics and open worlds that’ll keep you glued to your couch for hours. Here are the top 5 you need to play right now!
1. 🏆 Forza Horizon 6 — Best Open World Racer
Platform: Xbox Series X/S, PC, PS5
Forza Horizon 6 takes the series to Japan for the first time, set in a densely populated Tokyo environment — the most fan-requested location in franchise history. If you loved previous Forza games this is a must-buy!
Why You’ll Love It:
- Massive open world set in Tokyo
- Hundreds of licensed cars
- Stunning graphics and physics
- Perfect for car enthusiasts over 40
Price: R1,200 – R1,500 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. 🥈 Gran Turismo 7 — Best Realistic Simulator
Platform: PS5
Gran Turismo 7 is serious, detailed and almost educational — every car feels different. If you want the most realistic driving experience on console this is it!
Why You’ll Love It:
- Photorealistic graphics
- 500+ cars with accurate physics
- VR support on PS5
- Regular free updates with new cars
Price: R800 – R1,000 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. 🥉 Wreckfest 2 — Best Destruction Racer
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Wreckfest 2 introduces a brand new soft-bodied physics engine that makes metal dent, bend and tear in realistic ways — pure chaos and brilliant fun!
Why You’ll Love It:
- Full contact racing — smashing is encouraged!
- Incredibly satisfying damage physics
- Great for stress relief after a long day
- Perfect multiplayer game
Price: R900 – R1,100 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. Assetto Corsa EVO — Best Sim Racer
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Assetto Corsa EVO features a seamless free-roam open world map surrounding the legendary Nürburgring — a dream come true for serious sim racing fans!
Why You’ll Love It:
- Most realistic physics engine available
- Open world around the Nürburgring
- Includes Ferrari SF-25 F1 car
- Perfect with a racing wheel setup
Price: R900 – R1,200 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. RIDE 6 — Best Motorcycle Racing Game
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
RIDE 6 features over 250 motorbikes including baggers and enduro bikes, with racing on both tarmac and off-road tracks. Perfect for the Torque & Tech audience who loves both cars AND bikes!
Why You’ll Love It:
- 250+ bikes from all major brands
- On and off-road racing
- Arcade and Pro modes
- Beautiful graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5
Price: R1,000 – R1,200 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Quick Comparison Table
| Game | Platform | Price (ZAR) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forza Horizon 6 | Xbox/PC/PS5 | R1,200-R1,500 | Open world fun |
| Gran Turismo 7 | PS5 | R800-R1,000 | Realistic simulation |
| Wreckfest 2 | All | R900-R1,100 | Destruction racing |
| Assetto Corsa EVO | All | R900-R1,200 | Sim racing |
| RIDE 6 | All | R1,000-R1,200 | Motorcycle racing |
Torque & Tech Pick:
For men over 40 who love cars and bikes — Gran Turismo 7 is our top pick. It’s the most realistic, most beautiful and most satisfying racing game ever made for console. Pair it with a racing wheel and you’ll never look back!
