NASCAR is officially returning to home consoles, and fans now have a release date to circle. NASCAR 25 is set to launch on October 14 for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5, bringing the world’s top stock-car racing series back to console gamers for the first time since 2021. A PC version via Steam is also in the works, though it will arrive at a later, unconfirmed date.
The upcoming title marks a significant shift in NASCAR’s gaming strategy. After years of frustration from fans over broken gameplay and lackluster visuals, the association handed development duties to iRacing—the most respected name in sim racing. With four full series included and a new career mode, NASCAR 25 is being billed as a fresh start. But not every fan is happy about how the rollout is being handled.
Key Highlights
NASCAR 25 launches October 14 on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.
PC version will follow later via Steam.
Features Cup, Xfinity, Truck, and ARCA Menards Series.
Career mode includes team management, staff upgrades, and financial decisions.
First NASCAR console game built by iRacing.
NASCAR 25: A Clean Start with iRacing at the Helm
This isn’t just another yearly release—it’s a course correction. NASCAR hasn’t released a console game since NASCAR 21: Ignition, a title so riddled with bugs, physics issues, and crashing problems that it quickly earned the reputation as one of the worst NASCAR games ever made. The backlash was intense, and NASCAR soon took the franchise in a new direction.
That direction led straight to iRacing. Known for its industry-leading sim racing software used by professionals and fans alike, iRacing has long been involved in the development of virtual tracks and driver training tools. NASCAR recently partnered with the company for its digital layout of the San Diego naval base race, showcasing iRacing’s influence beyond the virtual world. Now, for the first time, iRacing will release a fully standalone NASCAR console title.
Features Fans Can Expect
NASCAR 25 will feature all four national series—Cup, Xfinity, Craftsman Truck, and ARCA Menards. That means players will have access to a wide range of cars, tracks, and driver rosters, from grassroots racing to the sport’s top level.
The new career mode promises depth rarely seen in past NASCAR games. Players can not only race but also manage their own teams, customize cars, sign contracts, handle team finances, and invest in staff and facility upgrades. It’s a blend of racing action and off-track strategy designed to mirror the real-world grind of team ownership and competition.
Multiplayer and online modes are confirmed, though full details are expected closer to launch. And while iRacing has promised modern physics and realistic racing experiences, it remains to be seen how much of its hardcore sim identity will make it into a game designed for console players.
Mixed Fan Reactions to Staggered PC Launch
While excitement is growing, not every fan is thrilled with the rollout plan. The decision to delay the PC release sparked a wave of frustration on social media, particularly from longtime iRacing users who expected the platform to be prioritized.
“Hopefully they clarify why – I’m okay with this if PC is getting additional features/improvements that aren’t viable on consoles,” one fan posted, expressing cautious optimism.
Others were less understanding. “Well there goes all my excitement for the game,” one commenter said bluntly. Another added, “This sucks,” while some users drew comparisons to other developers with similar strategies. “Ah, taking a page from notorious PC hater Rockstar’s playbook,” wrote one fan, referencing Rockstar Games’ long history of delaying PC versions of its titles.
Still, not all the commentary was negative. One fan pointed out the busy gaming week ahead: “New NASCAR game comes out on the 14th, new Pokémon game comes out the 16th. Looks like I’ll be busy that week.”
The mixed reaction highlights the balancing act developers face—building anticipation for a long-awaited title while navigating the expectations of different gaming communities.
News in Brief: Fans React to NASCAR 25 Console Launch
NASCAR 25 is set to release October 14 for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5, with a Steam PC version coming later. Developed by iRacing, this marks the first console NASCAR title since 2021’s poorly received NASCAR 21: Ignition. The new game features all four national series, career and multiplayer modes, and deeper management tools. While fans are largely excited, some expressed frustration about the delayed PC release. Still, many are hopeful iRacing’s involvement will deliver the most realistic and reliable NASCAR gaming experience in years.
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