Nintendo Entertainment System · Racing / Simulation
Days of Thunder
Deep cut
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1990 |
| Genre | Racing, Simulation |
| Developer | Beam Software |
| Publisher | Mindscape |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | Quick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun) |
| Legacy | Deep cut · legacy score 5 |
Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990, Days of Thunder is a racing game developed by Beam Software and published by Mindscape. It blends racing and simulation elements.
It landed about 5 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1990 include Final Fantasy III, Dr. Mario and Mega Man 3. Among the 48 NES racing games in our database, it ranks #18 by legacy score.
Beam Software also made Star Wars, Back to the Future and Back to the Future Part II & III for the NES.
Days of Thunder is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.
Pick it if…
- you want to race and compete
- you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
- you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you want a story or exploration rather than laps
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Days of Thunder is like
Racing games range from realistic driving to kart racers with weapons and shortcuts. Races are short, making them great for quick sessions and split-screen rivalries.
Tip for newcomers: Learn each track's racing line and braking points; in kart racers, item strategy matters as much as driving.
Days of Thunder cheats & codes
29 codes on file (Game Genie, Emulator memory codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Start With More Fuel | NYKNIUNO |
|---|---|
| Start With Less Fuel | YIKNIUNO |
| Faster Acceleration | SXEYPUSU |
| Tires Don't Burst | AAVOEXNY |
| Better Left-Hand Cornering | SNXOSKEY |
| Maximum Acceleration | IEUNLLLA
SXEYPUSU |
Days of Thunder walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Days of Thunder.
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Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
Days of Thunder FAQ
When did Days of Thunder come out on the NES?
Days of Thunder was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990.
Who made Days of Thunder?
It was developed by Beam Software and published by Mindscape.
Is Days of Thunder multiplayer?
No. Days of Thunder is a single-player game.
How long does Days of Thunder take to play?
As a racing game, Days of Thunder typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Days of Thunder on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.