Excitebike Classic
Nintendo Entertainment System · Racing
Rad Racer
Certified classic
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1987 |
| Genre | Racing |
| Developer | Square |
| Publisher | SEGA |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | Quick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun) |
| ESRB | E |
| Legacy | Certified classic · legacy score 16 |
Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987, Rad Racer is a racing game developed by Square and published by SEGA.
It landed about 2 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1987 include Final Fantasy, Metal Gear and Mega Man. Among the 48 NES racing games in our database, it ranks #2 by legacy score.
Square also made The 3-D Battles of Worldrunner, King's Knight and Rad Racer II for the NES.
This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.
Pick it if…
- you want to race and compete
- you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
- you want to experience one of the NES's defining games
Maybe skip it if…
- you want a story or exploration rather than laps
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Rad Racer 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.
Rad Racer cheats & codes
49 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Less Time To Finish Each Stage | GZXIUVIZ |
|---|---|
| More Time To Finish Each Stage | GLXIUVIX |
| Turbo Acceleration | ALXGAIAA |
| Super Turbo Acceleration | YYUKGIAU |
| Ultra Turbo Acceleration | PEEGPIAA |
| Time Starts Out As 246 | NYXIUVIZ |
Rad Racer walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Rad Racer.
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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.
Rad Racer FAQ
When did Rad Racer come out on the NES?
Rad Racer was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987.
Who made Rad Racer?
It was developed by Square and published by SEGA.
Is Rad Racer multiplayer?
No. Rad Racer is a single-player game.
How long does Rad Racer take to play?
As a racing game, Rad Racer 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 Rad Racer 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.