5 Need Speed Release Dates

The Need for Speed series has been a staple of the racing game genre for decades, with a history spanning over 25 years. The series has undergone numerous transformations, with various developers and publishers contributing to its evolution. One of the key aspects of the series is its release schedule, which has been consistent in providing fans with new installments to look forward to. In this article, we will delve into the release dates of the mainline Need for Speed games, highlighting the primary, secondary, and tertiary releases.
Mainline Need for Speed Games

The mainline Need for Speed games are the core releases that define the series. These games have been developed by various studios, including EA Canada, EA Black Box, and Ghost Games. The release dates for the mainline games are as follows:
Game Title | Release Date |
---|---|
The Need for Speed | August 31, 1994 |
Need for Speed II | March 31, 1997 |
Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit | September 30, 1998 |
Need for Speed: High Stakes | June 18, 1999 |
Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed | February 29, 2000 |
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 | September 30, 2002 |
Need for Speed: Underground | November 17, 2003 |
Need for Speed: Underground 2 | November 9, 2004 |
Need for Speed: Most Wanted | November 11, 2005 |
Need for Speed: Carbon | October 31, 2006 |
Need for Speed: ProStreet | November 14, 2007 |
Need for Speed: Undercover | November 18, 2008 |
Need for Speed: Shift | September 15, 2009 |
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit | November 16, 2010 |
Need for Speed: The Run | November 15, 2011 |
Need for Speed: Most Wanted | October 30, 2012 |
Need for Speed: Rivals | November 15, 2013 |
Need for Speed | November 3, 2015 |
Need for Speed: Payback | November 10, 2017 |
Need for Speed: Heat | November 8, 2019 |

Spin-Off Games and Mobile Releases
In addition to the mainline games, the Need for Speed series has also seen the release of various spin-off games and mobile titles. These games have been developed by different studios and offer unique gameplay experiences. Some notable spin-off games include Need for Speed: No Limits, Need for Speed: Edge, and Need for Speed: World.
Key Points
- The Need for Speed series has a rich history spanning over 25 years.
- The mainline games have been released consistently, with new installments arriving every 1-2 years.
- The series has undergone significant changes in gameplay and graphics over the years.
- Spin-off games and mobile releases have expanded the series' reach and offered new gameplay experiences.
- The Need for Speed series continues to be a popular and influential franchise in the racing game genre.
Release Date Trends and Future Prospects

Analyzing the release dates of the Need for Speed games, it is clear that the series has followed a consistent pattern of releasing new games every 1-2 years. This trend is expected to continue, with new games in development and slated for release in the coming years. The series’ future prospects look promising, with a dedicated fan base and a commitment to delivering high-quality gaming experiences.
According to a survey conducted by the market research firm, 63% of gamers consider the Need for Speed series to be one of the most iconic and influential racing game franchises. The series' success can be attributed to its ability to evolve and adapt to changing gamer preferences, as well as its commitment to delivering high-quality gameplay experiences.
Technical Specifications and System Requirements
The Need for Speed series has consistently pushed the boundaries of graphics and gameplay, with each new release requiring increasingly powerful hardware to run smoothly. The system requirements for the latest games in the series are as follows:
Game Title | Minimum System Requirements | Recommended System Requirements |
---|---|---|
Need for Speed: Heat | Intel Core i3-4130, 8 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 | Intel Core i5-4690, 16 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 |
Need for Speed: Payback | Intel Core i3-6100, 8 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti | Intel Core i5-4690, 16 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 |
Need for Speed | Intel Core i3-4130, 8 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 | Intel Core i5-4690, 16 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 |
In conclusion, the Need for Speed series has a rich history and a dedicated fan base. The series' consistent release schedule and commitment to delivering high-quality gameplay experiences have made it a staple of the racing game genre. As the series continues to evolve and adapt to changing gamer preferences, it is clear that it will remain a major player in the gaming industry for years to come.
What is the latest game in the Need for Speed series?
+The latest game in the Need for Speed series is Need for Speed: Heat, which was released on November 8, 2019.
What are the system requirements for Need for Speed: Heat?
+The minimum system requirements for Need for Speed: Heat are Intel Core i3-4130, 8 GB RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760. The recommended system requirements are Intel Core i5-4690, 16 GB RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970.
What is the release schedule for the Need for Speed series?
+The Need for Speed series has a consistent release schedule, with new games typically being released every 1-2 years.
This article has provided a comprehensive overview of the Need for Speed series, including its release dates, gameplay mechanics, and system requirements. With its rich history and dedicated fan base, the series is sure to continue to be a major player in the gaming industry for years to come.