Out now

Need for Speed: Shift

Developed by Slightly Mad Studios · Published by Electronic Arts

Racing
StatusOut now ReleaseOct 6, 2009 Price Metacritic83/100 Steam reviews2,573

At a glance

PlatformsWindows
ModesSingle-player, Multi-player
Price
StatusOut now
Early accessNo
Metacritic83/100
Steam reviews2,573
Languages7

Overview

A racing game by Slightly Mad Studios, published by Electronic Arts — single-player, multi-player.

Steam’s own one-line description: “Need for Speed™ SHIFT is an award-winning authentic racing game that combines the true driver’s experience with real-world physics, pixel-perfect car models, and a wide range of authentic race tracks. Need for Speed SHIFT takes players in a different direction to create a simulation experience that replicates the true feeling of driving...” — developer/publisher text via the Steam store page.

Reception & community

Steam reviewsMostly Positive — 78% positive of 2,827
Owners (est.)200000 – 500000
Peak players4
Player-voted tags:RacingAutomobile SimSimulationDrivingMultiplayerOpen WorldControllerArcadeSingleplayerActionFree to PlayRealistic

Review sentiment, ownership and peak-concurrent estimates via SteamSpy; tags are player-voted on Steam. Estimates change over time.

Features & modes

Derived from the gameplay modes and feature categories Steam lists for Need for Speed: Shift.

FeatureSupported
Single-playerYes
MultiplayerYes
Co-opNo
Online co-opNo
PvPNo
Cross-platform multiplayerNo
Full controller supportNo
Partial controller supportYes
Steam Cloud savesNo
Steam AchievementsNo

System requirements (PC)

As published on the Steam store page. Requirements can change between updates.

Minimum

  • OS *: Windows XP (Service Pack 3) / Windows Vista (Service Pack 2) / Windows 7
  • Processor: 1.6GHz Intel Core2 or faster/AMD X2 3800+ or faster
  • Memory: (Windows XP) 1 GB RAM; (Windows Vista/Windows 7) 1.5 GB RAM
  • Graphics: 256 MB Video Card, with support for Pixel Shader 3.0*
  • DirectX®: DirectX 9.0c compatible
  • Hard Drive: 6 GB
  • Sound: DirectX 9.0c compatible
  • Controller Support: USB Steering Wheel/Dual Analog Gamepad
  • Online Multiplayer: 512 Kbps or faster; 2-8 players
  • INTERNET CONNECTION, ONLINE AUTHENTICATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT REQUIRED TO PLAY. TO ACCESS ONLINE FEATURES, YOU MUST REGISTER ONLINE. ONLY ONE REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE PER GAME. EA ONLINE TERMS & CONDITIONS AND FEATURE UPDATES CAN BE FOUND AT . YOU MUST BE 13+ TO REGISTER WITH EA ONLINE. EA MAY RETIRE ONLINE FEATURES AFTER 30 DAYS NOTICE POSTED ON .

Supported languages (7)

EnglishFrenchGermanSpanish - SpainItalianPolishRussian

Need for Speed: Shift FAQ

Answered from the official Steam listing as of June 2026. Where something hasn't been announced, we say so rather than guess.

What kind of game is Need for Speed: Shift?

Steam classifies Need for Speed: Shift as a Racing game, developed by Slightly Mad Studios. Need for Speed™ SHIFT is an award-winning authentic racing game that combines the true driver’s experience with real-world physics, pixel-perfect car models, and a wide range of authentic race tracks. Need for Speed SHIFT takes players in a different direction to create a simulation experience that replicates the true feeling of driving...

How much does Need for Speed: Shift cost?

As of June 2026, Steam hasn’t published a price for Need for Speed: Shift. We won’t guess one — check its Steam page.

Is Need for Speed: Shift single-player or multiplayer?

Steam lists these modes for Need for Speed: Shift: Single-player, Multi-player. It lists a single-player mode.

Is Need for Speed: Shift on PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch?

Our data comes from the Steam (PC) store, which lists Need for Speed: Shift for Windows. Console availability isn’t in our Steam-sourced data — check the official site or the console store.

Is Need for Speed: Shift out yet?

Yes — Steam lists a release date of Oct 6, 2009.

What platforms is Need for Speed: Shift on?

Need for Speed: Shift is listed for Windows on the Steam (PC) store. Console availability isn't covered by Steam's PC store data — check the official channels.

Is Need for Speed: Shift single-player or multiplayer?

Steam lists these modes: Single-player, Multi-player.

How much does Need for Speed: Shift cost?

A current price isn't recorded in our data — check the Steam page.

What is Need for Speed: Shift's Metacritic score?

Need for Speed: Shift has a Metacritic score of 83/100, per the Steam store listing.

Who made Need for Speed: Shift?

Need for Speed: Shift is developed by Slightly Mad Studios and published by Electronic Arts.

Where to get Need for Speed: Shift

We don't sell games or track prices — this links to the official Steam store page.

View on Steam →

Listing details from Valve's public Steam store data · official site. Not affiliated with Valve/Steam, Electronic Arts.