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Test Drive Cycles (USA)

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Game Boy Color Racing 2000 USA 1 Player 5 (0) 11

Test Drive Cycles (USA)

Test Drive Cycles (USA) on GBC

Compiled by the Retro Games Online Editorial Team · Updated June 26, 2026

Test Drive Cycles is a motorcycle racing game that hit the Game Boy Color in 2000. It was developed by the American studio Xantera and published by Infogrames North America. This title marks the first time the Test Drive series traded cars for bikes, offering a fresh angle on a long-running franchise. The game was released exclusively for Nintendo's handheld, so you won't find it on other systems.

You pick from a handful of licensed motorcycles and race across multiple tracks viewed from a top-down perspective. The core loop involves accelerating, braking, and leaning into turns to maintain speed and avoid wiping out. There are several game modes including a quick race and a championship series where you compete for the best overall time. The tracks vary in layout and conditions, keeping each race slightly different.

For retro racing fans, Test Drive Cycles is a decent but straightforward entry in the GBC library. It doesn't break new ground but it captures the era's handheld racing feel well. If you enjoy top-down racers like RC Pro-Am or are curious about the Test Drive series' bike experiment, this one is worth a few laps. Just don't expect deep simulation or flashy graphics.

How to Play Test Drive Cycles (USA) Online

Getting Started When you boot up Test Drive Cycles, you'll see a title screen. Press Start to move to the main menu where you can choose between Single Race, Championship, or Time Trial. Use the D-Pad to highlight your option, then press X to select. Before racing, you'll pick a bike from a small roster of licensed motorcycles. Each has different stats for speed, handling, and acceleration. Once on the track, the objective is simple: finish first. Hold the X button to accelerate and tap S to brake when approaching sharp turns. Use Q and E to lean left or right, which helps you corner tighter and avoid skidding. The top-down view gives you a good sense of the road ahead, but you still need to watch for obstacles and other racers. Winning races unlocks additional bikes and tracks. There is no manual or tutorial in the game, so the first few races are about learning each bike's handling. Stick with the balanced machine initially until you get comfortable with the controls. The AI opponents are fairly aggressive, so don't be afraid to use the lean buttons to squeeze through gaps. It's not a sim, but it rewards practice and track memorization.

Test Drive Cycles (USA) Keyboard Controls

Controls

Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
X: A button (jump / confirm)
S: B button (run / attack / cancel)
Enter: Start / Pause
V: Select

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Test Drive Cycles an official release, a fan hack, a prototype, or another kind of build?

Test Drive Cycles is a fully official commercial release for the Game Boy Color. It was developed by Xantera and published by Infogrames North America in 2000. This is not a hack, prototype, or homebrew.

Is Test Drive Cycles exclusive to Game Boy Color or did it appear on other systems?

The game was released exclusively for the Game Boy Color and did not appear on any other platform. It is the only Test Drive game on the GBC and the first in the series to feature motorcycles.

Does Test Drive Cycles have a multiplayer or co-op mode?

No multiplayer or co-op mode is included. The game is strictly single-player, with no link cable support or split-screen option.