The Hot Wheels Unleashed series debuted in 2021 with the release of the eponymous title Hot Wheels Unleashed, which was published in various physical releases including the Day One Edition and the Challenge Accepted Edition. Developed by Milestone, the series features miniature toy cars racing on customizable orange tracks set in everyday environments. The franchise focuses on high-speed arcade physics, drifting, and vehicle customization.
Following the release of
Hot Wheels Unleashed in September 2021, the game quickly became a commercial success, surpassing two million units sold by early 2023. This financial performance was bolstered by extensive post-launch support, which integrated iconic pop culture intellectual properties. Players could acquire expansion packs and vehicles themed around franchises such as
Batman,
SpongeBob SquarePants,
Barbie, and
Jurassic Park.