We tested the Scalextric Ginetta Racers set with Arc Air powerbase upgrade, Carrera Digital GT Face off set and Overdrive: Fast and Furious Edition. Arc Air powerbase has wireless controllers, allows up to two cars and adds pit stops, fuel, tyre wear, changeable incident/weather conditions and pace car for single player racing

Which features are more fun is, of course, subjective. But for what it's worth, we found the lane changing offered out of the box in Carrera's set added a bit more magic to the race than pit stops and fuel management. The manufacturer’s recommended age range is 8 to 15 years old. My 8-year-old enjoys this game, but he gets frustrated when the cars have a glitch. My older boys intuitively understood the various levels and weapons components. They also like that they can use it by themselves or with each other. Also, I’ve never needed to help them navigate the game.While its price point and features make for an appealing alternative, it was less fun in practice than Carrera or Scalextric. It is also unclear, since assets being acquired by Digital Dream Labs, how supported the system and app will be in the future. Carrera digital is also relatively expensive compared to the other slot-car racing systems. It's bigger in European countries and the USA. Prices are more expensive here and if being shipped from abroad, beware import charges. Overdrive vehicles were the toughest - you could have a multi-car pile up and they'd emerge unscathed. Whether you're after a fun race with friends and family this Christmas, or the perfect gift to give a budding hobbyist, a slot car racing set is the ultimate big-kid present.

We got the Overdrive and Scalextric Arc Air working in the end, but they both had teething issues that hampered our enjoyment. It does offer unique racing modes compared to the other systems: including Battle (race until you drain opponents of all their health points), King of the Hill (take out the leader to steal the crown and score points) and One Shot (one health point, last person standing).

OVERDRIVE Starter Kit

When setting up OVERDRIVE / OVERDRIVE: Fast & Furious Edition, the app will guide you through the process of setting up your first account. Additional accounts can be created by: Compatible with Scalextric spark plug where you plug a dongle into the powerbase to control cars with your smartphone Connecting to the Carrera Go!!! Plus app for additional smartphone mini games when told to stop in the pits.