The gameplay in Underground Rivals was similar to other Need for Speed titles, with an emphasis on high-speed racing, drifting, and nitrous boosts. However, the PSP's limited hardware capabilities meant that the game had to make some compromises. The graphics, while not as polished as their console counterparts, still held up well on the PSP's small screen. The controls, on the other hand, were surprisingly responsive, thanks to the PSP's dual analog sticks.