Reviews for the Saturn port were somewhat less favorable than those for the PlayStation original due to the prominent pop-up and other graphical differences. Most felt the game was still good enough to be recommended for Saturn owners. "Sega Saturn Magazine" was an exception; additionally citing grainy textures, and the PAL conversion's conspicuous borders and slower speed, they gave it a tentative recommendation to simulation-lovers only. "GamePro" instead argued: "If you have both systems, the PlayStation "NASCAR '98" easily laps the Saturn version. But in a season where Saturn titles are few and far between, NASCAR's a solid buy for Sega racers looking for new tracks to conquer". They gave it 3.5 for sound and a 4.0 for graphics, control, and fun factor.