Just when we thought it may be on the way out, EA confirms work on three new Need for Speed games for 2009. Speaking to Eurogamer EA confirmed that the NfS franchise will continue in 2009 with Need for Speed: Shift on Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC, and PSP, Need for Speed: Nitro on Nintendo DS and Wii, and finally Need for Speed: World Online for the Asian PC market.

“Need for Speed: Shift will be made by Slightly Mad Studios of GT Legends and GTR 2 fame, with help from EA Black Box producer Michael Mann and EA Games Europe bigwig Patrick Soderlund.

Shift focuses on simulation racing – not just the realistic movement of cars, but also driver behaviour.”

“The urban underground was a manifestation of style in some past Need for Speed games for sure, but Shift focuses less on these style cues and more on mirroring the driver experience, that athleticism of being in a wickedly-intense race, and what it really feels like to be behind the wheel,” EA marketing boss Keith Munro told Eurogamer.”

Nitro will be developed by EA Montreal and will be an arcade racer with a focus on “vibrant, eye-catching visuals.” World Online will be developed by Black Box and has the possibility of launching in the west if it does well in the Asian market. It will let you pick your car and “take on the rest of the world.”