The game features many of the tracks and gameplay modes from the first three Burnout titles but repackaged for the handheld format.

Many of the gameplay modes are similar to Burnout 3: Takedown using a mixture of old and new tracks.

In the game, players will compete in a series of racing modes to unlock returning tracks, cars and events.

The following list includes the 9 main types of modes in the game: There are a total of 89 cars to unlock through the various classes – these are Compact, Muscle, Coupe, Sports, and Super.

[21][22] During the 9th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated Burnout Legends for "Handheld Game of the Year", which was ultimately awarded to Nintendogs.