There is no single best racing controller for every local multiplayer setup. For most couch sessions, start with one compatible gamepad per player. Add steering wheels only after confirming the exact game, platform, local mode, player limit, wheel model, pedal connection and whether multiple wheels retain their functions. A wheel can make driving more immersive, but a gamepad is usually simpler to connect, easier to share, and more likely to work when players are using different platforms or input types.
The reliable buying order is: identify the game and platform, confirm whether you are using split-screen or local wireless, check the accepted input for every player, verify wheel-specific behavior, then decide whether immersion justifies the extra setup.
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What to buy first: gamepads or wheels?
Choose gamepads when your priority is a quick local session, mixed skill levels, flexible seating, or a game that does not explicitly document wheel support. A pad normally needs no desk, clamp, pedals or separate power arrangement, and it lets players sit anywhere on the sofa.
Choose wheels when the game lists your exact wheel and platform, everyone is comfortable sharing a fixed driving position, and you value steering feel more than convenience. A wheel is not automatically a better multiplayer controller: pedals take floor space, force feedback can require a sturdy desk, and a second wheel may lose features in split-screen.
#1 Best Overall
- Immersive Gaming Experience: Perfect for PlayStation 5, PS4 and PC gaming titles, the Driving Force simulates the feeling of driving a real car with precision steering and pressure-sensitive pedals
- Premium Control: The Driving Force feedback racing wheel provides a detailed simulation of driving a real car, with helical gearing delivering smooth, quiet steering and a hand-stitched leather cover
- Customizable Pedals: These pressure-sensitive nonlinear brake pedals provide a responsive, accurate braking feel on a sturdy base - with adjustable pedal faces for finer control
- 900-Degree Rotation: Lock-to-lock rotation of the Driving Force means you can turn the wheel around two and a half times, hand over hand on wide turns - just like a real F1 race car
- Up Your Game: Take your racing simulation to the next level with Driving Force accessories like the Driving Force Shifter or desk and rig mounts
| Situation | Most practical starting point | Checks before buying extra hardware |
|---|---|---|
| Two people sharing a console for a short session | Compatible gamepads | Confirm the game’s local player count and whether both players can join with the intended pad type. |
| One serious driver and one casual player | One confirmed wheel plus one gamepad, if the game documents mixed inputs | Mixed wheel/gamepad support is title-specific and is not established for every racing game. |
| Two wheels in split-screen | Only after a game, platform and wheel-base check | Check whether both wheels are separate player inputs and whether force feedback works on player two. |
| Switch racing with several people nearby | Gamepads for the stated local mode; wheels only where the listing names them | Do not confuse local wireless player counts with split-screen counts. |
| PC racing across many titles | Gamepad first; add a wheel after checking each game’s input map | PC support can vary by game, driver, wheel revision and connection method. |
Neither the official game pages nor the manufacturer documents establish one controller as universally best across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series consoles, PC and Switch. Compatibility is the deciding feature, not a brand ranking.
Step 1: check the exact game and platform
Start on the game’s current support page, not on a wheel’s packaging. A support list for one title is not a universal compatibility table. Look for the game edition, platform generation and local multiplayer mode you intend to use.
F1 25 illustrates why the title matters
Electronic Arts’ F1 25 help page provides separate supported-device information for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. In its PS5 section it lists DualSense and DualSense Edge controllers, as well as wheels including Logitech G29 and G923, HORI Racing Wheel Apex and several Thrustmaster models. That list supports a compatibility decision for F1 25 only; it does not prove that the same devices work in another racing game or in every local mode.
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- The console version you own, rather than a similarly named previous-generation edition.
- The controller or wheel model, including any platform-specific variant.
- Whether local multiplayer is available in the mode you want.
- Whether each player can use a different input type.
Switch support is also game-specific
Nintendo’s GRID Autosport listing names the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 03 Vehicle Kit and HORI Pro Deluxe and Pro Mini wheels as steering options. That is useful evidence for GRID Autosport on Switch, not a guarantee that those wheels work across Switch racing games. Check the individual game listing before assuming a wheel will be recognized.
Step 2: identify the local mode and player count
Local wireless and split-screen are different arrangements. Local wireless means each player may use a separate console or screen, while split-screen places multiple viewpoints on one display. A game can support a high local-wireless count and a much lower split-screen count.
Rank #2
- Immersive Gaming Experience: Perfect for Xbox and PC gaming titles, the Driving Force simulates the feeling of driving a real car with precision steering and pressure-sensitive pedals
- Premium Control: The Driving Force feedback racing wheel provides a detailed simulation of driving a real car, with helical gearing delivering smooth, quiet steering and a hand-stitched leather cover
- Customizable Pedals: These pressure-sensitive nonlinear brake pedals provide a responsive, accurate braking feel on a sturdy base - with adjustable pedal faces for finer control
- 900-Degree Rotation: Lock-to-lock rotation of the Driving Force means you can turn the wheel around two and a half times, hand over hand on wide turns - just like a real F1 race car
- Up Your Game: Take your racing simulation to the next level with Driving Force accessories like the Driving Force Shifter or desk and rig mounts
GRID Autosport’s two separate limits
Nintendo describes GRID Autosport on Switch as supporting eight-player online or local wireless races and two-player split-screen. Those numbers describe different modes and must not be combined. If four people are sitting around one television, the eight-player local-wireless figure does not mean four split-screen views are available.
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Nintendo states that GRID Autosport multiplayer requires one compatible controller for each player. Count the controllers before buying a wheel: two players in split-screen need two accepted inputs, while a local-wireless group may need one compatible controller for every participating console.
Mixed inputs need their own confirmation
A game may accept a wheel for one player and a pad for another, but that behavior is not universal. Look for explicit wording in the game’s support documentation or test the exact combination during the retailer’s return period. Do not infer mixed-input support merely because the game recognizes both devices when used alone.
Gamepads: the practical default for couch racing
Gamepads are the safest first purchase when the main goal is local play rather than a simulated cockpit. They are compact, battery or cable options are widely available, and players can switch seats without moving a wheel base or pedals.
PS5
For PS5, use a controller listed for the exact game. F1 25’s PS5 support page names DualSense and DualSense Edge. If you are buying an additional DualSense for a local session, still verify the game’s local player limit and pairing procedure; controller support alone does not create a split-screen mode.
Xbox Series consoles
Use the Xbox-compatible pad identified by the game or console documentation, and confirm that every player can sign in or use a guest profile as the game requires. A controller that works in the console dashboard can still be restricted by the game’s local multiplayer implementation.
Rank #3
- REALISTIC RACING SIMULATION DUO: Feel what is like to drive a real race car with G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel & Pedals and Driving Force Shifter
- PAIRED FOR PRECISION: Take full control of the race with G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel & Pedals and Driving Force Shifter
- PRECISE CONTROL: Helical transmission gears reduce noise and vibration with anti-backlash keeping wheel and pedals tight. The six-speed “H” shifter helps you execute smooth, accurate gear transitions
- FORCE FEEDBACK: The dual motor force-feedback realistically simulates the feel of tires on a turn, understeer, oversteer, drifting and more
- PREMIUM BUILD: Look, feel and durability of a real race car wheel, pedals and shifter. Wheel cover, knob and boot are covered in high-quality, hand-stitched leather with a solid steel gear shaft and polished metal pedals
PC
On PC, connect all pads before launching the game when possible, then open the game’s input or controller-assignment screen. Assign each device to a distinct player and check that steering, throttle, brake and menu controls are not mapped to the same profile. USB connections are often easier to diagnose than several wireless links during a group session, but the game’s own support page remains authoritative.
Switch
For Switch, follow the game’s stated controller requirement for the selected mode. GRID Autosport’s listing says one compatible controller is required per player. If the game names a particular wheel or Toy-Con accessory, treat that as a title-specific compatibility statement rather than a promise for other Switch racers.
When a wheel is worth the extra setup
Compare wheels on the parts that affect a shared room: pedal count, force-feedback behavior, rotation and steering feel, modularity, platform variant, desk footprint and game support.
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| Criterion | What to inspect | Why it matters for local multiplayer |
|---|---|---|
| Pedals | Two-pedal versus three-pedal set, mounting and cable arrangement | A brake and accelerator are enough for many racers; a clutch adds realism but consumes more floor space and may need separate mapping. |
| Force feedback | Whether the game supports it, how the base mounts, and what happens with a second wheel | Feedback can improve immersion but may transmit jolts to a lightweight desk. A second wheel can lose feedback in some console split-screen implementations. |
| Modularity | Replaceable rim, pedals, shifter and wheel-base ecosystem | Modular hardware can grow over time, but every add-on introduces another compatibility and connection check. |
| Platform variant | PlayStation/PC and Xbox/PC versions are not interchangeable assumptions | A wheel can have separate console editions even when the product name looks similar. |
| Footprint | Clamp depth, pedal placement, cable length and storage space | Two complete stations may not fit on one desk or in front of one television. |
| Game mapping | Buttons, paddles, dead zones and any unavailable functions | A wheel may connect yet require remapping or leave a feature unavailable in a particular title. |
What current buying guides say about wheel tiers
GamesRadar’s 2026 PC wheel guide recommends evaluating pedal count, whether you want a modular wheelbase and how much force feedback suits your desk. It characterizes the Thrustmaster T128 as a budget beginner option. It also lists HORI’s Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe as Switch/PC-compatible, with pedals included and no force feedback. Those are editorial descriptions, not guarantees of two-player split-screen operation.
TechRadar’s 2026 guide describes the Logitech G923 and Thrustmaster T248 as plug-and-play mid-range choices and identifies force feedback as a common feature of contemporary wheels. Its guidance does not establish that either model supports two-player split-screen in every game.
Platform and manufacturer compatibility details
Do not mix wheel variants
Thrustmaster’s compatibility information separates wheel families by platform. The T128 and T248 appear in distinct PlayStation/PC and Xbox/PC variants. Before ordering, match the console family printed in the compatibility table, then verify the game. The same model name with a different platform suffix is not a safe substitute.
Rank #4
- REALISTIC FERRARI DRIVING EXPERIENCE - Drive like a real race driver with this officially licensed sim racing wheel, inspired by the Ferrari 296 GTB. The 10″ steering wheel with paddle shifters delivers a more immersive driving sim experience than a standard controller, bringing authentic racing feel to your setup.
- SMOOTH, PRECISE CONTROL FOR BETTER LAPS - This gaming steering wheel uses bungee cord technology for smooth resistance and automatic centering, combined with a wider 240° rotation for more precise steering. The result is cleaner lines, better control, and a more engaging race sim experience.
- ADAPTS TO EVERY DRIVER - The Ferrari-inspired Manettino selector lets you switch between three driving profiles, making this sim wheel easy to enjoy for beginners while still rewarding more experienced players. Ideal for solo play or sharing the fun with friends and family.
- EASY SETUP & READY TO DRIVE - Designed for convenience, this gaming wheel installs quickly with a tool-free clamp system for desks and tables up to 1.8″ thick. Just plug and play with no additional software required. A great fit for home setups, bedrooms, or shared spaces.
- COMPLETE WHEEL & PEDAL SET FOR PC & PLAYSTATION – Includes a compact wheel and pedal set with Hall Effect sensor technology for smooth, consistent input. Designed for PC, PS5, and PS4, it delivers a more immersive and controlled driving experience right out of the box.
Check the wheel-base ecosystem before adding pedals or a shifter
Thrustmaster’s add-on documentation specifies which pedals and shifters connect to particular bases. It also explains that PC connection methods can affect function. If you already own a base, identify its exact model and connection port before buying an accessory; a physically compatible plug does not prove that every feature will work on your platform.
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Use per-game tables for entry-level wheels
HORI’s Racing Wheel Apex compatibility page is organized as a per-game table and includes dated entries plus operational caveats such as remapping requirements or unavailable functions. Read the row for your game and wheel version instead of relying on the console logo on the box.
Two wheels in split-screen: the critical caveat
Connecting two wheels is a separate question from connecting one wheel. The game must recognize each base as a different player, the platform must expose both devices to the split-screen mode, and each wheel’s features must remain available.
Fanatec’s support article for PlayStation and Xbox split-screen states: However, when using two Fanatec racing wheels in split-screen mode, the second racing wheel will not provide force feedback (FFB).
Fanatec attributes this to technical limitations in how games and platforms implement split-screen, rather than to a hardware or software defect.
This statement is limited to Fanatec wheels in the PlayStation and Xbox circumstances described by that support article. It does not prove that every brand loses force feedback, and it does not establish multi-wheel behavior on PC. For any two-wheel setup, look for a direct statement from the wheel maker or game developer and test both stations in the actual local mode.
A reliable setup procedure
- Write down the complete configuration. Record the game title and edition, platform, number of players, local mode, wheel model, pedals and any shifter.
- Read the game’s current support page. Confirm the exact controller and wheel entries for that platform. For F1 25, use the separate PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC sections rather than assuming one list applies to all three.
- Confirm the local player limit. Check split-screen and local-wireless counts independently. For GRID Autosport on Switch, plan around two players for split-screen or the stated eight-player local-wireless mode.
- Count compatible inputs. Follow the one-controller-per-player requirement where the game specifies it. Include spare pads, wheels and any required wireless adapters in the count.
- Connect devices before launching. On console, pair or plug in each controller and wheel. On PC, connect the devices, allow drivers to initialize, and then start the game when its documentation recommends that order.
- Assign players explicitly. In the local multiplayer lobby, move each device to a separate player slot. If two devices control player one, remove both assignments and reconnect them one at a time.
- Test every input. Turn the wheel, press accelerator and brake, and check buttons, paddles and shifter positions. Confirm that steering is not inverted and that pedals are not permanently pressed.
- Test force feedback separately. Start a short race, not only the menu. Check both wheels if using two, because the second player may connect while lacking feedback.
- Save the working arrangement. Note the USB ports, wireless order and in-game mappings so the next session can be restored without reassigning every player.
Common failure modes and fixes
The wheel is visible but no buttons work
Open the game’s control-mapping screen and select the wheel as the active device. Apply the game’s documented remap if the wheel table says a function is unavailable or assigned differently. On PC, close other remapping utilities temporarily so they do not present a virtual device over the physical wheel.
Best Value
- TRUEFORCE: Next-gen TRUEFORCE technology connects to game engines for high-definition feedback; experience the ultimate driving experience with processing at 4000 times per second
- Programmable dual clutch: Get off the starting line cleaner and faster; a programmable dual clutch simulates real race car launch assist right from the controller, when playing supported games
- Control your game: Fine-tune your speed with a built-in LED RPM indicator; integrated PlayStation 5, PS4, PC game controls, a 24-point selector and progressive brake spring keep steering under control
- Premium Racing Design: Refreshed Logitech G gear design includes premium materials like a hand-stitched black leather wheel cover and polished metal pedals; experience the pleasure of driving at home
- On-wheel game controls: Take charge of wheel sensitivity, force feedback levels and simulated steering; Logitech G Hub Gaming software enable button customisation right from the controller
Two players control the same car
Return to the local lobby, disconnect one device, assign the remaining device to player one, then reconnect and assign the second device to player two. If the second input never receives its own slot, the game may not support that combination even though both devices work individually.
The second wheel has no force feedback
Check the manufacturer’s split-screen documentation before replacing hardware. For Fanatec wheels on PlayStation or Xbox, the documented behavior is that the second wheel does not provide FFB. Treat that as a platform and implementation limitation, not proof that the first wheel is defective.
A pedal or shifter is not detected
Confirm that the accessory is connected to the wheel base port specified by its manufacturer, not merely to a convenient USB port. Thrustmaster’s documentation distinguishes compatible bases and PC connection methods. Recheck the exact base family before changing drivers or buying another adapter.
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Wheel support and multiplayer support are separate features. A title can list a wheel for solo racing while omitting split-screen, limiting the number of local players, or restricting mixed inputs. Use the game’s mode-specific documentation and do not treat a solo compatibility entry as a multiplayer guarantee.
How to choose for typical room setups
| Your setup | Recommended path | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Two players on PS5 with F1 25 | Begin with two game-supported pads; consider one or two listed wheels only after checking the local mode. | F1 25 publishes platform-specific support, including DualSense, G29, G923, HORI Racing Wheel Apex and Thrustmaster entries for PS5. |
| Two players on Switch in GRID Autosport split-screen | Use two compatible controllers, or verify the named HORI/Toy-Con steering options and their player behavior. | The listing specifies two-player split-screen and one compatible controller per player. |
| A large Switch group | Plan for local wireless rather than split-screen. | GRID Autosport lists eight-player local wireless but only two-player split-screen; the modes have different requirements. |
| One wheel and one pad on PC | Buy the wheel only after the game confirms mixed input, then test both assignments. | Mixed wheel/gamepad support is not established universally. |
| Two console wheels | Use only with explicit multi-wheel confirmation and a short return window. | Player recognition and force feedback can differ by wheel, game and platform; Fanatec documents a second-wheel FFB limitation on PlayStation and Xbox. |
Budget, space and ownership considerations
No fixed current prices are established by the compatibility sources, so avoid treating a quoted retailer price as a lasting cost. Compare the complete setup rather than the wheel base alone: pedals, mounting hardware, a suitable desk or stand, cables, adapters and any second controller all affect the total.
Gamepads generally win on storage and setup time. Wheels need a place to clamp, pedals need a stable floor position, and force feedback can move a lightweight desk. A modular base may cost more initially but lets an owner replace a rim or pedal set later; that flexibility is valuable only if the add-ons remain compatible with the exact base and platform.
For a shared room, decide whether the wheel will stay mounted. If it must be removed between races, favor a quick clamp and manageable cable routing. If it will remain installed, check that a second player can reach the display and controls without moving the first station.
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Final buying checklist
- Exact game, edition and platform confirmed.
- Split-screen, shared-screen or local-wireless mode identified.
- Correct player count verified for that mode.
- One accepted input available per player.
- Mixed wheel/gamepad behavior confirmed rather than assumed.
- Wheel model and platform variant matched to the manufacturer table.
- Pedals, shifter and connection method checked against the wheel base.
- Force-feedback behavior verified for every wheel, especially player two.
- Desk, floor and storage space measured.
- Live price, stock and return terms checked immediately before purchase.
For most local racing nights, buy or use the gamepads the game explicitly supports. Move to a wheel when a specific title, platform and room layout justify it, and treat every additional wheel or accessory as a separate compatibility decision.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
