The best controller for local multiplayer racing is the one your exact game, platform, and local mode officially recognize. For most couch sessions, start with compatible gamepads: they are easier to pair, occupy less space, and usually let every player join without a wheel stand. Add a steering wheel only after checking the game’s supported devices, player limit, wheel functions, and whether two wheels can operate independently. No single controller is established as universally best across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Make these checks before buying anything
Local racing has several combinations that look similar on a store page but behave differently in practice. A game may support online multiplayer but not split-screen, support eight local wireless players but only two players on one screen, or recognize a wheel for solo play while disabling some wheel features in a second-player session.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Identify the exact game and edition. Support can change between games in the same series and between console and PC versions.
- Identify the platform. PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Switch use different device standards and manufacturer variants.
- Confirm the local mode. Look separately for split-screen, shared-screen, local wireless, and LAN support.
- Count players in that mode. A headline such as “eight-player local” may refer to wireless play between separate consoles, not eight people on one television.
- Check each player’s input. Nintendo states that GRID Autosport multiplayer requires one compatible controller per player. Mixed gamepad-and-wheel support still needs confirmation for the specific title.
- Decide whether convenience or immersion matters more. Gamepads are the practical default; wheels add steering and pedal realism but require more space and compatibility checks.
Gamepads are the safest starting point for a couch session
Gamepads normally offer the shortest path from “turn on the console” to “everyone is racing.” They do not need a desk clamp, pedal placement, firmware setup, or a separate wheel base. They also make it easier to add a third or fourth player when a game supports that count.
Choose the first-party pad designed for your platform when the game’s support page lists it. On PS5, EA’s F1 25 support documentation lists the DualSense and DualSense Edge controllers, alongside selected wheels. That list establishes support for F1 25 on PS5 only; it is not a universal compatibility table for other racing games.
#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
On Xbox Series X|S and PC, use an Xbox-compatible controller when the game’s documentation specifies Xbox input or XInput. On Switch, use the controller types named by the game’s listing and verify whether each player needs a complete pad, a pair of Joy-Con controllers, or another compatible device. Controller revisions, wireless adapters, and operating-system drivers can change the result, so check the current support page for your exact model.
When gamepads beat wheels
- Mixed groups: A casual player can join with a pad while another player uses a wheel, if the game supports mixed inputs.
- Small rooms: Pads need no permanent wheel stand or pedal clearance.
- More than two players: Extra pads are usually easier to add than multiple complete wheel rigs.
- Frequent game changes: A pad is less likely to require per-game button remapping.
- Children or guests: Trigger and stick controls are familiar, and there are no pedals to move or cables to trip over.
Understand local wireless versus split-screen
These modes should never be combined when you compare player counts. Nintendo’s listing for GRID Autosport on Switch gives a clear example: it specifies eight-player online or local wireless races and separately specifies two-player split-screen. Eight players can therefore participate through the wireless mode, while one Switch screen supports two racers. The numbers describe different session types.
Before buying extra controllers, open the game’s multiplayer menu or official listing and record four details:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →- Maximum players on one console or one screen.
- Whether local wireless requires one console per player or supports multiple players per console.
- Whether the mode is available in every race, championship, or career type.
- Whether guest profiles can join without separate online accounts.
A game that advertises “local multiplayer” may place players on one shared camera, use horizontal or vertical split-screen, or require several consoles connected wirelessly. Those differences affect both controller quantity and room setup.
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
When a steering wheel is worth the extra work
A wheel becomes attractive when steering precision, pedal control, and the feel of a dedicated driving setup matter more than instant convenience. It can make long sessions more immersive, especially in simulation-oriented games, but a wheel is not automatically a better local-multiplayer controller.
Compare these characteristics before selecting a model:
| Decision axis | What to verify | Why it matters locally |
|---|---|---|
| Platform variant | PlayStation/PC, Xbox/PC, Switch, or another explicitly listed version | A wheel base made for one console family may not work on another, even when the product name looks similar. |
| Exact game support | Per-game compatibility and any unavailable buttons or functions | A console logo does not prove that every game recognizes the wheel or all of its controls. |
| Force feedback | Whether the game and platform provide it for each connected wheel | Feedback can be disabled for a second wheel in split-screen. |
| Pedal count | Two-pedal or three-pedal set, and whether pedals are included | Two racers need safe, reachable pedal space; a missing clutch may matter in manual-driving games. |
| Modularity | Replaceable wheel rim, separate shifter, pedal upgrades, and base connections | Add-ons increase cost, cabling, and setup time, but can improve a permanent rig. |
| Rotation and mapping | Steering range, button layout, remapping options, and platform-specific restrictions | Some titles require remapping or leave certain functions unavailable. |
| Footprint | Clamp depth, pedal length, cable routing, and storage needs | Two rigs can dominate a desk or living-room floor. |
GamesRadar’s 2026 PC wheel guide uses pedal count, modularity, and desk-appropriate force feedback as core buying criteria. It describes the Thrustmaster T128 as a budget beginner option and identifies the HORI Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe as Switch/PC-compatible with pedals included and no force feedback. Those are editorial descriptions, not proof of split-screen support in every game.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsTechRadar’s 2026 guide characterizes the Logitech G923 and Thrustmaster T248 as plug-and-play mid-range options and treats force feedback as a common feature of current wheels. Its assessment does not establish that either model supports two-player split-screen in every title.
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
Platform-specific examples you can verify
Nintendo Switch: GRID Autosport
Nintendo’s GRID Autosport listing names the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 03 Vehicle Kit and the HORI Pro Deluxe and Pro Mini wheels as steering options. The same listing distinguishes eight-player local wireless racing from two-player split-screen and says one compatible controller is required per player.
That makes GRID Autosport a useful model for checking a purchase: first decide whether your group will race two people on one screen or use local wireless, then provide the required controller for every participant. Do not assume that a wheel named for this game will work identically in another Switch racing title.
PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC: F1 25
EA’s F1 25 help page organizes supported devices by PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Its PS5 section includes DualSense and DualSense Edge controllers and lists wheels such as the Logitech G29, Logitech G923, HORI Racing Wheel Apex, and selected Thrustmaster models.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Use that list as a title-specific confirmation for F1 25. It does not establish that the same wheel list applies to another Formula 1 game, another edition, or another platform. For a local session, you must still verify the game’s player count, split-screen availability, and whether a pad and wheel can be used together.
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.
The two-wheel problem: connection is not the same as full support
Two wheels may physically connect while the game or console fails to treat them as equal local players. Fanatec states that, when two Fanatec racing wheels are used in split-screen mode on PlayStation or Xbox, the second wheel does not provide force feedback. Fanatec attributes this to technical limitations in how games and platforms implement split-screen, rather than to a hardware or software defect.
This is a specific Fanatec statement for the named PlayStation and Xbox circumstances. It should not be generalized to every wheel brand or to PC. For any two-wheel setup, confirm all three conditions separately:
- Both wheels are detected as distinct devices.
- The game assigns one wheel to each local player.
- Each wheel retains the functions you care about, including force feedback, pedals, shifter input, vibration, and button mapping.
If official documentation is silent, treat the feature as unconfirmed rather than assuming that a second wheel will mirror the first.
Use manufacturer compatibility tables, not just product names
HORI’s Racing Wheel Apex compatibility page is organized as a per-game table. Its entries include operational notes such as remapping requirements and unavailable functions, demonstrating why the exact game and exact wheel version matter.
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
Thrustmaster separates supported wheel models by platform and wheel-base family. Its add-on information explains which pedals and shifters connect to particular bases and how PC connection methods can affect functionality. If you already own a base, validate the pedal or shifter pairing in that table before purchasing an accessory.
These tables answer a narrower question than “Is this wheel compatible?” Read each row for the game, platform, edition, firmware assumptions, and limitations. A device can be electrically recognized yet still lack menu navigation, force feedback, button mapping, or a supported second-player slot.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A reliable buying and setup workflow
- Write down the target configuration. Record the game title and edition, platform, number of players, local mode, and whether you want pads, one wheel plus pads, or two wheels.
- Check the game’s official support page. Look for a controller list, wheel list, player count, and split-screen or local-wireless description.
- Check the platform listing. Confirm whether the mode is available on your console generation or PC version, not merely on another platform.
- Check the manufacturer table. Search the exact wheel model and game. Read notes about remapping, disabled functions, firmware, and platform variants.
- Confirm the physical plan. Measure desk depth, clamp clearance, pedal reach, cable length, and storage space. For two wheels, measure both positions at once.
- Update before the first session. Install console, PC driver, or wheel firmware updates only from the manufacturer’s current support channel, then restart the platform.
- Connect one device at a time. Test player one, enter a practice or time-trial mode, and verify steering, throttle, brake, buttons, and feedback.
- Add the second device and assign it deliberately. Have the second player press a button or pedal when the game asks for a local participant; do not assume the next device is assigned automatically.
- Test the actual race mode. A wheel may work in a solo event but fail to provide feedback or correct mapping in split-screen.
- Save a working configuration. Photograph cable routing and record any custom mapping so the next session does not require starting over.
Troubleshoot the common failures
The second player is not detected
- Confirm the game’s local player limit for the selected mode.
- Wake or pair the second controller before entering the race lobby.
- On PC, check that the operating system sees two distinct input devices rather than one device duplicated through software.
- Disconnect other USB game controllers and retest to eliminate device-order conflicts.
- Check whether the title permits mixed pad-and-wheel input; many official pages do not state this explicitly.
The wheel steers but buttons or pedals do not
- Open the game’s control-mapping screen and apply the manufacturer’s recommended mapping.
- Confirm that the pedals are connected to the correct wheel base rather than directly to an unsupported port.
- Check the manufacturer table for unavailable functions or a required PC connection method.
- Test in a practice session before blaming the hardware; menu controls and race controls can use different bindings.
The second wheel has no force feedback
For two Fanatec wheels in PlayStation or Xbox split-screen, the missing feedback is a documented limitation. If your setup is different, verify the exact game, platform, wheel family, and firmware before concluding that the behavior is universal. Continue only if the reduced feedback is acceptable, or use a gamepad for the second player.
Recommended Free Tools
The wheel works alone but not in split-screen
Check the local mode’s device restrictions, then test with one wheel and one gamepad. If that combination works, the title may limit multiple wheels rather than wheel input in general. If neither combination works, recheck the game-specific compatibility row and the platform variant.
Choose by session type
| Your situation | Most sensible starting point | What to verify next |
|---|---|---|
| Two casual players on one television | Two compatible gamepads | Split-screen player limit and whether guest profiles are supported. |
| One enthusiast and one casual player | One documented wheel plus one gamepad | Mixed-input support and independent player assignment. |
| Two enthusiasts sharing a permanent rig | Two wheels only after confirmation | Separate-device detection, split-screen mapping, and force-feedback behavior. |
| Switch group using wireless play | The controller type listed for the game and one per player | Whether local wireless uses one console per racer and its maximum player count. |
| Small room or frequent game changes | Gamepads | Platform compatibility and the number of pads already available. |
| Dedicated PC simulation setup | A documented wheel with suitable pedals and feedback | Exact game support, driver mode, desk or cockpit clearance, and add-on compatibility. |
What “best” means for this category
For local multiplayer, “best” is a compatibility result rather than a single product ranking. A controller that feels excellent in solo play can be the wrong purchase if the game limits its local player count, does not support mixed inputs, or disables key wheel functions for a second racer.
Gamepads are the default recommendation when the priority is a dependable, low-setup session. A wheel is the better choice when the exact game lists it, the room can accommodate it, and the group values steering and pedal immersion enough to accept the extra setup. Two wheels require the highest level of verification because separate connection, player assignment, and force feedback are independent features.
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.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →
