Which is better for Gran Turismo? Controller or Sim Racing Hardware?

Sim racing offers multiple ways to experience the thrill of driving, whether through a keyboard, controller, or dedicated sim racing hardware. While controllers are more affordable and widely used, they can limit your ability to achieve peak performance. On the other hand, sim racing hardware requires a significant investment but provides a more immersive and precise driving experience. So, which is the better choice for Gran Turismo?

Controllers are the go-to option for casual players, offering affordability, ease of use, and portability. Gran Turismo is optimized for controllers, with well-implemented assists to help players manage acceleration, braking, and steering more smoothly. However, despite these advantages, using a controller has some clear drawbacks:

• Limited precision: The small joystick movement makes it difficult to make fine steering adjustments, requiring extreme precision under race pressure.
• Lack of feedback: Without force feedback, it’s harder to sense weight transfer, traction loss, or tire grip changes, making it more difficult to react to on-track situations.
• Assist dependency: To remain competitive, most controller users rely on assists, which can limit control over the car and reduce realism.

While controllers are viable, they require exceptional skill to match the lap times of sim racing hardware users.

A steering wheel and pedal setup, as the GT DD Extreme and the CSL Elite Pedals V2, dramatically enhances immersion and performance in Gran Turismo. A proper sim racing rig provides:

• Greater steering precision: The larger steering angle allows for smoother and more accurate inputs, reducing the likelihood of oversteering or understeering.
• Force feedback: A direct drive or belt-driven wheel gives you detailed feedback about wheel spin, traction loss, and weight transfer, helping you react instinctively.
• Better pedal control: Progressive brake pedals mimic real-world braking, allowing for more consistent lap times.

With enough practice, sim racing hardware enables you to control the car without assists and eventually achieve faster lap times.

If you're a casual racer or on a budget, a controller is a solid option. However, if you're serious about improving your skills, investing in sim racing hardware will provide a more immersive and rewarding experience.